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Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:39 pm**

With all of the time that is being spent on "Who the next coach will be" is a waste of time, I would like for every one to spend some time that will make a difference in someone's life. Former Pony, Derek Swofford, Class of 2005, is now a Ranger serving in Afghanistan. Please just send a small care package to him to show him our appreciation for what he is doing. We can make a difference in something that is important to each and everyone of us. His mailing address is:
SGT Swofford, derek
FB Chapman
SOTF 33
CJSOTF A
APO AE 09314

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:46 pm**

Will do..We appreciate your service to our country Derek ! If you get a chance e mail us here at Pony Fans.

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:47 pm**

Any suggestions as to what we should send him? Is there anything specific that he might want/need?

Thanks for the perspective.

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:52 pm**

NewPonyFan wrote:Any suggestions as to what we should send him? Is there anything specific that he might want/need?

Thanks for the perspective.

I sent Skoal(peach), eye and nose drops, baby wipes, socks, hard candy, anything you might like to have if you were out camping.

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:55 pm**

Great idea!

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:04 pm**

2Mustangsons wrote:....anything you might like to have if you were out camping.

SMORES?

Posted: **Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:47 pm**

One of the truly great guys to play for the Ponies. Completely selfless as a player - apparently that has carried over to his professional life. Of course, that's no surprise. Here's hoping he'll stay safe over there - thanks for posting this! Now THAT's a great Christmas idea.

Posted: **Mon Dec 10, 2007 11:10 am**

I had a class with Derek when he was here. He's a great guy.

Posted: **Mon Dec 10, 2007 11:27 am**

This is a great chance, to show someone that is serving our country (not to mention a Mustang) that we appreciate him.

Posted: **Mon Dec 10, 2007 12:04 pm**

Good post 2Mustangsons...

Some ideas:

Go to the USPS and pick up a Priority Mail box ( free ) about the size of a dress shirt box. Fill it with the items mentioned above, and perhaps the following..

Jack in the Box tear-away packets of hot sauce...really...
baby wipes, hand sanitizers, etc ( smallest bottle available )...
paperback novels ( Clancy-style most popular )...
hard candy ( no chocolate )...
eye glass cleaner...
A NOTE FROM THE SENDER SAYING 'THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR NATION'...
skin moisturizers (non scented )...
sunscreen...
individual packets of drink mix, hot chocolate, coffee...
power/energy bars ( again, non-chocolate based )...
letters/pics from church groups, children's groups, etc...
self stamped envelopes and paper...
Pony Up stickers...
toothpaste... ( small tubes ) ...
suckers/blow-pops....keeps saliva in the grunt's mouth longer...
sunglasses...

The Priority Mail Box can be sent to any APO for $ 9. Pack the items outside their original containers in zip lock bags...these zip lock bags are like gold and are used to keep dust/sand out of personal items. Any size is useful.

Don't make this just a one-time affair...much of the time we are [deleted] and moaning about the state of SMU football and our lack of a coach could be used to pack one of these boxes...it will be a difference maker in a Marine or GI's day.

Posted: **Mon Dec 10, 2007 12:44 pm**

This is a great idea. How much fun would it be if everyone on PonyFans did this?

Posted: **Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:04 pm**

Wow. I didnt know that my Dad had posted this. I just got an email from Derek telling me how much he appreciated it. So, I figured that this post needed another bump back to the top. The US postal office also has flat rate boxes that I have used before. The stuff usually gets there in about a week. Derek is doing fine and should be getting home sometime in April/May. If anyone is intrested, let me know and I will try to give yall some updates. Go Swoff.

Posted: **Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:08 pm**

Great bump.... lets do it all again.

Posted: **Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:29 pm**

Sending a card this weekend.

Thanks, Derek, and give our best to your fellow Rangers!

Ho aaah!

Posted: **Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:42 pm**

Oh, and Derek wanted me to make sure that everyone knows that he is a Green Beret, not a ranger.

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