Since 2007, Mission Soldier Adoption has delivered Morale Builder Packages to veterans and has sent Morale Builder Packages to members of our U.S. Armed Forces stationed overseas in countries including: Afghanistan, Asia, Columbia, Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, Ocean Fleets, South Korea, and South Pacific Ocean Fleets.
Responses from Troops Overseas…In Their Words…
New Responses from the troops overseas are sent in our monthly email newsletter. To subscribe, please send us an email with “Add Me To Email List” in the subject line. Enjoy!
I am writing to extend my thanks for your gracious support. We distributed your gifts amongst the many soldiers here. The coffee from Starbucks was a great hit, as the “local” blend is a little less than “preferred”. It is true that even the smallest items remind of us home. My unit is made up of soldiers from shore to shore. A good number of us are from the MN, WI area. We will be here for quite some time. Thank you again! -Andrew
Thank you very much for the package. I’m a pilot. I was able to give out the goodies today after our mission. It brought smiles to a lot of the guys to see people like yourself supporting them. Really, thanks for working with the others to send packages out to these guys. We are in a remote area of the country. Some of them are still missing their boxes from over 2 months ago. We are on the edge of the universe out here, I can’t believe your box made it here in such a short time period. We just got 3 washers working for the whole base. We’ve been hand washing our clothes for the past 3 weeks. It doesn’t really work…The dust just gets back on them while you’re trying to dry them on a clothes hanger outside while the wind blows. We do not need to learn Arabic, but it sure helps to know a little bit, and it’s a great rapport builder. It shows a great deal of respect on our part to them to try to learn their culture and language. That is a big problem between the Middle East and the West… We are able to one on one example show them that we do not hate them, that we show no ill feelings to them as people. Basically, that all the bad press the surrounding countries such as Iran say about us are not true. I was selected after I returned from Iraq to go be a part of this special team. What we are doing here, has been said by the Senate, the #1 priority for us to get out of Iraq. I’m hoping that my work here can make as much of a difference as my flying here did during my first tour flying. I was involved indirectly in some really important events while I was here last year. I definitely feel like I’ve made a difference out here. I hope we don’t leave before it’s the right time. I’ve lost some friends over here and I definitely don’t want it to be for not. The people here want things to be safe and they want to live comfortably to where they know their children are not going to be killed over some small dispute. The only people that don’t want change are those that profit off of corruption. At this point our presence is the biggest factor. Thank you all for your thoughts and wishes. -Jason
You are amazing. All these packages… You have the kindest heart. The kids and troops are going to love all this. I read the Ultimate Life. I loved it. I really really want to write a book now. Everyone that I talk to says I should. Especially with my experience with 9/11. The mission is like an orphanage mission. It’s like just going out sharing time with the kids. Men can’t go into the homes unless invited by the man of the house. So the ladies of our teams go door to door. While the guys stay in a field to play with the kids. Mostly soccer. My boss will like the Harley items and MJ poster. I really appreciate your kindness. Thanks for everything. -Paul
I received your box today. Thank you so much for your gifts and company news letter. I found the articles to be great. The Brat Fry event sounded like a wonderful time. I would love to have been there to help and eat a brat or two. It was nice to see how so many people come to gather and donated for this cause. We are having a dust storm today. Our temperatures are now in the 90’s and 70’s at night. I am so glad to see summer over. Now we just need to make it through the holidays again so we can start our finial home stretch countdown. That is great that Home Depot gives you gift certificates to support the Soldiers. In your box was a letter from a lady Rosanne and two hand prints from Elizabeth and Edison. Could you please pass my thanks for there art and letter? It was great hearing her father’s story. Some people are born ready and always ready to serve. Thank you for your encouraging words. I love doing what I do and hope that I am able to plant seeds everywhere I go. Then site back and let God do the rest. I give all the glory to God for allowing me this time to do his will. Thank you again for all you do for us and please share my thinks with all that help make this possible. Do take care. –Anthony
Again I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done. I continually brag about your organization, those who are associated in any aspect should be commended constantly. The great people who donate, you have not only made a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine happy, but I feel that we have made friends for life. While I still have 9 months left the letters and well wishes are at times overwhelming and to feel that support is truly a blessing. Again “THANK YOU” for all of your continued support your generosity is unmatched. Thank you, all of you are truly angels on earth. –Bobby
