MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- -- A group of patriotic citizens are on a mission providing comfort to war veterans by manufacturing clothing meeting the unique needs of the wounded service member. Four boxes of adaptive clothing were delivered to the Wounded Warriors Support Section in hopes of, “making the recovery process more comfortable both physically and emotionally,” according to the mission statement of Sew Much Comfort’s website.
Local ambassador for Sew Much Comfort, Becky Klepper, arrived at the W.W. barracks March 22 with cardboard boxes full of T-shirts, boxer shorts, trousers, and shorts, specially made to fit over casts and allow trouble-free access to injured limbs. Velcro is creatively hidden along the seams, giving garments its usual appearance.
“Normally, all a patient has to wear is a hospital gown, and all they have to keep them warm is a blanket,” said Klepper. “Blankets can be heavy and painful.”
This clothing is not bulky, she stated, and gives the wounded a sense of normalcy.
Staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the W. W. barracks, GySgt. Kenneth Barnes, describes the new clothes as, “awesome gear.”
“I wish I had this stuff,” he said, remembering the time he began his own recovery from wounds. “I had to cut my personal T-shirts to fit over the cast, or wear tank tops in the winter.”
This gear is well received by Marines arriving to the W.W. barracks, stated Barnes.
“The fact that they don’t have to stand to put their pants on or move their arms around to get their shirts on, is really an incredible feature,” he said.
It is Sew Much Comfort’s mission to “provide each soldier with seven pairs of boxers, two pants or shirt depending on the injury, two pairs of shorts, and a piece of nice clothing that they could go to a church or restaurant in.”
Finding comfort after returning from the battlefield with injuries may be one of the most helpful aspects of recovery for Marines and sailors here and across the globe. Charitable groups, friends, family members and caring civilians continue to donate all they can to show their support for United States servicemen.
“This is the least we can do,” said Klepper. “I will continue to do all I can to support the troops.”
To volunteer time or monetary donations contact Becky Klepper at becky_klepper@earthlink.net, or visit http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org.