Care Packages Help U.S. Military Hospital, Wounded Warriors

PHOENIX — With a little collaboration and a lot of tape, troops at the hospital located at Kandahar Airfield’s hospital in Afghanistan have much to be grateful for during this holiday season thanks to TriWest Healthcare Alliance and its network subcontractor organizations.

The hospital at Kandahar Airfield cares for more than 150 trauma patients and another 200 battlefield-injury patients monthly.

To ease the hospital’s burden and brighten the spirits of our nation’s wounded warriors, employees from TriWest—a Phoenix-based company that manages the military’s TRICARE healthcare program for 2.9 million military members, retirees and their families in 21 western states—teamed with 18 network subcontractor organizations throughout the western United States to collect clothes, snacks and hygienic products for care packages.

The items helped bring a sense of comfort to the Kandahar Airfield hospital’s patients who are in need of clothes and other items while they recover.

"A diverse group of people have benefited from the products we received and it's hard to convey the appreciation they have for receiving the clothing," said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Headrick, U.S. Navy chaplain. "Often times, it is the smaller things that can impact an injured person’s outlook on their recovery."

In total, TriWest and the network subcontractors stuffed 70 large (24x24x24) boxes full of thousands of items.

"These men and women lay it on the line for all of us back at home. Collecting and sending care package items really is a small token compared to the tremendous gift of freedom they provide us—but we certainly hope it brings smiles to their faces," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "Thank you to all who participated in this amazing outpouring of support for America’s military family."

A Peek at What Was Packed

Donated supplies included: 

• 361 full-size toothpaste tubes
• 220 tuna snacks
• 920 pairs of socks
• 140 boxes of fruit bars
• 653 razors
• 101 hooded sweatshirts

Learn more about how TriWest is On a Mission to Serve^SM that promises to connect military families with high-quality, affordable health care from Missouri to Alaska.