Women make up 11 percent of the U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, serving side-by-side with men on and off the frontlines.
Their weapons are the same. Their barracks are the same. But a woman in uniform should not have to feel like a man.
That’s the message of a donation drive launching Nov. 1, asking the public to donate items to help boost the spirits of women serving in the U.S. military overseas.
“Their femininity slowly dies when they are deployed,” said Cindy Chan with Operation Courage is Beautiful.
Chan’s company StyleSynch, based in the North County, is partnering with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3787 to collect 1,000 care packages including moisturizers, hair conditioners, scented soaps and makeup.
The non-profit project will be accepting donations at a number of sites from Del Mar and Rancho Penasquitos to Chula Vista until Nov. 8.
Something we don’t consider important like a small hair conditioner might be the world to a woman over in Iraq who would love to have her soft, beautiful hair back, according to organizers.
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If you want to donate there is a wish list of products. Travel sizes work too. You can also send a check donation to Operation Courage is Beautiful, c/0 VFW Post 3787 4370 Twain Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120.
R. Stickney has covered news and events in San Diego for 12 years for NBCSanDiego. When she's not working, she's thinking she should be. You can follow her updates at twitter.com/becstick or email her at becky.stickney@nbcuni.com.
