2006 and 2007 Letters

Dated 31 December, 2007
Kyrgyzstan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received both of the impressive packages that you sent us. On behalf of myself, my unit and the group I represent - thank you so much for sending them!

We admire the time and effort your team put in for our benefit. Every item will be greatly appreciated here and given to those in need. Also, thank you for sending us copies of the Connecticut Guardian! I passed them around amongst the 103rd members. I've written articles for that paper.

Thank you again for all you do for the troops!

Sincerely,

SSgt. Jessica Roy
376 AEW/ESFS VSA
Connecticut Air National Guard

Dated 31 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you all so much for the care packages! You are so kind to show such dedicated support during the holiday season to us.

Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me and to the other Soldiers here.

God Bless,

MAJ Brian D. Ray, Chaplain
927 CSSB
Florida Army National Guard

Dated 31 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received a package from your organization just prior to Christmas and I wanted to send a note to let you know that your efforts made all the difference in the world for these soldiers. Many of the items were wrapped up in christmas paper and placed under a small Christmas tree that my wife sent me. On Christmas morning, all the soldiers gathered to spend a "family Christmas" together and pass gifts around. It was a great experience and everybody laughed and enjoyed the celebration. I hope everybody involved understands the impact their efforts have on all of us here. I cannot thank you enough.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

CPT Joshua Baker O.D.
581st ASMC
Chief, Optometry Clinic
U.S. Army

Dated 31 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just wanted to say thank you so much for your continued support and all the care packages you sent us!

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

1SG Brian Woodall
Task Force Eagle (D Co, 1/503rd Airborne)
U.S. Army

Dated 30 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your care package right before Christmas and it was a lovely surprise gift! Everyone at our medical clinic enjoyed the things and shared the items like family. Thank you so much for all the thought and effort you put into making and sending the box to us.

On behalf of the entire staff, I appreciate your support and am grateful to have people back home who support the troops here in Iraq.

Thanks,
SPC Verny Dumpit
307th Medical Co., DS
U.S. Army

Dated 30 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Once again thank you for all your support. I have included a couple pictures from Christmas Eve. Your organization has certainly brightened the faces of my unit.

Thank you so much.

Very Respectfully,
SSG Jeffrey Murdorf
C 126 FM Co
U.S. Army

Dated 29 December, 2007
Kosovo

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

We are in a heat wave- it has almost broke the freezing mark two days in a row. Ha ha! We are just plugging along.  It seems like
every day is like the last and it will be nice when it is over. We have been able to get an exchange program going with the other EOD units so
that provides some relief for the guys here. As always thanks for everything that you have done and tell everyone that we said "hey".



SFC Stuart "Spanky" Stevens
430th Ordnance Company (EOD), KFOR 9, MNTFE, TF Falcon EOD
North Carolina Army National Guard

Dated 29 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for the care package. It was greatly appreciated. All the time and effort will never go unnoticed. My Marines and I look forward to receiving care packages from you.

I think I hold the record for receiving the biggest or heaviest box in my company!

I hope to receive many more before my deployment ends. I got promoted on December second and hope for many more MP awards.

I want to send you all another gesture of appreciation......THANK YOU!

Cpl. Prentisce Sprewell
SEC CO, CLB-8
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 29 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to take this time to say thank you for all the support you have shown my squad and myself. We have received both of your care packages and got great enjoyment out of both of them. We also would like to thank you for taking time out of your day in order to be able to do what you do for our fellow service men and women.

It takes a special kind of person to do what each of you does. Most of the public doesn't know or doesn't want to know what our troops are doing or how they are making sacrifices every day to protect them from harm's way. It seems they'd rather remain uninformed and take the military for granted.

Well again, thank you and keep up the good work that you do.

SGT Alfred Riley
Bravo Co 1-64 Armor
U.S. Army

Dated 28 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for your wonderful box of goodies. I'd like to take a minute to tell you abour our unit. The 1st Armored Division is based out of Wiesbaden, Germany. We were luck enough to leave for Iraq the same weekend Oktoberfest started (sense the sarcasm?) and had to miss the largest beer fest in the world. Even if you don't drink, it is a huge carnival with plenty to do I guess it is kind of like a state fair, but bigger. I am surrounded by coffee drinkers here in Iraq, and they al really appeciated the Dunkin Donuts coffee you sent. One of my co-workers and I have discussed Dunkin Donuts as a family tradition after mass, so thank you for sending us a "touch of home."

Each of us here at the 1st AD Division Surgeon Cell want to thank all of you. We were able to share your package with others outside our section. Due to our situation, we work long hours. I am supporting (thanks to YOU) a building full of people who work in what we call the "head shed." I am sure that answers most of your questions. We have several Soldiers who go out and talk to the Soldiers who are living in more desolate areas and we share your items with them, too.

Once again, thank you for your contributions to our welfare and sanity. I look forward to corresponding with you again.

Thank you,
SSG Michele R. Springer
1st AD B STB - Surgical Division
U.S. Army

Dated 28 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your gifts yesterday and I wanted to say, "thank you".  All the items in the package were distributed out to the Soldiers here. The DVD player was given to a PFC that had been walking a 1/2 mile every night to the MWR tent to watch movies. The movies you sent are set up in our internet room and available on a sign-out basis so they may be shared by all Soldiers.

Again, thank you for your efforts.

SFC Christopher Garcia, Medical Platoon Sergeant
HHT 1/75 Cav, 2 BCT 101st Airborne
U.S. Army

Dated 27 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut and North Carolina Branches),

Hi! My name is SPC David Manley. I would like to thank you all for everything you do for us while we are deployed.

We really enjoy the stuff you send to us. It really makes me proud knowing that there are people back home who support us and keep us in their prayers, so thanks again for everything and please keep us in your prayers until we make it home.

Sincerely,

SPC David Manley II
1-41 FA B-BTRY
U.S. Army

Dated 27 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

First off, I want to say thank you very much for your support of the troops.

Second, I received TWO (2) very large boxes from you the other day. I must say, the contents were all very well selected and packaged! I handed out some of the items to a few Soldiers that I knew were in need of those particular things and I can tell you that all the contents were gone in about 15 minutes!

The hand warmers were the first things to go. Our troops spend 12 hours every day outside on guard duty and they don't get much heat, so thank you very much for sending those. Every single troop was very thankful.

We look forward to hearing from your organization again in the future.

Again, thank you very much, from ever Soldier here.

Sincerely,
SSG William Luchsinger
HHC 391st MP Battalion
U.S. Army

Dated 27 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I hope your Christmas Day was pleasant and joyful. I wanted to say thank you for the most recent care packages I just received. They were exactly what we all needed and they arrived just in time. Thank you for all your support and please thank all your donors and volunteers. Have a great day! 

Semper Fi,
SSgt. Damian Dobbs
2nd SUP BN
U.S. Marine Corps

Thank you and the team for the care packages. My soldiers and I are grateful for the support that you provide. We did not have a camera to show the distribution of the items. I will be leaving Afghanistan for another assignment but please feel free to continue to support my unit.

Thank you again for all that you do.

2Lt Joe Addison
HHC 4th BCT, TF Fury
U.S. Army

I want to thank you behalf of everyone here for the care package you sent to us. It means a lot - especially around the holidays, which your box made it in time for here. It’s a very big morale boost for us. So thank you again.

V/R,

Rich

SGT Richard C. Allen
US NSE
Massachusetts Army National Guard

Dated 26 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you for the wonderful care package. I really appreciate all that you do. I want you to know that I shared all the goodies in the boxes with my fellow Soldiers here. I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas and that your New Years holiday is a nice and safe one.

Thank you again and God Bless you and yours!

Max

SFC Maximino Reyna (AS) Platoon Sergeant
MNC-I 547th Medical Company
U.S. Army

Dated 26 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I received the care packages you sent me and they were very great. I really appreciate the packages and I took the time to read all the cards included inside each package. Please thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who helped put the packages together. My soldiers and I appreciate it. Life is much easier with the packages and knowing that people like you support us.

Thank you again.

SPC Wasiu Kadiri
153rd Med Det.
U.S. Army

Dated 25 December, 2007
Iraq

Dated 25 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to email you and let you know we received our package today and to thank you. Today is Christmas and everything here is business as usual.  Your package arrived right on time. It was like a buch of big kids opening the box!  I made sure eveyone got what they needed and wanted.  It cheered us up knowing that there are people out there who care about us as much as you all do. When we opened your boxes, all the guys were excited about all the great stuff.  I passed out the knited hats (it's cold here!) and everyone got the things they like to eat.  It really made our Christmas better!

I want to thank you again and wish Andi's husband good luck on his deployment.



I appreciate all care and effort you put in for us.

Thank you,
SSG Robert Casella
3D 3ID
U.S. Army

Dated 25 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you for the christmas giftbox you sent us, and a very merry Christmas to you! All the goodies were very much appreciated, though I think I should lay off the sweets for a little bit - their effects are starting to show! When I found out that some of our battle buddies up north were not receiving any care packages from the good people in the states, I decided to ship some of the stuff over on to them so that they could enjoy your generosity as well. I am sure they deeply appreciated it. And of course, if you come across any more golf related items or equipment, specifically golf magazines or training aids so that I can help some of the beginners out there on the range, please send them over.

Once again, thank you very much and I truly wish you all a wonderful holiday season!!

V/R
SPC Glenn J. Gleason
MNC-I CACE Special Products
U.S. Army

Dated 24 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we received the nice box of goodies today. Thank you very much. We are due to rotate out of here shortly and we are all looking forward to it. It's been months full of surprises and dedication by all the Marines that work here. But it's finally coming to an end and we can all get back to the U.S. and our families that we all miss so very much.

I would like to take this time to thank Give2TheTroops for everything that we have received since I've been here; it sure has helped take some of the pressure away from having to worry about personal items.

Many of Marines have received items from you all and we really appreciated everything.

Take care and I hope Give2TheTroops continues to support the troops and the Marines as well as you have in the past with us.

May God bless you all always and thanks for all the things you do.

Take care and Happy Holidays.


SEMPER FI!!
MSgt. Joe H. Lewis, SNCOIC
LogCom FIS
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 23 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for everything your organization has done to improve the morale of my unit. I have shared your many fine gifts with my entire company and with Marines located at remote locations, as well.

Wishing you the best at this wonderful season, and thanks again,

MSGt. Tim Brown
MAINT CO, HQ PLT, CLB-4 DET 1
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 23 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you so much for your care package! It was a wonderful surprise and arrived just in time for Christmas! All of us here greatly appreciate the support from folks back home, especially during the holidays. Most of us are here for a year this time around, myself included. All in all, the time is going by relatively fast. Luckily, for at least the next couple months, the hot weather is gone! It is actually quite cold here with lows in the 40's at night; so about the same as Greenville, North Carolina right now. Originally, I am from Knoxville (Go Vols!) and hopefully I'll be moving back there for good once I am done with my tour here. I have to wrap it up for a now as I have a few things to close before I head home for the night.

Please pass on our gratefulness to everyone there for their continued support! I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
TSgt Kyle McFarland
MNF-I CIOC A&P ERT
U.S. Air Force

Dated 23 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut and Colorado Branches),

We had a major logistical crisis here a short while back when two parcels from "Give2TheTroops" arrived on the same day! One from your Connecticut branch and one from your Denver branch. Our ability to distribute the wealth of items was helped along by a number of flights full of Soldiers passing through the terminal at about the same time. They were very appreciative of everything you folks sent.

It's almost frightening to watch over 50 bags of Hershey's Kisses get swept up by a couple of Infantry companies, in a matter of seconds! The custom made and embroidered (camouflage) stockings were a HUGE hit !! They are just beautiful, and have spread themselves all over the base here at XXXXXX. Your holiday decorations and tinsel are adorning every desk and panel here in the terminal tent.

Once again, you and all your volunteers have out-done yourselves. I try to take pictures, but the stuff just moves too fast. So please, accept my personal thank you for my Soldiers, and for all the people who get the benefit and "feel the appreciation" from home.

Please know that we really are in awe of the effort you put into keeping these parcels coming.

With love and respect,

SGM Jeffrey Hill
TF 189
Pennsylvania Army National Guard

P.S. Now I'm the Sergeant Major in charge of saying, "Of course you can take one . . . take two!!" dozens of times a day . . . thanks to you.

Dated 22 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hello again! Thank you for another great package. I am glad to see people still care about us Soldiers out here. I always share my items with my fellow comrades, so please keep them coming!

Thank you again very much.

SGT Antonio N. Almendarez
274th MCT
U.S. Army

Dated 22 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Your organization is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can't thank you enough for everything you have provided us.  I returned from mission to find boxes from Give2TheTroops.  The blanket, pillow, bed sheets!!!, detergent and fabric softener, cereal boxes, coffee with grinder, magazines ... etc, etc!!!!!!  I could not believe it!!!  And the blanket and sheets are not just any blanket or sheets..........they're good quality and ones that will hopefully last me until my deployment is over.  And the magazines........well let just me say that Cosmo was a big hit with the guys here.  Not many guys will admit to reading Cosmo.   

And tonight I will be sleeping in nice clean sheets and a comfy blanket thanks to you.

I am truly grateful for all your organization has done for us.  It means a lot to know folks back home care about us.  You have truly made a difference in the lives of many servicemen and women that are unable to be with their loved ones.

Bunches of hugs and kisses to you.

Love,
Juan

LTC Juan Montoya, GS IG Senior Advisor
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 21 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the care package. We appreciate all of your faith and support.

Merry Christmas and may you have a great new year,

1LT Ron Des Hotels, XO
B 2-131st FA, HHC 391st MP BN
Ohio Army National Guard

Dated 21 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

On behalf of the entire 1015th Maint. Company I would like to say thank you for the care packages - they were well accepted.

Thanks again,

SSG Muriam L. Finney, Orderly Room NCOIC
1015th Maint Company
U.S. Army

Dated 21 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to let you know that I received four (4) very large boxes from your wonderful organization!I wanted to let you know that we received the boxes and appreciate them!

Once again thank you for all you do!.   Have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Very respectfully,

SKC (SS) Bradley Groene
Inshore Boat Unit 22
U.S. Navy

Dated 20 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the boxes you recently sent to our detachment. We have a group of folks working in an austere environment whose living conditions are very sub-par. The boxes you sent were absolutely perfect for them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your generous gifts are truly appeciated by all of here in XXXX (OPSEC), Iraq. It seems you are very familiar with deployments from the packages you sent! All the items are things that will be well used by our troops!

Winter has arrived here and the temperature has dropped from high in the 100's to the 60's with low 30's at night now. We've had our first bit of rain and a tremendous dust storm today limited our visibility to a few feet. This is my third deployment here, so it's not unexpected, but still seems to catch me off-guard!

I'm not sure if you know, but we're with NMCB ONE, homeported out of Gulfport, Missisippi. Our unit's history is that "The First and Finest" Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE was commissioned on March 12, 1942 as Naval Construction Battalion One (NCB) and split into two detachments. Our detachments build runways, base facilities, gun emplacements and many other projects. We were the first Atlantic Fleet Battalion to take part in Vietnam and made four consecutive deployments to Vietnam in four years. I am the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the detachment, which is a very rewarding job. We're staffed with a fairly young crew, so there is a lot of hands-on experience being gained in a short time period. We have a very proud history and limitless future.

Thank you again for your generous packages and support for all of us here. We are trult proud to serve and are thankful for your support. Words can not express how grateful I am that you took the time to take care of so many troops - thank you so very much.

We wish you all the best, and hope you all have a happy holiday season.

All the best,
UTCS (SCW/FMF) Lisa K. Hall
NMCB ONE DET 4
U.S. Navy

Dated 20 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

TheSoldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines deployed here in Iraq thank you and everyone back home who assisted in the delivery of the thoughtful care package we received today. It brought many smiles and much warmth to all it touched.

We here serving in Iraq salute all the Americans like yourselves whose steadfast devotion to your troops is unwavering regardless of your political views.

From all of us, to all of you and your families Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

r/

OSC (SW) William R. Runyan
87th CSSB BN EWO
U.S. Navy

Dated 19 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Colorado Branch),

Wow, what a box! All of you who gave a little something to us just turned our day around!  You guys are AWESOME!  Thank you from all of us over here!  Thank you so much from me!  Everyone enjoyed EVERYTHING!  Words simply cannot express our gratitude for the care package you sent to us over here, especially soldiers you didn’t even know! 

Thanks again!

TSgt Lisa DeSantis
732 AEG/GCSS
U.S. Air Force

Dated 19 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),


First, I would like to say thank you so much for all you do in your efforts to support myself and other troops all over.  You all are greatly appreciated.  I received my care package from you and it was wonderful! Just wanted to say "Thank You."

It's nice to know there are people out there who remember us.

SGT Toni N. McGee
510th HRC
U.S. Army

Dated 19 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for supporting our troops through this 15-month deployment. May the Lord Bless all of you this Christmas season and may you discover His riches in Glory with the coming New Year. 5th Squadron, 7th Calvalry Regimental Soldiers Salute you and yours!

CH (CPT) Mijikai Mason
HHT, 5-7 Cav
U.S. Army

Dated 19 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Today I received a package from the CT branch, and became awestruck.  I must say...for lack of better words...."THANK YOU"! My Marines and I are grateful for everything that you have done to show your support.

I opened the package and saw so many helpful and amazing things.  The cards from the 8th grade class at Brookfield Middle School were wonderful.  If possible, please pass this message on to the children and families from Brookfield, CT and the others around the USA who were kind enough to send Christmas cards to us and let them know that they brightened our day and I'm sure our future weeks.

My Marines found new reasons to smile while reading those cards, and I must say it’s been a while since I’ve seen that look on their faces.  Please know that this package brightened our day and our holiday season. 

May God Bless you all, Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Again, thank you.
Semper Fi,

SSgt. Donald L. Petsche
Mals-29 (Rein) Airframes
51A/C/D SNCOIC
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 19 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to thank you for the Christmas package we got a few weeks ago! Sorry it took me a while - things have been a little chaotic. The Give2TheTroops stockings you sent us are awesome! Everyone loves them. People who come to our office from other units are all jealous ... ha ha. I gathered a few people and took a picture so you can see the decorations and your stockings in the background.

Merry Christmas!

Thanks again from PFC Donteia Rushing, PFC David Broome, 2LT Niya Harris (our CO), SPC Omero Baker, PV2 Fidel Minor, and SSG Robert Beckham (our 1SG) and the rest of the 241st Desert Cobras!!

Very Respectfully,

SPC Joy Kurtzweil
PAC/Training NCOIC 241st SOC Detachment
U.S. Army

Dated 18 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

One of my Marines (SSgt. Daniel Zarazinski) opened his package you sent and he left it out for all of us to get stuff we needed/wanted. I noticed a deck of playing cards and then I saw they were from the Mohegan Sun. I stopped in my tracks and thought nothing of it. Then I saw a second deck. I asked him about your company and where it was out of. He told me Connecticut and I was thrown aback again. I am from Gales Ferry, CT (before I joined the Marine Corps) and I just wanted to say thank you so much for what you are doing for us out here. Also, thanks for giving me a little taste of home. I plan to tell my family about your organization so that they too can join the effort.

Merry Christmas,

SSgt Brian W. Demo
HMLA-169 M/C
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 18 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hello, Thank you for the package! It was very big and pleasing. I could use everything in it. I really like beef jerky, spicy and salty items. I appreciate everything Give2TheTroops is doing for me and my fellow Soldiers. We love it. Thank you again and have yourself a wonderful holiday season.

SGT Antonio N. Almendarez
274th MCT
U.S. Army

Dated 17 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received two (2) care packages from your organization today. My unit is thrilled to receive all the items that you and many others have donated in support of the deployed troops, especially during this time of the year. Each package helps to bring alittle bit of home closer to each one of us. We especially appreciate the letters and cards from the many students and others that were included.

I personally read each one prior to distributing them throughout the unit and wish to thank all those who wrote. The heartfelt comments contained in these letters and cards are what helps to give each of us the drive to continue day in and day out in support of this great nation.

I thank you and my unit thanks you for all you do in support of our Armed Forces and for its Soldiers who willingly leave behind family and friends to protect the freedoms that others before us have fought so hard to obtain.

God Bless America and the US Armed Forces.