Our sincerest thanks to everyone who has taken the time and resources to send us care packages. At the end of a long mission we are dirty and tired and all we want is a shower to wash away the stress of the day. However, if there is a package waiting for us, we put that shower on hold to open up the package! Receiving mail and packages from the wonderful supporters back in America makes our mission come full circle. As we are here doing our part fighting the war on terrorism and helping the people of Afghanistan – you are back home doing your part helping us. Our words of thanks are not enough but know you touch each and everyone of us in a positive and uplifting way. With the start of school many of you have sent school supplies or our team to distribute to the Afghan children. This week the Volunteer Community Relations program went a mission to a local school. There were over 3,000 children at the school and were able to hand out 1,300 packets of school supplies. The pure expressions of joy are unmistakable on the faces of the children. It was not candy, it was not toys that lightened their faces…it was paper and pencils…the tools they need to continue their education. We may fight the enemy on the battlefield but this is where real change happens. You help make it possible. –Cynthia
We spend the day (9-11) thinking of those lost, and those who have given their lives to ensure no one ever attacks our country again. We are always ready at a minutes notice to bring judgment to those who oppose and attack our way of life. We do appreciate the support from everyone back home. Knowing we have a country behind us in support makes it easier to do what we need to. -Michael
Well…tonight I am going out on a mission. I thought that I might write and talk about parts of the past couple of days here. Yesterday was 9/11. Which was a big part of my life. I am sure all of our lives. So last night I decided to go for a walk when I got off work. BTW, Ramadan is going on here. So there is a lot of praying going on around here. They pray over a loud speaker. Because we are on the base, we really can’t see them. Just hear them. Our parameters are like a hug wall that has barbwire along top of it. With guards all around. Often I feel as if I am in a prison. We went walking around the lake. Sometimes I would close my eyes. I just wanted to hear the night. Along with the praying over the load speakers, I would often hear the helicopters flying over. Can’t see them. That is unless you catch a glimpse of them flying in front of the moon or something. I can hear the foot steps of the runners. Running and breathing hard around the lake. Off in the distance I can hear a plane taking off. I start to wonder where they are going. Is there someone going home with a big smile on their face? I can hear the birds in the trees. Wrestling around. Well I hope they are birds. The smell is indescribable. Not so much a bad smell. Just an acquired one. It’s hot out with a somewhat cool breeze. The smell of the lake is like stagnant water. Often I would get a whiff off a burning smell. Like I said it’s an acquired smell. I say it’s the smell of Iraq. -Paul
I want to thank you and all of the rest of the wonderful people who joined in to help support us by sending a package to our Marines out here. Please pass on a huge Thank You from the Marines of the HMH-363 Intelligence and Operations Shops. It is so nice to receive packages from people who support us out here. It really helps out my Marines who are experiencing their first time out of the country and for some of them, their first time away from home. Your question was, WHY do I serve…At first I signed up to do something better with my life which was prior to September 11th. Now I stay in because I love what I do and feel that serving something greater than yourself is important. Thank you again for showing your commitment to us because we know you didn’t have to take the time but you did and we are grateful for your support. Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) -Douglas
Your words are encouragement for myself and your clients. Your right about working with the certain type of people and make a difference in their lives. All you can do is hope that they optimize on the information given. I teach my Marines, in the Administration Field, that everything you do in the military is 25% physical and 75% psychological (mental). I will be leaving the country, but will be returning in 8 months for a 7 month deployment. –Mike
I think it is great that you take the time to do things for servicemen and women because it does make a difference. We all appreciate your generosity and always kind words of encouragement and support. Thank you for always thinking of us. We are all truly grateful for that. -Claudia
Yeah you don’t want to see the pictures of food I have. Huge pile of food on flat bread with the sheep head sitting in the middle of it. A lot of the food is pretty good, but their sanitation standards are much different. There are restaurants in the States that serve the food, much better, you know it is clean. –Michael
