“U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE”SUPPORT OUR U.S. TROOPS
COMMENTS FROM OUR TROOPS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A
“U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE”AND
COMMENTS FROM OUR GENEROUS DONORS
“U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE”SUPPORT OUR U.S. TROOPS
COMMENTS FROM OUR TROOPS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A
“U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE”AND
COMMENTS FROM OUR GENEROUS DONORS
TROOP COMMENTS
2008
. . . “Thank you so much for your gift of toiletries, snacks, pillows, and games. May God richly reward you for the compassion you hold for our warriors, and for your concern for their personal needs. Your rare benignity and love has made a monumental difference in the day to day lives of our service members. Your selfless charity has elevated the morale of deployed military personnel reminding them of the felicities of home. On behalf of our entire chapel staff thank you for your friendship and generosity.” (5/08) Lt. Col Ziccardi, Wing Chaplain
. . . “I don’t know how many of these you receive but I would like to take the time to recognize you all for your thoughtful service to the men and women of the armed services. I recently received one of your care packages through my mother-in-law Patty Thomas who signed me up. You all do a wonderful job of supporting the troops and many times it goes unheard of. I just want you to know that I appreciated your package and nothing is going to waste. Being deployed is hard on families, but knowing that there are people in the United States that support the U.S. Soldier makes it worthwhile. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do.” (4/08) SFC Collison
. . . “I got and am using one of those neck cool ties, the ones with the gel in them...I am in Iraq and its been in the 100’s and it has come in handy more than you can ever imagine!!! Thank you so much for taking awesome care of us.” (4/08) Rooks
. . . “I’m writing on behalf of my unit, the Virginia Army National Guard 429th BSB to thank you for the recent care package. It was on behalf of the Miska family so thanks to them as well. We use and recycle everything we get here so know that the gift was appreciated. The weather is starting to get worm here, soon it will be up to 120 degrees by day. Our unit is rotating out soon, so I’m glad I’ll miss the worst of that. Hope all is well with you and your organization back home; we’ll be with you soon.” (4/08) Spc O’Brien
. . . “Thank you so much on behalf of the 54th QM Co., Ft. Lee, VA. My name is Kerry and my 7 cohorts and I are in our 4th month in Baghdad. We received a package for another soldier and you graciously offered it to us. We appreciate your kindness. Thank You.” (4/08) Spc Robinson and the 54th
. . . “Thank you for sending the snacks and supplies. I shared with quite a few guys here at FOB Hope who want to say thanks as well. We all are thankful and happy with all the support we get from back home. Thanks again and God Bless.” (4/08) Sgt. Heilman
. . . “We received the boxes of Neck Coolers (500). They are great!! Thank you so much for sending them and supporting us here. Your generosity is much appreciated. Thanks.” (4/08) SFC Leahy
. . . “My name is Andrea and I am an Army wife. My husband is currently in Iraq and one of my FRG leaders sent me the link to your site. I just wanted to say thank you so much for what you are doing. I’m new to the whole military thing (this is my husband’s first deployment) and the whole thing is very difficult, and extremely stressful. I can’t even begin to tell you how good it made me feel when I went to your site and found out about what you are doing for our troops and soldiers like my husband. It means so much to me to know that there are other people out there who really care about them. So I’m sorry if this email seems silly, but I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for what you are doing. Thank you.” (3/08) Wife of a soldier
. . . “I recently found your site and really appreciate everything you are doing. I know how busy it must keep you because I used to be at the post office everyday sending my husband things until a few personal things happened recently and I haven’t been able to go as often since. I’ll get you out a donation soon though. I just wanted to say thank you for everything.” (3/08) Wife of a soldier
. . . “I am now the proud owner of 45,000 Tea Bags, courtesy of the Dragon Pearl Whole Teas out of Grover Beach, CA as well as from Tadin Quality Herbs & Teas from the City of Commerce, CA that were donated to our soldiers here in Iraq. WOW!!!!!!!!!! I just want to let you know that I received your 10 boxes today here at LSA Anaconda; and your generous donation will be greatly appreciated by the thousands of troops that file through our transient housing area monthly. I can guarantee that this tea will not only be enjoyed, but will be appreciated by all. Rest assured that the tea will be distributed to those in which you intended. So, on behalf of all of those, soon to be “Tea Drinkin” soldiers, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” (2/08) Cummings
. . . “On behalf of the Marine Security Guard Detachment, we would like to say thank you for your support. We just received our first Care Package from you all and we deeply appreciate it.” (2/08) Sgt. Jimenez
. . . “It truly amazes me how much kindness has been sent our way from everyone at U.S. Troop Care Package. I have received several packages and got some more today. Wow, I am dumbfounded and speechless. The support displayed by so many of our fellow Americans means the world to us. This is a reflection for our sincere gratitude. Thanks for the personal hygiene products. Thanks for the snacks. The items you sent brought a special smile to my soldier’s faces that I haven’t seen since we deployed a few months ago. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I don’t think I can say that enough. We really do appreciate you all. May God bless you all and our beloved Country!” (2/08) CPT Akinbayo
. . . “I received the packages yesterday afternoon on mail call. My soldiers were impressed about your donations and packages. They did not let me spread out all the items but they got what they needed. I was not able to take pictures this time but for the next time I will take them so you can see the difference you guys made for us. Thanks a lot for your time and effort. The soldiers will be good with the items for about a month or so. For my soldiers, 7 out of 10 soldiers, this is the first time deployment and they were not expecting that. I got my share and they were glad to see that some good Americans care for soldiers. On behalf of myself thanks for the gift. I will contact later again. Keep up the good work and keep the soldiers moral up.” (2/08) SGT Oquendo
. . . “I want to thank you personally for supporting the troops in a very big way. Appreciate the time and effort you put into this. This means so much to the troops over in KOSOVO. Thanks again for the SUPPORT!” (2/08) SSG Fuller
. . . “Thank you for all your support and thoughtful gifts. I gave your box to my Marines and it was like Christmas morning, only in Iraq. Thank You.” (2/08) SSGT Grantham
. . . “I recently received a Care Package from your organization from the Hallmark Gift Shop in Milton, WA. I just wanted to write a short note thanking them and your organization for making the effort in sending the packages that you do. I appreciate the items packed and the card that was enclosed from the Hallmark Staff. Thank you again.” (2/08) MSGT Webb
. . . “My name is Sgt. Michelle J. Crow stationed out of MCAS Miramar, CA and I am not sure if this is the correct E-Mail address to send this to but I would just like to thank all of the volunteers for their time and support. It is people like you that we fight for and are proud to serve. God bless you all and God bless America. Thank you all, you’ll never know how much receiving a care package means to us.” (2/08) Sgt. Crow