V/R

MSG Brian C. Eaton Sr.
HHC TF ODIN
U.S. Army

Dated 17 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

You are totally AWESOME!!! :) We just received our "Baseball In A Bag" kit from your organization and love it. Thanks so much! We actually got to use the gloves, mitt and mask today. The guys say "thanks" to you!



Semper Fi,

SSgt. Damian Dobbs
2nd SUP BN
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 17 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

We have just received a huge box of useful items from Give2theTroops. What can I say but thank you? It always brings a smile to the faces of the soldiers here when we get letters and packages from people we have never met. I am constantly amazed at the kindness, generosity and general level of support shown by the American public.

Thank you,

Geffrey W. Davey
3rd Signal Battalion
U.S. Army

Dated 16 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Oh my gosh--boxes two and three arrived! Thank you, thank you for the television and the Christmas bonus box! My friend and I are going to do some serious elving after your stockings go up to make sure that everybody gets a share of your generosity. The journal has found a home with our nurse anesthetist. I was particularly delighted to see Cliff Bars (if you knew what they serve in the DFACs here you'd understand).

Our family practice doc told me with a smile today that the Frank Sinatra CD you sent put him to sleep last night. The DVDs are on a shelf, the charter issues of our lending library. The TV will go into a corner so we can keep in touch with the world outside--how that's defined depends on who's in the office. I'm more of a BBC/CNN kind of girl but we have a strong ESPN/AFN contingent and, with some ardent football fans in the office, we may be wearing iPods if we have any hope of getting some work done. (Actually most of us shift to plan B, which is to go to the gym or back to our rooms for afternoon rack ops.)

Thank you again!

Monique Hollis-Perry, M.D. (Surgeon)
CSTC-A
U.S. Navy

Dated 15 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

SEASON'S GREETINGS!

We just received your holiday care packages and I played Santa yesterday. I have attached a few pictures for you. Thanks for everything. You guys are the bomb.

Seasons Greetings to all of you.

GySgt. Richard B. Barber
2nd Supply Battalion, TS CO.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Dated 14 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

I'm just writing to you to say many thanks. We received the package and I am very glad that everything we wished for was inside. it is always a pleasure to receive care packages and to know that people care about you. It helps us to know that we are doing something great here, helping these people restablish their freedom and keep protecting those who we left in our homes and also those who care for us.

We really appreciate what your organization is doing for us - it makes a lot of happy faces - especially during this holiday season, when we are far from home. I already opened the package and distributed it to my soldiers from here and in other sites.

Your packages will be always be welcome here.

Thanks again,

Sgt Alexis Diaz-Cortes
271st HR (postal)
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 14 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for the package you sent to us at the 680th Engineer Company. Please extend our thanks to all of the people who helped put out package together.

We especially want to thank a few people who wrote to us, whose letters stood out:

 - The Kathy family from Middletown, Ohio;
 - Pond Hill Elementary School in Wallingford, CT;
 - "Sandy" from Seymour Connecticut;
 - Lyman Hall FFA in Wallingford, CT;
 - The Connecticut Department of Children and Families;
 - The Hartford, CT Juvenile Panel Unit; and
 - The CT Dept. of Development Services IFS Unit

Please tell them all we say "thank you" and have a happy holiday and new year,

SGT James Smith
680th En CO (MEC)
New York Army National Guard

Dated 14 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Well Hello again, I just returned from a little Det. and I had some packages here with some great things from your organization, including the Christmas stockings. I have taken a couple of pictures with two of our shifts and a couple of the other shift that we have.  The Marines were amazed and very thankful for all the things that they received from your organization. 

I thank you and I know that they are very thankful for all the support.  So just to let you know both boxes got here safe and sound and all the Marines here enjoyed them thoroughly.  I thank you and all of your volunteers for their continued support.

SSgt. Jason S. Wells
HMLA-169
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 14 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks to all of you who support your organization. We "U.S. Troops" here in the Middle East are very thankful for all of you involved with the Give2TheTroops Organization. It means so much to us! I am at the forwarding base for all the members to Iraq, Afganistan and Africa and we just received 3 more boxes from your organization. I shared all the goods you gave us and can't thank you all enough. It is hard during the Holidays and it is so nice to know that we are supported back home in the USA.

Thanks & God Bless!

PO1 Tanya Tyson
Law & Order DET D/Provost Marshals Office
U.S. Navy

Dated 14 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for everything, especially your time to keep in touch with all of us overseas in the Middle East. We received a few boxes from you and we can't thank you enough. Our unit is the Provost Marshal's Office and we handle all issues with military and government assets involved. We are very proud to serve our country! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your stories and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Forever Grateful,

PO1 Tanya Tyson
Law and Order Det "Delta"
U.S. Navy

Dated 14 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to say thank you for the care package that I received from you. I am actually using a lot of the stuff that you sent as little Christmas presents to hand out. I am making each of my Soldiers a box with different things in it. And the puzzles you sent are keeping them very busy.

Thank you for your support.

Take Care and Happy Holidays,

SGT Lisa Thomas
HHC 1st BSTB, 1/10 MTN DIV
U.S. Army

Dated 14 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Your lovely package arrived yesterday.  I found it next to my desk as I returned with my dinner.  Three of my teammates and I put the cards on the shelf and hung the stockings.  Seeing the guys smile as they went through the coffee and drink packs, soap packets, DVDs, and more was the sweetest part of what had been a pretty aggravating day. 

We're a feisty, big-hearted group--because we are a new mission we had a very rough start here.  We know the importance of a welcoming hand so we have taken it upon ourselves to extend it to those who come in behind us and your gift helps us do just that.  Half the gift is being able to share it.  The ornaments have a special place of honor on our (inflated) Christmas tree. 

Today some of my teammates and I went on a humanitarian mission to a refugee camp here.  We distributed clothing, food and coal to refugees who live in the worst conditions I have seen (and I have seen some pretty dire straits).  They are desperately poor, yet one woman offered me a cup of tea.  Some of us played with the children while others provided security around the site or distributed the clothing or food. 

I've enclosed a few pictures.  One is of my team.  Not all of us are in it because getting us together is like herding cats.  The rest are from today's trip to the camp.  I hope you enjoy them.

Please know that your package has made our days more than a little brighter. 

Many thanks,

Monique Hollis-Perry, M.D. (Surgeon)
CSTC-A
U.S. Navy

Dated 13 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas stockings you sent to all of us here. They are very nice and greatly appreciated. I thank you for everything your organization has done for my soldiers and all deployed troops.

Thanks again,

Lt Jacqueline D. Williams-Sauls
HSC, 601st ASB
U.S. Army

Dated 13 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

Thank you so much for the boxes, they were a huge hit!  We shared them across the unit and then gave some items to base hospital. 

Thank you for supporting the troops.  It means a lot to us here, especially during the Holiday season, to know the people back home are behind us.  It lets us know that everything we see on TV is not true ... people really do care!

Happy Holidays!

Lt Col Douglas A. Tunney
Combat Weather Flight Commander
U.S.Air Force

Dated 13 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thanks for the golf balls! I just got them today and they look to be in great shape. I added them to our collection and attached is a picture of me crushing one out there. Thanks again!



SPC Glen J. Gleason, MNC-I C2 Intel Analyst
C2 CACE
U.S. Army

Dated 13 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to let you know that we received your package. Thank you very much!  We greatly appreciated all the treats, letters, supplies, and your support from the home front.  It warms my heart to know that there are truly great Americans like yourselves who show their devotion to the troops through their support, generosity and kindness. 

I also wanted to let you know a little about the sailors who are on the receiving end of your generosity.  We are all US Navy Reservists who have recalled to active military service and form our US Navy Customs Battalion TANGO.  We were mobilized from many different states.  

We provide customs pre-clearance inspections for personnel, both military and civilian, and equipment redeploying from the Central Command Area of Responsibility including personal baggage, cargo, military vehicles, and aircraft.  In a nutshell, we inspect personnel baggage to ensure that there is no contraband (e.g. ammunition, explosives, alcohol, etc,) present as required by the US Customs Service. We also inspect to ensure that there are no items (e.g. soil, sand, insects, fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc.) that would be harmful to the US Agricultural industry per the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements.  Just think of us as the military version of the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that you see at the US airports.

I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!  Again, thank you for your support of men and women of the Armed Forces.

YN2 Trina M. Cornelison
Delta Company Admin Dept.
U.S. Navy

Dated 13 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Here are a few of the comments I heard as I handed out the stockings you sent to us this holiday:

"Super!"
"These are cool stockings, Dude!!!" (as he smiles at another Soldier)
"Awesome!"
"Who is this group that sent these?"
"Aw man, there is some cool stuff in here!" (as he digs through the stocking)
"Hey Sir, Thanks for thinking of us." ...

... and my response to the last soldier was, "They're not from me. They're from the Give2TheTroops organization and believe me they care and think about you every day."

The NCOs assured me the remaining stocking would make it to the Soldiers in the Forward Operating Bases. Your organization has brought some major smiles to the troops and I can't thank you enough.

Juan

LTC Juan Montoya, GS IG Senior Advisor
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 12 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

First of all, I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Grant - what you have started has really tugged at the heart strings!! There are not many people out there who would take the time to do what you do. THANK YOU and the rest of the Give2TheTroops Organization for all of your hard work and support.

We have received your very large gift box today and what a surprise it was! To see all the letters from the kids made me and the rest of the guys feel great. All the little Christmas stockings were a great touch as well. I put the box of goodies in our orderly room and I expect the box will be empty in the next day or so!!



Once again THANK YOU for continued support and hospitality!!!

MSG Scott McCoy
A/CO 641 Aviation
Oregon Air National Guard

Dated 12 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am the unit Veterinarian my unit at the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Iraq. I just received another care package from you guys and I would like to personally thank you for it. I opened it an within about 5 minutes everything was gone. Between the personnel in my shop and the other members of my unit; the package did not last long.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for the package. It is nice to know that people like you all take the time just to send a little thank you to us that are SO far away. It is nice to know someone cares and it puts a smile on our faces.



Thank you again and Merry Christmas.


CPT C.M. (Unit Veterinarian) and TF31 Operations
31st Combat Support Hospital
U.S. Army

Dated 11 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Colorado Branch),

Our unit wanted to send you a thank you for the care package your organization has graciously sent to the troops of Charlie Company 44th Signal Battalion here in Iraq. Thank you for your love, prayers and support for those of us who are serving over here in Iraq.

Thank you all for supporting the troops! You are all great Americans. Thanks again for all you do in supporting our great military. May God continue to bless you for all that you do.

Truly appreciated,

PFC Taria Loder (and SFC Hamby, SPC Delgado, SPC Rosales, SPC Roy and PFC Carey)
C Co. 44th Signal Battalion
U.S. Army

Dated 11 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the 2 large holiday care packages for my unit. I am sorry but I had to open them already!I just got back to the main base and they were waiting for me. Thank you very so much. I shared all the stuff you sent me with my guys and we all enjoy them a lot. I'm a Navy Engineer. We Seabees are ground sailors (dirt sailors). We build bases, road, hospitals, etc. We appreciate your support.



Thanks again,
PO3 Hiromoto Shono
NMCB15 Delta
U.S. Navy

Dated 10 December, 2007
Qatar

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

Hello! My name is Stacie Sundberg, Senior Airman in the United States Air Force. I received a package from your amazing Give2TheTroops Washington State Branch.

My unit, The Mighty Eighth Air Mobility Squadrons, ATOC MOC and AMCC would like to say thank you for all the wonderful stockings, candy and hygiene items that came with the package. We shared all of the candy and other items with the rest of the unit. We left some in our passenger terminal where other service members hang out before heading out on aircraft further into the AOR.

Thanks again! We greatly appreciate it!!

SrA Stacie Sundberg
8 EAMS/AMCC
U.S. Air Force

Dated 10 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you so much for the care package. The cards and letters were great. I am from North Carolina and it makes me feel good knowing fellow "Tar heels" are supporting Soldiers abroad. We have hung the stockings you sent us in hopes that Santa will come to Afghanistan this year. Even if he does not, we have been blessed this year. My unit has had no injuries or accidents. That is enough for me.

Keep doing what you are doing. It does make a difference and puts a smile on the face of everyone you touch. I hope one day that there will not be a need for any Soldiers or organizations such as Give2TheTroops, but we know that will not happen any time soon. All we can do is our part in making the world a better place.

Thank you for making my part a little better.

v/r
SFC Marion E. Benson III
25th Signal Battalion
U.S. Army

Dated 10 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to thank you again for all the support that your organization has given to us. I have recently received your holiday boxes with all the ACU stockings and would like to tell you that I was amazed at the dedication in the craftsmanship. I am saving them for 24th, so I can pass them out like Santa Claus. The Soldiers are going to be so stunned by the sight of each and every stocking.

My Command team would also like to thank you deeply for all the support. You are all very dedicated people and my hat goes of to you. I hope all is well with your families and that your holidays bring great cheer to you and all your volunteers and donors at Give2TheTroops.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

SSG Jeffrey Murdorf
C 126 FM Co
U.S. Army

Dated 9 December, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello there.

We got a box of USMC Christmas Stockings a while back and I would like to thank you so much for them. I have been away for a while or I would have replied sooner. You brought a smile to the Marines faces and were surprised someone took that much time to make these personalized Christmas stockings. Thanks for keeping us motivated on the holidays when being away from loved ones can be tough - especially this time of year.



Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year from the Marines here at (XXXX) Kuwait.

R/S
Lt. Douglass Rauschelbach
II MEFFWD G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 7 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to say thank you for your gift. I received the coolest stocking in the mail the other day. It had tons of things in it like Christmas music and movies. I've really enjoyed the Jeff Foxworthy DVD. It's really funny! I know those stockings must have cost a lot of money, so I am so grateful! Thank you so much. Merry Christmas.

Your friend,
CPT Billy Priddis
3rd ID
U.S. Army

Dated 7 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the Christmas stockings you sent! It was very thoughtful of you all to be so generous. Attached is a picture of us taken a few months ago so you can put faces to names. Again, let everyone know that we greatly appreciate it!



Very Respectfully,
Major Marc C. Blair
3ID Deputy Provost Marshal
U.S. Army

Dated 6 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Merry Christmas!

My name is SSG Christensen of the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, NC. I received your care package and thank you so much!! The guys in our platoon really appreciate it and I want to thank everyone who helped make it possible.

We are very busy here and have been here a long time. The holidays are lonely but we have each other here, so it is okay.

I cannot thank you enough - you people are what keeps my head up and really make me realize that I am not alone.

Merry Christmas and know you have a friend for life in Afghanistan.

Take care.

Sincerely,

SSG Richard R. Christensen
1/B 2-321 FAR (ABN)
U.S. Army

Dated 6 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to say thank you to your organization for the package I received from Give2TheTroops. It is appreciated more than I can tell you. As we approach the holiday season, it is great to get such packages that can be shared among so many. It is the support from organizations such as yours that help make these long deployments a little more bearable.

Again, thank you so much for the support you have shown.

SSgt. Daniel Zarazinski
HMLA-169 M/C
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 5 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the support you have shown us. I have received your last two packages and they were phenomenal. The holiday G2TT stockings blew us all away! It was truly amazing. The amount of hard work and time it took to make them was inspirational and brought a smile from ear to ear for us all. The ornaments were fabulous, now we can make it feel almost like Christmas back at home with the decorations you sent.

I have attached some photos of the crew for your gallery. The first photo is my section of the platoon. I am the tall guy with dark hair, just so you know who you are sending the packages to, a name with a face as we say. Well thank you once again. We pray for you all and the families of all the volunteers.




We thank you for your hard work and support.

Be safe and Semper Fidelis,

SSgt Damian Dobbs
2nd SUP BN
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 5 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received the second shipment of G2TT stockings and handed them out.  THANK YOU! I have attached some pictures for you all.  There was one Army stocking in the box, so I had to find an Army cat to give it to.  (See the picture below.) I hope all is going well with you and you're not killing yourselves taking care of us. Just remember, we truly appreciate all that you are doing for us out here.  You are wonderful and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 





We love ya……

R/S

GySgt Randy L. Morrow
2D MLG (FWD) MRB/G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 4 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

A few days ago, we received two (2) boxes from you containing military stockings with all kinds of goodies... Earlier today, I handed out each sailor, airman and soldier in my staff their stocking as I will be going on leave very soon. Your organization certainly made my staff's day and upcoming holiday season ... their faces (I took a picture with an instant and I hope to develop and email to you in CT soon) will speak for themselves ...

Thanks again for everything you do,

LTC Spyros Spanos, G-6 Officer
ARSIC-WEST
Connecticut Army National Guard

Dated 4 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Thank you for taking the time for listening to our needs.  God bless and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

TSgt. Roy V. Gillin II
Maintenance Operations Controller
379 EMOS/ MXOOM
U.S. Air Force

Dated 3 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Marines and Sailors of Company C. Thank you very much for all you have done for us.

Semper Fidelis,

1stSgt. Mario Artalejo
1st BN, 1st Marines, C Co.
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 2 December, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just got another two (2) boxes from Give2TheTroops!!! Thank you so much for everything. I had enough stockings for my whole Platoon, thank you so very much. It really means a lot to us that you help us get into the Christmas spirit over here. Now we have enough to decorate our office. I am really excited for the holidays now!

Please extend our thanks to all the Volunteers and Donors for the Wonderful Christmas Package for our unit. I hope that you all have a nice Christmas and a happy New Year. My Company thanks all the volunteers for all their hard work and dedication that goes into sending boxes to the troops. What you do means a lot to us out here and your efforts do not go unnoticed.





Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,

SGT Brie A. Rice, Orderly Room NCOIC
104th Transportation Co.
U.S. Army

Dated 1 December, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for your recent care packages! One thing I could use is a nice quality blanket. The ones the PX sells are not the best quality blankets - I've been through two already. Also a nice pillow would work wonders and one more thing if I may, a box of fabric softener dryer sheets such and Downey or Bounce. Again, the PX sells sheets that are both detergent and softener but are not the best quality. Thanks. I've included two pictures - one of me with kids at a school for homeless kids and the other of an Afghan Army kitchen. Yep - this is where they cook some of the food. Would you like to do lunch? 


I've also attached a few pictures taken during one of our many Volunteer Community Relations program trips. I help the VCR program during my free time and we often make trips to refugee camps, school, orphanages or to local communities to visit with the families and distribute much needed clothing or other supplies. We all enjoy meeting the families and playing with the kids and it's a way of getting out. The little girl in the red dress and green eyes captured my heart. I just had to take her picture. I also printed several of her pictures and had one of the local artists at the camp bazaar paint her on canvas and it came out great. And the artist was a young kid about 13-14 years old! He did a super job! Please let me know when you receive the flag I sent you as I'd like to know that it did make it. It's the least I could do to say thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. It makes our day when we receive packages from home. Knowing there is someone back home who cares is what makes it all worthwhile.


Respectfully,
LTC Juan Montoya
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 30 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I  received your care package and I will make sure it goes to my guys that need it the most. I would like to say thanks to you and your team there in North Carolina for the items that were sent. I know my guys would thank you themselves if they were able to. Everyone is really busy with missions. Thanks again to everyone there. It means a lot to us to know you care.

SGT Daniel L. Farrington, Chaplain Assistant
519th MI BN
U.S. Army

Dated 30 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for all that you do. You are a blessing to the troops and I am thankful that there are people like yourselves back home who support the troops.

It is very heartwarming and a blessing to us. All of you at Give2TheTroops will be in my prayers.

May God send each of you many blessings your way.

Again, thank you for taking the time to show your support.

God Bless,

April Robicheau
HHC 325th STB, 2 BCT
U.S. Army

Dated 30 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful support to me and my unit.  We received two (2) huge boxes of goodies last week and everyone was excited.  Within minutes after getting everyone together and letting them have their choices, I was left with two empty boxes.  SSgt. Mark Truesdale told me what an excellent organization you had and I absolutely believe him.  I have attached a picture of me and our MSgt at our wonderful welcome sign that is so nice to see every time we return from a mission. 



Thank you again for everything,

SSgt Matthew D. Bertsch
1st I. Bn (CIHOC)
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 29 November, 2007
Persian Gulf

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My shop got your packages a few days ago! They were amazing and those stockings are awesome. Thanks for all the movies and the food. We definitely had a better Thanksgiving because of it! How is everything over there? The weather? has it snowed yet?