Thank you so much for the packages you and all the supporters have made our day. If you can pass my thinks to Bell for the home made cookies they were great. Thank Lynn and her office for all that they have contributed through the monthly collections. Edison thank you for the frame you made. Please spread my thanks to Simple Truths, Brunner Furniture, Wal-mart, Hartford Harley Davidson, The Mineshaft Restaurant, Reuban’s Country Market, and Herslof Optical for all there donations for the packages. Your question on why I serve our country is really an easy answer. I do not focus on any horrible thing that can happen or even death. I focus on helping others and serving. I do this because God has given me the ability to do so while others cannot. Everyone has a purpose. I fit this roll and I am able to share Gods word to many people that I work with or show the difference with a Christian and some one that lives in the world. There are so many people that live in this world and focus on there self-desires and satisfaction. I like to set the example that you do not have to do these things to be happy. I am so blessed with what God has provided for me. Even when we have little, he provides. This started with the wife God gave me with out her I would be lost and lonely, my kids that bring so much joy. To instill great values and morals in them is such a blessing. Sometimes I do not think I chose this job but the job chose me. It seems as if I connect with it so well. There are times that are tough but that is with any job. I do this for selfless service. Thank you once again for the support you and all the supporters have given us. We do feel the love and support that comes from you. –Anthony
I had received the package that was sent from you. I would to extend my personal “Thank You” to you and the effort that was put in to making this care package. I will be distributing it out to my Marines that work for me, if you do not mind. 😀 My Marines and I truly appreciate your generosity and its great Americans like yourself that make this job worth our time. I am proud of what we do and whom I do it for. I am currently a Staff Sergeant (E6) and this August will be 13 years in the Marine Corps and I do not regret one day. I am an Administrator; I take care of the bookkeeping, correspondence, finances, awards and medals, legal, promotions, command historian, mail, and I’m a Quick Reaction Force Squad Leader (kind of like SWAT but not so dramatic) for 198 Marines and 3 Sailors. Myself and two other clerks work each section everyday. My Marines are truly ambassadors of good will. If admin shut down, the unit will fall apart. I still do all the other things Marines in combat do plus my admin duties. The Marines train differently from other services. You are a jack of all trades. I am married to my High School Sweetheart, Michelle. Oh yeah, I re-enlist this month for another 4 more years. –Mike
The one characteristic that has allowed me to be successful in everything I do is confidence. Although life has been tough, I have always had confidence in myself and in my abilities as a mother, wife and Marine. I believe that having confidence in yourself is not only contagious, but it sets a great example for others to follow. I define success by the happiness you find in your heart. I believe that if someone is completely happy, everything is their life is as they want it. Success cannot be measured by how much money you make or the possessions you have. I measure success by the fact that I have found my life partner, we can provide for our kids, and I have a career that I love. –Claudia
The support we have received has been overwhelming!! We can not express our gratitude enough for everything everyone has sent us. The packages lift our spirits and provide us with much needed items. Your support for us and the mission we are doing inspire us to continue doing our best and represent the United States with the highest level of professionalism. YOU too, represent the best of the United States as being the most generous nation in the world. Our team spends much of the day outside training with the Afghan National Army so at the end of the day we are exhausted but we know our efforts are making a difference. The time spent away from our families is long and challenging but we make the sacrifice for the greater good. To know our efforts are appreciated makes all the difference. We salute YOU, great Americans, for you making a difference in our lives.—Cynthia
Thank you for the care package. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated and your gifts make life over here more comfortable. Please let Belle, Lynn, Josh, Edison, Jamie, Jim, and the manager of the local Walgreens know that we appreciate the gifts, too. Their contributions make a difference with the moral of the members of my team. Our team is located at a small Combat Outpost near the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad. We’re making progress with the Iraqi Army battalion we are partnered with. The premise behind our mission is simple – as we stand up the Iraqi Army the US can bow out from this war. By supporting us you are helping us end this with honor. It means a lot to me. There are a lot of people over here who are now free from the oppressive yoke of a cruel dictator and are experiencing true freedom for the first time in three or four decades. To me, that is the important thing. Our home here (Combat Outpost Hope) is aptly named. I also wanted to mention that we have something in common. I am from Wisconsin, too. I was born and raised in Green Bay. -Will
You asked about me being an Instructor… For 3 years I was part of the US Air Force Honor Guard. 1 1/2 or so of that, I was an Instructor. I went around the world teaching different bases to do what the Presidential Honor Guard did. Well one particular day, I was out at Arlington National Cemetery “ANC” (where most of our funerals are). We were in our break area before a ceremony. On the news they were talking about how a lot of people were being hurt in the U.S. I had heard the name, but didn’t know much about the location. Well we got on the bus to go perform Military Honors to someone. As we were on the bus, my team of 10 were in the back talking about what was going on in the news.
Some of them were saying some wild stuff. So I remembered laughing at some of the comments. Most of us saying it couldn’t happen anywhere else.
