By
Published: 2004
Category: Beyond Classification [3]
Adopt A Soldier http://www.cornbreadshow.com/Soldier/adopt.htm [4]
Head Butler has steadfastly resisted discussing politics on these screens --- but you'll have to admit it's weird to be talking about things to give and things to get without mentioning the war. Not the policy and strategy --- the people who are stuck in the hell that is Iraq this season. Yes, our men and women in Iraq . And, also, the people of Iraq .
So Butler was delighted to get an e-mail from his wife --- she works in the next room, but we communicate largely by e-mail --- about a terrific way to do a good thing this season. It's not political. It's just...good. Red state, blue state: We can agree on this.
It's called Adopt A Soldier, and it's sponsored by a morning DJ called Cornbread, who plays country music on WIL (92.3 FM) in St. Louis .
It couldn't be simpler. Go to http://www.cornbreadshow.com/Soldier/adopt.htm [4]. Scan the list of soldiers (if you know a soldier in Iraq , you can add his/her name, so others may give). Pick one who moves you --- pick more if the year's been good to you or you just feel the urge. They'll send you an e-mail telling you how to send your package to Iraq .
Mrs. Butler --- Our Lady of the Bleeding Heart --- chose a chaplain named Mark Thompson because --- how like a chaplain --- his request was not for himself.
Here's his entry: “Chaplain in Iraq would like to request clothing, socks, shoes and baby blankets for infant to 12 yrs old for injured children in combat hospital. Clothes need to be easy to get off and on due to injuries.Tv/dvd purchased by staff so they need kids' movies.”
Mrs. Butler disappeared for hours yesterday and shopped up a storm at stores that varied from Gap to Goodwill. She came home glowing. You can too.
If you're going to do this, please jump in today. Iraq is distant. Time is tight (but the Post Office says it will do everything it can to get your package to Iraq before Christmas). And this is one gift box that will absolutely make a difference.
Out of curiosity, Butler dropped in on the WIL website to learn about Cornbread. Can't tell how much of this is true, but here's some of what he has to say about himself:
I was a case study slacker who took 9 units of junior college, had a bad haircut, and was delivering papers out of my car... good $, no pressure... I could fold, rubber band and throw a newspaper like nobody's business...(as a matter of fact, every now and then I'll slip the neighborhood kid a $20 to let me throw his route).
My only problem was that I had this inner voice.... and I know what you're saying... “Cornbread, get some professional help”.... the voice told me to strive for more and dress up as the Indian Chief from the Village People.
About that time I received a call on my answering machine from a guy who ran a radio station.... Ya see, I used to put a crazy message on my machine every day and word got around so much that I'd come home and have 50 messages from people I didn't even know... this man was one such person.... he liked my message so much he told me to come by the station for an audition.
That, he says, was 27 years ago. Butler 's sure he's done a few things for his community along the way. But this is surely a career high. Here's to you, man.