. . . “I just received your package today! Thank you very much, everything was very thoughtful and needed. I really appreciate the handmade items it really shows your appreciation. It makes me happy and proud to see us Americans sticking together. Once again thank you for everything. P.S. I have a friend that is in need if you would like to help him his address is the same as mine.” (1/08) York
. . . “I would like to thank you all for the “heartfelt” care package I received this week. I am nearing the end of my one year “remote” tour in Korea and will be returning to my wife and 3 boys in February. I really appreciate everyone who contributed to this awesome “morale boosting” gift, specifically the “cool tie” and folded pocket flag. The toughest part of any deployment is the separation – so anytime we get mail or something from home it’s an awesome thing. To open a box filled with love and kindness like the one I just got really makes serving our country worthwhile. I appreciate your support and all you do for our country as well, may God bless you all.” (1/08) TSGT Gregaitis
. . . “Thank you for assembling and shipping out the care package. It was received with gratitude. My crew and I have enjoyed the contents and whatever we have left over or what we do not need, we hand out to the troops we transport into and out of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Thank you once again for supporting us, especially during this time of year when we are all away from friends and family.” (1/08) CPT Pavlansky
. . . “To whom it may concern - I’d like to say Thank you for acknowledging the troops the way you do. It touches me to no end to see what you do and the difference you make. You see my name is Mike Mason and I am a contractor in Kuwait, supporting the U.S. Army as they head towards Iraq and Afghanistan and it is the best feeling in the world. I will have supported the U.S. Army for 4 years as of February 1st, 2008 and get goose bumps knowing that I really make a difference. You and you’re team should be so proud of the Army here in Kuwait, what a fine group of men and women who are so genuine, professional and focused on their jobs. It is truly a great feeling and what a heartfelt feeling to be able to say “I AM AN AMERICAN,” as I support the awesome power that is the U.S. Army . . . Great Job.” (1/08) Michael Mason
2007
. . . “Thank you for your support.” (12/07) Speck Benitez
. . . “Thank you for assembling and shipping out the care packages. It was received with gratitude. My crew and I have enjoyed the contents and whatever we have left over or what we do not need, we hand out to the troops we transport. Thank you once again for supporting us, especially during this time of year when we are all away from friends and family.” (12/07) Capt Paviansky
. . . “Thank you very much for the kind care package you sent. Was very thoughtful and very much appreciated by my soldiers and I. We know that your thoughts and prayers are with us every day and thank you for taking the time to show how much you care. God Bless You!” (12/07) Lt. Col Ingram
. . . “Thank you so much for your contribution to the deployed troops. With your donations you have contributed towards 2,000 pounds of supplies to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) project started by the Panther Airman Advisory Council located at Balad AB, Iraq. By collecting donations, from different agencies on and off base, we pack up boxes of hygiene products, food, magazines, books, etc. and send the supplies to our fellow soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors located at these bases that do not have the accommodations that some deployed bases have. You are making a difference by boosting the morale in the deployed troops. We personally thank you for your contributions and consideration towards the deployed troops.” (12/07) Panther Airman Advisory Council
. . . “Thank you for your outstanding support to all of us. The men and women of the “Screaming Eagles,” a C-130 Airlift Squadron from Abilene, Texas, truly enjoyed receiving your stockings the other day. It is never easy to be away from friends and family, but especially during this time of year, it really becomes foremost in our minds. Your well wishes really went a long way to emphasize to all my airmen that there are patriots out there, such as yourselves, thinking of them and all that they do. I know you may not always receive a letter back about the impact you have on the troops, but let me tell you it’s immense. The smiles on their faces are priceless from all of us over here, please tell everyone thank you, we really appreciate it.” (12/07) Lt. Col Zick
. . . “Thank you very much for what you have sent to us so far. I have received 22 boxes out of the 30. I appreciate it greatly. Take care and will write when I get a chance.” (12/07) SSG Fuller
. . . “I wanted to inform you that we received the other 4 wonderful boxes from your organization. Once again I cannot begin to tell you how much your generosity has touched the members of our small unit here. We are 83 personnel deep and we do not have easy access to many of the necessary items to make it through a normal day. I have attached a photo of the 500 strong that we have scattered throughout the AOR (Area of Operation). I am the first sergeant and the medic so in some small way you are still taking care of the medical community. Thank you again for your generosity and it is people like you that make the whole experience a little easier to deal with.” (12/07) MSGT Sheffield
. . . “Thank you for the update. I am very happy that we have organizations like yours that takes care of our troops. Ya’ll are to be commended on a daily basis. Thank you.” (12/07) Capt. Wozniak
. . . “Just wanted to let you know we received the packages today. We really appreciate the extra effort and all the stockings you sent. I gave your address to my commander who will in turn be sending a thank you from the squadron. Thanks again.” (12/07) Major Cyrus
. . . “Thank you for your care packages, it really makes our day. I will be on my way home soon but we will be leaving some fellow soldiers behind. Please forward a care package to them.” (12/07)
. . . “Thank you so much for the treats, toiletries, etc. We received four boxes from your organization this week and distributed them to the troops. It’s always nice to get mail from friends and family, but most touching when people like you take the time to put together thoughtful care packages. They arrive unexpectedly to brighten the day here at FOB Hammer (though some would argue it’s bright enough out here in the desert!); not only are the treats delicious and the other items necessities, but it means a lot that an organization we don’t even know supports us and wishes us well. So you know, your presents went to my detachment of Airmen from the 557 Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron, a heavy construction unit comprised of engineers and craftsmen from all over the country. Right now we’re deployed for six months in support of the Army, constructing facilities and roads for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division so they can operate from something a little more reliable than tents and dirt paths! It’s rewarding work; our base has come a long way since we arrived. Thanks again for your generosity. Hope you have a safe winter and God Bless!” (12/07) MSGT Sheffield
. . . “I wanted to thank you for the continued support you send to may unit. I am often asked by people back in the states why we do what we do. They ask me about being away from home, or the lack of comforts, or the mission usually couched with “I don’t know how (or why) you all do it.” I usually write back and tell them about the conditions here in Iraq, or tell them of the oppression I have seen or of the children’s faces filled with happiness and hope, or the trash and sewer in the streets. I tell them that we are winning this fight (because I truly believe we are!) and regardless of why people think we were sent here . . . we are here now and we are here to find terrorist and defeat them and we are here to leave Iraq better than when we found it. Nothing else matters to us now.