We been tied up with email the past few days. Here are some pictures for you! We shared a bunch of our stockings and such with other people but we still have plenty of goodies! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH.



Sincerely,

Ericka DePalma
AE3 VFA-32
U.S. Navy

Dated 29 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for the care packages you sent us. My paratroopers and I are enjoying the goodies your organization supplied. The movies, music and goodies help to boost the morale duringthe holiday season. We all wish that we were home but we have duties here. Thank you for all that you do.

I'm a Signal Officer assigned to the 82nd ABN DIV out of Ft Bragg, North Carolina. This is my second deployment. I was in Iraq in 2005 and now Afghanistan. I thought I raq was the worst place ever, however, Iraq at least has an infrastructure and a place to relax when of our mission. Here in Afghanistan, it's the opposite. We have no TV or gaming systems to relieve the stress.

Your support demonstrates that there are patriotic people who care for the American Soldier. I'm proud to serve this great country of ours. ALL TH WAY ... AIRBORNE.

2LT Joe Addison
HHC 4th BCT
U.S. Army

Dated 28 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received an awesome care package from your organization today.  It was great seeing the guys go crazy over all the stuff you sent.  We have no PX here and only one small Haji Mart with crappy, cheap stuff.  So mail day is quite a thing around here and always lightens our moods and hearts.  You must have been doing this for while because all of the things you sent are right on the nose.  Everyone in the platoon got stuff they needed from your huge box.  We let the Joes go through first then on up through the ranks. 

It really touches our hearts to know that there are great people and organizations out there like you and your’s, that have our backs and support us from the home front.  There were many Soldiers before us who did not have the great gift of a supportive Country behind them, such as my Father who served in Vietnam. 

If you care to know a little more about me.  I am a husband of a wonderful wife and the father of one handful of a three-year-old son.  I am from West Virginia and she is from Georgia.  We plan to have a second child after I get back, hopefully a little girl, so Daddy’s girl can steal his heart. 

Our platoon is away from the rest of our unit, which is about 100 miles away.  We are pretty athletic as a whole, very technically saavy, and really loud.  I am including a picture of some of us at Thanksgiving at the DFAC.  That might be a good one for your web site.  I do not have a digital camera or I would have taken a photo of us going through your box today.  All of us are very thankful for you and what you do.

If you want to send more things we would really like Hillshire Farms summer sausage, cheese, and cracker packages, batteries (aa,aaa,d, lithium if possible), thumb drives, hackey sacks, DVD movies and flashlights.

Thanks again,

SSG Daniel J. Proud
7 SIG CO, STB, 7 SB
U.S. Army

Dated 28 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Hello! My name is Cpl. Harris and I am currently deployed in Iraq for the 3rd time. I was just reading your golf information on your web site and figured I would say thank you so much for doing this. You have no idea how many troops are touched by groups such as yourselves. Many Marines look forward to packages and things and I'm sure that they will to yours as well. Thank you so much.

Cpl Lonie Harris
2nd Supply BN (-) rein
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 27 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hello!

Thank you very much for your package. It was such a nice surprise to get it. I can use everything in the box and so can my buddies. I appreciate the ethnic items as well ... I am Mexican and I enjoyed them. A little about myself, I am 6' 3" tall, 250 lbs, and a pretty big guy. They call me "Big A". Attached is my picture. I am from California but stationed in Georgia. I was stationed in Jacksonville, NC for 4 years when I was in the Marines. I like it very much, the people were great and it reminded me of my small home town that I am from in California. I have been to Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, Williamsburg, it is a nice state. I enjoy music, electronics, motorcycles, body building, and of course getting packages in the mail. Who doesn't?

I just want to thank you and the personnel involved in creating the box for spending your time to do this for us. We really appreciate it and some of us kind of need it if you know what I mean. I don't really have items to request but I can tell you what I like for any further boxes you wish to send. I like spicy items as you have guessed, like beef jerky, snacks, smores pop tarts, love any type of chips, soft oatmeal cookies, granola bars. I am pretty much set now with hygiene items and items for my room. Thanks again I needed some twin bed sheets and a blanket. Well I better get some sleep my shift starts at 1 in the morning.



Thank you again,

SGT Antonio Almendarez
274th MCT
U.S. Army

Dated 27 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your care package. The soldiers really appreciate it. I had to carry it on foot! LOL! It was the only time I did not get a ride to pick up mai and it was heavy! LOL! I hope all is well. I will take pictures when we give out the stuff you sent to the local kids.

Thanks again,
SFC David R. Henson, Platoon Sergeant
501st Military Police Co.
Iron MP's Mad Dawgs
U.S. Army

Dated 27 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I want to thank you for the care package your wonderful organization has sent us. I could not believe the size of the box when we picked it up! It will all be put to good use! The magazines, toiletries, movies, CDs, food snacks ... EVERYTHING will be put to good use!

It is people like yourselves at the Give 2 The Troops organization who make life a bit more bearable for those of us deployed.

Again, thank you for caring enough to send a care package. You are making a BIG difference.

I have taken the liberty to send you a thank you gift from us here in Afghanistan. Today, I mailed a package to you containing a US flag that was flown over our camp as our way of saying thanks for all you do!

Juan

Respectfully,
LTC Juan Montoya
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 25 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We hope you had a great Holiday weekend. I want to thank all of you for giving us so much from back home. You are the reason we do what we do everyday. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you. Please extend my sincere gratitude to all those that participated in helping you make this possible. It is very much appreciated by all the Marines here at LOGCOM.



May God bless you all.

Take care and once again, Happy Holidays.

Semper Fidelis,
MSgt. Joe H. Lewis
SNCOIC, MCLC
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 24 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I finally made it back to Iraq after being wounded and in the hospital. And I am happy to be back - I missed the place. We were on a patrol and I got hit by an IED. I am okay, though despite having some ear problems. I did get the boxes you sent us and wanted to say and thank you so much!

I hope all is okay with you guys.

SSgt Dwayne Sutton
CLB-8 Maint. Company
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 24 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you so much for the package. It's nice to know people care. Rest assured that it was put out into our waiting "room" in our clinic and quickly snatched up by wounded or sick soldiers. Pass along some thanks to your volunteers and let them know that we'd love to receive more mail from them. Again, thank you so much for what you guys do. You guys rock.

SPC Uriah J. Low, Medic, EVAC Squad
1st Sustainment Brigade
U.S. Army

Dated 24 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

No kidding - your box you sent us was GINORMOUS! I wish I could thank everyone who donated and volunteered. Can you please post this letter to send out my thanks? Those rawhide bones you sent are great! The same one has kept my working dog, "Bertje", busy all day. he can usually kill a bone in minutes. When he is busy - I get to relax! You SCORED!

I will have to send you a photo of me with my big, bad, "puppy". I am thanking you on behalf of the entire K-9 section here in Iraq. We absolutely loved the box and it is clear that a lot of time and thought were poured into it.

Thanks so much!

SGT Tracy Ast
and MWD "Bertje" (WOOF!)
5-82 FA (K-9 Section)
U.S. Army

Dated 23 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for another wonderful package. The inflatable Santa and carousel are amazing! And I've already eaten up all the popcorn! (*smile*)

Thanks so very, very much!  

CPT Dana L. Riegel
HHC, 173D BSB (TF Repel)
U.S. Army

Dated 23 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am writing to thank you very much for the package that we just received from your organization. The package was full of things that the Marines all love. Their faces lit up when I started to hand out the goods that your organization sent. I could immediately see the boost in their morale. I send thanks to those that have supported our troops and given them a little piece of home. This is my fourth time here so it is becoming more and more familiar but still unbearable.  Your organization makes the days so much better and we thank the Lord every day for all of you that support us as you do.

I would like to personally thank everyone involved. All I can say is thank you very much for the continued support of our hard working troops.

Yours truly,
SSgt. Jason S. Wells
HMLA-169
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 22 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

The 224 Engineer Company has finally made it back to a central location where all platoons are now in the same area. This is a great morale booster for all. The second night after we all returned, we pulled out the ICEE Machine you sent us and fired it up. We had slide shows going on to show photos of what each of the platoons had been doing for the past seven weeks. We played horseshoes, basketball, volley ball, and of course we all enjoyed frozen ICEEs. We were joined by our Battalion Commander, the Battalion Executive Officer, and 1LT(P) Gamble who was instrumental in making sure that your donation made it here for our soldiers. It was a good time had by all.

We made a batch of the Blueberry which everyone loved, and the second batch was half Strawberry and half "Rip" (It's a carbonated energy drink).
We very much enjoyed the machine and it will continue to be put to very good use while we are here in Iraq.

Thank you again so very much. We hope you are having a Happy Thanksgiving and a truly wonderful Holiday Season. God bless you all.

Sincerely,

CPT Marc M. Mouser, Commanding
224 EN CO
U.S. Army
"Blades Deep"

Dated 22 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I just wanted to send you a message thanking you for all that you do in supporting the men and women who are deployed. It is especially important during the holidays. I definitely understand the importance in your support with this being my fourth deployment. So, from a deployed soldier, THANK YOU!

Joseph R. Johnson IV
2nd BSTB Medical Section
U.S. Army

Dated 22 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just came back from COP to our base and found out I received your care package. Thank you very much. I attached a picture of my company. I'm the 3rd one from the left on the very front row ... the brown t-shirt guy.



Thanks again,
PO3 Hiromoto Shono
NMCB15 Delta
U.S. Navy

Dated 22 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you. I just received the package today and I have to say that I was completely overwhelmed. Everyone came out to see what arrived and to help open and distribute its contents. Unbelievable is the word that I would use to describe our mental state. Things like this and the response of your organization only re-enforces what I have thought of our fellow citizens back home. No matter what, I know that all the troops are supported.

Thank you again, Bless you all.

GySgt Russell E. Fietz
MALS 29 QA
U.S. Marine Corps

! We still have our night crew who will get their stockings, but we wanted to write you and tell you that we are so thankful to everyone who was involved with the care package, We really enjoyed everything. It really put some smiles on our faces. I am sending you a few photos so you can see. By the way - it's so cold here now!




THANKS AGAIN!

LCpl. Shemallian R. ArrietaRivera
2nd Supply TS Co COMM
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 19 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am sorry it took so long to respond, but I really wanted to take the time to thank your organization for your support! My name is Sergeant First Class James Flores and I'm writing in regards to your care packages you sent us.

I am a platoon sergeant with about XXX soldiers working underneath me and we all enjoyed your packages. We are actually stationed out of Ft. Polk, LA but are currently serving in Iraq. This is my second tour and we have been tasked out for another XX months.

Your care packages came at the perfect time, with the holidays coming around. It gave my soldiers something to smile about. At times, I think they lose focus on our mission here, but when people like your organization show us support, it shows there are still people who care! I just want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

SFC James Flores, Jr.
488th Combat Security Company
U.S. Army

You are wonderful! We received the 8 Camelbaks you sent us and they were a hit.  Hopefully, one day I can meet you all and give you all a big hug and a kiss!!!  I have enclosed a couple of pictures from my wonderful new camera that you all sent me. 

Don’t get confused with there only being 7 people in the picture, all 8 came in and were handed out but the eighth person was out.  I even made sure MGySgt Gustafson was in the picture.

The Marines in the pictures are as follows from left to right:  Myself, Sgt Glynn, Sgt Bonner, MGySgt Gustafson, GySgt Chesser, Cpl Hammersmith, and LCpl Keefer.  SSgt Berry received the 8th Camelbak and was not in the pic.

I want to thank all of you at Give 2 the Troops for the Camelbaks and the wonderful support you have provided us and all of the troops that are deployed.  It is wonderful to know there are people like you in your organization who really stand behind us with such great support.  It truly makes our day-to-day lives over here a lot easier.  Hopefully one day I will be able to meet some of the wonderful people you have who provided the time and effort in sending a little piece of love and care from home.  Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work, the troops appreciate it.

PS: What does a guy got to do to get one of your black t-shirts and khaki ball cap? We'd love some Give2TheTroops t-shirts!



GySgt Randy L. Morrow
2D MLG (FWD) MRB/G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 17 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I thank you for everything that you are doing for us, our military, and the U.S. For us here in Iraq, the care packages are much appreciated. The contents have been passed around to the Soldiers and have helped to increase their morale. The cards show how much our efforts mean not just to us here, but to the people back home. Thank you very much!

I have heard about all the organizations that support the military. You are definitely helping to keep us, the military service members, fighting for our country, on the minds of every American. You are the reason that our country is so very Patriotic, while we fight the battles on foreign lands, you fight to keep our minds and hearts strong by showing that our country truly cares about us, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

God bless you all!

I'm 2LT Joe Addison and and I would like to thank you for the care package. About me - I'm a Signal Officer (communications) assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I'm from the great state of South Carolina. This is my second deployment. Iraq in 2005 and now Afghanistan.

I thought that Iraq was the worst place ever. However, after being in Afghanistan, I realize you have to be careful what you wish for.

My section responsibility is to provide a sound and flawless communication network (computers, telephones and radios and anything else that plugs into an outlet) for the XXXXXXX (OPSEC) Command in Afghanistan. We are often outside the wire troubleshooting our systems. Your support demonstrates there are patriotic people out there that care for the American Soldier. I'm proud to serve this great country of ours.

Once again, thank you. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

ALL THE WAY ... Airborne!

2LT Joe Addison
HHC 4th BCT
U.S. Army

Hello! I wanted to say thank you for the ginormous box of goodies you sent! It was awesome and a lot of the stuff is already gone. You have no idea how these guys reacted when I popped it open and told them to dig in. Your efforts are a real morale booster.

Here at XXXXXX, (OPSEC) Iraq we have decent chow hall and a small PX - but it has very limited stuff. I only shop there to get the very bare necessities, otherwise I never go there because it's just not worth the hassle.

Again, all my guys say thank you for your wonderful contributions. Just a note for you, when we pull out of here, I will make sure the Marines taking over will get in touch with you.

Thanks again - you are wonderful!

Semper Fi.

CWO4 Len Tippett
MALS-29 QA
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 15 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to say thank you very much for all the things you sent us in your last Care Package to us. I'm truly appreciative for everything that you have done for us. Let me tell you what weve been up to. We just recently got back from a long mission, we conducted operations all over Afghanistan, and I'm glad to say that all my troops are safe and sound, however, we did lose 2 soldiers from another unit. Other than that, I just wanted to say thank you again and send you a picture of my team and me. I'm the guy with the "thumbs up" and the cheesy smile.



Thank you again for everything ...

Dated 9 November, 2007
Persian Gulf

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I just received an email from my husband. You guys were nice enough to send to him a care package while he was overseas. He's had a rough deployment this go-around, and he said that the package was very nice and he appreciated it a great deal. So thank you from FC3 Frith and his wife, Crystal. He was so amazed by it and thankful, as am I.

Here is a funny picture of the sailors actually sleeping because they were worn out … of course one guy woke up to see the picture being taken and wrapped himself around my husband, but the other boys are really sleeping from exhaustion.  Our boys have had 2 port cancellations, and in 4 months, have only seen land 3 times for a total of about 10 days altogether.  They actually went 70 days without land!  With my husband’s next port possibly being cancelled again due to conflicts with the war, your package came just in time to lift his spirits.  Sailors don’t always see the brutality of the war, but they are affected by it, so thank you again!  



Crystal Frith, wife of
FC3 Perry Frith
U.S.S. Gettysburg - CM Division
U.S. Navy

Dated 8 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to start off by saying that I'm very sorry for my late response. My name is Anderson Tejada and I'm originally from New Jersey. I just turned 24 years old 3 days ago. Well, I don't want to bore you too much with my history, - instead what I really want to say is "thank you very much for all the items you guys sent to me and my unit."

I don't know how much effort you all put into the box, but may God bless every one of you and your families for sending the items to us and supporting us. I also read a lot of the post cards that you included inside the box, and I'd like those people to know we appreciate them. Also, those Girl Scout cookies are delicious - those were the first Girl Scout cookies I have ever tasted in my life.

I am doing good so far. Knowing that there are people out there who really care for what we Soldiers do. I am sorry I couldn't make this letter longer, but due to the work I have, I am very busy.

Thank you a million times for all your support.

SPC Anderson Tejada
F-CO 2/2 SCR
U.S. Army

Dated 7 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I hope this simple card can convey the utmost gratitude shared by all of our soldiers. We also want to wish Sgt. Grant the best during his deployment and please tell him I'll be seeing him "down range."

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

2LT Robert Villa
528 MCT
U.S. Army

Dated 7 November, 2007
Qatar

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),
Thank you for everything! One thing I would personally like would be a giant KJV Bible, if possible. I am ocularly impaired.

The guys and gals here thank you as well.

SSgt. David Mallick
379th ELRS/LGRRW
U.S. Air Force

Dated 7 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!!!!! Sorry it took so long to write back. We got another box of goodies from you all!!! It came the day before Halloween. I used a large trashbag to put the goodies in and went from tent to tent, letting the guys pick what they liked. They all said thanks for everything; it really made their day. Thank you for caring for us so much. Take care!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God bless you all,
SSG Dennis Brown and the guys!!
B Btry 1/10, 3 HBCT, 3 ID
U.S. Army

Dated 5 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you very much for the box you sent us.  We were like little children opening a Christmas present on X-Mas Day.

We all appreciate the care and love obviously poured with all the goodies into the box.

We salute you and your team for doing what you do!!!

Respectfully,

LCDR Rene Abadesco
VAQ-133 Unit 25407
U.S. Navy

Dated 5 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your gracious and thoughtful donations of toiletries, magazines and snacks for our Soldiers. Your kindness to the Soldiers of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VI is uniquely appreciated. We will distribute these gifts to the Soldiers. I know your hearts are invested in these gifts.

As the Command Chaplain for CJTF Phoenix, I want you to know your support helps our Soldiers face the difficulties of the mission and the separation from their families. May you feel God's Blessings on yourselves and your communities.

God Bless,

LTCOL Lawrence C. Dennis, Chaplain
HHC, 218TH BCT
U.S. Army

Dated 5 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

What can I say? Last week, the base's Post Office calls me and tells me that I have a very LARGE and heavy box to pick up. Oh yeah, she also tells me to not forget to drive over our "Gator" as I will need it ... I figured my wife went crazy and started shipping more boxes my way!! Well, making a long story short, I brought the very LARGE and heavy box to my office where my staff and I proceeded to open and distribute your care package among our soldiers, sailors and airmen!!

Your care package included snacks, nerf football, movies, music CDs and even a portable DVD, to name a few, really hit the spot!! Just so you know, we have XXXX (OPSEC) Connecticut Army National Guard soldiers here along with other uniformed personnel to share your generosity.

Today, we took a picture of my diverse IT/communications staff (3 Army, 2 Air Force and 5 Navy) to THANK YOU and I have attached it.



Give2TheTroops made our day for many days to come ...

Thanks for thinking of us and making our stay away from our families more tolerable.

Take care and God bless,
LTC Spyros Spanos, G-6 Officer
ARSIC-WEST
Connecticut Army National Guard

Dated 4 November, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks again so much for the Halloween village and decorations. I decided to share and let everyone enjoy them by putting them in our FOB Dining Facility
(DFAC). God works in great ways - turns out the DFAC (which is run by a civilian company called KBR) didn't get their Halloween decoration in on time and had nothing. So everyone just loved what you sent to us! Here are some pictures.




Thanks again,

CPT Dana L. Riegel
HHC, 173D BSB (TF Repel)
U.S. Army

Dated 3 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that I received your box this past Tuesday, October 30th, 2007.

Unfortunately, due to the environment that I operate in, I have been unable to send this email back to tell you thank you for the box. As soon as I was able to get the box back to our Orderly Room, I opened it up and started sharing with all of the troops that we have here in our unit. The supplies, from the DVD’s, to the toiletries, to the magazines and books, to the snacks and cards, were welcomed with big smiles and opened mouths from the soldiers in my section as they saw that someone had sent us all something.

Thank you and your volunteers for taking the time to select, package, and ship the package to us here. It was well appreciated and we thank you for supporting us.

I also appreciated the information and pictures that you provided as it gave the package more of a "personal" touch. Our prayers will be with Sgt. Grant as he returns here to Iraq –who knows, we might bump into him!

Whatever you would like to do for us would be appreciated: Christmas and/or Hanukkah.

Thanks again and keep up the good work!

