Video games donated to military

Recovering soldiers can get rid of their boredom by playing video games.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown police Det. Sgt. Brian Welsh wanted to do something to show how much he and other officers appreciate what the nation's military is doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So Welsh organized a money-raising effort designed to provide a little entertainment and to reduce the feelings of homesickness among members of the military being treated at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., from wounds they received in the line of duty.
But instead of contributing food, toiletries or blankets, Welsh decided to collect money for something a bit more fun for the recovering soldiers: Xbox video game systems and cartridges.
"Most of these guys are 18 to 20 years old, and Xbox is big with that generation," Welsh, 34, said. "The biggest thing for them is boredom while they're healing. This will help."
Welsh said he has two nephews, ages 20 and 21, in the Marines, and they love to play Xbox games.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28 and the Youngstown Police Ranking Officers union each contributed $250 to Welsh's effort. He also received $500 from Jolly Joe's Sports Bar and Restaurant on Sheridan Road.
Donation goals
Welsh hopes to buy at least four or five Xbox systems, which retail for about $200 each -- perhaps more of them, if additional donations are received. Along with his brother, Jim, who is a Marine colonel, and Youngstown police Ptl. Mike Walker, he will drive them to the Maryland hospital Tuesday and hand-deliver them.
Welsh also is collecting telephone calling cards and money from friends and family of police officers to give to military personnel at the hospital.
"It's a real stressful time for the soldiers, and they can use the phone cards to call their family and friends," Welsh said. "We're doing what we can to help these people out. They're doing a great job, and they need to be recognized for what they've given to help and protect us."
Anyone interested in donating money or telephone calling cards to this effort is asked to call Welsh at (330) 742-8929.
skolnick@vindy.com