I want to share a story with you. This weekend I was sitting talking to one of my troopers about re-enlisting. He is a positive kid, 4 years in the Army, motivated to his task, dedicated to those around him. I expected he would re-enlist and would require little convincing. As we were talking about his options and his motivation to soldier he said “Sir, I am staying in the Army and I will be happy continuing to do what I do. But I am not motivated by the words you say, or the money in the bonus, or for my buddies, or by the feeling I have being a Paratrooper. I do it for my kids and my wife and what my job means to them and their future.”
He then handed me a tattered copy of the poem below. He said when he was here for the invasion he was a brand new private and it was sent to him in a forward e-mail or something. He has had it ever since and has never shown it to anybody but his wife. As I read it, it hit me like a bag of bricks. I thought I would share it with you. I have typed it exactly as it was on the copy he gave me and I have given credit to the author so I believe you would be free to share this story and poem with anyone you like. I thank God everyday for giving me the opportunity to lead America’s Sons and Daughters and I pray I am doing it right. May God continue to bless the American Soldier!” (11/07) CPT Harvey
POEM
The things that make a Soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon’s mouth, nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by the little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
Tis these that make a Soldier great. He’s fighting for them all.
Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a Soldier brave;
Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For Soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger But that humble street whereon his children run
You make a Soldier of the main who never bore a gun.
What is it through the battle smoke that valiant Soldiers sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees.
The little patch of ground back there, the children at the play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn’t linked to castle dome,
But to the spot, where’er it be – the humble spot called home.
And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there,
And homesick Soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hers the bugle call.
And only death can stop him now – he’s fighting for them all.
Edgar A. Guest, ca. 1940. . . “I want to express my sincere appreciation for your blessed gifts. I know small things like a toothbrush and snacks don’t seem like much but to us out here they are huge reminders of home. Nothing is more precious than our family and friends and these small items remind us of home. I do feel like we Americans are making a difference in this world, and you should be proud. Regardless of the press, the less fortunate need our help. I will be coming home very soon and I hope to volunteer and give back to my other family, my Navy Shipmates, the way you have given to me. Thank you.” (11/07) AZ1 Diesburg
. . . “I am sorry for the un-timeliness of this note. It should have been sent months ago. However, the box of pillows you sent to us in care of Sgt. Lozado had been misplaced! We have found them and we have distributed them to airmen heading into 12 months of deployments. The pillows went very fast. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and also for your good wishes and concern for our Airmen! Know that your gift to us has gone beyond our Air Base perimeter and that its touching the lives of many. Your pillows were a great hit.” 10/07 Major Drober
. . . “Good afternoon Ev Pratt and all the members of the U.S. Troop Care Package. Thank you so very much for sending me a care package. I did share it with the other soldiers here in Baghdad, Iraq with me. We have been here for eleven months so far and appreciate everything that we have received. May God continue to Bless Us All. We are scheduled to go home in January, 2008. Take care. God Bless.” (10/07) SFC Worsley
. . . “Just wanted to let you know that the Squad Leader and Squad that I submitted to you just returned back from the Middle East and was very ecstatic about the packages they received! Please thank all the volunteers for their help! Every little bit makes a difference!” (10/07) Fowlkes, USAF Retired
. . . “Thank you for the kind thought of sending us a care package. I kept the pillow and saved the toiletries because I am running low on them and I could always use a second pillow. Our Platoon buddy loved the tea. He has several glasses a day. Personally I don’t know how he does it when it’s still in the 104’s every day! Everybody enjoyed the snacks. One soldier went crazy over the cheese-n-crackers. He hasn’t had them in awhile. Thank you again for your support and for the goodies. Many people say they “support the troops” but you actually showed it. Thanks” (9/07) Sgt. Kolmar
NOTE: The “tea” was donated by Dragon Pearl Whole Teas, California.