V/R,

LTC David M. Schmidt
316th ESC, G3
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 2 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hey, we got your care package yesterday. I assembled the Soldiers and explained what was going on, and of course they were elated to get the goodies! We wanted to show our appreciation by taking some pics, and sending a thank you card. The card is coming, we all have to sign it. My NCOIC read the letter before they turned the box into scraps, and they all send a big thank you to Andi and crew!

You guys are the best!





Best regards,

CW2 Bill Grinley
81st RRC
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 2 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am Sgt. Anthony Betancourt of the United States Marine Corps.  My unit and I recently received a package from Give2TheTroops.  I am just writing to let you know that everyone here enjoyed the package immensely.  There was enough to go around and everyone got their share. We would love to receive subsequent packages from you - if you are able.  I wanted to thank you and everyone who helped put this together: donors and volunteers.  Your sentiments mean the world to us out here.

It's good to know that people appreciate what we do here. 

Thanks again.
 
Sgt. Anthony Betancourt
MACS-2 DET 1
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 1 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the care package we recently received.  We really appreciate that we are not forgotten back at home and are overwhelmed by the generosity that has been shown to us.  The beef jerky and popcorn was a big hit with all the guys.  

I have also had been given special requests for sweet & salty and cheesy Chex mixes.  Can you send us some?

Again thank you all so much and we hope you all have a happy holiday season.  

Sincerely,
SGT Kenneth McGhee
HHC 412 ASB
U.S. Army

Dated 1 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to take a moment of your time to say Thank you for everything that your organization has done and will continue to do for our military. Understand that you have not only touched the lives of my Paratroopers on a remote combat outpost in Southern Iraq but you have touched hundreds of villagers near the cities of XXXXX, XXXXX, and XXXXX (OPSEC) with your generosity. If you get the moment, please inform your Volunteers and Donors that we appreciate everything that they do to support the Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines worldwide. We will never be able to repay you all for the sacrifices that you've made away from your loved ones to support us.

I would like to express my gratitude for the support that you have given to the Paratroopers of the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion (1st Brigade Combat Team), 82nd Airborne Division who are currently serving in Iraq.  During the last four months, our Paratroopers have all been through a whirlwind of activity.  Through their hard work and dedication, we will leave this country knowing that we made a positive impact for the future of the Iraqi people.

In every instance, they have all executed superbly.  I cannot explain the intense feeling of pride that I have in these Paratroopers who’ve performed so magnificently in this challenging environment.  I am also proud and appreciative of the many ways in which you are supporting America by the care packages in which you have sent to many people across Iraq. Understand that through the Give2TheTroops organization, your efforts and generosity has benefited people across the globe. These soldiers simply cannot go through this War on Terrorism alone.  With each letter and care package that you send, you reinforce what each Paratrooper must feel in his heart; that there are thousands of supporters of the soldiers on the front lines.  We are all very proud knowing that we have supporters like those in your communities.

On behalf of all of the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Paratroopers of this unit, I owe you all my most heartfelt “thank you".   Thank you for the tremendous support and encouragement.  Hartford County and Fairfield County, Connecticut: Thank you for every thing that you do to help Give2TheTroops.

May God bless you and may God bless America.  

CPT Michael J. Donahue, Commanding
C Co, 1BSTB, 1BCT (82nd Airborne Div)
U.S. Army

Dated 1 November, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just received your care package with the colored pillow cases inside.  They were greatly appreciated and well welcomed.  All of the enclosed items were well received too.  We appreciate all you do for us.  Enclosed are some pictures of us with the pillow cases.  Some of the soldiers wanted to say thanks to the children personally for the pillow cases. Please pass this gratitude along for us.



Thanks again,
SPC Charles Ahlborn
HHC, STB; G6 NETOPS
U.S. Army

Dated 31 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello! My name is Chaplain (1Lt) Chance Mace, and from the care package you sent to us, I received a wonderful pillow case decorated by "Kelly Bango". Thank You very much, and God Bless You for the support that you show to us.

Chaplain (1Lt) Chance Mace

Dated 31 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Here are those pictures I promised you sorry it took so long. Thanks again for all you have done. will try and get a picture of the whole group when I can.
Thanks again for your support.

Take Care.




SSG Russel Minto
MNC-I, (K-9)
U.S. Army

Dated 31 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Today, we received a HUGE package you sent us and we can’t thank you enough.  It looks like a lot of time and effort went into putting it together, so again, thank you.  You guys are awesome and packages like this help to brighten everyone's day.  I neglected to bring my camera today, but I’ll send you some pictures as soon as possible.  Your support is more than appreciated.

Respectfully,

SSgt. Adam E. Griggs
MALS 29
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 31 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello G2TT. I hope this day finds you well. I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful package that you sent to us. All of the items were very useful and were very much appreciated. Thank you for being so thoughtful and so willing to take time out of your busy schedule to think of us over here in Iraq. We really appreciate all the things that those back home do for us, because it lets us know that someone is thinking about us and appreciates us just as much as we appreciate them.

Please extend my sincere gratitude to all those that participated in helping you with such a wonderful gesture.



Your time and thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated.

May God Bless you all.

Semper Fidelis,
MSgt. Joe H. Lewis
SNCOIC, MCLC
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 29 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

You guys are truly amazing at G2TT! I remember being here in OIF 3 at FOB GABE when we first received things through your great organization. This Saturday, I received two (2) BIG Boxes from you guys!! I took one to the HHC CP and the other to the Clinic. The Soldiers were all like "WOW"! 

This is by far the coolest stuff we have received so far!!

I gave your addresses (email and regular mail) to the Soldiers who wanted to write you letters of thanks for supporting us over here in Iraq.   I have personally benefited from you when I was here before, so I knew what to expect. That same level of caring, dedication, committment to our troops, and unmatched patriotism continue to reach beyond normal expectations - You have not lost a step, and we are THANKFUL for that!!

Keep in touch and God Bless You and G2TT for all you do, and continue to do for our deployed service members.

V/R,
SSG Douglas (Deej) Saunders
HHC 1-1 ARB
U.S. Army

Dated 28 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I went home on leave and came back last week. It's been real tough on me being back. First, I'm jet-lagged, but more importantly, I just miss my wife so much. I was so happy to be back home. It put a lot of tears in my eyes, but I was strong for my wife, even though it was hard to do. Anyway, when I came back, I received another care package from you guys.

As always, we loved everything that you sent - especially the people I work with.  Now we all have water bottles from you. I actually have 3 extra water bottles! Also, I'd like to say that my unit loves the acoustic guitar you sent which two people have learned to play. I haven't heard the people who have learned, since they usually use it while I'm at work. And I believe the guitar is also being used at the moment in our church. We have a church band and they use instruments. We love it.

I'm doing well as are the Army brothers I work with, besides the fact that they want to go home already. But we all do. I'm sorry I have no pictures to send you. I want to take pictures of people using the guitar but I'm always working and it's very hard too and I want to get a picture of us with one of your care packages, but no one likes posing for pictures. We are all so stressed out after work, so they just want to go to their rooms and rest.

Thank you again for the box.

Thank you so much from HHB 1-9FA to all the people who donated and/or voluntered and packed our box.

PFC Billy Sapp
HHB 1-9FA
U.S. Army

Dated 28 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is SSgt. Damian Dobbs and from myself and my entire platoon of Marines, we want to say thank you for the grateful gifts you have sent us. It was like Christmas here for us.

Our platoon is made up of half active duty and half reserve. Our reserve Marines are from New York and Illinois and they are the best group of Marines that we have served with. As for me, my wife and my son await my arrival in North Carolina next year. All of our other active duty and reserve Marines families await their arrival as well.

Time goes by some days quicker than expected and other days it drags but such is life here in Iraq, we make the best of it. As people around the world pray for us, we as the Communications platoon from 2d Supply Battalion send the best of wishes to all of you. We also want to thank Andi Grant's husband for the sacrifices he gives to our country as well. It is a tough job to keep doing it over and over again, especially for the families.

As I tell my wife, she has the toughest job in the Marine Corps and that is being able to understand where they send me, so my hat is off to all of you family members as you do the same.

Also we pray for all the volunteers who take the time out of their busy schedules and put together these special packages for us. It takes a lot of heart and dedication to reach out to people you may not meet, but they say a picture says a thousand words. And so that is what I have attached, some pictures of our platoon.


Once again thank you so much and tell Sgt. Grant he is in our prayers.  

Semper Fidelis.

Sincerely,
SSgt. Damian Dobbs
2nd Supply Battalion
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 28 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

First I want to thank you for the care packages that my Marines and I received. My shop has been getting more people due to the high volume of convoys and missions so keeping them busy so that they don't tear up the shop has been tough. I'm thankful for everything you sent us because now they just sit down and eat and play instead of moping or arguing. It's been tough these last few weeks. I just had to rotate a few of the Marines to another shop and platoons so that some can get time off. I feel bad because a few of them missed out on everything we got today. I will get them on the next package you send us.

I wish you all could have been here to see our faces light up when we got the packages. It felt like Christmas. I've been in the service for 7 years now and never have I received a care package like this one. I'm probably going on too much, so once again thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart.

I do have one thing that we really need here if it's not to much to ask? The Iraqis give us really bad hair cuts. Is there any way that we can get a good set of Clippers to cut our own hair?

Here are a few pictures of us doing what we do best when we are bored.  I don't like one of the pictured of me because you can see my gunshot wound on my
left hand. My first wound was in the chest and second in the hand. That's our pet spider, "Bulldozer".




God bless you all and THANK YOU for your support. It makes it so much easier for us to do our jobs.

THANKS,

LCpl. Shemallian R. ArrietaRivera
2nd Supply TS Co COMM
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 28 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received a few more boxes from you and wanted to say "thanks" and send you some pictures of us with the boxes. This was totally awesome, the Marines were up in arms. You couldn't even fathom. You can send us more pillows - they were a big hit, the blankets were even a bigger hit. When we got down to the last blankets you sent, I had to draw numbers. It’s starting to get chilly at night now. I also received the box dressers two days ago and they didn’t last but five minutes! I think that we are good on those.

We hope Andi is in good spirits (with her husband deployed now) and that you are all drinking one for us.

You and all your elves can’t even imagine the impact that those packages are when they arrive. Please thank all who gave us a helping hand.

Stay strong and thank you for your support.



Gunny Barber 

GySgt. Richard B. Barber
2nd Supply Battalion, TS CO.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Dated 27 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My soldiers and I send our thanks for the box you sent to us.  We greatly appreciate the efforts of organizations like yours showing us that people in America still do care and realize the sacrifices we make.  Attached is a picture of the soldiers in my shop. We wanted your organization to know the soldiers who received the box.



Thanks again,



SSG Ian E. Jackson
3-158th/TF XII
TF STORM S6 NCOIC
U.S. Army

Dated 19 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for all the care packages that you sent to my soldiers and me. We were very excited when we received the box with all the candy bars! The "Snickers" bars are awesome - especially since we haven't had any all year! Oh! And thank you also for the "Bad Company" DVD movie. I definitely enjoyed watching that movie - it was great.

My team has been keping very busy going on Missions almost every day.

Thank you very much for all your support.

"Q"

SGT Heiberth Quintero
HHC 4TH BCT 508TH PIR
U.S. Army

Dated 19 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

WOW!!!

Thanks a millionI I received two more packages from you today. Well "WE" received them. The mail has been kind of backed up lately and no one has really been getting any packages. Then, when your packages showed up and I opened the first box, we were all like "%$^* Awesome! We now have seasonings!" You have no idea how long we have been waiting for seasonings out here. It's really hard to do a great job on food when you're short on seasonings and spices. Now, thanks to you, we have enough spices and seasonings to last us up until the time we leave here!!!! DANG - you guys are awesome!

Then, I opened up the other package and not only did you send my favorite Girl Scout Cookies, but you also sent us an Xbox 360 system and games! :) Thanks big time for that!

Tonight has been full of tears and smiles and that is all thanks to your hard work to make sure that we are taken care of over here in Iraq with heart warming gifts!!!

I would really like to call you and thank you verbally but I guess this will have to do for now. Guess what? We are having some awsome nice seasoned grilled steaks this weekend!

Once again, I can't thank you enough and neither can the guys here with me, but we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

ONCE AGAIN, THANKS GIVE2THETROOPS!!

Sgt. Jonathan D. Grant
CLB 8 HQ. CO. FDSVC PLT
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 19 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I just wanted to send out a thanks from the guys here in my unit and myself. We received another two boxes from you about and they were greatly appreciated. We are watching the movies and eating the snacks whenever we get a chance. I just wanted to tell you that we appreciate everything you guys do. As you send things out, please let us know so we will make sure to keep an eye out and try to return the kindness with an email and some pictures.

Again, thank you.

SPC Brandon R. Kathrens
478th PSD
U.S. Army

Dated 15 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of 1st squad of the 235th MP Company stationed in Afghanistan, I would like to give all my gratitude to everyone involved with GIVE 2 THE TROOPS!  You are extremely amazing in everything you do and are HEROES in our eyes.  I believe that we have received around 50 care packages from your organization since the beginning of our deployment!! WOW!!  And each one was appreciated more than the last. 

We could tell that each box was not only packed with TONS AND TONS of GOODIES, but also with even more LOVE for your country and the soldiers!  All of the cards, drawings, pillow cases and many other things that we received from the children were probably the best, it really lifted everyone's spirits to get such great thoughtful things from them! 

The XBOX SYSTEM, video games, board games, DVD's, and especially COFFEE and GIRL SCOUT COOKIES have been extremely vital in our Headquarters being able to remain vigilant and awake on those long midnight CQ shifts!! 

We also found great pleasure in sharing some of our goodies with the locals, especially the kids!!  You see what poverty and terrible conditions that they live in and it makes everyone here feel great about being able to help them out in some way.  I mean after all, that is what we are here for, to help the country get back on their feet again and to rid the country of insurgents.  One of the most satisfying missions I took part of this past year was when I found a little girl hiding in the back of the crowd and then was able to get her to come out from hiding so I could give her a stuffed animal that GIVE2THETROOPS had sent me. 
 
So, it's hard to put into words the THANK YOU that you deserve.  I wish that we could wrap our arms around everyone involved with Give2TheTroops and give you a huge hug!!  Just know that all of you are an integral part of us being able to complete our mission here and keeping the troops' spirits up!  It gets pretty stressful here and people start to miss home, but when a box from GIVE2THETROOPS arrives EVERYONE has a smile on their face!! 





We love our country and each and every one of you involved, and this is the reason why we serve. 

So I thank you once again and God Bless You all!!!

SGT Ryan Royer
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 14 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the great Halloween packages. I received both of the packages a couple of days ago. Thanks so much for what you do!!

The Halloween village is amazing. I was a true surprise and I love it!! I am going to talk to the personnel that manage the dining facility to see if we can set-up the village on Halloween. I'll make sure to take pictures and send them to you.

Thanks again,

CPT Dana L. Riegel
HHC, 173D BSB (TF Repel)
U.S. Army

Dated 12 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Thank you so much for all the wonderful things that you sent to me. I have received one package so far but it seems that I should be receiving another one here soon. Luckily for me, the first one arrived on my birthday. Needless to say, it really helped make my birthday a whole lot better.

I really appreciated the DVD player and the dvd's. I been sharing them with the other guys in my unit. Movies over here are definitely popular because they help pass the time.

I just want to say thanks to you and everyone involved who helped make these packages possible.

Thanks,
SPC Keith W. Schonherr Jr.
E 1-44 AMD (C-RAM) 1CD DSTB
U.S. Army

Dated 12 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just want to say, "Thank You." You are all very special people and I admire that you would donate so much of your time for us who are over here. I want to tell you that we all appreciate you here in Afghanistan.

Thank you so much - your efforts made us feel closer to home.

Sincerely,

SSG Richard Christensen
1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2-321 FAR (ABN)
U.S. Army

Dated 11 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Boy, you want to talk about "sleeping like a baby" - well, it was hard getting from the unit back to the tents with all those pillows you sent us. Thank you!

Everyone kept asking me if your organization could help them out and if they could have the pillows you sent us, but I told them these pillows were for my guys. I had to keep one for myself, and Oh My God - that was the best sleep I have had since I got here! I can't believe how nice and soft those pillows are! I snuggled with my pillow all night.

Again, thank you so very much.

Your organization is the best by FAR!

SFC Michael Jones
HHOC, STB, 3ID
U.S. Army

Dated 11 October 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just want to let you know that your fifth box arrived today. It had the digital camera and all the baseball gloves.

The guys had them out in the motorpool already.



Thanks again,

Gunny Barber 

GySgt. Richard B. Barber
2nd Supply Battalion, TS CO.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Dated 11 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The guys in ARSIC-S Maintenance just hit the "MOTHER LOAD"!

We received your boxes, and were totally shocked when we opened up the boxes and saw the TV, Playstation System, 13 Games,
5 Movies, "Mechanix" Gloves, Girl Scout cookies, M-n-M's, Beef Jerkey, and the list goes on.

Your organization is AWESOME! These items will be truly enjoyed by my "dirty dozen" during our remaining 8 months, and will remain behind as morale boosters for our replacements in June 2008. We don't have electricity in our new building yet, as the contractor won't be done until January. Currently, we're powering our air compressor by using the small generator on our "contact truck."

So, we'll have to wait until January to hook up the TV and Playstation in the new break room. Therefore, the gift that the guys really love the most right now is the "Mechanix" gloves.... since they're mechanics, and we're not having any luck getting the Army to provide us any thin gloves... you guys scored Big Time with these cool "Mechanix" gloves.

Thank you so much from the men & one woman of ARSIC-S Maintenance! You guys rock!

V/R,
Capt Eric J. McGreevy, Maintenance Officer
ARSIC-S (Joint Task Force )
U.S. Air Force

Dated 8 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I cannot remember if I sent you a note. We received the two very large boxes from you yesterday.

The troops loved all the items included. Many, many thanks to you and all those that assisted is collecting, packaging, and sending the items to us.

Regards,

COL Lisa C. Bennett, Director, C2 Support
MNF-I
U.S. Army

Dated 8 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received another care package from you today.  Thanks for all you do for us.  We all appreciate it.

Thanks,

SFC Chadwick F. Wormer
HHC, 2-504th PIR, 82D ABN DIV
U.S. Army

Dated 8 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is Melinda Cullins and I'm the Programs Manager at the Pat Tillman USO in Afghanistan. We received one of your LARGE boxes today in the mail. I just wanted to thank you for it! It was a GREAT surprise. I'm sure we weren't supposed to get it, but when I went to the mail room today it was sitting there for us. The thing that happens is, if the person or unit is no longer on the camp and/or they don’t have a forwarding address, the post office gives the boxes to the USO; which then we pass out whatever is in the boxes to all the troops. We were starting to running out of snacks and now with your box we will be set for a few weeks. But I can’t thank you enough!!

Thank you again,
Melinda Cullins, USO Programs Manager

Dated 7 October, 2007
Qatar

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Interestingly I saw your Post Office Box address is in Canton, Connecticut. I graduated from Canton High School in 1975 and ran Cross country for
Canton under Tom Kulak and Harry Geraghty who were both teachers at Canton at that time.

Thank you for your support of our troops. I currently live in Arizona and am an Air National Guardsman with the 162nd Fighter Wing. I work in Logistics. Over here we give out body armor, helmets and Chemical attack bags.

I miss New England, especially Connecticut where I grew up. I have some family and a lot of friends still back in Canton and Collinsville.

Thank you again,
SSgt. David Mallick
162d FW
Arizona Air National Guard

Dated 7 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to send a warm hello and a resounding THANK YOU from the Redwolves in Iraq.  We received your packages yesterday and what a wonderful treat!  The Girl Scout cookies, Little Debbie type snacks and stationery are amazing.  I lined the boxes up side by side and let the guys satisfy their cravings before stocking our "donation" locker with the leftovers.  Yes - leftovers - and better than that, we have your wonderful cards to remind us of the support we have back home. 

September was a terribly difficult month for us with the loss of one aircraft and a maintenance schedule that left no time for diversion.  Your boxes came just in time to help us usher in a new month with high expectations.  Thank you again.

On behalf of the men and women of HSC-84,
LT Kelly Varonfakis
332 AEW/CJSOAC
U.S. Navy

Dated 6 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just want to let you know that I received two(2) boxes from you guys yesterday. THANKS for all the goodies. I opened those boxes and you could have sworn that they were all full of beer! The guys really appreciated the contents. All you heard was, "Look at this!" and "I want that!" It was great!