During ceremonies out there in ANC I don’t have the opportunity to stop what I am doing to see the fly bys (basically a set number of planes that fly over the location in a V formation. Then the lead plane will pull up leaving the formation. As a missing man has left our formation. After a little time went by, off in a distance I hear this jet coming. Well because of my fascination with planes, I wanted to see it go by. As I am putting on my shoes, the bus is just rattling… I got happy and started to get off the bus. Expecting this to be the greatest one of all… I could hear my team pick on me saying here he goes again. I get out into the open field (section 69) and I look into the sky. As I am in the middle of this field, an American Airline passes over my head. So low I could have thrown a rock and hit it. As it flew over my head, I could hear the engines rev up as the same sound it makes taking off. Full blast, the plane went into the Pentagon. The only thing that separated me from the Pentagon was the fence line around ANC and the highway. The flames were so hot, that I could feel them where I stood. After that day, I was given a pass to get my mind back together. Nightmares and sounds I just couldn’t hear or it would make me go back to that day. Well my daughter was 7 months when that happened. I took her to ANC to watch what daddy did. While out I showed respect to the flag by saluting… Because I was in uniform. Well at that age, kids are impressionable. So my daughter saluted… I told her, “Yes baby girl, salute.” Well that day it happened often where I had to salute. So she would continue to salute.
From 9/11 on, people were so patriotic. Most would have the little stickers in their window. As we passed the cars, I would look into the rearview mirror and seeing my baby girl saluting. After months passing, our country phased that out… And my daughter learned something new.
July 4, 2002, my daughter is almost 1 1/2. We were watching the fireworks. And at the end the grand faunally was the American flag. As I turn to put my daughter on my shoulders, she was saluting the American flag. People ask why I do what I do. I had never deployed up to that day. It wasn’t like I turned it down. I just never had the opportunity. Well after that experience, I put in orders to be somewhere that deploys a lot and got it. I am on my 3rd or 4th tour. -Paul
I wanted to thank you for all the great things you have sent me over the last year. It really means a lot to me and to all of us over here. Thank you, Joe
I want to thank you for what you do. We just had a big sand storm yesterday. Today it is really hot. The kind of heat you would feel sitting around the camp fire. Also yesterday, the power was out most of the day. It was hotter in the office than outside. Rough. I am 32 and have been in the US Air Force for about 14 yrs. I love it.
I am checking up on you. I heard that there was a big storm out your way. Are you ok? I hope so. I would hate to hear that something bad happened. But I need to know that things are ok with you. I just got back off mission today and received your packages. It made everyone’s day. That is until we heard about your state. Everyone appreciates everything you have done for us and anyone else you do it for. Hope all is well. Talk to you later. Paul…BTW please tell everyone I said thanks. Even little man Edison. Really, it makes our day.
Hi, my name is Mickey. I am a soldier stationed in Iraq and received a package from you. I just wanted to say thanks for your support and your thoughts. It’s very nice to know people back home are thinking of us and care for us while we are away from home. We appreciate all the things you sent, I shared the stuff with my peers and they all say thank you very much. Thank you.
I wanted to clarify or express the gratitude regarding your packages. It’s one thing when someone sends you something… It’s another when someone sends you things everyone likes (my boss loves his pic/magazine of Michael Jordan), but you /whoever, took the time to think about the package. There was a lot of thought put into the package. Mainly about the way things were placed in the box. Nothing against any other package I received here, but you put them into zip lock bags. It’s funny because when we get packages, there is cookie or other crumbs all through the box. But yours has “CARE” to it. Again nothing against the other packages. -Paul
Thank you so much for your Care package and the inspiring words of support, faith, and encouragement. Everyone on our team sends their best and thanks you for your support.
Our team trains Afghanistans only deployable communication unit. They are responsible for deploying anywhere in Afghanistan and establish radio, telephone, and computer communications back to the capital of Kabul. Our responsibility is to help them learn how to do their job. We are very enthusiastic about our mission and all of us invest our energy, talent and skills to give them the best training possible.
In addition to the training I am also involved with a volunteer organization run through the chaplain’s office. We collect donations of clothing, toys, school supplies, and hygiene items from churches and organizations back in the US. Every week we go out on a mission to a local Afghan village, hospital, school, or orphanage and delivery the donated items as well as food we are able to purchase with donated money. The other photos enclosed are from our last 2 missions. One was to a girl’s orphanage where we played dressed up with the little girls. The other photos were from a village in southwest Kabul. As you can see the villagers are extremely poor and have nothing but the bare essentials.
As military members we are called upon to sacrifice a lot to do our jobs. We leave behind family, friends, and the comfort of our homes while we are over here. It is because we have so much we sacrifice, we have a better understanding of how important these things are. It makes us appreciate what we have and in turn makes us want to give to those less fortunate. Everyone on our team has taken part in these charity missions and we all believe this work is the highlight of our time away from home. When I read your words of, “you never know what the results are when you give,” I could not help but think when we give to these villagers and children it is a little easier to see the results when you see the smile on their faces and the relief in their eyes. If you are interested in donated new or used items to this mission please let me know and I will be more than happy to provide you more information. If you know of anyone else or any churches that would like to donate please pass on the word.