. . . “To all those that make these CARE Packages possible: THANK YOU! The support from the home front really makes a difference. Thank you for all that you do.” (9/07) LT Goering
. . . “We received a Care Package from you in Iraq and we wanted to say thank you! The games, snacks, toiletries, and homemade pillow were all very much enjoyed by all of us. We want to thank you for your support and encouragement! Take care and God Bless.” (9/07) 1st LT Bergstrom
. . . “Well, it looks like my fun in the sun vacation time is coming to an end. My replacement should be here within 10 days and I should be out of here by September 15. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself! Our replacements are starting to show up now. The first ones got here earlier in the week. Mine will not be here until around the 9th. Hopefully I will be flying out of here by the 15th. Overall, it has been a great deployment. I have been able to shower every day and sleep in air conditioning. That is a lot more than some of my fellow soldiers out here. It has only been four and ½ months – much better than the Army, they are here for about 15 months. I know that sending a typed letter is not considered as personal as a hand written one – but the way I write, consider this more respectful to you since you can actually read the typed words!
We have seen about a thousand patients and have helped with over 200 missions. No one died – at least while in our care. We have seen some seriously sick and injured and some not so sick. I am glad we have not seen too many kids (young 18 year olds) who have been blown up – it is emotionally hard to care for these troops, especially the ones who are missing an arm or part of a leg. We get the ones that come through here that have been in improvised explosive device (IED) explosions. I took care of a guy the other night that had been in four IED blasts. I asked him if he got a set of steak knifes for surviving four or did he have to shoot for five? He laughed!
We are also seeing a lot of patients with psychological issues. Some of these patients have post traumatic stress (PSTD. A large portion of the psych patients are having problems with their spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends. I do not think the people at home realize how much isolation there is over here – guess that is why the letters and packages from home are so meaningful. But some loved ones at home make the problems bigger for the folks over here. Guess that just stems from the selfishness of the person at home. I have heard some of the people here on the phone with their loved ones at home and I am amazed at how the people at home are treating these people. It all boils down to the fact that we have all volunteered to serve – and separation from our loved ones comes with that pledge of service.
When I first got here I started sending out request for needed supplies for the troops. Since that initial beating the bushes and continued e-mail request, with Americans like you, I have helped collect over $15,000 worth of clothing and supplies for the troops. That is not even counting the cost of the shipping to get the stuff over here. The San Francisco 49’ers donated over $4,000 worth of clothing! This is going to be a cause I will continue to support when I get home. Since everyone has been so generous to us here, I have been able to send 15 large boxes of supplies to Balad, Iraq and another ten boxes to Afghanistan.
When I get home, I am planning on driving down to Louisiana, through Houston, on to San Antonio to pick up my dog, on through Dallas, and back home. So, it looks like I will be seeing some of my country soon! There will be grass and hills and trees and NO Desert! I love America!! Thank you again for all you have done for me and the troops! (9/07) Capt Odom
. . . “Just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks for all your support!” (9/07) Capt Odom
. . . “Thank you so much for the package. It was very nice of you guys. I think it is really nice that you guys send packages to the troops. It lets us know that people support us back in the states because we hear so much negative stuff on the news. I’m sure my husband would like a package also. It’s really hard for us both being deployed, but we are getting through it. Well I just wanted to send you guys a quick note to say thanks! Thank you so much.” (8/07) SPC Edmonds
. . . “Thank you so much for getting back in contact with me and you willingness to help out. Let me tell you about who I am. I am the Company Commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company based in Iraq. We are called the Headquarters and Headquarters Company for the Falcon Brigade. I am a separate company. I do not belong to a Battalion. My commander is the Brigade Commander. There are four Brigades in the 82d and we are one of only four BDE HHCs. We are all Paratroopers by trade. That means we have all volunteered at least three times in our military careers... once to come into the Army, once to go to Airborne school and the third to come to the 82d Airborne Division where we routinely volunteer to jump out of perfectly good airplanes with 800 or so of our closest friends, usually at night to execute our mission.
I have well over 50 different Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) in this Company. It is comprised of over 130 Paratroopers who all call FT Bragg, NC home. I have troopers ready to retire; I have troopers who have been in the Army only a month and everything in between. Well over half of my Company has been deployed in support of OIF I, III and also Hurricane Katrina Relief as of late. Deployments and time away from home is not new to these Paratroopers. I have males and I have females. I have ultra serious troopers and pranksters. I love the diversity of this unit.
We have the mission to plan and resource the Battalions that are in this Brigade for all aspects war fighting. We are extremely heavy in senior leaders. The Brigade Commander and Brigade CSM are in my Company. Over 60% of the unit are officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officers who run and mange various staff sections such as personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, civil military affairs, and fire support. This Company is made up of the best and the brightest. Each staff section runs very minimally manned maintaining 24 hour operations seven days a week. We work shift work and there is no such thing as days off or much personal time. Most of these Paratroopers work about a 14 hour day and have about 10 hours to do physical training, sleep, eat and get ready to come back the next day and do it all over again. Young Paratroopers are routinely expected to make decision that have a direct impact on the war fighters on the street. Most of them have been hand picked to work in this Headquarters.
We arrived in Iraq on a short notice deployment. We were notified on _____ and we were here by _____. That is the mission of the 82d... go anywhere to do anything as quickly as possible. We were deployed as the first Brigade in support of the President's Surge Operation. We were told to expect a 6-7 month deployment. As you know, we and all the other Soldiers deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism are now deployed for a length of 15 months so we are expecting to go home in early _____.