You have a great thing going with "GIVE2THETROOPS" - I'm sure that you hear this all the time.

Thanks again,

Gunny  

GySgt. Richard B. Barber
2nd Supply Battalion, TS CO.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Dated 6 October, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received the box with the DVD player and television set and magazines and snacks. Thanks so much to everyone who helped. I have tried to write back to everyone who sent a letter in too. I was so happy to get your care package and we all enjoy being able to watch movies and finally play the XBOX 360 that I bought for the guys!

Once we get a better internet connection I can send you some pictures of us using it. The magazines were also great.  I really enjoyed the hunting magazines.  I am moving to Alaska with my wife and two boys next winter, after the deployment, and I will need to know all the new tricks for hunting when I get there. 

All of us are doing well, we have had a few tragedies within my unit but we are hanging in there and doing our job as best we can.  Everyone is looking forward to our R&R breaks and slowly counting down the days until we return home.

Thanks again,

SGT Benjamin D. Barnes
1-91 CAV (ABN), 173rd ABCT
U.S. Army

Dated 4 October, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello again!

I would like to personally thank you again for sending another package and everyone who pitched in. I believe your founder's husband is deployed also, so he can tell you how much troops appreciate getting care packages. Just know that you all do a great job.

I attached a recent photo of us with Chuck Norris.



Thanks from everyone at MCC-Kuwait.

R/S

1stLt. Douglass Rauschelbach
II MEFFWD G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 3 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to let you know that I received another box from you today, and it was definitely filled with good stuff....thank you very much. I know when the Soldiers come up here to get stuff they are going to be very excited to see all the new items on the table. I can't tell you how much this stuff means to Soldiers out here.

Thank you again.

Well I have to get back to work, hope to hear from you soon!



Take care and God Bless!

SGT Brie A. Rice, Orderly Room NCOIC
104th Transportation Co.
U.S. Army

Dated 2 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I have received the three (3) boxes that you sent to us. I would like to thank all of the people who assist with your organization.

Even in this day of e-mail and instant communication, it still raises the heart to receive boxes and letters in the mail from people back home.

I have attached a couple of pictures from some of our K-9s ... one dog would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween.



Thank you again for all that you do to support the troops.

I can assure you that your support is appreciated by both the two and four legged troopers.

V/R,


MSG Christopher F. Cotton, OPS NCOIC
3ID PMO
U.S. Army

Dated 2 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello Again!!!!

We've just received the other box you sent us!!!!  I've attached some pictures, and we'll have more to follow. The guys were so excited to see the box arrive, because I've talked about you'll so much until we all wait with anticipation.

Thank you for caring so much for so many soldiers!!! We're truly grateful for everything that you do for us.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
                                                         

God bless you all,
SSG Dennis Brown and the guys!!!!
B Btry 1/10, 3 HBCT, 3 ID
U.S. Army

Dated 1 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you SO MUCH for the care packages. The guys on my team (MiTT 0410 - Team Elite) were flabbergasted and they couldn't get enough of the goodies. Thank you tons for what you're doing for the troops. It really DOES help.

I'd love to send you a formal thank you letter and certificate to all of you who contributed to Give2TheTroops.

Sincerely,

CAPT Joe Borovicka
MiTT 0410 Team Elite
U.S. Army

Dated 1 October, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I just wanted to send out a quick thanks to your North Carolina Branch Distribution Center. I recieved a box the other day with tons of great things in it. I shared the items with my troops. Everyone found a few things they really liked. What you are doing for our troops is outstanding. I saw firsthand the smiles you put on faces.

Once again, thank you and God bless you all,

TSgt Liam Brinn
332 EMXS
U.S. Air Force

Dated 28 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hi to all you at Give2thetroops,

Thanks for the package! We were like kids at Christmas! The contents went fast over here.  We have XXX (OPSEC) Army guys working with the Air Force and the Airmen were just as glad to get some of the goodies as well.   There was not a thing gone to waste here!  We now have a ton of coffee and are good for sometime!  The post cards were great as well. Some of the guys have sent them back home already!

I will have to stop by and thank you guys in person when I am home visiting my folks.  I am originally from Poquonock, Connecticut and my family is from all around there: Poquonock, Windsor Locks, Simsbury, East Granby, Hartford, New Britain and New Hartford!!

Thanks again!!

CW4 Sean Higgins
Sq3, IQAF, Unit 70069
U.S. Army

Dated 24 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hi!!!

Thank you for being right on time for us! Just 3 days ago, a group of us was sent to this small outpost that don't have any type of recreation. The box arrived today with the football, basketball, dodge-ball and everything (right on time). We will be sending you some pictures of us enjoying the special gifts from you and your friends, families, and donors.

I believe that you are all a blessing to all of the soldiers who are being supported by all of you.

Thank you for the inspiration that it is bringing to us. I gave your address to my Commanding Officer in order to request electronics like TVs, DVD players, PlayStation and an xbox system, so hopefully he has already made contact with you.

We will be taking pictures of our basketball area being restored and send you some pictures.

Thank you once again for "everything!!"

God bless your organization!!!!

Very Respectfully,
SSG Dennis Brown and troops
B Btry 1/10, 3 HBCT, 3 ID
U.S. Army

Dated 24 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received another box from you! Oh, the maddness of the big blue shirts from Bozzutto's. The books you sent us from all those authors were also very cool. Now our guys don't have to go to the chow hall for a few days thanks to you and they all got a new tooth brush. (One of the soldiers says, "Thanks, Mom! I'll brush every night now").

Again, thank you all so much - you are really spoiling these guys. And for that, I do appreciate it, because they all go through so much on a daily basis.

Thanks again,

SFC Michael Jones
HHOC, STB, 3ID
U.S. Army

Dated 21 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the package of goodies you sent! The box was sent to our medical person, HM2 Rikell Getfield, who has been sharing with all of us. It's loving hearts like yours' that make it an honor and privilege to serve our great nation. All of us in xxxxxxx (OPSEC), Iraq appreciate each one of you for the noble gesture.

We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness for us while we are away from our families.

With our deepest gratitude and appreciation!

SK2 Wendy Alvarado
Navy Customs Battalion SIERRA/Delta Company
U.S. Navy

Dated 19 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to say thank you so much for the packages. My Army brothers are so happy about it. We love the socks ... it was all really great. If you can, in the next box, please send us some more boxers, and more socks. Oh, and the Girl Scout cookies you sent - Well, I was surprised how quick they went. They all love those kinds. And all the sweets and stuff you included inthe box - we loved it all so very much.

Thank you so much. Hopefully, if we're good, everything you sent us will last us a week, but I'm talking about 3 shifts of 20 males each who take from our stash, so it should all be gone in less than 2 days. (Ha ha).

Thanks again,

PFC Billy Sapp
HHB 1-9FA
U.S. Army

Dated 19 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

This is SPC Craig Wiley with the 1230th TC/JLPF 1144 Company. You guys sent a care package to us. I loved it and so did the other guys in my unit. It helps us because we are on the road all the time. But I want to say thanks and tell you that I did receive it.

Thanks,

SPC Craig Wiley
1230th Transportation Company /JLPF 1144 Company, HHD 1144th TMT
Indiana Army National Guard

Dated 18 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I want to thank your for the care package we just received. It was just AMAZING. The vet gear was TRULY needed. At the TF31, we support only humans and to know that other people know that some of us take care of our furry friends is just GREAT to me.

Thank you SO MUCH for the package. You have no idea how much it met to me to receive it. The dogs love the soccer ball and the treats for my troops were just GREAT!

Thank you so much for all you do and for the package - it is truly welcome and loved.


CPT C.M. (Unit Veterinarian) and TF31 Operations
31st Combat Support Hospital
U.S. Army

Dated 17 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received the large care package sent to us by Give2TheTroops. It was greatly appreciated! Our soldiers were excited to sort through the box and share its contents. It was all a big hit!

I can't really say if any one item was more well received than another. I think it was all equally enjoyed! I want to thank all of your volunteers for all of your support. It truly is a blessing to all of us. It is so humbling to witness the outpouring of concern from virtual strangers.

The efforts made by your organization are not taken for granted. Mail call is, and will remain, one of the most exciting times of the day for most troops here and to be able to tell someone there is a package waiting for them, I get to see smiles on some faces that I haven't seen there for awhile.

Thank you so much again and bless you for all of your efforts!

Very Respectfully,
SPC Joy Kurtzweil
241st SOC
U.S. Army

Dated 16 September, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for all the care packages that weve gotten from your support group. I'm really excited to know that there are people that care about the morale, and welfare of the troops. It motivates us to know that people care about us very much.

My soldiers and I have been deployed since January this year and won't be leaving and going home until much later in 2008. We've also been a part of more than 20 different missions since we've been here, and I'm glad that none of my soldiers have been hurt.

My soldiers and I do have a couple of requests - some Trail-Mix, PopCorn, and Snickers Bars. Oh, and I have one special request. I received a couple of movies in your care package, and there was one movie that I really like called "BAD COMPANY" but I think someone forgot to put the DVD inside because the case was empty. If you can some how get a hold of that movie it would be really appreciated. Other than that, I would like to say thank you again for all your support. My team and I are truly grateful.

Again, thank you very much for all your support.

"Q"

SGT Heiberth Quintero
HHC 4TH BCT 508TH PIR
U.S. Army

Dated 13 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the letter and care package that you sent us. My Marines and I greatly appreciate all of your support and generosity. We've been here for about XXXX monthsand the weather here is still extremely hot. Everyone here is looking forward to October, when it starts to cool off, but for now, the hot temperatures and sand storms are what we have.

Our Marines here work hard on their assigned combat patrols and other duties, but they also enjoy a little free time every now and then to play sports, call home, and e-mail their families.

Again, thank you very much for all the support that you have extended to my unit and to me.

Very respectfully,

1stLt. Matthew H. Reeves
1/11 A Battery
U.S. Marines Corps

Dated 13 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to thank you personally for sending us a foosball table. I work with SSgt Dan Bragdon who contacted you in the first place requesting the table.

Upon receiving the box I saw that the box was from Rocky Hill, Connecticut - which is kinda cool seeing how I'm from Wethersfield, Connecticut!

So I just wanted to say thanks.

God Bless you guys for what you do.

Sgt. Yan Olegovich Voskanov
447 E"VRS" Mobile Main.
U.S. Air Force

Dated 11 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for the wonderful donations you sent to my Marines and me. The work that all of you volunteers do is amazing. My Marines were very grateful for the gifts you shared with us. I took the box out to one of my platoons who are occupying a remote location with very little comforts from home. Your box brought smiles to their faces.

We are an infantry unit and the task and location that we have is very primitive. The box you sent us was very well received and we are grateful for your organization.

I am sure Andi's husband, Sgt. Grant, is very proud of your work as my Marines and I are. We do what we do for people like you and for all the people of Give2TheTroops.

Thank you once again, God Bless..

Semper Fidelis,

1stSgt. Mario Artalejo
1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Company C
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 10 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello! This is Sgt. Jonathan Grant! I want to thank you for the huge package you sent. We really appreciate it and are all still talking about it. All the Marines here with me in Iraq and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We are a food service company from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We are going to post up all the cards you sent us and take a group picture and I'm going to e-mail it to you.

We have xxx (OPSEC) more months left out here in this hot place but when we get things like this it makes it all worth it and helps pass by the time.

It feels good to know that someone cares about what we do back at home besides our families.

Thank you once again!

Sgt. Jonathan Grant
CLB-6 HQ CO. FDSVC PLT
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 10 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received your box about 10 days ago.  I am sorry I haven’t been able to write sooner.  I distributed the contents to my company.  We were all very grateful.  Times are difficult here, but the support from home makes it better.  You would be surprised how far just a pack of gum goes! 

Thanks for what you do.

SFC Chad Wormer
HHC, 2-504th PIR, 82D ABN DIV
U.S. Army

Dated 9 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut and Washington Branches),

I just wanted to drop you a quick line and thank you for the care packages.  We could not do what we are doing without the support of people like you. 

You are truly thoughtful and appreciated by all here.  We can always use DVDs or PSP games/movies, that is what most of the Marines do on their off time.  We try to have movie night every Saturday night.    

I enclosed a picture of one of the Marines next to all the freezer pops that your Washington Branch sent us.  He and another Marine had a contest to see who could eat the most in three days ... they ate more than 300 of them in total!

And thanks to the Connecticut Branch for donating and sending us the digital camera. Our Kodak Easyshare had pretty much kicked the bucket.

Thank you for what you are doing, it is truly appreciated.

Thank you for the support and keep up the good work.  Have a blessed day!

R/S,
GySgt Randy L. Morrow
2D MLG (FWD) MRB/G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 8 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received the first care package and it was great! My Marines truly enjoyed it and I was ecstatic on how much it brought up their spirits.

Thank you for the watches - they are perfect! When I received the package a couple days ago, I wanted to write to you then but we were extremely busy. It is starting to slow down a little bit now so I am going to get those pictures for you shortly.

A little bit of news from out here, the President was here a couple days ago, I didn't get to see him myself but a couple people I know got to take their pictures with him so that was pretty neat. I get to talk with my wife here in a couple days on a video telephone conference so I will be able to see her and my kids and vise versa. I am really excited about that!

Other than that, all of our Marines out here are doing well and just getting the job done so we can get back home to our families.

Thank you again and I will keep in touch.

Cpl. Kyle D. Border
MALS-29 (REIN) ALSS
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 7 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My troops got the care package ya'll put together! Thanks a lot. It was great - they loved it. Thanks so much. All the postcards and letters that came in it were so great to read. I wish I could write those great people back and say "thanks," but I'm pretty sure you can pass along the word on your web site for us.

Well, again, thanks a lot and take care.

From your good Marine friend,

LCpl. Timothy Trumbull
3/3 Lima Co HQ Platoon
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 5 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for your most recent box. I wanted to let you know I received it and have already emptied it with the assistance of my Soldiers. We appreciate all the care packages you have sent to us over the past year.

I also wanted to let you know that we will be leaving soon and our Headquarters has told us all mail from the States needs to stop coming in by September 15th, so the last care package you sent us was probably the last one.

I intend to look you up and keep in touch when I get home.

Thanks again for all your support and God Bless.

Sincerely,

CAPT Lee N. North
2-14 IN, #43049
U.S. Army

Dated 5 September, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

When your package arrived at XXXXXXXXX, Kuwait, my Soldiers carried the box in and asked who had shipped us a color TV!! It was definitely not a normal "care package". The contents went into distribution immediately.

My crew runs the Personnel Processing desk for troops of ALL the services going North into Iraq, or returning from, or traveling home on leave. So we handle many hundreds of people every day and night. We placed the items along our 100 foot long customer service counter, and watched the fun.

The beef jerky disappeared almost instantly, followed by the boxes of cookies. The Marines clearly liked the frisbees, Soldiers got the football, and most of the music tapes, and everything got into appreciative hands very quickly. The decks of cards are on the way to our "Scorpion's Den" lounge. Everyone got a kick out of the "MRE Repair Kits".

I passed out the "message fans" among my folks, and got a few photos which are attached. I'm the guy with the Sergeant Major's stripes, and the big smile.

I want you to know how much we appreciate your group's efforts to send these gifts, and how much of a boost it gave to everyone here.

With my sincere thanks!!
Sergeant Major Jeffrey H. Hill
Task Force 189
Pennsylvania Army National Guard

Dated 3 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The package you sent to me was received today. The things in the package were magnificent they were given to everyone that needed it - They were all very happy.

Thank you very much for your time and support it is highly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

LCpl. Robert Fry
HQ BTRY (S-1)
U.S. Marine Corps

Very Respectfully,

SSG Jeffrey Murdorf
C 126TH FIN BN
U.S. Army

Dated 3 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just got back in from a briefing and guess what I found? A fairly large sized box from you and a bunch of my troops stirring around impatiently waiting for my arrival.

This box you sent us was the one my Marines were expecting. WOW!!!! When you said you were going to spoil us rotten, I did not expect that type of generosity to show up...I popped the top off and started to laugh as they thought they were getting water bottles, because that's what filled the top of the box.

Then, they gingerly started to probe through the contents of the box and their eyes started to twinkle like little stars..the giddiness level started to rise and they started pulling games out and handing them off down the line towards the "entertainment" area.

I was reading the cards and the note inside since video games are not my thing. I looked up when I heard the shouts of hooray and oh-yeahs. I walked over to the table and looked down at what you sent...I have got to say I was shocked!

When you overdo things, you "REALLY" overdo things! The fellas here loved the cards that the kids made and the two My God Boxes were a also a hit.

They loved the special touches you put inside the box. My IPod bands you sent us were given out and the guys were happier than I have seen them lately, but that is because they broke their play toy holders, and now have new ones.

I am honestly touched and grateful for all that you have done and given to me and my guys.

A fellow Staff Sergeant from another unit on our base was with me when I opened the box, and he was "shocked" and asked how he could get into contact with your organization for his troops to raise their morale as they have just started a tour out here in Iraq.

The base that we relocated to is nicer than before, but still lacks in comparison to other services bases out here. The Air Force has that one cornered, followed closely by the Army.

Thanks so much also for the golf balls and clubs. Here are some photos of me golfing and of a few of the Marines with some of the items you sent. The rest of them are camera-shy and hate getting their pictures taken. Besides, I can't get them off the game system long enough!

Take Care,

SSgt. Mark W. Truesdale
1st Intel Bn (CIHOC)
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 3 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to say thank you a lot for the care package. Many of our Soldiers are going to be happy when they see all these items on the table and the fact that they are free and are gifts makes it even better.

I can't tell you how much that huge box means to us out here, every little thing we appreciate and I just wanted to tell you thanks.

I would like to let everyone know whot helped put together each item that was in the box, that we appreciate their efforts and enjoy serving our country. We are being careful out here we have our fingers and everything crossed when we go on the road. Thank you for all of your support, again you have no idea how much this means to us out here.

Mail is one of the many things that these Soldiers look forward to after a hard and demanding day out on the road or in the motor pool.

Thank you and God Bless,

SGT Brie A. Rice, Orderly Room NCOIC
104th Transportation Company
U.S. Army

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...Philippians 4:13"

Dated 1 September, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received a care package from you and I want to thank you profusely for it.

My Soldiers greatly appreciated everything that you sent over here to my company.

Please notify everyone there that we are grateful and to continue to support the best Army in the world.

V/R,
1SG Mason Bryant
HHC 1-503D ABN IN
U.S. Army

Dated 1 September, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Yesterday we received a big package from you.

Everyone loved everything that you sent. All the shorts and bathing suits and trunks went out quick ... you guys picked some good colors and right sizes! As for the Girl Scout cookies they're all going to be eaten and/or saved in a drawer with all the other treats you guys have sent us. I give it less than 4 days that all those sweets are gone. We also gave a little to our mail room guy, but we'd love more shipment of the sweets, We love it all really.

Today, we received a second box from you which was also great. The soldier who loves guitars loved the guitar magazines you sent and I love the other ones that came in. As for the guitar you sent us ... we all love it. The guy who plays the guitar, will be teaching people how to play out here, and it will be used in like mini music concerts are unit is trying to put together and stuff for entertainment.

We all here are very thankful for what you have sent and we all thank you with all our hearts for everything that you have done for us. We love the letters from the kids and everything.

Thank you for everything!

We'd love more sweets, and thank you for not sending us toiletries - we have plenty. We were all happy to see no toiletries in the box you sent!

Thank you so much again, from all of us here from HHB 1-9FA JDOC second shift.

PFC Billy Sapp
HHB 1-9FA
U.S. Army

Dated 30 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received more care packages from you and wanted to say thanks. Here's a few photos of me and Patrick Malone with the signed banner you sent us.





SGT Ryan Royer and SGT Patrick Malone
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 29 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you and your crew sooo much for the care package!!!! The soldiers at 2nd Transportation Company and myself loved it and are soo appreciative of the package. It was definitely a morale booster. Going through the heat and the missions, we needed something like this. Hmm..wow..when I opened the box, I was really speechless. All I said was, "WOW!" There was soo much stuff that we wanted and needed in that care package you sent us!