I grew up in Port Washington, Wisconsin and currently live in Cudahy. I know next year will not be the same without Brett Favre on the Packers – he has been such a cornerstone for so long. I hope you are not having any problems with all the recent heavy rains. Unfortunately, my basement flooded and caused quite a bit of damage. Fortunately, my parents live close by and are taking care of my house while I am over here.
Again, Mollie, thank you for your support. It really does make a difference to us over here to know we have the support, the prayers, and the love of our fellow Americans. Some people mistakenly believe people serve in the military because we love war; what they don’t realize is most of us serve because we value and cherish freedom and want everyone in the world to have the same freedom we have in America. God Bless You, Cindy and the whole ANA COMM ETT Team
Hello Mollie. Thank you for taking the time to think of us. My Marines and I truly appreciate that. Have a wonderful day. -Claudia
Thank you so much for all that you at home do for us, your sincerity and kindness is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. While faces may change the mission does not, nor does seeing the faces of those who cant believe the support from home. Imagine the smiles that I see when after a long day of work without much gratitude the expression changes before my eyes when a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine are given something from home. It doesn’t have to be much and many will not ask for much due to they do not want to appear to be greedy. As I type this last statement let me tell you this, what you do for us whether it be a care package or a simple letter continues to boost our morale and warm our hearts. Its hard to imagine that with all of the economic issues that we’re having at home that there are people who still take the time to care. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! -Bobby
It’s going to be an orange day. We have a dust storm going on making everything look like peasoup and with what little sunlight that gets through, you get a orange hue. I got your box today. Thanks again. As usual, the cookies were a big hit. Here in one of the travel magazines is an article about Niagara Falls. It was very nice to read about someplace from home that I know so well, even though I am so far away. Damon
Thank you for your concern and I really appreciate it, thankfully everything here is ok. THANK YOU for the care packages, I passed out the contents to the troops. So far everything here is going ok, I have completed my 160th convoy since August 2007. I job entails obviously convoys but also transferring logistics, ammo, medical, and personnel, by means of convoys or air movement. My job is never boring, you can say frustrating and irritating in the same breath. I have been to about 11 different stations throughout Afghanistan, one place was 2 1/2 hours away one way. I have eaten with many different people from Germans to the British Gurkaas. Unfortunately right now I’m hurt, I have a ulcer like sore on my foot about as big as a penny, so life is not great right now. We do have our sand storms and they are not pleasant, the sand/dirt is so fine, just imagine dirt as fine as baby powder, it gets everywhere at times. Again THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. You and people like you are truly the most sincerest people on this planet, take care. BM
I am glad to hear from you. Well, things here are actually going pretty good. We love to read here. We started a little library here in the Company Office. We allow people to borrow our books and they are pretty good at returning them to us. Thank you for taking the time to think of us, we truly appreciate it. CF
I wanted to let you know I received your box safe and sound. Everything was wonderful in the package. Thank you all so much for your generosity. Please let everyone know I am so thankful for there care package. I also want to think others that make this possible Belle, Lynn, Josh, and anyone else that is behind the scenes. I really appreciate all that you have done and are doing to make these care packages possible. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your care packages.Take care and God Bless. -AC
Good morning Mollie. We all thank you for your kind words and the fact that all of you support us. We never forget that there are so many reasons why we are here, and that our sacrifices are noticed. It is great to hear from you, and I appreciate the packages you sent to my husband and his Marines. I know that they appreciated it. I have been here a little over a month and I can’t wait to get home. My Marines and I are always very grateful for the time that individuals like you take to show us that we are not forgotten. There are times that this feels like a thankless job, but with all of you in our corner, we can never forget that you are counting on us to keep our country safe. Thank you again for your kind words and gifts. Please tell everyone that we are very happy to know that you are supporting us and thinking of us. Taking the time out of your busy schedules to think of us, is something that we will always remember. –Claudia
We have had a dust storm going on for most of the day and out of the blue, it starting raining, but it was your typical rain. There is so much dust and dirt in the air, that the droplets were actually muddy. Each Rain drop was like a little mud puddle, and they were big drops to boot. It didn’t last very long, but it definitely ranks up there on my list of weird observed weather. –Damon
