From Our Soldiers
Hello All,
I just received your two packages in the mail this afternoon, golf balls in one and beanie babies and a Hot calendar in the other. They are awesome, especially the calendar. We all enjoyed the letter describing all of your efforts. It means so much to us over here to see all of the support from home. I do not know how much you know of what we do here. We are unable to get platelets here from the states because of the short shelf life, which is why we have to collect them here in Iraq. In fact we are the only ones collecting platelets in Iraq and we send them to the other hospitals in theater. These guys are doing a great job and I am very proud of all of my soldiers. Thanks for the wonderful package you are doing a great thing for all of us over here.
Jeff
ALL,
Hello! I received your letter and boxes a few days ago, thank you for writing to me and sending those items, it is really appreciated, you made MANY Marines VERY happy!Regular mail is kind of slow leaving out of here, so I would rather email instead, if that's ok with you? I'm from a town called Belleville , in Illinois . I attached a recent picture of me to this email, I hope that's alright (I'm on the right). The second pic is of my unit out here in Iraq . I have been stationed mostly on the West Coast (Camp Pendleton & San Diego), and overseas in various areas. I came to Camp Lejeune , North Carolina in 2002. I have been here in Camp Fallujah since January of this year. We work every day, I give my Marines free time on Sunday morning until around noon. There are ten of us in my Supply Operations Platoon, and we support a large battalion. There is definitely plenty to do all of the time. That's OK though, we are doing exactly what we are trained to do - and we're good at it! Ha Ha. It's good to have someone to write and “talk” with, and I'll continue as long as you want. Write back anytime, email or regular mail. Feel free to pass this info to whomever you think might be interested. Take care, and be safe.
Shawn
Thank you so much for the great gulf clubs, and the balls. This is great, and all of you are truly kind. Soldiers were in total WOW at your support and kindness. We have given the items to the new Soldiers that have just arrived here in the last two weeks, as they get settled into their new environment just in time for the rainy season to arrive, these items will greatly enhance their morale and improve their gulf game. You all have been so great. We all really and truly are grateful for your support. First the fishing gear, and now the gulf gear. I know you all have sent many other packages and cards to Soldiers all over the place, and just want to thank you on behalf of them all. My unit will be leaving Iraq in a short time. It has been a long year here, and the support of our fellow Americans has made this deployment and this mission a little easier here to deal with. You'll never know what your contributions to these Soldiers health, morale, and welfare have made a great difference. We received your Sunday school kid's cards today. Let those kids know that they are GREAT! They really brought a smile to the Soldiers faces, mine included! I handed all of them out, to Soldiers to read, and then we posted all of them up on our board for everyone to read.
Thanks so much.
You're Friend
Mike
Dan Sundt and Friends,
Thank you for your letter of support and the care package. The troops all send their appreciation for your support as well. We have been here for 2.5 months and are looking forward to returning to our families. Letters and thoughts of support are always welcomed from supporters such as your self. Please let me tell you how special we think you are for taking the time to send your care package and letter. It is people such as your self which make what we do worth while. The magazines went fast when the troops saw them. The volley ball, soccer, and basket balls were used immediately. We received your packages and I blew the balls up and they were used that day. Most of our recreational equipment has been here for some time and all have seen better days so with the arrival of your package the gifts inside replaced the old ones. I have pinned your letter with email address on our wall for all the troops to see. I have encouraged them to send letter and messages. Once again thank you for your support.
P.S. we are always looking for donations. During the holiday season I plan on handing out the gifts to our troops. As packages come in I set aside a few of the items and wrap them up for a gift for this holiday. Gift ideas: solid black wool caps, snacks (please no homemade baked goods); assorted magazines, and just words of encouragement. We have many young troops here who are deployed for the first time so anything they see that is supportive just makes their day.
V/r
Tim