A lot of the Soldiers from the other Platoons were on the road, so here's a picture of headquarters platoon (just a few of the many persons who you guys made happy)

I tried to disburse the package to as many Soldiers as I could. Everyone loved it and requested some more. Thank you very much for your kindness and support to the Soldiers.

God bless and take care,

V/R,
SGT Samuel Kim, Orderly Room NCO
2nd Transportation Company (CBT HET)
U.S. Army

Dated 29 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of the 85th Medical Detachment (CSC) I would like to thank you for all of your support. We appreciate all of the support provided by your organization. We received our first boxes from you about a week ago. We travel a lot and are very busy, so I do apologize for the tardiness of this letter of appreciation.

The soldiers were ecstatic as they rummaged through the boxes. Mail day is very important to us and it is always a morale booster to get packages from organizations such as your own who support us.

Again we all want to thank you for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make to support not only us, but all of the soldiers.

Thank you.

V/R
SPC Charles Gilbert, Mental Health Specialist
85th Med Det (CSC)
U.S. Army

Dated 28 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am writing on behalf of our platoon. Your organization sent two (2) boxes to our Lieutenant - 1LT Jose Pena, who in turn, gave them to the rest of the platoon. We wanted to say thank you.

It is always nice to know that we aren't forgotten about. We are a platoon of military police and are stationed in Texas, when we are home. One of us is actually from Connecticut, but the rest of us are from all over the country.

We just wanted to say thank you for the packages and especially for the support. It really does mean a lot to everyone over here.

THANK YOU!
From the MP's here at xxxxx, Iraq (HHC 3BSTB, 1CD MP PLT)
and from our leader, 1LT Jose Pena

Dated 27 August, 2007
Persian Gulf

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I received a wonderful present today in the care package I received. The individuals who take the time to make these packages are the true heroes to me for keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. 

I have watched as these packages have been received by many onboard and the happiness that is felt is indefinable.

Thank you all for the support you are providing to us.

Sincerely,
LT Candace Selby
USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
U.S. Navy

Dated 27 August, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just wanted to thank you guys for the care package that we received.  Everything was very nice and the pillow cases the kids made were great. 

Thank you all very much.

SFC Spicer and SFC Jeffrey Peel
HHB 2/138 FA
Kentucky Army National Guard

Dated 27 August, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is 1SG Troy Babin. I've now received the second HUGE box from your organization. Therefore this is the second note I've sent. I'm not sure you got the first or not but it's still worth writing to say thank you.

The latest box had four cardboard dressers in it. Oh my God - you have no idea how grateful 4 of my teams will be! Space is a precious commodity here. I opened your box of goodies and then divided that as well as items my family sends me, and goodies my commander sends to us into 6 different boxes.

I have a company of about XXX (OPSEC) troops now, and we live and work on XX (OPSEC) different Forward Operating Bases. Six of my teams will benefit from your latest box and I can't thank you enough.

When I first signed on with Give2TheTroops I had no idea how much support was out there for us. My last deployment was in an austere location and we hardly received mail or packages from back home. So now that I'm in a position to help my teams I've doing my best to let them know they have all the support we can muster for them.

Your organization is truly a blessing and it makes our job a little easier knowing that the American public still keeps us in their thoughts.

Thank you once again for all the assistance from Give2TheTroops and all the "Christmas Elves" who volunteer with you!

1SG Troy Babin
B Co, 173rd STB
U.S. Army

Ma'a as salama (Good bye),
(rank & full name intentionally withheld) A. D.

Dated 24 August, 2007
Iraq

To Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch) from the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the 242nd ORD BN (EOD)
on behalf of SSG Cynthia M. Bartlett

Dated 23 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

I would like to thank you for your continued support of my platoon.

Your care and kindness go a long way in making us feel more at home. Everything you do is greatly appreciated.  

Thank you,  
SSgt. Jesse Schertz
2/6 Weapons Co. MAP 5
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 22 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your care package and would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and support. We are reminded by your kind hearts and strong support why we are here and what we are fighting for. Being away from home, family, and friends is tough, but know that receiving gifts with a little taste of home definitely helps boost morale among all of us. It allows us to stay positive and stay focused on our mission and retun home safely!

Every item that each and every one of you sent has been and will be put to good use. The music CDs, the blender for our "smoothies", the DVDs, and the personal hygiene products are all very useful items (you can never have too many personal hygiene products)!

There are a few of us who play guitar, including myself, who found the guitar picks and strings to be extremely useful and we greatly appreciate them!!

You all know exactly what we need and want over here and we are all very grateful to have supporters like you back at home!

Thank You and God Bless You!

Sincerely,

- SPC Bryan B. Mealy and the following Soldiers of the Third Infantry Division:
- CPT Erin Doyle
- SSG Jonathan Harrison
- SPC James Gagnon
- PFC Josiah Hughes
  HHOC, STB, 3ID
  U.S. Army

There are many other soldiers on day shift who are also highly apprecitive of your generosity! They weren't able to sign this letter to you.

Dated 21 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for the care package. Our section here in C-7 was very happy to see the great selection of DVD's, CD's, toiletries, and snacks (as a matter of fact, the tub of Twizzlers licorice was so popular, it's almost gone already!)

Again, thanks for everything!

Capt. Doug Berndsen
MNC-I C-7
U.S. Air Force

Dated 21 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Colorado Branch),

My name is Richy Ibanez and on behalf of my soldiers we want to thank you and your staff for the incredible care package you guys put together. We really appreciate your dedication and love. You guys made our week!

Once again, thank you and God bless you all.

V/R
CW2 Ricardo J. Ibañez
HQ MNC-I C2 Terrain
U.S. Army

Dated 20 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for the care packages. We enjoy very much the items that you have sent us.

I do not regard email as fitting mean of thanking you and your volunteer staff members at 'Give2TheTroops' of the wonderful work you are doing for the American soldiers.  

I would like to write a formal 'thank you' letter to you and your staff members but I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to do so.  Myself and A/426th CA BN (Airborne) would like to thank you for your kindness and efforts to bring joy to not just our unit, but to all soldiers currently deployed. 

I look forward to your next communication. 

Thank you once again!

SPC Mark S. Lam
A/426th CA BN
U.S. Army

Dated 20 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is Howard Hitchcock, I am a retired soldier with the US. Army. Now I am employed with KBR in Iraq as an MWR Coordinator.

The reason I am sending you this note is because one of the Soldiers brought over a care package that you sent to his unit, and he asked us to give the cookies and magazines out to the Soldiers over here.

I personally would like to say thank you and on the behalf of the Soldiers, thank you for your letters, cookies and magazines you sent to them.

Have a Blessed Day.

Howard Hitchcock (retired Army Soldier)
MWR Coordinator
KBR

Dated 20 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am SGT Fortune from the 170th Military Police Company, out of Fort Lewis WA.

My platoon would like to say thanks for the box you sent us. You guys are so kind. I hope all is well......here is our Platoon photo and a photo of the Iraq police. Our mission here is to train them.

In Andi's letter she stated her husband is a Marine. It's funny because we are attached to the Marines 1-4 B out of (xxxxxx), and they treat us badly...Ha ha - just joking. Actually, we are all like one big family.

Please tell everyone who was involve in putting the box together - THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! The box had everything we needed. There is no PX in our area and we're approximately 200 miles from the nearest base that has a PX. To make the trip there is very dangerous, so again we say thank you.





SGT Andre Fortune
2nd PLT 170th MP CO
U.S. Army

Dated 15 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for sending my team and me the snacks and special items we requested. We all look forward to Mail Call each day and it makes our day when we get a package from you.

My soldiers and I have found out that some Soldiers are now being placed at very isolated places without very much communication. We see them when we fly to do our inspections.

We are going to start collecting items and mailing the food and snacks to them so they can enjoy a little taste of America. I just thought you would like to know that the items you sent us will be shared with MANY other Soldiers.

Thanks again for supporting us, and please keep us in your prayers.

Take Care,


SSG Roy A. Goldsberry, NCOIC
248th MED DET (32nd Med Log; Foxtrot Team)
U.S. Army

Dated 15 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Please accept my sincere thank you for your recent care package. Although I chose a few items from it for my own use, the great majority of the package was passed along to Soldiers located in smaller community outposts here in XXXXX, Iraq.

It means a lot to me and to my fellow Soldiers to know that fellow citizens back home care enough to take the time and money to put together care packages for us.

Again, on behalf of the Soldiers of the 1-28 Infantry Regiment "Black Lions", THANK YOU for your consideration and generosity.

CPT Paul Dalen (Black Lion 1)
HHC, 1-28 Infantry
U.S. Army

Dated 12 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

We received your package the other day and wanted to say thank you.  When packages come in, these Marines are like vultures.  Nothing goes to waste and all is truly appreciated. 

In your letter, you asked about our living conditions, preferences, etc.  We do have access to a microwave and DVDs are a daily staple.  They are pretty much the only thing Marines can use regular on their off time.  Most carry their own portable DVD player.  DVDs are always welcome. 

There are quite a few Marines who have a PSP player which you can play games and movies on.  The heat has risen here, so any kind of snack fruit cans or snacks would be great.  We have a freezer that we keep freezer pops in. 

Please take in mind, we do not expect anything. 

Your support is truly appreciated. 

Again, thank you.  

R/S
GySgt Randy L. Morrow
2D MLG (FWD) MRB/G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 11 August, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

To everyone that is back home. Where ever that maybe for you in the USA. Thank you for all that you are doing, and will continue to do for those of us Mobilized or Deployed to Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Know that your time, goods, and most importantly your love and support are very much appreciated by us. I want to tell you that after receiving the packages the things in them were put to use right away.

Your packages will help us to help many other Soldiers, DOD employees, and Contractors make their little section feel more like home. Your efforts going along way in making the time we spend here go by much faster. Just remember that somewhere a Sailor, Airman, Soldier or Marine is standing guard so that their comrades may have a peaceful sleep, and you may enjoy the freedoms that make America the greatest country in the world. Remember to thank all those past and present that have made it so.

I've attached a photo of me standing in front of the banner you all signed and sent. Thank you also for the wall screws and other items you sent us.

SGT Chris Gee
Co A 163D SPT BN (LTF)
U.S Army

Dated 9 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I have just received your package yesterday. That has to be the BEST package we have received yet. The soldiers LOVED it and the smiles and the getting together of the soldiers...... That was SO great!

You have no idea how great it was to get that. I am going to take some of the tooth brushes to Africa when I go. I go to Africa at least once every two to three months and do some pretty AMAZING work with the animals that come into Iraq.

I have attached some pictures of the soldiers of my unit in a female football game we do.

We try to keep the morale of the soldiers up. I also sent a picture of my Company Commander; he tries his best to help the soldiers and keep up their spirits. With packages like the one you sent, it helped out more than you know. It was so great to see what was inside and see the faces of my soldiers and the people in the unit. The package was gone with in about 10 minutes!





Thank you again and you have no idea what this means to the soldiers.

Thanks again,

CPT C.M. (Unit Veterinarian) and TF31 Operations
31st Combat Support Hospital
U.S. Army

Dated 9 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of the Redwolves in XXXXXX, Iraq, I would like to thank you for sending us several boxes of gifts and goodies. In this environment, it is nice to get something from an organization such as yours.

It really does help to boost morale for the men and women we have working hard every day.

Thanks again!!

LCDR John D. Shannon
CJSOAC HSC-84
U.S. Navy

Dated 9 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just came back to this base after a 30+ day mission. The Ice Maker you sent us works very well and has a certain charm. When I opened it and set it up, the soldiers were like little kids in a candy store ... all smiles and shaking with excitement.

I also want to thank you for all the support that you provided to all the soldiers. You do make a very big difference in the lives of the soldiers. The packages and cards take the edge off a difficult job and reminds us again why we defend the country and for whom we defend it.

When we can catch the news it seems to be all bad and everyone is fighting over the issue of the war. One of my young soldiers said it was like being fought over by two divorcing parents and they don't ask the kids what they want.

But then your organization sends us a package and all the goodies go out and the ice machine is dropping cubes on a 110° plus day - and it doesn't seem so bad. It straightens our backs and puts a little extra in our step and we march on with a little glint in the eye (pride). With support from the people at home, anything is possible.

So thank you again,

SSG Nathan W. Brasel
3/747th AG
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 9 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you very much for the first package, I am patiently awaiting the delivery of the golf balls and golf clubs, but you know the postal system out here...oh so slow. I am an avid golfer and love to play. We have a select group of Marines that like to play to relieve stress when we have time, but you can only do so much with the one club we brought out. Our location makes it ideal to hit long drives because we are in the middle of the desert where we can hit the ball then go chase it. The locals get a kick out of it when they see up in all our gear hitting golf balls into the vast expanse of desert and hopping into our vehicles to go collect the balls.

We are attempting to teach some of the locals the proper form to hit, but inevitably we all end up laughing when things go awry and balls go five to fifteen feet. It is a good time and we have a lot of fun, especially the local kids..they help out and we give them treats and small gifts. Everyone out here is doing fine. We are receiving a lot of love and support from great Americans and people like your organization.

We are working very hard and striving for the common goal of completing the mission and helping the locals. With the continued support of you all I think we can accomplish our mission.

Warm Regards and God Bless,

SSgt. Mark W. Truesdale
1st Intel Bn (CIHOC)
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 8 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just received your care package! Tthanks for everything you have done for my guys. They greatly appreciate all...

Thanks again, Sorry so short, got to go, just wanted to say thanks..

MSgt. Isaac J. Garcia, Log Chief
A Co. 2nd AABN
U.S. Marine Corps

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you.

I wish those words had more impact than that - they seem rather trivial otherwise.  We received two packages from your organization tonight and I cannot even begin to express the excitement that was generated from those boxes.  Before they were even open my Sailors were circling around me, and I must say that faces lit up like it was Christmas day once those boxes were open. 

We are a Navy reserve unit based out of Virginia, stationed in Iraq.  There isn't much water here, but no one seems to mind…our mission is rather unique and while interesting, it does have its own challenges (mostly lack of other Navy support).  We do what we can to keep morale up for the troops, but everyday is like ground hog day.  Well - it would have been today except for your packages.  There really was something for everyone, from the junk food addict to the health food nut, a good assortment of toiletries, and plenty to keep us entertained.

There are few times in life that I wish I had a better grasp of the English language, I know I am not doing justice at all to your generosity.  So I must take comfort in the hope I have at least portrayed our thanks.

With gratitude, on behalf of the men and women of HSC-84,

LT Kelly Ann Varonfakis
332 AEW/CJSOAC - HSC-84
U.S. Navy

Dated 8 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The packages you just sent us came today. I love all the Red Sox gear! Everything is just wonderful! My commander and whole unit is so appreciative of everything.

Thank you sooo much!

SPC JonDavid Berthiaume
478th PSD, TF Timberwolf
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 8 August, 2007
Persian Gulf

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

I wanted to personally thank you for the wonderful packages you sent to me and my shipmates on board USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47). It felt like Christmas morning!  As you know we are currently deployed to the Persian Gulf and don't have access to some of the comforts of home.  The items you sent will go to good use.  

I know my mom (Linda Curry) was very excited at the opportunity to volunteer her time to such a great cause. I know she was even more excited when she got the chance to actually send something to the ship that I am deployed on.  

I want your organization to know that your time and effort is greatly appreciated by all of us on RUSHMORE. It is nice to know that there are people back home that really do care about us.  Attached are some pictures of me opening the packages, and one of a helo lowering a load of cargo - including your care package onto our ship!




Once again thank you so very much for what all of your volunteers do.  It really does make a difference.

CS2 (SW) Stephen Harris
USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47)
U.S. Navy

Dated 8 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I got another box from you today - thank you for all the goodies. I liked the green mint candies too and the popcorn. SGT Buyck likes the Mac & cheese - he eats those when he wants to snack between meals. I'm going to make sure the dogs get the box of dog biscuits too - I'm sure they will love them too.

Thanks again for the package and write again soon - I'll love to hear from you.

Take care,

SSG Roy A. Goldsberry, NCOIC
248th MED DET (Foxtrot Team)
U.S. Army

Dated 8 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

To all of you: My guys and I want to send a huge thank you!

I have a funny story about your box ... when our mail guy came in with this heavy box, he told everyone that the box had "used books and magazines," so there was some interest but not from everyone. So as the platoon sergeant, I opened it up to put out for the guys to read. But when I opened your box up, they saw what was inside and it was like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! I guess you had to be there, but trust me, it was funny - the way the guys ate the beef jerky and slim jims, you would have thought that they hadn't eaten in a week.

The two guys I gave the Liberty Bank t-shirts to loved them even though they had no idea where it was! It was a personalized shirt for them and they wear it around at night. Some of these younger kids have to be reminded about doing laundry, it's a shame but funny at the same time. I would like to be able to give a t-shirt to each one so I have made an order of merit for the guys and as they come in they get one so they aren't always wearing a tan or brown shirt. It makes them feel like more at home.

After the initial people took a tube of toothpaste, and a snack or two and at least one card to send home to their families, I took what was left and gave it to the Chaplain so that he could distribute the rest to other soldiers out there.

Trust me - everything that you sent was or will be used by a thankful soldier. The only problem now is I have to make them take off the sunglasses all the time.

I personally want to thank you all. This is my third tour and I have never seen people give so much so freely to those of us over here like you have. Sometimes it does feel like we are forgotten about, but days like yesterday when your package arrived, lets all of us know that we are remembered and cared for.

Oh yeah - I forgot to mention - as the oldest man in the unit it was great to receive those cds which consisted mostly of music I listened to when I was growing up. I cranked it up last night and almost cleared the tent of the young kids! That was a great gift to us ... at least to me and the older soldiers!

Again thank you and your organization for all that you do. It helps us do what we do.

God bless you and we will see you all soon,
SFC Michael L. Jones
HHOC, STB, 3ID
U.S. Army

Dated 7 August, 2007
Iraq

                  From soldiers of HHD 504th MI BDE

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),



We got another package today!!! It was GREAT as usual!! I emailed you once over the 4th of July holiday, but I got your out of office reply. I hope you had a good holiday! Sorry I cant write more Im getting ready to get off shift.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!!
SGT Nicole D. Torrez
HHD 504th MI BDE
U.S. Army


My name is Dexter Jenkins, I work with Nicole over here in Iraq. I just wanted to tell you thank you for all your support, time and effort you have given us. It has not gone unnoticed. If there's ever anything you need or want from over here, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks again,
SFC Dexter B. Jenkins
HHD 504th MI BDE
U.S. Army

Dated 3 August 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you very much for the golf balls and golf clubs. Not sure how you knew to send these to me but I am an avid golfer 2 Handicap. I love to play golf. We have several Soldiers that play golf.

One Soldier brought his net so now we can get that up and start hitting the balls into the net. Our location here in Iraq makes it hard to hit sometimes because we are not in the desert where we could hit the ball then go chase it. I also don't think that the local people would want us hitting golf balls into their houses.

Everyone here is doing fine. We have a lot of support from great Americans like your organization. We are working hard for the common goal of the mission. With the support of you all I think we can accomplish our mission.

Thank You for your Support,
1SG Francis R. DeBois Jr.
HHC 1-504 PIR, 82D Airborne Division
U.S. Army

"America's Guard of Honor"

Dated 2 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops Volunteers,

Thank you for taking the time out to think about me.  Your kindness, love and support made my day brighter! You are all a true blessing and I thank you for all that you do.

I received the package from you and cried. You all are the real heroes.

Again, thanks you for all that you do. 

May God bless you for blessing me!
 
A grateful Soldier,
SPC Tiaisha Watts     
MNC-I SCJS
U.S. Army     

Dated 2 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),   
   
I just want to thank you for the care package you sent. It is much appreciated. My soldiers and I are doing well. We almost adapted to the hot weather curing the past months. It was hard but with support from home, we are making it.            

Again, thanks for your support of Military Personnel.      

CPT Robyn A. Graham
640th SB
U.S. Army                                                                                                                   

Dated 1 August, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

We received the care packages yesterday, I just wanted to thank you and all your volunteers. Everybody was happy to go through the boxes and get things they needed.

I tried to post a letter on the web site but our computer would not let me, so I will have to talk to our Communiations people.

We will be coming home soon, so this was a good boost for the final days.

Thanks again - we really appreciated it.