I wanted to let you know we received five boxes safely today. They made it here safe and all the items were great. It felt like Christmas. Everything was wonderful. There are so many people to thank. Please spread my thanks to all. The cards were great. Thank you for the cards from Edison, Laurie, and Lynn. Well thank you so much again for your news letters and being our friend. Please tell everyone else thank you for us. I really can’t say too much but there is just a correlation with hotter weather and attacks rising. Yesterday was a prime example of it. Things are getting heated up here. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your time and dedication to send packages to us. Please let everyone that is involved knows I am so thankful for all they do. It is a moral booster when we get mail from you. We look forward to your boxes. Sounds like you have some really good friends and also they know how to get things such as the laundry soap. That is so awesome. Can they do that for a guitar? Ha-ha. Thank you again for everyone that has gathered these items to send to us. God Bless you. -Anthony
Thank you for the great care package!!!!!! Everyone sends their thanks for your support. -Bobby
I would like to thank all who have been supporting us with care packages and letters. It is greatly appreciated by the troops here. There is nothing like getting a letter from someone back home showing they support you, especially for the troops that do not get mail regularly from family and friends. Once again I would like to thank the people who have been supporting our troops, and take time to thank anyone who will be in advance. -Michael
We aren’t here to take lives we are here to protect them, help improve them, and to defend America and all the Freedoms most hold dear, The only noble thing about war is the bravery of the people in it, the strength of the families they leave behind, and the support of their nation. With many thanks from all the troops here thanks for everything. -Damian
As I am sure you have been keeping up with the news back in the states, things here have gotten a bit busier to say the least. It has been keeping everyone busy to say the least. I am happy to report though that me and my soldiers are fine. Unfortunately, our unit has lost a couple of soldiers due to the increase in activity. We are in good spirits though and we are doing what we can to pass the time. I am going to take an opportunity now to say thank you to everyone that has sent us packages and letters. Take care and God Bless. -Robert
Hello American Patriots- I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our wonderful holiday season while serving abroad. I encourage everyone to continue to support my unit as we complete our remaining 10 months of our deployment. Take care and God bless! –Ryan
We really do appreciate Everyone’s support from back home! Thank you so much! –Rebecca
We’ve recently had a lot of activity around our area and a lot of special projects and operations have pulled me off of my normal hours to get back to you on the email or by letter. Also, my wife recently gave birth to our first kid, a girl, so I’ve been using every free moment I’ve had to corresponding with her. Thank you so much for the continued support you’ve shown to me and my unit. Over the Christmas holidays your outpouring of care, love, and support meant a great deal to me and my Marines. A lot of Marines did not get Christmas presents from friends or family and it was really nice to be able to give them a little something on Christmas morning, thanks to your generosity. As our mission continues here in Iraq and the next few months come and go, please know in advance, the appreciation that I have for all that you have done and continue to do to support my Marines. Semper Fidelis and God Bless You. –Matthew
It’s always encouraging to us when we get a letter or package. It tells us that people still support us. I know that people are growing tired of the war, but your continued supports is greatly appreciated by all who serve in the military. Thanks for you support. God Bless. –Robert
Stay great Americans, we are keeping you in our hearts daily!!! –Michael
I received your last package. Thank you very much. We will be back in the states next month. I don’t know the exact time. It feels really good to know that our time is very short. I really want to thank you for the support you gave us during this difficult time. You were by far the best supporter that I had while deployed. I felt that your thoughts were very genuine and you weren’t doing it just to say I support the troops. You are truly a caring and wonderful person. The same sentiment comes from all of my Marines as well. God Bless You! –Jay
On behalf of my fellow airmen, we thank you very much for your support, despite what one sees in the media. –Damon
Thank you for all of the hard work that you do of supporting the Troops. I salute you and your friends. I am a 209th LNO for northern Afghanistan. My responsibilities are to ensure personnel, logistics, and ammo are sent to our troops in the north. Also, my job requires frequent convoys to and around mostly in my area. So my job is always interesting and I also work closely with the Germans LNO’s. Again, we thank you for everything that you do for us and we cannot express our gratitude enough. WE SALUTE YOU! Take care. –Bobby
I don’t know how close you follow the news but just a few days ago we were mortared here at the airport. We are all safe. Most of those that were hurt were Iraq’s. Thank you so much for the package you had sent. It made it here safely and all the items were great. Please tell everyone else who has a hand in making these packages possible that we are truly thankful. I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day. Take care of your self and God Bless. -Anthony
You have been really great with your tremendous amount of support, especially for the holiday. I received two boxes and the Marines loved everything…they were truly appreciative of the kind gesture. We all owe you a great deal of thanks for helping to make the holiday special. I never expected someone to go out of their way as you have. Thanks again.
Thank you for your continued support that you’ve given us throughout the deployment. You deserve a medal!
