Bitter Texas OU Rivalry Clothes the Needy in Afghanistan

                Never did two bitter rivals know they would be deployed together in Afghanistan.  Shortly after Major Griffeth arrived in Afghanistan a new Captain was deployed to work with him.  The problem, Griffeth was a rabid Texas Longhorn fan and Captain Illingworth was a die-hard Oklahoma Sooner. 

                Remarks were exchanged daily.  Then one day Griffeth challenged Illingworth, “I’m tired of your remarks!  Put your talk into actions!  I bet you Texan’s can beat Oklahoman’s at anything worthwhile.”  From that they decided to compete to act in their individual capacity to see which state could raise the most donations to Afghans in dire need of aid.

                The poor unreachable regions of Afghanistan are where the Taliban and terrorists get many of their recruits.  The rural Afghan regions have little and are very poor.  They are wrongfully indoctrinated by terror cells and Taliban members about western belief and ideals.  They are taken advantage of because of their lack of education and means. 

Griffeth and Illingworth want to help win the war on terror by winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people one child or one family at a time.  “The aid of most humanitarian organizations can’t reach the remote and dangerous regions of Afghanistan.  But, items sent to Chaplains via military distribution can.” said Illingworth.  According to Griffeth, “Bullets and bombs can kill evil men.  But, only by our caring for, love, assistance, and helping to educate the Afghan people can we change the misunderstandings, differences, and feelings they have about us.  We can win this war by showing them the truth and winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people one child or one family at a time.”

Items they are seeking to distribute are clothes for boys or men, blankets, shoes, socks, winter clothing, school supplies, basis toys (no batteries), and children’s school bags.  According to Illingworth they must go through the boxes donated because hygiene items tend to get eaten by the Afghans and girls clothes or religious items are considered an insult.  Texan’s fans can send boxes to Tobin C. Griffeth, CJTF-82-OSJA, APO-AE- 09354 (Afghanistan) or Oklahoman’s can send boxes to Katherine Illingworth at the same address.