Local guardsmen in need of supplies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - After an outpost caught fire in Afghanistan, some West Michigan-base guardsmen are in need of personal items, the American Legion post in Grand Rapids told 24 Hour News 8.

The American Legion said supplies for the 126th Cavalry out of the Wyoming Armory were destroyed.

"Their bedding quarters and their supply dump were completely destroyed," said American Legion Post 459 Commander Rex Lambert. "Its amazing we didn't have many casualties."
 
Now, the American Legion is looking for donations for about 35 West Michigan guardsmen.
 
Lambert spent part of Wednesday approaching businesses for donations. He plans to spend Thursday on the same mission.
 
"Am I going to get it? You bet. There's no doubt in my mind that we will have the supplies that we need by Saturday to get everybody taken care of," said Lambert, who is also third-generation veteran.

The American Legion is collecting:

• Flip-flops
• Tan T-shirts
• Towels
• Pillows
• Single sheets
• Snacks
• Vitamins
• Razors and non-aerosol shaving cream

"The military will take care of their needs eventually, but when they get hammered for something like this, they got all kinds of folks they're trying to take care of out there and their budget is no where near where it should be," said Lambert.
 
Donations can be dropped off at 658 Michigan Avenue NE in Grand Rapids.
 
The items are expected to be shipped out to Afghanistan on Saturday evening.
 
The 126th left West Michigan in September 2011 for a one-year deployment to Afghanistan.