On behalf of my entire platoon, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Your support has been tremendous in building the morale of the Marines.
I greatly appreciate the packages you sent to us. All the items were great. The candy was wonderful. Its amazing the things we don’t have and when we get them it’s as if you hit the lottery. We are so thankful for your time and service you have taken out of your day for us while we are way from our homes. We stay pretty busy here. I have a maintenance team that provides maintenance to equipment that down loads all cargo coming in to the theater. (Iraq) We play a vital role in the supply system and ensuring the equipment stays up and running for our mission at hand. We will be here yet another Christmas and New Years but we don’t focus on that right now. We just take it one day at a time. Once again I truly thank you for the time and energy that you have put into this package. We are so thankful to have you in our life during this time. Take care, Anthony.
I’ve really gotten a kick out of the kids notes, such as: “Merry Christmas and I hope you win the War”, or “We wish you could be home with your family but since your not we wish you a Merry Christmas”. And the cards from the adults were very heart-warming. -Stanley
THANKS for all of the goodies…the guys loved it! Especially when they found something their grandma would have. It was truly “home away from Home” And Girl Scout cookies were a prized commodity too! Thanks for being so thoughtful.
You guys are GREAT!!! Thank you for everything you have been doing. –David
On Christmas day I was able to hand out packages that soldiers definitely greatly appreciated. I can’t make any guarantees but we are doing out best to write back to people who send us stuff. Ok well I just wanted to thank everyone for all the letters and packages that people have sent. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care and God Bless. –Robert
I want to thank all of you who grace us with your packages full of love, food, and blessings. They are such a morale booster not to mention a great helping factor in accomplishing our mission. We love and encourage the letters that you might send of you and your family, friends and even your pets, especially dogs! Know that our thoughts of you are always on mind as we perform our missions. You have such a great impact on us when we get off mission to find a package addressed to us! It makes our day each day we receive your package(s). Our squad consists of 8 guys total including myself. We are combat engineers, and we hunt IEDs. OUr platoon is called “IED Hunters.” Thanks again for your hospitality! –Michael
The packages arrived a day or two ago. They were wonderful, thank you so much. I can tell you put much thought and effort into them.
I think you’d actually be surprised to know that these types of messages of support always seem to come at a time when they are most needed. It always seems to work out that way.
Yes the package was wonderful. My roommate…we laugh cause every time we get a package it is like Christmas! I am very appreciative for what you have sent already. So thank you for what you have done… Thank you for taking the time to write to me and send us stuff. Especially when you don’t have too. 🙂
I just received the package a few days ago. I appreciate the letters that were sent and everything else… Thanks for your support.
I received your care package; was a very big surprise! Thank you for your support.
Thank you so very much for thinking of me on this day! I hope all is well and thank you very much again!!!
You ask me what it is that motivates to do what I do… I really enjoy the Army and I really enjoy serving my country.
It is very nice to come in after days of patrolling or clearing buildings, and find the boxes you have sent. It means more than you will ever know…It means alot to someone not getting boxes or mail. But it is all shared just the same with those who need it, and doing this you help many marines… If you don’t get a letter back PLEASE don’t think we don’t appreciate what you have done for us. We know it takes time and money to send these things to us, and we appreciate EVERYTHING you do for us. Please keep all of us in your prayers, Thank you again.
I took a peace of shrapnel to my arm,10 stitches and back to work. But we are all doing well.
Your letters mean a lot to us, as much as the supplies you send. After 4 or 5 days out its nice to come back and find a letter or package…it makes us feel better about where we are and what were doing. So thank you for all you do to support us, and make this situation bare-able.
Thank you once again for the packages you sent. I can tell that you really put effort into it and it is appreciated!
Just a few words to say thank you for the supplies and the letters. The temperature is rising here everyday.
The items you all sent made it more livable here and also brought a touch of home.
Just a short note to say Thank You, to each of you who have sent items to us here.I can never explain to you how much it has meant.Its not just the items you send, But by doing this you show that we are supported,even if the war is not. What you have done will stay with us always… thank you again for your support and your Prayers. Semper Fi
I wanted to thank you for your thoughtful contribution to the morale of my Marines. I can’t begin to explain how much it means to receive support from people like you. Can you please extend our heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to the care package? It is people like you that keep us going, and all the support that you give is greatly appreciated. Thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Everything everyone sends is just such a wonderful treat. The little things do wonders. Thank you for the care package. It is really great for us to receive thing from wonderful people such as yourself. I want you to know that you are my hero. If it was not for people like you, our job would be much harder.
