The History Behind & Growth of Our Project

When we were required to rename this project, the immediate thought was to rename it in honor of a soldier who lost his life in
Afghanistan.  The soldier selected to represent all of those who have lost their lives is Davy Weaver. Please take a moment to
review Davy's story in the "In Davy's Honor" section, and know that his story could be retold of any of those who have cared and
served in Afghanistan.  We would like to express our gratitude to his family for allowing us to name the project after him.
 MSGT. DAVY WEAVER of the Georgia Army National Guard died on May 18, 2008 from wounds sustained from an Improvised
Explosive Device in Qalat, Afghanistan while in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.  

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The Davy Weaver Memorial Project finds it's roots in a Project that began in September of 2008.  This Project was originally named
after a Soldier, Father and Humanitarian who was serving in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne, based out of Ft. Campbell,
Kentucky. The Soldier, known here as Chris, was written a Thank You note for his service by Lori Bennett, the Project Co-
Founder.   When asked if there was anything that could be sent to him, Chris, being the man and humanitarian he is asked for
nothing for himself, but saw an opportunity to further his goal of providing some basic necessities for the children he saw in the
villages surrounding his Forward Operating Base.  He sent pictures and information regarding the hardships these children faced,
and asked Lori if she could not send some items for these children.  Lori was happy to oblige.  She sent items herself, asked her
family and friends to send things, and also spoke to The Salvation Army in Waycross, Georgia for help.  Many items started to
arrive, and through networking that each did, more items were sent.  And a funny thing happened.  The gratitude these children
and families showed for the used warm items, shoes, school supplies, food packages and basic medical supplies was circular.  
Word trickled back that on a couple of occasions the children had stopped US Convoys in the roadway to warn them where IED's
(Improvised Explosive Devices) were, saving the lives of American Soldiers.  Also, parents had shown where weapons cache's were
hidden, who Taliban were in villages and had even warned of an impending ambush on Chris and his team, again saving American
lives.  This response to such a small gesture overwhelmed the people who had helped send items to the Children of Afghanistan
and others who had heard of the project.  Soon an all volunteer project was created in order to let others know of how EASY it was
to help these children and the benefits it had for Our Men & Women in Uniform.  As word trickled out, more and more people began
to send items. Mr. Lewis Black, who is a staunch supporter of the military and who performs with the USO Tour every Christmas,
found out about the project and forwarded it to his fan base.  Church groups, ladies groups, missions groups, community groups,
and office personnel were soon collecting and sending items. After Chris' redeployment back to the states, items still were coming
in and were helping to make a difference to the new soldiers at the Forward Operating Base. The project received the following
email from the fiancé of a soldier currently stationed at the base in May of 2009:

Hi my name is JJ, my fiancé (soon to be husband on May 25th) is now at FOB Kushamond and was bombarded with TONS of
packages for this project and knew not a whole lot about it but he said they were very blessed to get all those packages and be
able to hand them out to the kids there.  Thank you for what you are doing and all the support you guys have gotten for it!  
You are in our prayers!
JJ

It truly is that simple....A used blanket, coat, shoes or other basic supplies that can come from your child's closet, your linen closet,
or a dollar store CAN AND HAS SAVED LIVES. Even something as simple as bubble gum can help create a bond and relationship
between our soldiers and the people, especially the children, of Afghanistan.  The children are the key.  They are the future.  If we
can show ourselves to be providers, and friends, if we can build relationships, then we can impact their future, and the safety of
those protecting us.  This truly is a WIN/WIN Situation.  Won't you please help us expand this effort to as many children and military
units as possible? YOU WILL BE MAKING THE DIFFERENCE FOR A CHILD LIVING IN TERRIBLE CONDITIONS,  AND YOU COULD
LITERALLY BE SAVING THE LIVES OF BOTH THE AFGHANI CHILDREN AND THOSE SERVING US IN UNIFORM IN AFGHANISTAN.
About Us
Davy Weaver Memorial Project
A Project Of Support For The Children Of Afghanistan and Our Men and Women Who Protect Us There
Mission Statement

WE DO NOT ACCEPT MONETARY DONATIONS
To Provide Direct Aid to the Children of Afghanistan for the Basic Necessities  of Life. To Help Promote a Positive Image of the
Men & Women in the Military Serving the United States and our Allies in their Efforts to Assist the People of Afghanistan in
Becoming Independent of Taliban & Al Qaida Influence.  To Show the Goodwill of the American People and by doing so Provide
a Safer Operating Environment for those who Serve.
To Keep Our Soldiers Safer One Child, One Unit, At A Time.
"One Person
Alone Can
Try To Make
A Difference

But Many
Bonded With
Common
Purpose And
Care In Their
Hearts

Can Bring
Hope And
Change  To
The World"