TSgt Scott Clark
447 AEG/ECES
U.S. Air Force

Dated 29 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

My name is SGT Freda Liberato. I am currently deployed in Iraq and have just received a package from you yesterda. I just want to express my thanks and appreciation for what you are doing for all the troops. It really brings our spirits up to know we are still supported in this war and back home. I have shared the contents of the package with my fellow Paratroopers and they send there thanks as well.

Thank you again for what you are doing for us.

Sincerely,
SGT Liberato Freda
G FSC (1-319 AFAR), 82D ABN DIV,
3rd Brigade Combate Team
U.S. Army

Dated 26 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The troops here thank you for the care package you sent us. It was enjoyed by Delta Company and some members of the Army.

We hope that everyone and your families enjoyed July 4th.

From every one of us at Delta CO and the members of the Army here with us in XXXXXX (OPSEC) , Iraq, thank you and God bless you all and your families.

HM2 Doc Rikell Getfield
Delta Company
U.S. Navy

Dated 26 July, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of my squad, I would like to thank your organization, and all the volunteers who made the care packages we received today possible. All the gifts and supplies were needed and will be put to good use.

It really means a lot to us to know that you all at home so far away care about us.

Thanks also for keeping us in your prayers. There have been times thus far during this deployment that the prayers are the reason we are still here today.



Thanks again,

SSG William B. Robinson
D company 1/158th Infantry
Arizona Army National Guard

Dated 25 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I got your package yesterday. Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! The coffee is great and the soap and other female things were VERY nice. I think that we are all set here for a while - thank you very much. I have a fiancé in Afghanistan , do you think you could send him some stuff? I will send you his address. We all really appreciate what you do. I took a picture of me with the first box you sent.



Thank you again,

SGT Erin Barros
318th PSYOP Co. TPDD
U.S. Army

Dated 25 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for sending that HUGE package of goodies my way! I received it, intact, and almost immediately everything was gone as I opened it up in front of the platoon.

There was a lot of great stuff in there and everyone is very appreciative.

I read Andi's letter inside the box that said you all try to send care packages to those of us "in the trenches," if you will, who are away from any PX's or anything of that sort. Well, you definitely sent it to the right place! None of those guys have gotten a PX call since leaving our other base in Iraq back in early June, and we are constantly getting run into the dirt with patrols and watch; operating out of a patrol base in an area with no ice, no electricity or any running water.

So keep your minds at ease knowing that your care package was well received here.

Again, thank you very much for sending it to us - on behalf of India Company, 3rd Platoon!

We appreciate your support!

Cpl James R. Mobley
3/1 India Company 3rd Platoon
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 24 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Howdy from the sandbox.

I'm Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Sugrue, assigned to the Aviations Operations Section of the Multi-National Corps Headquarters here in XXXXXXXX, (OPSEC) Iraq. I am a helicopter pilot and work with other aviation officers and service members from all branches of the service. This is a very busy place to be. Some days are routing while others are crisis management at its finest.

Our work days average 14-16 hours (sometimes longer), so free time is mostly a figment of my imagination. This is assignment is relatively comfortable compared to the one I had in Desert Storm 16 years ago.

I've been in the Army for more than 26 years, am married and have two children. I am looking forward to reuniting with my family in XXXXX (OPSEC).

We all really appreciate the generosity and unbelievable support that the American people are providing to our deployed service members.

Thank you again for your support to the troops. You, and the freedoms we hold dear, are who/what we are fighting for.

That's all for now - back to the War Effort,

God Bless,

Jeff

P.S. Andi Grant & the whole crew at Give2TheTroops in CT: Thanks for your 4 huge care packages in support of us! Your support to the soldiers is GREAT!!

LTC Jeff Sugrue
MNC-1 C3 Air
U.S. Army

Dated 24 July, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Good News! Another care package from you came yesterday. We took a picture of a few of us with the water bottles you sent.

You're the best!


Thank you again,

SPC JonDavid Berthiaume
478th PSD, TF Timberwolf
U.S. Army Reserves

Here’s another picture for you of our guest.  I was surprised to see the dog handler here this morning when I got into work.  I guess they came sometime during the night.  MAJ Hux picked them up from the airport.  Luckily we got a place from them in our building to take care of them.  Today’s been really hot too – about 119° outside.  I can’t tell the difference once the temperature goes above 100°  - it all seems the same.  I tried to plant a flower garden last night but I don’t think it will turn out very well. It’s just plan hot outside.  I looked at my flower garden and the clumps of dirt are now rock hard.  I think we should wait till the temperature drops a little – maybe late September ...

Dated 22 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you for your the packages of Girl Scout Cookies. I brought the case around the company area and gave the soldiers an opportunity to grab what they liked. Needless to say, I didn't make it more than 100 yards before the box was empty!

I’m sure you’d all like to know a little bit about who we are. Our unit is the Headquarters of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Lewis, Washington. We are an infantry brigade, we have a mixture of male and female soldiers working in support positions.

We have been here in Iraq now for a while and we continue to improve our living conditions. The fighting has been pretty intense over the summer (as it was on my last tour in 2003), and we are doing our best to bring stability to this area. Besides the enemy, the biggest fight for us here now is the heat. It’s been over 110° here for a few weeks.

It normally takes about 90 days to get used to the heat…that doesn’t mean you don’t sweat, you just get used to feeling like you are in a sauna all the time.

Thank you again for your support,

Sincerely
CW2 Jason R. Stefanovich
HHC, 4-2 SBCT
U.S. Army

Dated 22 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

YEAH!! We received another care package from you today - it was awesome! My 1SG was amazed by the Dean Koontz books. She asked if she could get some of his signed books, she is a big fan of Dean Koontz. The soldiers were extremely happy to revieve another package and were very pleased with all it contents.

Thank You once again,

SFC Michael Sytsma
571st MP Company
U.S. Army

Dated 20 July, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

This letter is just a small expression of our gratitude for you and others like you across our great country that have taken their time and money to send us well wishes, cards and snacks. Knowing that we have the support of the American people gives us the strength to carry on and do what must be done here.

We have hung the cards that we have received on the wall as a reminder of the support we have in the States and put the snacks we received on a table so that all who come to our office can share in the snacks and read the cards.

We are members of the 82nd Airborne Div. out of Fort Bragg, NC. SSG Swan is from Florida, and is married with four daughters, this is his third deployment. SGT Nguyen is also from Florida he is on his first deployment and is married with no children he has been in the army for 3 years and has just re-enlisted. SGT Stovall from Virginia she is on her second deployment and has a one-year-old daughter at home; PV2 Pennino is from Tennessee she is on her second deployment and has just returned from Germany prior to this deployment. As for me I am from California, I am on my first deployment and just returned from Korea prior to coming here, I have been in the Army for eight years and am married with no children.

Once again from all of us we would like to thank you for your support, we know that not everyone agrees with this war but the one thing we hope everyone can agree on is that the soldiers need to be supported.





Thank you,
SSG Aaron Ellington
HHC, 782nd BSB
U.S. Army

Dated 19 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks for another wonderful care package you sent up. I gave everything out to all the troops here. I was on R&R for two weeks and was in heaven.

Thank you again

V/R
SFC Neal T. Gerth
MNC-I C3
U.S. Army
"Problems are solved at the lowest level, then I come to the rescue."

Dated 18 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the care package that your staff, friends and family sent to the Marines and Sailors of 3rd Battalion 6th Marines. My mom has told me a lot about what you do for the men and woman of the armed forces. Along with the rest of the Marines that are here on Camp XXX (OPSEC) we appreciate all the support you give to the men and woman who are forward deployed to fight the war on terrorism.

I will be home in about XXX (OPSEC) days or so and I can't wait to meet you all in person.

Again thank you for the support that you have given us and all the post cards you sent us are great!

Sincerely,
Sgt. Russell L. Langnehs, Watch Chief
3/6 HQ & SVC Co S-3
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 17 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received the care package ... WOW! What a box! Everyone appreciated all the items you sent ... pillow cases, snacks, movies, and espeically the coffee! Give2TheTroops is awesome!!! This care package will be good for our entire group and will tide us over until we are home in Illinois. Hello to "Beth" who put a note inside our box for us.

Keep up the good work - your support is very much appreciated.

Take Care,

CPT Kent Ketter
33 MP BN
Illinois Army National Guard

Dated 15 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to let you know that we got your packages you sent us. Thank you so so much for everything, I am so happy there are people out there like you. We are very grateful for everything that you sent. We cut the top off the boxes and put them outside of our room for everyone in our company to grab what they needed ...they everything went really, really quickly!

Thank You SO SO Much Andi, and everyone at Give2TheTroops - donors and volunteers. Everyone from our Alpha Company 1st BN 3rd MARs says Thank You.

Take care and keep us in your prayers.

LCpl. Sean Basile
Alpha Company, 1st BN, 3rd MARINES
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 14 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of the Soldiers of A Co, 603rd ASB, I would like to send a heartfelt "Thank You Very Much" for your generosity. When SPC Couch showed me the contents of the boxes, I was awed at the great amount of thought that was placed into packing them.

The kindness and generosity shown by your organization lets my Soldiers know that the support we need from home is there for us. Please pass this message of thanks on to your fellow supporters.

v/r,
1SG Spencer W. Davis
A Co 603d ASB, 3 CAB
U.S. Army

Dated 14 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to thank you for the 2 boxes I received today from your organization. I wanted to let you all know that you made a lot of Soldiers here very happy today when they opened the boxes you sent.

Please tell everyone involved with the care packages, thank you! And please know with the support from you all, it help keeps us motivated each and every day.

Please thank again all the families, friends, members, churches, schools, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and everyone else who helped put together the packages.

Sincerely,

SPC Christopher L. Couch
A Co 603d ASB, 3 CAB
U.S. Army

Dated 14 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My Battalion Aid Station (BAS) and I would like to thank you for your generous package that was sent our way earlier this week. It was amazing the amount of goodies you supplied us with and every single item was put to good use and fought over. Your organization has brought a great morale to our unit and has made what is otherwise a harsh deployment a little more bearable.

We would like to thank all the volunteers out there who dedicated their time to organizing and sending the care packages. We are very grateful.

Thank you again,

HM2 (FMF) Kyle D. Jones
1st Battalion 4th Marines, Battalion Aid Station
U.S. Navy

Dated 12 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you very much for the care packages and the letters. We can not tell you how much it means to us to receive a little piece of home, so far away.

Thank you, again for all your support.

Sincerely,
1st Platoon, 82nd Airborne
U.S. Army

Dated 3 July, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would just like to thank you for the wonderful package you sent. The Marines love all the pogey bait.

Getting packages of any kind always helps with morale. You are all very kind for everything you do.

Knowing that your organization is there for us makes it easier to be over here.

Once again, thank you from all the Marines here at MCC-Kuwait.

R/S,

Lt. Douglass Rauschelbach
II MEFFWD G-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 3 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I had been away for a while, and when I came back we had two (2) awesome boxes from y'all. Thanks once again for being so gracious!!

We soon will be coming home. I can never thank you enough for what you have done for us. I would like to ask you to take care of our sister unit coming to Iraq next month, and a good friend of mine is the commander there. I would like you to send her some packages for her soldiers. When I get the information, I will forward it to you.

Thanks again for all you do!!!

1LT (P) Brad Stark, HHC Company Commander
226th ASG
U.S. Army

Dated 2 July, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is SPC Jon David Berthiaume of the 478th PSD in XXXXXXXX, Afghanistan. Thank you soooo much for the care package you have sent us. There was something in there for everyone.

TF Timberwolf applauds you efforts and thanks you and your staff so very much. I have attatched a picture of the 478th PSD, (I'm holding our guidon).

In anticipation of July 4th we hope you keep on with the great spirit you have showed us.

Thank you again,

SPC JonDavid Berthiaume
478th PSD, TF Timberwolf
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 2 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello,

We received your care package today and everyone was so happy. All of my troops here really liked all of the great goodies you sent. This is such a noble thing your organization does. It really reminds us that we have support from fellow Americans back home.

Please tell the Girls Scouts "thank you" from us.  I remember when I was a Girl Scout I had a lot of fun.

Thank you again,

SGT Erin L. Barros
318th PSYOP Co. TPDD
U.S. Army

Dated 1 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I am currently deployed in Iraq and I received two care packages from your North Carolina Branch. I would like to thank that branch and your entire organization for what you do for us. It means a lot!!!!!

Thanks again!!!!

SFC David Stegman
941 BN MITT
U.S. Army

Dated 1 July, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hello to you in North Carolina. I am originally from Aiken, SC and we visit the Smokey Mountains in NC quite often. I miss having trees and mountains and rain. But from what I understand, there has been a shortage of rain in the East. I want to thank you for the magazines. I enjoyed reading through them. We have been here 9 months and with the new extension have 6 months to go. No matter what happens I get to leave the Army in March. I am excited to go back to my wife and child I miss them a lot. I appreciate the care package you sent us. I am grateful you still haven't forgotten the people here.

Thank you and thank you for my troops also,                                                                                                          
A very grateful and happy soldier
U.S. Army

Dated 30 June, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I want to say thanks for the care packages! You may not know, but I'm from Wisconsin, and I'm a big Packers fan. I couldn't believe it when I found a packer fan in Afghanistan as I'm on a very small base here.

I am married to my lovely wife and I have a son who is also in the military (US NAVY).

We are in tents here and many days it is cold and we can't take showers. In April, we had an earthquake, it was not real bad.

I'm with a small unit called a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). A PRT is an administrative unit of international aid to Afghanistan, consisting of a small operating base from which a group of many civilians and military specialists work to perform small reconstruction projects or provide security for others involved in aid and reconstruction work.

Within these PRTs there are typically 3-5 civilians and the remainder is made up of military forces. PRTs are backed by national and international security forces. PRTs were originally built and operated by US forces as means of facilitating reconstruction efforts in provinces outside the capital, Kabul, the PRTs was transferred from the US forces to the forces of the nations under the International Sercurity Assistance Force (ISAF).

Once again thanks!

MSG Timothy R. Nack
PANJSHIR PRT-11
U.S. Army

Dated 28 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I cannot express my thanks for all of your donations and support. Your package was a veritable treasure trove: magazines and a CD Player (!) to pass the time, candy to pass out to the Iraqi children, amazing sunglasses (which I passed out to my squad - much to their great surprise and delight), and much-valued drink mix (we drink about 5 liters of water a day).

It was an excellent care package, and absolutely everything was very much appreciated by myself and my fellow Marines.

My mother volunteers at your Connecticut Branch of your organization, so I often hear of the wonderful things that are done in support of troops overseas. I wish to extend my deepest thanks for all the time and effort donated on our behalf, and most of all, for all your support, spoken and silent, which is the reason we are able to do what we do.

SEMPER FIDELIS,

Cpl. Kevin Dawid
1/2 B Co., 3rd PLT
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 21 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am writing you to tell you that I received the 3 boxes of Girl Scout cookies and everyone loved them!

I just wanted to take the time to thank you. It is still super hot here. I think it is 114° today.

Well just thought I would say thanks again,

SSG Dustin Davis
HHC 610 BSB 4IBCT
U.S. Army

Dated 20 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

Sorry for the delay in writing my thanks to you. As you can imagine, we have been extremely busy. All of the packages you sent us were well received. My Marines all appreciate the generous hard work that the students at Coweeman Middle School put in each of the care packages.

I can assure you that the "Oh Boy Oberto" Beef Jerky, baby wipes, and other items are key to the way we operate.

We find ourselves away from Military installations greater than 8 out of 10 days and rarely have showers or anything good to eat. Small compact items that go a long way like Beef Jerky are a Godsend.

I also wish I could explain to you and the Middle Schoolers how much it means to my men and I that you all still care. After 4 years of coming to fight this war it is great to know that there are still people out there that support us.

Please have an enjoyable summer and keep up the good work.

Thank you,

Capt. Stephen DeTrinnis
1st Recon BN C Co.
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 18 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for everything that you sent to help support my team and me. Everything that you sent us will be used. May God bless you for taking the time to bless us.

I have a son who is also deployed here in Iraq. I really enjoy being in the Army, serving my country, and making sure the United States doesn't get attacked again.

We are trying to stay safe over here, so please keep praying for us that we'll make it home safe. I will try to borrow someone's digital camera so I can send you some pictures through the email system when I get a chance to log on.

Again, thank you for all your support that you've given us while we're here in Iraq. The U.S. American Army loves you!

Thank you,

SFC Eric Woldridge
2-5-2 MPTT
U.S. Army

Dated 17 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We were very pleasently suprised to receive another large box from you today filled with Girl Scout cookies. I think we might get fat!

Thank you again for everything you are doing for all of the Service Members.

SFC Michael Sytsma
571st MP Company
U.S. Army

Dated 17 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am writing to let you know that I received the package that your organization sent.

Thank you so very much! I am SSG Dustin Davis with 610 BSB at FOB Falcon. All of the stuff that you sent was greatly appreciated. I don’t have a lot of time, but I just wanted to let you know that it was received.

There is not a real need for personal hygiene stuff here though, because we currently have all that we need. This is one of the better things about having female soldiers in your unit. I was always in Manuever Battalions which don’t have females, but now we have plenty of soap and hygiene stuff around here.

Thank you for all you all do for our country. It is people like you all that made this country as great as it is.

SSG Dustin Davis
HHC 610 BSB
U.S. Army

Dated 16, June 2007
Persian Gulf - USS NIMITZ

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

I would like to say thank for what you do. The time and effort that you put into your organization is much appreciated by those of us who enjoy receiving the fruits of your labor.

The package you sent us was received and shared by many of us in Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE SEVEN (VAW-117) out of Point Mugu, California. We're currently embarked aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). The items were enjoyed and appreciated, especially the cards. The artwork and notes were wonderful.

For the students at Coweeman Middle School in Kelso, Washington, THANK YOU! I am positive that the effort you put into the package, which I received, is indicative of each of the packages you put together; this speaks volumes about the caliber of each and every person.

The men and women of CARRIER AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING SQUADRON ONE ONE SEVEN salute you!

SEMPER FIDELIS/SEMPER FORTIS
(Always Faithful) /(Always Courageous)

Chief Lynwood R. Humphries
YNC (SW), USN, VAW-117
U.S. Navy
"Only those that attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible." ~ Anonymous

Dated 16 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for sending the care packages for my Soldiers and me. We all appreciate all the hard work your organization does for the Soldiers fighting over here. I was surprised when SGT Orlando walked in and asked me to help carry some boxes. It really makes my day as well as my Soldiers day when one of us receives a package.

Thanks again for all the personnel items and the basketball & football. My team plays sports on Fridays against the Preventive Medicine unit here and we really needed a new ball. The old one we had a funny bounce to it and was hard to handle. We're already planning on playing a PM (Preventive Medicine) unit for PT next Friday. I'm hoping not to jam any more fingers. I've had some bad luck - I'm not as young anymore but I'm trying to keep up with the young Soldiers to help with morale. We have a dodge ball team and usually have a game once a week. Our team plays against teams on the FOB (Forward Operating Base)

I enjoyed reading all the cards and postcards and the ones that the children at Holy Family School made for us, too. I liked the zip lock baggie drawings, too. I saved one of the freezer bags - it's nice with the art work too - it was written by Bernardo Moreno from Holy Family School. He even quoted a Bible verse too - Psalm 144.

I'm including a picture of MAJ Hux and Roy - the guys here all like that the dog and I share the same name! MAJ Hux told me the dogs can have the food and treats you sent us - I'm sure the dogs will also enjoy the tennis balls you sent. I'm not sure how long they will last as these dogs tend to chew things, but I'm sure they will have some quality fun with them.

I'm also including another picture of me riding a camel - this is one of my favorites too. It's my first and last time on a camel - it's a long why down once you're up in the air! I was hanging on too - afraid I would fall off the camel's back.

Thank you for supporting us and sending the care packages to us. Mail is a good source to improve a person's moral and getting a package is almost the same feeling one gets at Christmas time. It almost always brings a smile on the person's face receiving the mail.

My team got extended a few months ago and we are still getting over it as our original redeployment date comes closer. We have been sharing the contents of the care packages with other Soldiers in our building. The 4th of July is coming up and we are planning a little BBQ and some water balloons games to celebrate the holiday. We don't have too good an area to play these games, but we'll be careful. The area around our building is mostly gravel, rocks and sand.

