Photo By Spc. Azavyon McFarland | Letters and drawings from care packages donated by organizations across the United...... read more read more
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2026 By Spc. Azavyon McFarland, 134th Public Affairs Detachment
Soldiers helping Soldiers: More than a closet
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - At the Camp Bondsteel chapel in Kosovo, where Soldiers gather to share in faith and community, an unassuming shelter just outside provides more than meets the eye.
When Soldiers deploy, they’re often in need of extra supplies. When they depart, they have more items than they can bring home. The Soldiers’ closet, the official name of the shelter outside the chapel, helps bridge the gap for many Soldiers during a deployment. But it's more than a one-stop shop.
“A lot of the morale items and books are donated from Soldiers from the last rotation or current service members here, so they bring it in and donate it,” said Sgt. Marie Pattison, the lead volunteer and a religious affairs specialist with Colorado Army National Guard, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment assigned to Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command East.
The Soldiers’ Closet also receives care packages from organizations that support deployed service members. Pattison said volunteers process about 25 to 30 care packages each week, by sorting items, organizing shelves and preparing donations for others.
The closet serves two purposes, helping Soldiers get what they need while limiting waste footprint during the deployment, Pattison said.
Beyond donations, the Soldiers’ Closet has become a small community. Some Soldiers stop by to browse books, look through clothing or find craft supplies. Others come in simply to talk. “It’s become like a little community,” Pattison said. “It ties us to previous rotations. There’s that feeling of continuity and leaving something for the next people.”
The Soldiers' Closet also supports communities beyond Camp Bondsteel. When supplies exceed the needs of the installation, KFOR Liaison Monitoring Teams help distribute items to local organizations in Kosovo, including shelters in need of hygiene products.
Pattison said volunteers have contributed more than 400 hours to keep the space organized and welcoming.
“I’m so proud of my volunteers,” Pattison said. “They are some of the best people.” For the Soldiers who donate, volunteer or stop by, the closet is more than a room of supplies. It has become a place for giving, conversation and community.
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2026 04:36 |
| Story ID: | 573156 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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