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Pillows for Patriots was established in Beaufort at Harris Pillow Supply by Beaufort military moms Barb Farrior and Jenny Bush when their sons deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively. John and Patrick Harris, of Harris Pillow Supply of Beaufort, responded to the moms' desire to make a difference by designing compact, comfortable pillows that fit easily in the packs of our courageous troops. This affords our heroes a better chance at some quality rest during those short opportunities when they can catch 40 winks. And, therefore, when our brave troops sleep better, we can also sleep better knowing we are safer because of their sacrifices.
If you've ever served in the military, or if you are a fan of the great outdoors and occasionally spend a night or two out there, you can probably appreciate what it means to have a good pillow to rest your head on at the end of the day. I've personally used my gas mask carrier, a sweatshirt and even my helmet as a pillow while deployed or in the field. I'm glad the moms got together and decided to help our troops! Leave it to Mom -- we might grow up, leave home, even join the military, and she's still concerned that we're getting a good night's sleep.
This great example of identifying a real need and responding directly to it has really taken off -- probably much more than Barb and Jenny really ever thought it would. By word of mouth, flyer, office e-mails and probably some text messages, the word has gotten out in Beaufort and beyond. This is an easy, tangible way to show your support while materially helping our deployed troops.
As usually happens in the military, news of a good deal travels very fast. Before long, requests were pouring in from units preparing for deployment to find out how they might be able to obtain some of these simple comforts for their personnel.
So far, 11,500 pillows have been provided for more than 51 deploying units. Some of these pillows have been shipped directly overseas to units already forward-deployed, some have been mailed to units still stateside preparing to deploy and some have been personally delivered to the tarmacs as troops got ready to board aircraft for their flight overseas.
That last example must have really had an impact, especially if you share my memories of trying to catch some sleep in the cargo hold of a military aircraft.
This program would not be possible without the amazing support of Harris Pillow Supply, a local, family-owned business. The company originated in 1956 in Chicago with John's dad, William. In 1980, Harris Pillow Supply moved to Beaufort, and they've been here ever since. Patrick joined the business in 2004, representing the third generation of Harris men to serve the community through the business. Harris Pillow Supply provides pillows to every state in the United States and many other countries, as well, primarily in the hotel business.
John and Patrick have provided all of these pillows at cost to the program. They have also donated their time to help develop the project with Jenny and Barb and frequently give up their lunch breaks to deliver shipments to the post office in order to keep the whole program on schedule.
Now for the bonus segment: A special Christmas shopping hint for those of you looking for something special for that someone special this season. Give the gift of comfort to some of our deploying troops in someone's name. This is also a great way for our children to feel like they are doing something real to help out their local service men and women.
If you are interested, please check out the Web site (www.pillowsforpatriots.org), and help us all make a difference.
Merry Christmas, neighbors. And to all our troops, I wish you a good night's sleep.
Jon Rembold is an engineering project manager for Ward Edwards and president of the Lady's Island Business & Professional Association's board of directors.