I have been the Commander for about three weeks now and I can tell already this is an outstanding Company. The Paratroopers of this unit are more dedicated than I have ever seen and their level of expertise in unparalleled. Thank you for all you do back home to support us. It is always good to see that people appreciate us. I have attached a couple pictures from the Change of Command and an excel roster. I think I answered all the things you need. There are no birthday’s listed. Odd story. I was putting birthdays in the newsletter and somebody made a complaint that I was violating the privacy act. I didn’t know birthdays were private, anyway. I don’t even track when people’s birthdays are anymore. Sorry. God Bless you for having the vision to set this organization up and dedication to see it though and may God continue to Bless the American Paratroopers!” (8/07) Cpt Harvey
. . . “On behalf of our patients and staff, I would like to thank you for your support with gifts of kindness you sent for our wounded warriors. This means so much to those who come to us with few, if any hygiene or personal items. Again, thank you for your continued support to the troops. Your kinds and prayers go a long way.” (8/07) Lt Col Parker
. . . “Thank you for the care package that was sent. It was very thoughtful and brought some excitement to my day. It’s nice to know that some people appreciate what we are doing. Once again thanks and have a blessed day.” (8/07) SSG Hall
. . . “I received a package from you all and I appreciate very much all your hard work to support us in uniform overseas trying to serve our COUNTRY PROUDLY.” (8/07) Snyder, Commanding
. . . “Just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful care package! Thank you for all your support! It really is appreciated.” (7/07) SSgt Kilpatrick
. . . “Thank you very much for the care package! Receiving mail is definitely the highlight of our day. I have shared with the other troops and we are all enjoying the goodies. Thank you again for sending it to us!!!” (7/07) TSgt Brown
. . . “Thanks for your support its because of people like yourselves that makes my day over here. Thanks for your efforts and prayers. Its good to know that you care about us. Thanks for all you do. P. S. Thanks for the pillow and also the snacks.” (7/07) SFC Ma’o
. . . “Happy 4th of July! Thanks so much for sending me such an awesome care package. You guys are great! Thanks again.” (7/07) Spc Waites
. . . “Happy 4th of July! Greetings from my sandy beach “vacation” in Never Never land! Well, one thing – there isn’t any water . . . just all beach! The sun comes up at around 0430 here and gets BLAZING 0435 . . . not really. But by 0630 it is pretty hot. I think the days are in the 120s now. Glad I am working nights. We get all the missions (the flights coming in and going out with the patients) at night which means all the work. But I am okay with that if it means I do not have to be out in this heat during the day!
We received your care package yesterday and what a surprise! It was stuffed with Sweats for the patients! Thanks for caring about the troops. They are so happy to receive positive wishes from people at home. Well, a little about me, my name is Capt. Odom and I am an RN working in Kuwait. I have been in the Air Force for 18 years; I was enlisted for seven years before I became an officer. I normally work in the ER at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; I am the Clinical Nurse Specialist there. My group got here in May and is supposed to be here until September. I was born in Houston and raised in Louisiana.
I work at a Contingency Air Staging Facility here in Kuwait. We are caring for soldiers coming in from Kuwait and Iraq. We are a transition point about 30 miles from Iraq. We have critical care set up here as well as primary care. As for the patients we are caring for here, for the most part they are pretty stable – some are very critical and we try to quickly get them on to the local hospital. We care mostly for Americans but sometimes people who get injured on the convoys are citizens of other countries contracting services to the US. They cannot get care in the US hospital in Germany so we have to get them to the hospital in Kuwait. The hospitals in Iraq are not suitable for the care of those working for the US. Most coming through are not battle injured. But we have had a few with external fixation devices and many others with battle wounds. Been seeing a lot of psych patients also. We pick up patients from flights, house them, and send them off either to the US hospital in Kuwait – or to Germany. Some are sent back to America. Not a bad job – but we are working 12 hour shifts six days a week. That part gets old. Since there is not much else to do here but go to the gym and work – I have been splitting my time between the two.
Since I have been here, I got all the application paperwork in for the PhD program at Texas Women’s University. Most of the class work will be completed online. Several of the PhDs from my most recent grad school are writing letters of reference for me . . . but they are also trying to get me to apply at UT at Houston for their PhD program. It is a thought. But since I went to grad school there – I want to get my PhD at a different university. The deadline for the application is September. They will announce those accepted by the end of the year. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
I miss my doggie. I have a little four pound poodle whose name is Tica and she is 10 years old. She thinks she is a Rottweiler! She is going to be so mad at me when she sees me again. For about 30 seconds she is going to be crazy happy . . . then she will remember that I have been gone for almost five months! There is so much I want to do when I get home. I want to go out for a few days and see some of my beautiful country! I think I will go on a road trip to West Virginia for about four or five days. Maybe do a little white water rafting.
Before you know it, I will be back here. I am slotted to return here next summer. There is normally 15 months from the time you get home until you are expected to return. However, I will be returning approximately six months after I get home. I get home in time for the snow and the Uck winter in Dayton – then come back here to where it is 800 degrees outside! Okay, maybe not quite that hot – but it is attention getting.
