Messages from afar...


Correspondence from deployed troops

What you are about to read are copies of e-mail from the guys and gals who have received care packages shipped courtesy of VRN's Operation Care Packages. We have edited only such information that would compromise the privacy and safety of loved ones here at home.

These are not in any kind of chronological or deployed unit order. All of us who volunteer on these worthwhile projects are humbled by the thanks and praise we receive. For us it is enough to know that the packages raised a smile or helped build the feeling of not being forgotten in our troops. God bless them all.

Thank you for all the time and effort that you have put in to support the troops deployed during this holiday season.

SFC(P) D. J., USAR
3rd Platoon Leader
B Co TF 321st ENGR

I am sending a quick note to say thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and generosity. The package I received from you was wonderful and I want you to know that I appreciate it very much. This year has been long and although the conditions here are not bad the worst part about a deployment is being away from your family. I have a wife and two kids one boy and one girl. They are very supportive of course. They send lots of goodies in the mail along with pictures etc. I know that my family and friends support our mission here but many times in the back of your mind you wonder how the rest of our nation views the war on terrorism. You wonder if they think it is really necessary. There is so much negative press. It is so very refreshing to receive a package from someone you do not know saying “Thanks…We are thinking of you. Hope you are doing well and if there is anything you need please let us know.” As a soldier you would hope that you were fighting for a grateful nation, preserving freedom like our for fathers have done, helping provide many with the freedoms of choice and opportunities a free nation has to offer here in Afghanistan and in the United States. Our packages say all that….I and the other soldiers that I have shared these items with, thank you. Your thoughtfulness warms our hearts and we are all grateful.

I am an attack helicopter pilot…The deployment of this aircraft has saved the lives of many solids on the battle field and deterred the aggression of many terrorists. It is an honor to have the opportunity to fly it.

A sincere thank you is owed to you and those of like minded people who support the war on terror. Enough can not be said to know that those who fight the fight have the support of a free nation behind them.

I have always know this but after spending time in Afghanistan and Bosnia we are truly fortunate to be living in a free nation.

God Bless you and your families, I hope that your new year brings prosperity and happiness

CW-4 M.
TF Talon
ATK Aviation

Hello,
I recieved a care package from you recently and would like to thank you and all involved with for it. It's nice to get packages from home and know someone is thinking of us. thank you,

SFC S.
1-183 Avn. Regt.

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the care package that was sent to me awhile back. It is nice to know there are people out there who support us and are thinking of us while we are deployed. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

SSgt H.
124 SFS Gowen Field
Deployed 506 ESFS/Iraq

To everyone involved in the Veterans Resource Network,

I would like to say thank you for everything you all are doing for the troops over here in Iraq. Your support is appreciated more than you will ever know. Your time is important to you and the fact that you take time away from your families and make us a priority is truly inspirational.

Thank you all again, have a safe, and Merry Christmas.

MSgt M.
506 ESFS/Alpha Sector

Dear Veterans and Supporters,

A/321 Engineers just received a generous shipment of care packages from your post. This goes a long way towards the moral of the Soldiers in this unit and is greatly appreciated. During this mail call the Soldiers received over 170 packages and goes to show how much the U.S. Soldier is in the hearts of the American people.

Again, thank you for your generosity, kindness, and thoughts during this part of the year.

Merry Christmas,

From the IED Hunters

MSG K.
A/321 En

Greetings from OEF,

I would like to extend a big thanks to all our Idaho supporters for sending such wonderful care packages. When all the packages arrived, a swap meet started and it was entertaining to watch.

It's great to know that even through your busy holiday schedules, you have the time and resources to think and act on our well being. I wish you all a very happy holiday season and be safe.

See you soon!

CW4 T. R.
Production Control
1-183rd Aviation
TF Talon, OEF
FOB Salerno

I just wanted to write and let you know that I received a care package from you. Members of my unit here in Afghanistan also received packages too. I would just like to thank-you and all those responsible for sending them over to us. It sure makes us feel good to know that we are thought of back in the U.S. of America. I am part of the 1-183d Aviation Battalion(ATK) that flies Apache helicopters out of Idaho. We are part of the Idaho Army National Guard that have been mobilized since October of 2005. We still have several months to go as we are scheduled to leave here in February of 2007.

We left our families and jobs to support the United States in this operation here against the Taliban. I and members of my unit really appreciate what you have done for us as during this holiday season it means so much to be thought of as we are so far away from friends, family, and home when we would rather be spending the holiday season with loved ones, but know that our country needs our support here for this effort.

Thank-You again for your support and caring efforts to help us throught this holiday season.

C. E.

I recently received a care package from your organization. I want to thank you for the items. It was a warm site to see and receive.

We appreciate everything you do for us.

LT J.
TF Talon
FOB Salerno, Afghanistan

On behalf of team #4 E Co, 1-183 Avn Bn I would like to thank you for the wonderful care package you sent with a little bit of home inside. Your support and love means a lot to us here in Afghanistan. Please keep the home fires burning, stay warm and have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! We'll be home soon!!!!

Semper Fidelis,
SSG L.& Team 4, E Co, 1-183 Avn Bn
Camp Salerno

I just wanted to drop a quick email and say thank you for the nice care package. The itemsin the box were great and very appreciated. I know that others in my unit recieved them as well and eveyone has been talkign about how nice it is to have people back home that send you packages. Again thank you very much and we really appreciate the things you do for us back home!

Say thank you to Nick-15, Vinnie-10, and Rocco-4 for packing the box for me.

CW2 S. M.

Hello,

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for the care package I received a few days ago. It was very much appreciated, especially around the holiday seasons away from home. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers....

CPL P.
D Co Task Force Talon
1/183rd AVN BN

I have received both packages (school supplies).

The pictures are of your packages at the stageing area and some of the children that will likely receive your gifts shortly.

Thank you for your love and caring!!!!!! Education will impact the area for genterations.

TSgt R.
Kirkuk