I just really want to thank you for taking time out of your life to make ours easier.
We can not say thank you enough for all you are doing and what you have done. From all of us here …Thanks a bunch
Thank you for your sincere contributions to a very worthy cause.
I would like to give a heartfelt thank you from the Marines. Thank you.
Anytime we receive a package or letter the morale and motivation is automatically boosted. Thank you for your sincere contributions to a very worthy cause.
Mollie, I just wanted to let you know that I received the care package. Thank you so much for your generosity. Everything that you sent was perfect.
I received your package today. Thank you very much for all the things you sent. Especially the candy, it will not go to waste. It is nice to get some good things. Most people tend to send discarded household goods. I’ve have been in the Coast Guard for 2 years and in the middle east for about 6 months. I am on a training team that trains the coalition forces urban battle tactics. Despite what the news says, it is getting better over here. I cannot thank you enough for your package and your letter. It is hearing from people like you that make all the work worth it. Your packages are instrumental in keeping morale up. Thank you again, we really appreciate it. God Bless, Joe
Thank you for writing me and sending the package. I am a K-9 Handler in the USAF currently deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom, the exact location cannot be disclosed but you know what part of the world. My K-9, is a black Belgian Malinois named Blacky. He’s currently 9 yrs old. We have four K-9 teams where I am and we’re under manned so we work everyday and try and rotate shifts every couple days to get the dogs out of the heat. It’s cooling down usually low 90’s. But compared to 135 to 140 degrees like in August it’s getting much better. There are only four of us out here and one is always sleeping, one working, and one is training. There isn’t a time we’re never together. Things like magazines (Men’s fitness, Muscle fitness, Off Road, Dirt Wheels, etc) are always good. The dogs don’t need much except maybe racquet balls. Our days consist of the exact same thing everyday. Detection, detection, detection, and you know what for. It maybe be vehicles or roads or things on the side of the roads, just about anything. Everyday same exact thing for six months. Nick
I received the package, Thank You very Much!!!
My job deals with Supply Administration and Operations. Particularly, I am responsible for receiving and issuing most of the equipment that is shipped to this area of operation. If you follow the news, you will see one of my main projects I deal with daily, MRAP vehicles. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are very important part of saving lives of Marines and Soldiers and on a congressional priority list. The scope of what I do as a Marine is much larger, but this is the most important at the moment, next to keeping my Marines safe and in high spirits. We really appreciate what you and your friends are doing for us. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Jay
I just wanted to send a quick note to say Thank you for the care package and mail for me and my soldiers. It was very appreciated, especially because unlike many of the troops, my platoon is not living on a regular base due to the type of operations we are doing. We live away from a lot of the comforts that are normally available while deployed, ie, no running/heated water, no internet, no phones, etc. And a package with the things you sent never goes unnoticed, or unappreciated. The little candy treats (when we are not snacking on them) come in handy when we are working out in town, because we give them to the kids. And happy kids means happy parents, which in turn makes for a co-operative community, which in the long run means a lot less loss of life on all sides. So you see it is helpful and appreciated by all of us. Of course, you know I am not so naïve to think this conflict will be save by that alone. I just thought you might think that little bit of insight was interesting, and for you and the other contributors to know that their efforts are not wasted.
So currently I have 8 soldiers in my charge, but over 30 are with me in this spot. We are a little short on manpower because normally I have around 12 troops. Most are on their first deployment. Personally I am on my third time to Iraq. I was here at the start in 2003 and seem to have spent most of my late 20’s in this country since then (I just turned 31 last month.) We will be here for over a year more before we get back to the states. ~Nathan
Mollie & Friends, Thank you so much for the care packages that you sent to my soldiers and I. All of the items were distributed to the 50 soldiers under my command. Feel free to send more letters and packages in the future. We are scheduled to be here another 12 months! It’s a great feeling to know that we have the thoughts and prayers of great Americans like yourselves. We consider it an honor to serve this great Nation and great Army. The soldiers in my platoon are from all over the US and its territories. Many claim Colorado Springs as their home. I claim Manhattan, Kansas (the little apple) as home. I spent my last 4 years there while attending Kansas State University. I graduated from KSU and commissioned in the army as a 2nd LT in Dec 2006. Most soldiers pass the time playing video games or reading books and magazines. Internet is available, so some use that when they are not on shift. We operate 24hrs a day and fix, fuel, and arm any type of rotary wing aircraft (helicopters). Any given day, we will pump more than 10,000 gallons of fuel and load several thousand rounds of ammunition. Thanks again for the packages and card. Take care and God Bless! ~Ryan