You mention in your note to tell you if I need anything. Well, I do not really NEED anything, but I sure would love to have some Atkins Endulge bars. Since I have been dieting and exercising – I sure miss eating sweets. Those Atkins Endulge Peanut Caramel Cluster Bars really hit the spot! If your group would like to send anything for the troops, we could use some travel size baby powder, foot powder, Chapstick, and the chap flip flops (men’s size L & XL) for them to use for shower shoes. Thanks again for the box of Sweat pants! If you get a chance, drop me a line.” (7/07) Cpt. Odom
. . . “Thank you so much for the package, gestures like this by people like you really help out the morale. Thanks again for your support. I hope to be back in Washington soon.” (6/07) TSGT Oje
. . . “I wanted to write you guys and thank you so much for my package. A special thanks to “K” for making me a pillow. Your gifts and kindness mean a lot to me. I’ll be honest I miss Pasco, especially my family, a lot. A deck of cards from the Moose brought me back to a different place for awhile. I’m moving locations soon, so my address won’t be good much longer, but that’s OK, I’m glad I got one of those neat little flags before I left and the package got lost in space. You guys are really neat people for all that you do. I look forward to coming home and seeing everyone again. Faith, hope, and love guide you as it does me. Peace and love.” (6/07) SPC Maxwell
. . . “Thank you for your reply. I do appreciate all that you guys do to support us over here. I just wanted to let you know that we will be leaving in July. Which is like in 30 days. I have spoken with the new guys here and they are all interested in getting correspondents from people. My mentorship is coming to a close. The new mentor for the next six months is SSGT McCord. He is awaiting your reply. I hope that you do not ever stop talking with troops overseas. Thank you again for all that you do. I wanted to say that I am sorry to all those people that have corresponded to me either by E-Mail, letters or packages over my journey here and I have not written back to you. It saddens me that the work load is so very high with the opt tempo and really didn’t have anytime to E-Mail anyone, including my wife. But I feel bad that I didn’t make contact with you. I wanted everyone to know that I have appreciated all that you have done, and all that you will do to bring cheer and a smile to someone’s face. I have received hundreds of letters and many care packages over the last 5 months and if I had corresponded with everyone I would have been on this computer for many hours. Anyhow thank you again and please E-Mail SSGT McCord this is the new guy here and he is very excited to mentor the new people. I hope that each of you have a great day. Thanks again!!!! You really are making a difference.” (6/07) SSGT Ramsey
. . . “On behalf of our patients and staff, I would like to thank you for your support with gifts of kindness you sent for our wounded warriors. Thank you for pillows, wipes, hand soap and shaving gel that you sent to us. This means so much to those who come to us with few, if any hygiene or personal items. Again thank you for your continued support our troops. Your kindness and prayers go a long way.” (5/07) Lt Col Parker, Deputy Commander
. . . “Your packages arrived in great condition and in traditional Marine Corps fashion, I took care of the junior troops first. Instead of giving the box to one Marine, it was given to the Lance Corporals first, then Corporals, we have no Sergeants right now, then the Staff Sergeants get to throw out the empty box. By sharing the whole box to a group, it helps keep any one Marine from feeling singled out. Of course I make sure that the ones with little to o mail get first pickings and they are not limited to what they can get from the box. Everything about your care packages was perfect. The time and effort put into all of them were worth it. Watching the junior troops gather items from it was a very nice feeling. If I had the ability to record them and send you the video, you could see how much of a difference a box from home makes. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you very much.
A little about our unit, we’re a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron. We have over 15 Marines and no females in our section, or work center. We work 24/7. I’m in charge of the night crew. We fix the components that go inside of the F-18, EA6B, Harriers and everything that the Marine Corps flys. While we don’t fix the actual aircraft, we fix everything that comes in and out of it. We have some of the smartest people in the Corps in our MOS’s (jobs). Instead of being from 1 unit, we come from many to support one unit. We’re very diverse in culture and geographic from all over the US and it’s territories. As far as anything specific, I feel bad enough asking for anything at all. Please thank all of your supporters for bring home closer to us so far away.” (5/07) SSGT Pealo
. . . “Just wanted to thank you for the Care Packages that your group sent. It is a pleasure to know that the support back home is more than we thought. Our prayers and thoughts are also with you. A special thanks to the children who have packed this stuff up and set it out to us. To sum it all up, we do what we do for our family, country, and Freedom. We are not heroes we are soldiers.” (5/07) SSG Bryant’
. . . “Just wanted to convey a heart felt thanks from myself and all 67 of my soldiers sure means a lot getting a little something from home. If there’s a place on a webpage I can post updates and pic’s, I’d love to! Thanks Again!.” (5/07) 1st Sgt. Frans
. . . “Thank you very much for the Care Packages that you sent us. We really appreciate the care and thought that was put into it. It makes all of us happy that you support us in our efforts overseas. I hope that this letter finds all of you in good health. We are very thankful that we are in your thoughts. Again thank you very much.” (5/07) WPNS Squad, 82nd Airborne Division
. . . “Thank you very much for the care package. Well, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in South Carolina. My Birthday is July 26, 1984. I do not have any kids. I came in the Army in 2004. My home duty station is Ft. Riley, KS. When I came in the military I knew that I could be deployed to Iraq. So, I was ready for that. This is my second tour to Iraq. The first time I deployed October 2005 to October 2006. I got back and the Unit I was in was going away. So I volunteered to deploy again in February of 07. We are in a hostile spot, I just pray everyday that I make it home soon. I try checking the internet every once in a while to see what is going on in the U.S. I see that a lot is going on as far as getting us from over here. But I want to give a special thanks to people like you that support us in what we are doing over here. Once again thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.” (4/07) SPC Sutton
. . . “On behalf of our patients and staff, I would like to thank you for the pillows you sent for our wounded, injured, and ill warriors. There are times that our patients come to us without their personal items and your kindness and thoughtfulness will ensure that we can provide them with the means to feel refreshed and prepared for additional travel to their intended destinations. The “travel size” articles are exactly what they need to get from here to their destination conveniently and comfortably.
Should you or others in your community wish to provide additional items for the comfort and convenience of our patients, in addition to the items you so graciously provided they find particularly useful small re-sealable packages of unscented “baby wipes”, travel size bottles of after-shave, tubes of chap stick, and the small plastic dental picks with floss attached. Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and willingness to support our troops. Such gestures mean more than you might think to those far from home and loved ones.” (4/07) Lt. Col Hurston
NOTE: A picture of the service personnel was included with the following statement:
“The Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) is medical holding and staging facility for our wounded, injured or ill soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines traveling to higher levels of care. The CASF mission is to ensure that patients are approximately prepared medically and administratively for flight. Our warriors are cared for as though they are members of our family so, when the time comes for them to travel to the next medical facility, they are carefully taken onto aircraft and handed off to our medical flight crew colleagues. Thank you for your support.”. . . “I wanted to write and thank you so much for the box I received today! The items in the box were distributed throughout my entire section. Whatever was not claimed in our section was offered to other sections and all of it was taken by somebody who had a need for it. I greatly appreciate the support that you and all members of this organization provide not only to me, but to all members of the military. It truly means a lot to us when we know that people remember us and are looking out for us, especially when so many basic things we need are not readily available to us here in Iraq. Your kindness and generosity definitely have brightened our day!
