Donate Patches to Military FD in Afghanistan

[RES20CUE 40]

Brothers and Sisters,

I know most of you on this site, at least from Westchester know who I am, but for those who don't, here's a little about me- my name is Ed Byrnes and I'm the Fire Chief for the VA Hudson Valley FD in Montrose and Castle Point. I am a Past Chief with the Somers VFD, an instructor for both Westchester County DES and the NYS Academy of Fire Science. On top of all that, I am a Reservist with the US Navy, currently holding the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). I was recalled back in 2001, and spent a year in Italy in support of this war, and I was recalled again in November and I am now stationed at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.

One of my duties is the Chief of the Camp Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department. The Army completed the building about a year ago, before that, the surplus apparatus that was acquired, was either stored outside or in a tent. The building finally had bay doors installed just before the winter.

Our firefighters, are from both the Navy and the Army, most are reservists from around the nation and are volunteer or career firefighters in their hometowns. They carry a rifle most of the time and when the alarm sounds, trade the rifle for a fire hose, switching from fighting on one front line to another.

One of my goals, since taking over only 2 days ago, is to make this fire house look and feel just like any other firehouse in the US. I was hoping to get patches and/or other fire house memorabilia sent here from all the various departments that the members and visitors of this site are from.

Anyone interested in sending something, below is my address- I would like to thank all of you in advance for your caring and willingness to help.

Ed Byrnes

HHC 218 BCT, SCSC

Camp Phoenix

APO AE 09320

Edited March 3, 2008 by jack10562
resized photo

[DOC22 1]

Ed-

I have a patch from Croton Falls FD, which I will get out in the mail on Monday. Hope all is well over there. We're thinking of you.

[LT. 22 1]

New Canaan, CT FD patch is on its way. Keep up the good work. Stay safe! Thank you all.

[MoFire390 118]

no problem Ed. I will see if the boys from the 'Trose will send some things your way. Maybe your gang from the VA might give us a hand. We may even make it a Tri-Village thing.

[Guest]

Ed,Keep your eyes open for mail coming your way. Just sent you out a bunch of stuff.

Please thank all your men for their service, and you as well.

Stay safe.

[CHIEFPHIL 90]

Bethel Ct on the way as well..

[jack10562 414]

Here's some you can print out, until the originals arrive!

[PCFD ENG58 1,085]

PORT CHESTER FIRE DEPT RESPONDING M/A TO AFGHANISTAN WITH SOME STUFF IN A BOX GOD BLESS AND PROTECT ALL OF YOU IN UNIFORM.

[jack10562 414]

C'mon...anyone else?

[Guest]

I took the liberty of posting this on another FDNY site. The guys there are sending also. Ed is gonna end up with more patches than he can handle. Stay safe.

Edited March 5, 2008 by fdonthejob

[PCFD ENG58 1,085]

Sending box out on fri. anybody want to ad on can call or pm me here. received call from ladder 31/towerladder 2 crew with some stuff. help me fill the box for these guys. reading,cookies,t=shirts,patches,anything small will help fill the box.

[CPFD91206 0]

I wonder if their butler building is better than the VA's $400+k 2 bay butler building LOL

[RescueKujo 130]

Master Chief (and EMTBravo),

Do you mind if I cut and paste your post into an email for folks here on the West Coast? I know many emergency workers who are reservists and would be more than willing to send items for the station. Thanks.

Duane

[RES20CUE 40]

Master Chief (and EMTBravo),

Do you mind if I cut and paste your post into an email for folks here on the West Coast? I know many emergency workers who are reservists and would be more than willing to send items for the station. Thanks.

Duane

I don't mind at all.

[RescueKujo 130]

I don't mind at all.

Thanks Master Chief,

Email sent out here on the West Coast. I hope it helps.

Duane

[RES20CUE 40]

Thank you to everyone that has donated. I have received several packages of patches, stickers and other items. Unfortunately, I don’t know everyone’s screen name, so I can’t thank you personally. Your donations are already brightening up the place and are very much appreciated!

Thank you again.

[Guest]

Ed, Briarcliff Manor FD patches (and a few T's) are on the way to ya. Thanks for all you guys are doing for the good ole USA!

[CPAGE 2]

I will be sending you some stuff for both NY and NJ and other places as well. Thank you and you guys for what you do for us so we can live the way we do.

Thank you and be safe.

When you get we will take you out for some beers.

Chris

P.S. I have also post your message on http://emtbravonewjersey.com

Edited March 28, 2008 by CPAGE

[lad45der 78]

I will be sending out patches from my firehouse Engine-5, Rescue-1. Stamford Fire Department

[PCFD ENG58 1,085]

Did you recieve the PORT CHESTER box yet? sent out 4 weeks ago. stay safe [PCFD ENG58]

[Medibart 55]

Will send some patches - anything else I can throw in the box - just name it.

Scott

[RWC130 594]

Ed,

I will get some patches out to you ASAP.

Thanks for the service to our country!

BE SAFE BROTHER!

[RES20CUE 40]

Did you recieve the PORT CHESTER box yet? sent out 4 weeks ago. stay safe [PCFD ENG58]

No the Port Chester box has not arrived, yet.

Ed, Briarcliff Manor FD patches (and a few T's) are on the way to ya. Thanks for all you guys are doing for the good ole USA!

Received the BMFD package- Thank You.

I had a special treat yesterday- I saw another Brother- Dan Bendetti from the Lake Mohegan VFA (US Army Specialist). We just happened to have the bay door open and as fate has it- I just happened to walk out of the office and in front of the pumper when he walked by! What a treat! Dan was a student in my FFI class out of Katonah when I was activated. He was "called up" about 3 days before I reported back to Active Duty. I had no idea that he was recalled also. Unfortunately, he will not be staying here long. But it was a great treat to hug a Brother from Home!!!!