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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.
We have also received certificates of appreciation from deployed units. You can view those certificates here.
Good Morning,
My dear cousin Michelle R. sent me a box from you guys and I just
wanted to say how much we appreciate that here! I shared with the rest
of my command and everyone just loved the stuff you put in there. So -
once again thanks from DCMA Headquarters, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan.
Very Respectfully,
AZ1 Thornton
Subject: Thanks from Afghanistan
I recently received a care package from the Veterans Resource network of
Idaho. I am currently deployed to Afghanistan. Please convey my most sincere
appreciation to all those who have helped to send the care packages. I am
deeply moved as I realize the Love and support that this care package
represents. To know that what we are doing overseas is understood and
appreciated by you back home helps to make it possible for me to continue
on. The freedom that we enjoy in Idaho and throughout the United States is
truly worth the price we are paying here in Afghanistan and everywhere that
our troops are deployed. I proudly serve and feel it is a great honor.
Thank you.
CW5 M Holdaway
Task Force ODIN Afghanistan
Subject: Thanks from Afghanistan
Angels,
First of all I wanted to apologize for not writing sooner and I apologize for not writing each of you individually. We wanted to thank everybody for their letters, their packages, their time and support. Every item is received gratefully. It brings moral to know that there's Americans throughout the whole United States helping and looking out for us ,your support does not go unnoticed. On behalf of the 366th SFS thank you so much, Happy Holidays, God Bless
Many Thanks,
SSgt Rojas-Tavera and 366th SFS
Dear Veterans Resource Network,
Thank
you so much for the package you sent me. I appreciate the time and
effort each one of you have put in to do such a thoughtful thing for
us. It means a lot to us to know we have such caring people back in
Idaho. I really enjoyed all of the chocolate and snacks that were in
the box. In regards to what items should be included in the box, you
guys did a great job and I wouldn't change anything. I would also like
to thank Clay and MJ Kesterson for paying for the postage of my
package. Once again thanks again for all you're doing.
S. D. Beale, TSgt, USAF
ESFS/S-2
64th Air Expeditionary Group
Eskan Village, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Dear Veterans Resource Network,
We'd like to thank you for the package you and your organization sent.
Just knowing that someone thought of us and took the time out
of their busy schedule to send us something means more to us than you
know. It's always hard being so far away from home and apart from our
families and friends, but it really lifts our spirit when we receive something from
someone who cares. (Especially during the holidays!) Since our mission
keeps us busy for long hours and very few, if any, days off, it really
boosts morale and cheers us up to have a package to share and enjoy at
the end of a long day. We are a proud, joint unit comprised of 43
Airmen, 32 Sailors, and 13 Soldiers, all who are extremely grateful for
your kindness and giving spirit. It is for people like you that we
volunteer to defend and protect. With your positive actions and
thoughts, you make us proud to serve in the United States Military.
Again, thank you for your continued support of us and the fellow
service members here in Iraq.
You have truly warmed our hearts and given us a reason to smile. On a
separate note, I'm stationed close to you (Mountain
Home
AFB),
so it was nice seeing something from home.
With great appreciation,
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
Just wanted to let you all know how grateful we are to be receiving care packages from you.
We received your packages today and it appears they have made it in good shape.
Quite a treat for us.
Chaplain Taylor and myself are very thankful for your thoughtfulness.
Blessings,
V/R,
P. B. Sharp, MSgt
NCOIC, Chapel Ops
Ali Base, Iraq
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