Just a little bit about us: We’re a section of 13 Soldiers who provide personnel service support to a light infantry combat tem of over 3,400 Soldiers. We deployed in February and are expected to be deployed for a least a year with rumors already of being extended up to 4 months. We all pretty much share the same thought: we’d rather know now that we’re extended instead of finding out right before we’re supposed to go home, as has happened to some units. We’re at Forward Operating Base Falcon, which is in southern Baghdad. Our camp isn’t one of the “nicer” ones in Iraq, although improvements already have been made in our short time here and will continue to be made throughout our tour.
We’re fortunate in that we have some more comfort things than we had on my last tour here (September 2003-September 2004 in Ramadi), so I certainly shouldn’t complain. If I do have one complaint, though, it’s with the limited selection of basic things, mostly personal hygiene items, in our PX. That’s what really makes packages like the one you sent mean so much, because there are things we can’t get here that most people take for granted. For instance, the PX carries only one type of shampoo, so everybody is requesting that their families and friends send that. I believe that as the requests continue to come in, the PX will expand what it has available, but of course they must get those items first from their supplier, and that will take a bit of time. Again, I wanted to let you know that we all truly appreciate what you do for all of us. Thank you so much!” (4/07) CW2 Trepanier
. . . “I am currently deployed to a medical unit in Northern Iraq. A few of us have received a package from your organization. Thank you so much for your support. We so appreciate it. So many folks here at the 506 EMEDS are interested in the tiny flags you place in the packages. Would it be possible to get 44 of those tiny flags sent to our unit? I would like to pass them out prior to the end of our rotation. Thank you so much.” (4/07) MSGT Johnson
. . . “Thank you very much for your recent Care Package. It was very thoughtful and generous of your troop to do this for us! Please find enclosed a picture of all the soldiers who say “Thank You” for your support!” (4/07) SGT Major Veronesi
. . . “Thank you so much for the package. Your organization is more of a blessing than you can ever imagine. Your thoughtfulness to the needs of our troops and even the smallest extra treat makes such a difference. Your contribution has helped improve the morale of deployed military personnel and in turn, assisted in propelling forward the movement on our war against terrorism. On behalf of our entire chapel staff and the people we serve, we pray God blesses you for your love and support.” (4/07) LT. COL. Slater, Wing Chaplain
. . . “Thank you for your care package. It was such a nice surprise. I especially liked the pillow and the packages were wrapped. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to make sure that the troops have a nice holiday and that we are taken care of. It means so much to know that people like you are taking care of us. We will be leaving in April and I’ve realized that I’ve taken a lot for granted. It’ll be nice to be back in the U.S. Thank you again for everything.” (3/07) QM3 Randall
. . . “My husband and I wanted to thank you for the box that you sent him. He asked me to write to you because he is very busy in Afghanistan. Justin is a Chinook crew chief and he is always flying. He works 14 hour days most of the time. He is stationed at Ft. Bragg and he has been in the army for almost 6 years now. We are originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. We have been here the whole time he has been in the army. We have been married fore 8 years now and we decided we wanted a change that is why he joined the army. We love it except for the deployments. This is his 3rd deployment since January of 2003. It is wearing us out to say the least and we are ready for a change ourselves. We are hoping to get stationed somewhere that is less hectic than Ft. Bragg. As I said before you have no idea how thankful we are for your kindness. Justin only gets 1 day off per 14 days so he has very limited time for anything really. He liked the stuff you have sent. He did ask me to have him removed from the list and no longer wishes to receive care packages. He appreciates this but he says he is getting bombarded with many care packages and would rather this go to someone else who is in need more than him. I hope this does not offend you. Thanks again for your kindness.” (3/07) A. Neely
. . . “I recently received a care package from your organization and wanted to say thanks! Sorry it took so long to write back we’ve been sort of buy the past few weeks. That was really great of you to think of me and my buddies out here. I’m 27 and from the northeast. My squadron over here is a small unit of Air Force people from bases all over the world. We’re located just north of Baghdad. The weather here is pretty cold on some days, but overall not too bad. We’re supposed to be getting into the rainy season soon. How about you guys? Any major plans for the weekend like visiting family? Ii try to call home whenever I get the chance, but email is definitely the way to go. Thanks again for the thought. Things like that really do make a difference to people over here, especially for some of the guys who don’t have family or friends who write. Be safe and have fun!” (2/07) Capt. Skow
. . . “I just wanted to send you a quick email thanking your organization for the care package that was recently sent to me. Words alone can’t express the gratitude that me and the other 22 Soldiers of my platoon feel each time we receive a package from great Americans like you. We are a tight knit group that shares the items we receive amongst ourselves and your package brought joy to myself and the other 22 Soldiers of my platoon. My personal thanks goes to each and every one of you. God Bless!” (2/07) MSG Teal
. . . “I received the care package yesterday and just want to thank you very much! I’m going to share with my folks! Thank you for everything you do, it means a lot to all of us!” (1/07) MSGT Hughes
. . . “Greetings from Baghdad, Iraq. My name is PFC Wright. I am writing to thank you for the packages you sent the 630th MP Co. They all went to good use. I hope you have a great holiday and an even better New Year. Thanks! (1/07) PFC Wright
. . . “Thank you so much for your donation! Your contribution is more of a blessing than you can ever imagine and your thoughtfulness to the needs of our troops of even the littlest extra treat makes such a difference. Your gift has helped improve the morale of our deployed military personnel. On behalf of our entire chapel staff and the people we serve, we pray God blesses you for your love and support.” (1/07) Chaplain, Lt. Col. Slater
