Kids' clothing donations headed to Afghanistan Published Sept. 9, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- A Dark Knight who's resurfaced as a Mad Duck is spearheading a project to send children's clothing to Afghanistan. Ed Simpson, an instructor in the 333rd Training Squadron who recently retired from the 338th TRS, is helping a friend who's deployed to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, with the clothing drive. Senior Master Sgt. William Harrington, who's assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, began gathering donations from his home base, Gunter Annex, Ala., and enlisted Mr. Simpson's help for Keesler's drive, dubbed "Gulf Coast to Afghanistan." "Sergeant Harrington is a friend of mine -- we were in the same Senior NCO Academy class in 2006," Mr. Simpson explained. "I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved with a worthy cause, and my commander, Maj. Scott Solomon, fully supports my efforts. "A lot of people suggest charitable projects, but don't follow up," he added. "Children are my weak spot, and I just want to help." Mr. Simpson set up donation boxes at various base locations, but also reached out into the surrounding community to place containers at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in D'Iberville, Victory International Christian Center in Ocean Springs, St Martin High School and Middle School, and Ocean Springs High School and Middle School. He'll collect the contributions Sept. 18 and mail them Sept. 19. For more information, call 377-6728.