DHS Hockey Gift Drive to Support the Troops Feb. 11

At the Feb. 11 game against Ridgefield (8:30 at Darien Ice Rink) the boys  High School Hockey Team is going to pay tribute to our armed forces in Afghanistan.  

The team, of course, will pay tribute to all those who are, or have, bravely defended our country.  As part of the tribute, the team is conducting a donation drive to gather morale boosting supplies for the battalion of a fellow DHS and DYHA  alumni currently serving in Afghanistan, Clay Canning, DHS ’05.  

 In speaking to Clay’s father Rob it was very clear that little things can go a long way to boost morale and to remind the troops that there are people back here thinking about them.   Things as simple as cookies, potato chips, magazines, tooth brushes and used video games for Xbox does the trick.   The DHS Hockey team will have donation boxes set up for fans that want to support the team’s efforts and want to bring anything on the suggestion list found below.   The donations will be boxed up by the team and sent to Clay to distribute to his battalion nicknamed “The Gimlets”.   

For those that want a glimpse of what Clay has been up to since 2005…DHS should be proud.

Clay Canning, a 2005 Darien High School graduate is a 1^st Lieutenant with the US Army and is currently serving at a forward operating base in eastern Afghanistan. Clay is a member of the 3^rd Battalion, 21^st Infantry Regiment 1^st Stryker Brigade Combat Team C Company – nicknamed the “Gimlets”. Clay began his deployment as a platoon leader stationed at a combat outpost, where he was responsible for leading 30-40 soldiers on patrol and in combat situations. In this position, Clay also met with local Afghan leaders in a “shura”; these conferences allow the US to build goodwill and maintain strong intelligence contacts in Afghan communities. In the fall, Clay became Crusher Company’s XO, or “Executive Officer”. In this position, Clay oversees major logistical operations and combat missions of a wider scope. Though he wishes he could continue to go on patrols and see combat with his 1^st platoon soldiers, Clay is enjoying leading warriors from his new post. When Clay changed jobs, he moved to the forward operating base, or “FOB” where he is currently stationed. One of the highlights of Clay’s deployment has included building the TOC, or tactical operations center where he works each day. This new base is a major upgrade for Clay, because there is an Army cook and running water.

 Clay’s unit is based in Fairbanks, Alaska at Fort Wainright. Fort Wainright is the home of the “Artic Warriors”.  This name is an apt one, considering the average winter temperature usually hovers around zero and frequently ventures as low as -40 degrees F.

 The Gimlets’ deployment began in May 2011 and is scheduled to end in April.  Clay will spend another year in Fairbanks before moving to Ft. Benning, Georgia to complete the Captain’s Career Course, which is requisite for his career progression. Clay became a commissioned Army officer upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2009 where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

 Clay was a long time participant in DYHA.  Clay starting skating as a mini mite and ending his career as a Midget.  He played on two state tournament championship teams during his travel hockey career.

 Come on out and cheer on your DHS hockey team and help them support the troops. 

Here are the suggested donations that you can drop off on your way in the door.

 Hot chocolate mix, Wheat Thins, Cheez Itz, especially Pepper Jack and Hot & Spicy versions, Peppermint bark, Beef Jerky, Any current or past magazines, especially: National Geographic, Field & Stream, Garden & Gun, Sports Illustrated, any gun magazines ,    Any used video games for Xbox 360 ,  Wiffle ball sets, inexpensive game sets that can be left behind for future soldiers, Playing cards,  Fruit cups (kinds that do not need can openers) Drink mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light),  Footballs or soccer balls (new or used) , Pretzels , Granola bars, Oreos, Chips ahoy, Instant oatmeal packs, Soap and shampoo, Hand sanitizer, Lotion/hand lotion, Baby wipes, Chapstick, Gum, Breath mints, Hard candy, Twizzlers, Shoe insoles,  Advil/Tylenol, Eye drops (especially contact-safe versions), Vitamins, Batteries, DVDs, Small handheld games, Black or green duct tape, Travel mugs, and thermoses, Holiday decorations—St. Patrick’s Day maybe? Markers, toothbrushes, books for Afghan children

  Update: as momentum for the event has built we are getting requests to write checks. If would like to contribute with a cash donation you can make a check out to "Wounded Warriors". We will collect them at the door and send them directed at friends of Clays that are currently in rehab. If you can't make the game email Darien.hockey.coach@gmail.com and we can come up with a convenient way to get the check. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! GO BLUE WAVE!

Editor's note: This listing was posted earlier. The time stamp has been changed for layout purposes on the Home page of Darien Patch.