. . . “Thank you for your recent donation/gift. I am Major Michelle Franco-Cohn and I am the 332nd CASF donation/gift Representative. The CASF is an element of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group in Balad, Iraq. Both the patients passing through here and the staff wish to thank you for your efforts. It is a comfort to all of us that folks like yourselves remember we are here. We all know what you have done takes from your busy schedules. On behalf of all those who benefit from your kind donations we send you our gratitude.” (1/07) Major Franco-Cohn
. . . “Thank you all very much for the wonderful care package. I loved it and really boosted my morale. Thank you for all you do for us out here. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” (1/07) Spc Gapinski
2006
. . . “I want to thank you so much for your support and generosity. I am an officer on board the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. We are currently off the coast of Pakistan, providing air support to the ground troops of Afghanistan. I was able to share your care package with 60 sailors who work for me. The time and effort you all put into getting these packages together is greatly appreciated. Life at sea can get very monotonous and it’s always a comfort to know that the citizens back home support the sacrifices of our soldiers and sailors. Once again thank you and God Bless.” (12/06) ENS Shaffer
. . . “I would like to thank you for the package. I shared it with my maintenance team.” (12/06) SGT Parker
. . . “Thank you so much for sending me a package, I enjoyed everything in it. It is finally nice to see that we have friends who care and want us to succeed and come home safe. I also give thanks to Christian and Adam for the card and the letter if they have an address, I’d like to write to them personally. Once again thank you and God Bless.” (12/06) SSG Lopez
. . . “I want to personally thank you for the gifts that were sent to my guys and I. It is always a special feeling knowing that people want to give to the deployed troops and I’ve not been on this side of it for a long time. Thank you again for everything, most especially for the support. It’s just awesome.” (12/06) MSGT Buntin
. . . “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to your organization for your very active participation in sending Soldiers in my Platoon care packages. Each Soldier has also asked me to pass on their sincere appreciation for your kindness in providing them with the little comforts of home while they take part in supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. We are currently hard at work conducting the mission the Army has brought us here to do, and we look forward to the day we return back to Fort Lewis sometime next year. Since you are located near the Fort Lewis community we look forward to possibly meeting the members of your organization so we can thank you all in person. Again, thanks so much for your enthusiastic participation towards the Soldiers of First Platoon. I have no doubt that it would not have been for someone like your organization the Soldiers could not get through a day without your heartfelt care packages. Please keep in touch.” (12/06) Lt. Vivian
. . . “To all of the volunteers with U.S. Troop Care Package: The Soldiers of 1st Platoon, 630th Military Police Company wish to send our deepest gratitude for your thoughtful package and kind words. It is always great to know that there are folks like you who appreciate and support us and what we do on a daily basis. From the sands of Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, we send our sincerest Thanks!! Regulators!” (12/06) CPT Bratton
. . . “Just want to inform you that I did receive the packages for my soldiers. We all do appreciate everything that you have done for us. Thank you for your support. Have a blessed day.” (12/06) WO1 Hunter
. . . “Hello. Thank you for the care package I received today. It was full of goodies. Didn’t expect a package to come that good. It made my day. Thank you for your support. Take Care.” (12/06) SPC Catap
. . . “Greetings from Iraq. We just wanted to send you a letter thanking you for your support and generosity. Your kind thoughts and gifts have been helpful for boosting the morale of our soldiers. As you can imagine, it is very difficult to be away from family, friends and loved ones for such a long time. Receiving packages from home truly demonstrates your appreciation for the hard work we are doing over here in Iraq. Again, thank you from the soldiers of the 310th MP BN.” (11/06) Soldiers of the 310th MP BN
. . . “Hello! First off I would like to thank you for the care package. I know that a lot of the time you send boxes and packages out to troops, you don’t get replies or thanks right away or not at all. But I would like to thank you for the care package. I really appreciate it a whole lot. It really lifts the spirits of those who receive packages from the supporters in the USA. I have to be honest with you, when I saw your package, it put a smile on my face. I was having one of those bad days and when I saw your package I instantly changed my mood. Sometimes all it takes is a letter or even an email just to make a troop have a better day. I know when people write to troops they say that they are thankful for what we do, but the thing is, is that we are thankful for the support. Without the support from citizens like yourself, we would be hating life and depressed, but when we get letters we realize what we actually do and how much it makes a difference. Without troops working the long hours and doing the convoys and patrolling through the cities, our country wouldn’t be free. And I know that a lot of Americans take advantage of their freedom and don’t realize what it takes for us to be free. This was supposed to be a thank you letter but I hope it leads to more. I hope it inspires you and I hope you continue to send packages to troops in need of attention and continue to be a supporter of the American troops. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks and God Bless! With love and thanks.” (11/06) HN Christofek
. . . “Thanks to everyone involved in sending my package. It made my day and the soldiers I shared with. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!” (11/06) SSG Crane
. . . “Dear Matthew, George, and Connor (Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts). Thank you so much for the thoughtful care package. We loved it! It’s always nice to be remembered at Christmas time. We also liked the letters and pictures you drew. I am in the Army. Before I came overseas, we did lots of training to prepare for our jobs here. That’s how we get good at our jobs. Not everyone fights-there are also computer jobs, cooks, truck drivers and more. Sometimes we sleep out in tents, kind of like we’re camping. I bet you learn lots of cool stuff in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts! Thanks again for supporting the troops. It’s so great to be an American and be proud of our country! Have a Merry Christmas!” (11/06) Sgt 1st Class Schwind
. . . “Thank you so much for the care package. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated it and the card inside made me cry. It was a little slice of home just when I needed it the most.” (11/06) TSGT Curro
NOTE: The card referred to is a card “U.S. Troop Care Package” puts in each and every Care Package and reads
