Basics for Barracks

The goal of the Basics for Barracks Program is to provide the returning soldier with items that will help to get through the first night and morning without a trip to the store or needing to unpack their duffel.  Typically, the FRG (Family Readiness Group) will provide a list of items they would like to have.  They will acquire some of the items through other sources and Fayetteville Cares will provide some items. 

In December 2008, Fayetteville Cares was asked to assist the FRG for an XVIII Airborne Corp unit due to redeploy just before Christmas.  This unit had 56 single soldiers that would be returning from 15 months in Iraq to an empty barracks.  Fayetteville Cares collected items and delivered them to the FRG.  Since that time, Fayetteville Cares has assisted with several units ranging in single soldier numbers from 5 to 500. 

Ft. Bragg barracks are typically dorm like rooms that two soldiers share.  Most include a small kitchenette, two sleeping areas and bathrooms.  These rooms are bare.  Though the soldier may have sheets and towels, they are in storage and not readily available on the first night home.  Unlike the married soldiers, they don’t always have someone there to welcome them home or give them a nice meal.  The Basics for Barracks Program works to insure these soldiers know their work and sacrifice is appreciated by providing what we can to welcome them back.  Notes and cards from individuals in the community, bottled waters, microwave meals, snacks, shampoo, razors and shaving cream are all simple things that mean so much to them.

Recognizing the need for this program, Fayetteville Cares established a committee on our board in 2010 to oversee this program.  Approximately 20,000 soldiers, many of them single, will be returning from Spring to Fall 2010.

For more information on this program please contact Amy Wallace, Basics for Barracks Program Coordinator, at basics@fayettevillecares.org