The weather is getting hotter too - some days it's like walking in an oven it's so hot. Last week I was reading the Stars & Strips and the Iraqis think we have cool pills to take to make us feel cooler. I guess some of them were requesting a pill to cool them off. That's a few of the myths the people of Iraq think about us. I've attached a picture of us raising our flag yesterday and at the base of the flag are my Soldiers and other Soldiers in my building.




Thanks again,


SSG Roy A. Goldsberry, NCOIC
248th MED DET (Foxtrot Team)
U.S. Army

Dated 15 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks for the 2 care packages you sent up here for everyone. They enjoy everything you send us. It puts smiles on all the soldiers' faces because they know that a lot of people are thinking about them.

We hope you are all are doing good over there ;-)

Thanks from our hearts,

V/R
SFC Neal T. Gerth
MNC-I C3
U.S. Army
"Problems are solved at the lowest level, then I come to the rescue."

Dated 15 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),


Hello from Iraq again! Thanks for those 3 awesome boxes filled with Girl Scout cookies, they were a hit! We've been handing them out to our people as well as others on the base. We've even made them a part of our awards program!

Let's see what else has been going on...it is hot! But I'll take the heat over the winter cold out here. The food is still good, the mail is reliable, and other than the internet going down when the electricity comes on and the electricity going out when the internet comes on, things are well. We have said goodbye to a lot of buds who have rotated back to the world, and said hello to a lot more who have deployed here with us.

Once again, we all want to say THANK YOU for your extremely generous support of deployed service members.

Stay safe!

Capt. Chris Skow
CAFTT
U.S. Air Force

Dated 14 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much!!!! We received six (6) boxes from you this past week!!!! Everything was awesome! I couldn't believe the amount of stuff that was there!! We pretty much filled up our TOC with all of the stuff you have sent and everyone is going through it pretty fast!!! The two coffee cups you sent were perfect!!!

Since we have been doing this new mission I am at work about about 14 hours a day, so coffee has become a good friend!!! I am working on getting you some pictures....I just need to try to find time to get everyone together!!

My days lately consist of sleeping, eating and working....and that's about it.

Soon I will be headed for home though for a little R&R!! I can't wait!! I have given everyone your email to send you thank you's, so I hope that you are receiving some from them!!!

Well once again thank you so much for everything you do and all the great and thoughtful things you send!!!!

Love,

Ryan

SGT Ryan Royer
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 13 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hi from Iraq!

I want to thank you for the three (3) care packages we have just received from you. They were unbelievable... way beyond all of our expectations.

I have added the TV and the Playstation 2 system and PS2 games to the list of things that new supervisors will sign for each time they rotate out so they will stay here for all the soldiers that come to this kennels.

I recently found out that I will be moving from this kennels to another one I plan on leaving the things you sent with this kennels so they have something to entertain them selves. I still have xxxxxx (withheld due to OPSEC) remaining in country but will be moving to another FOB.

I will send our new address once I get up there if you are still willing to send packages to the new kennels.

Thank you again for all you have done I have a picture that was put together of myself my dog and my soldiers and there dogs that I will be sending to you.

I can not tell you what it has meant to me and my soldiers to receive that gifts you have sent.

It was Christmas in June for all of us!

Thanks again and God Bless,


SSG Russel Minto
MNC-I, (K-9)
U.S. Army

Dated 13 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

So once again you make soldiers happy as can be on this FOB. The package was fantastic! I was wondering with the change of weather in the area if I could get some powder beverages to mix in a five gallon cooler to have cold beverages ready in the hot weather? Some utensils to stir them would be great also. Snacks are still in great demand as the temperature soars and the appetites diminish because of the heat. If I can get the troops to eat anything so they don't go down because of the heat, that would be great - it's a constant battle.

As always, thank you so much for all you do - it is fantastic to get the suppport and it makes everything over in Iraq easier because of the support from you.

SSG Nathan W. Brasel
3/747 AG POSTAL
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 13 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just received 2 more care packages from you! Thanks! I have opened them and the guys are digging through them.

I took the little lamb you sent me to a little girl when we did a clearance operation. Your sentiments have got me all misty eyed...



You are awesome,

CPT Thomas E. Lamb
S4/HHC/1-9IN
U.S. Army

Dated 13 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the care package! I am writng to let you know I have received the 1st personalized package from you and the items inside are all useful and are being used as I write!

Thank you,

SSG Charles Stockwell
571st MP Company
U.S. Army

Dated 12 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Wow talk about timing, we received the 2nd care package from you today - full of Girl Scout cookies. Awesome! God Bless you all.

I was very suprised to find 2 books by my favorite author Dean Koontz in the 1st package, then when I opened them and found they were signed, WOW!!! That is truely awesome! I know of 1 other person in our unit who reads and enjoys Dean Koontz and she was also very suprised.

Thank You again,

SFC Michael Sytsma
571st MP Company
U.S. Army

Dated 11 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello from Iraq! We received our first care package from you today. We appreciate your support immensly. Soldiers' eyes light up when they get packages or mail from home. I want to personally thank you and everyone who donates to and supports your organization.

It just boosts their morale so much to get mail. Your organization and all the wonderful people who donate and support Give2TheTroops are AWESOME. The soldiers of the 571st MP Company want to say thank you to all of the wonderful people who donate and support your organization and everything you all do.

You are all AWESOME,

SFC Michael Sytsma
571st MP Company
U.S. Army

Dated 10 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your third box today!!!! Thank you so much!!! Everyone loved the pillow cases with the very creative art on them! These are by far the best packages we have gotten since we got here last year! I wish we had a better way to thank you!

We do have one request if it is possible to send powdered drink mixes. They go very fast here and we never seem to have enough!



Gotta go, thanks again!

SGT Nicole D. Torrez
HHD 504th MI BDE
U.S. Army

Dated 9 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to let you know we received a big box full of great stuff…popcorn, sunglasses, drink mixes, pretzels, and other goodies. Thanks so much.

Things still going good here even though the weather is getting warmer everyday. I am expecting to have all my Soldiers back here permanently within the next few weeks. We have been running operations on 2 different FOBs since we arrived. It will be nice to have everyone together again.

Thanks again,

Shawn

CPT Shawn Muder
E Co, 4-227th ARB
EQUALIZERS!
U.S. Army

Dated 8 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hi! We just received 2 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! They are really great! I put them all up on the shelf of our MWR building, and they went quickly. We are also able to trade them with people around post for things we need in the company. We have been able to trade a box of the cookies for a real cake from the chowhall for a birthday, and a few other things. Thanks!!

Note to Andi - I know your husband is a medical guy and has medical connections, what are the chances you might be able to get your hands on 50 oral syringes (3-5 mL)?? If you can't get your hands on many of them, just a few are needed if I can just wash them out.

Thanks again!

In Arms,
Your Sword and Shield,

1LT Richard W. Martinson
B / 1-16 INFANTRY
"BUSHMASTERS!!"
U.S. Army

Dated 8 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

I wanted to write your organization and express my appreciation for all that you are doing. I have placed the boxes that you have sent in the RTD (Return to Duty) section of our hospital and it allows the soldiers waiting to go back with the brothers the opportunity to grab whatever they need. The boxes were empty in a matter of hours.

Thanks again for all your hard work and tell the children at Coweeman Middle School who packed our boxes that the soldiers in XXXXX (Intentionally withheld from web site - OPSEC), Iraq thank them too.

Sincerely,

Mark

Maj. Mark Cornell
Joint Trauma Theater Coordinator
28 Combat Support Hospital
U.S. Air Force

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

Hi! This is LCpl. Cliff Tanner. I was surprised to see that the packages you sent us were from the Washington Branch because I'm from Washington! My mother lives in Port Orchard and my father lives in Everett, WA. My grandparents live in Alaska. I think they may be close to you, but I don't know for sure.

Thank you very much for all the things you sent us. Everything in those packages is very much appreciated and liked. We are fortunate to have a microwave and access to DVD players and most game systems. Again, thank you very much. As far as other stuff you want to send us, you guys pretty much covered everything. The big favorites here are food (including candy and cookies) and hygiene items.

I'm not much for writing, so I hope you will share this note with the school who helped pack our boxes. That would be perfect.

Again, thank you very much for all your efforts,

LCpl. Cliff G. Tanner
ACE MALS-29 GSE
U.S. Marines

Dated 7 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received a second package from you this morning. It definitely made our day! You guys really have a good idea of the kind of stuff we like over here!

The white cheddar SmartFood popcorn was a big hit and they were gone in 5 minutes! I just wanted to send a quick thank you to let you know how much we appreciate your support!!





SGT Nicole D. Torrez
HHD 504th MI BDE
U.S. Army

"The only place "success" comes before "work" is in the dictionary."
~ Vince Lombardi

Dated 7 June, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

Hello my name Is PFC Elliott. am one of the troops you have sent care packages to. I just wanted to say thank you for all that you have done.

My fellow Troops and I really appreciated all that you have sent us. If you or the Coweeman Middle School have any Questions for us we will answer them the best we can. As far as if we need anything else we could always could use different foods, like different foods, like soups, snacks, or anything like that. But whatever you guys send we will be very grateful for.

Again, thank you for your support and we hope you have a great week.

PFC Derek Elliott
HMLA-369
U.S. Marine Corps

Received 30 May, 2007

Dated 30 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to give you a quick thank you for everything you've done for me and my soldiers since we've been over here. Your packages have made our lives alot easier. It's always a surprise opening the boxes from GiveToTheTroops.

It was always like Christmas for us when those big boxes came in. There were times we were able to give other people in this building a taste of your generosity as well.

So once again, thank you for everything you've done for us at XXXXXXXXXXXXX in XXXXXXXXX (OPSEC), Iraq.

SSG Bill Manchester, SPC Brin and SPC Duck
HHC 2 BCT 2 ID MITT
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 29 May, 2007
Pattersonville, New York (home from Iraq)

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for all the support and care packages we received over the last year.

I am at home now; hopefully for good, but I just wanted to thank you again.

God Bless.

Sincerely,

SSG Matthew D. Kane
773rd TC CO, 1st PLT
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 26 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks so much for all the tins of Trails End Caramel Popcorn from the Boy Scouts. I handed one out to every squad member. I also gave one to a local Afghani. I think he said "Thanks!"

Your thoughtfulness made a real difference and was a true blessing from God.

All is well here. Nothing is new to report. Thanks again so very much!

Sincerely,

SPC Nick Mayer
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 25 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!

My name is SPC Brandon Kathrens. We received your package here and greatly appreciated it. Sorry it took me about a week and a half to reply to you.

We appreciate the games to play with as well as the snacks. They are always wonderful and that is something we will never get tired of and can always use since it is hard to get regular snack food out here as well as very hard to find games to play to pass our free time.

There are many of us here ( the number fluctuates because of the many different places that we work) but we shared the package and enjoyed it and look forward to receiving more.

More than anything, we just thank you for the support and letting us know that there are people out there that look at the big picture and do what they can.

Thank you again and have a great day.

SPC Brandon Kathrens
478th PSD
U.S. Army

Dated 20 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I would like to thank you for all that you and your organization do for the troops.

I am not a direct care packge recipient, but I've seen many Marines get packages from you and figured I would send my appreciation to you.

We as Marines (and I'm sure when I say this I speak for the other services) get a lot of support from organizations such as yours. I am thankful for all the support and when I see Marines getting care packages and I like to encourage them to send a thank you to show their appreciation.

So THANK YOU GIVE2THETROOPS and all your supporters.

Thank you and have a good day.

God Bless!

r/s
SSgt Ernesto Panalez
1st Intel BN USMC
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 19 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Another one of your boxes arrived and our troops are wearing that PlayStation System out! We haven't had a lot of free time lately. Just wanted to say thanks. That’s really awesome. We're in an intensified blitz right now so it's hit or miss when we can get back to the FOB. We're back out tonight.

Not sure when we'll make it back to the FOB so wanted to let you know how overwhelmed we are at your graciousness!

1SG Michael Frans
D CO 1-508th PIR
U.S. Army

Our unit will be back in the states in a few weeks. So the next unit will get all the things you sent us as we'll leave those behind for them.

Again, thank you very much for your support,

SPC Michael Swanson
1st PLT C CO 1-32 INF, 10th MTN DIV
U.S. Army

SGT Nicole D. Torrez
HHD 504th MI BDE
U.S. Army
"The only place "success" comes before "work" is in the dictionary."
~ Vince Lombardi

CW2 Desta Bailey
HHB 1-10 FA, 3BCT, 3ID
Sledgehammer
U.S. Army

Received 11 May, 2007
Letter was sent along with the certificate (below) and an American flag flown over Afghanistan in honor of Give2TheTroops ...

Received 11 May, 2007
Afghanistan


From the 2nd Platoon of 235th MP Company of South Dakota:

Dated 11 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received the box of coffee supplies!!! It was GREAT!!! Our headquarters was running awfully low on everything!! We are stocked up now!!! The coffee maker you sent was awesome, now I believe that each squad has 1 in their b-hut......(you know how important coffee is to the military!) And the hot pot thing was super too - it makes cooking Ramen Noodles easy!! And since they don't want us to have microwaves in our rooms over here, it really helps!!!

Since you asked us for a list of things that we need.........Here's what I have came up with: ALOE & SUN BLOCK!!! (Malone has a problem with being addicted to the sun), Protein Powder, Protein Bars, Hand Sanitizer, DVD'S and Xbox games for our Unit Dayroom/Headquarters, AA and AAA batteries, Magazines, Waterguns!! (yes, we are all still a bunch of kids at heart!), a Basketball, Crossword Puzzlebooks, and Herbal Teas....(green or white tea especially). That's all I could really come up with for now.

Thank you so much again for everything you do! What you do brings so much joy to so many people.

Thank you again and again and again, and HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the mothers!!

Love,

SGT Ryan Royer
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 11 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

Thanks so much for all of the items that we've received here in Afghanistan.  This has definitely made our days/nights a little bit better.  I included a few, (not so good shots) of us opening the packages.

Once again.  Thanks for all that you do for all the military.

TSgt. Tiaj G. Harris
Vehicle Management & Analysis, 455 ELRS/LGRVM
U.S. Air Force

Dated 11 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Thank you for the care package you all sent! It was a pretty big package so I shared it with everyone in the motorpool. We loved the Girl Scout lemon cookies and candies. We appreciate everything you all do for the military.

It's getting pretty hot here ... we have no energy at the end of the day. I guess it's the beginning of the summer here in Iraq ... no worries here. Everything here with us is good. The people up north are doing better and bigger things.

Thank you for your support and time.

Take Care,
SPC Lester R. Catap
HHC, 82SB
U.S. Army

Dated 10 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to thank you for sponsoring my unit (2-16 Infantry). I have set up a table in the MWR Building with the items you have donated with a sign above the table letting the Soldier’s know where the gifts have come from. The MWR Building houses several of the personnel office for my unit and will soon have an internet café that will ensure the widest draw of Soldiers to my area.

My Battalion has many company size elements that work out of independent areas in XXXXXX (OPSEC). The Soldiers are brought back to this FOB on a rotation to shower, receive recreation activities and be refitted to continue their mission out in sector. Their rotation in and back out again is usually quick with limited time for the recreation part.

I know that many of them will not have time to give proper thanks for what you are doing, but I hope you know that they do appreciate it.

Respectfully,
SSG Paul E. Link
HHC, 2-16 IN, 4 IBCT, 1 ID
U.S. Army

Dated 9 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hi! Thank you very much for the package of items! I received the box today and my buddies were wondering when the next one would be. Looking forward to more for "Crunch Berries" cereal!

My CO loved the books you sent us as she is a big fan of Dean Koontz. As soon as I opened your box, it was pretty much gone as I put the items out on the table! Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you again for the support.

I am curious how long Andi's husband has been in the Corps. I was in the Marine Corps for 8 years.

Thanks again,
SPC Charles Ross
1041st ENG CO (143rd CSSB)
Wyoming Army National Guard

Dated 9 May, 2007
Iraq

To Give2TheTroops Connecticut Branch
From unit members of 379 EMXS / MXMFA (U.S. Air Force)

- I would like to thank you for the package that you sent out to us. As soon as we received it we had about twenty people huddle around it and start eating candy. I appreciate the time and effort you took to make us feel appreciated what we do and feel more close to home.
I salute you,
SSgt Matthew D. Winn (Originally Stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey)

- Hello! My name is Travis Robb. I just wanted to tell you how much my co-workers and I appreciated the box of goodies you sent to us. That was very thoughtful, so thank you again and God Bless.
SrA Travis Robb

- Thank you for sending all those wonderful goodies to us over with A1C Carranza.
Thank you,
A1C Jami Smith

Dated 9 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch)

We received the first three boxes from you yesterday. Thank you very much! I could hardly believe all the were contained in the boxes. Believe me, this will go a long way towards our work in Iraq!

We are trying to build the professionalism of the Iraqi Army. It is a struggle for them to understand that the Iraqi Army should be for the people. Too often, the Iraqi Army thinks that the people should be completely subserviant to the IA.

When we conduct these HA missions with the equipment that you have sent, we will knock out two birds with one stone. First, when the IA hands out equipment and supplies to the people, the IA gain the trust of the people. Second, when the IA hands out these supplies and equipment, they will see the joy that they are bringing and will come to enjoy these missions.

Thank you again for what you are doing. Not only for the troops but for our mission over here to bring stability to the country of Iraq.

After seeing all that your organization is doing, you have become one of my heroes!

Sincerely,
Major Chris Carter
MNC-I/IAG
U.S. Army

P.S. We will send pictures soon!

Dated 9 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (California Branch),

I just wanted to write a quick thank you to Dave Jester and all the G2TT California volunteers for all of the stuff that Give2TheTroops sent to us at Christmas time. It was great to know that so many people at home were thinking about us, especially around the holidays. The mail room was really full for awhile ... I lost count after about the 60th box you sent - there was so much!

Anyway, the guys and I really appreciated everything that you all sent.

I am sorry this email took awhile - we don't have any internet at our OP, but I wanted to say thanks a lot!

SPC Timothy Farris
A-CO 3/509 PIR (ABN)
U.S. Army

Dated 8 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received our first care package from you today and I must say that I was completely shocked at the amount of time, effort, and professionalism that came in that box! It was honestly moving! I'd been going through a rough spell the last few days and it came at the perfect time! From the moment I opened the box and saw the words, "We're thinking of you!" from the Alpha Phi Omega at UCONN to the very last Slim Jim on the bottom, I was thinking about how many people I could share it with and how it would bring a smile to their faces! I was surprised again and again (for 20 minutes!) as I unloaded the box to inventory it's contents!

Thank you all very much for all of the paper, pens, soup, beef jerky, granola bars, cards (LOVE the cards from the children), binders, sunglasses (definitely a necessity), movies, trail mix, hard candy, "Chew Eez" (for the pups), and slim jims, baby wipes, razors, and MRE repair kits!!! Unfortunately, the MRE Repair Kits did not survive their journey, some of the contents we're smashed beyond repair.

We want to thank all of your donors; families, friends, Give2theTroops members, all the churches, every synagogue, countless schools, all of the companies, each member of Congress who contributed, and ESPECIALLY the families of those who lost their lives in New York on September 11th. Their donations most definitely are and will continue to be an inspiration to each and every one of us, and I can personally say that it brought strength during a particularly difficult time over here.

I have attached a picture of my dog, Alan, and me.  Coincidentally, my dog's name is Alan and my name is Allen.

If you feel the desire to send more care packages, we absolutely LOVE protein bars, energy bars, dried fruit, and beef jerky! But please do not feel obligated.

I'll forever keep you and your fellow patriots in my heart and mind - we all will.

Thank you for the great things that you all are doing back home to make us feel like we're not forgotten or alone out here!

God Bless You!


SGT(P) Allen R. Chrans
PEDD Handler
MNCI-PMO K-9
U.S. Army

"If my dog could drink this stuff ..."

Dated 8 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Once again you amaze us! The gifts you sent us were fantastic! The troops went out the door the same day with smiles attached to each soldier's face. It is truly amazing how your support makes all the difference to the soldiers. It's really something to see that a snack and cup of coffee can swing a frown to a smile.

The soldier can see and taste in this case that the people back at home care and support him. This just causes the soldiers to put a little extra spring in their step and make the next hard task a little easier.

Thanks again for all the support and the great service that you all provide to the soldiers.

As always, you are the heroes.

SSG Nathan W Brasel
3/747 AG Postal
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 7 May, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the latest box. Again, it was filled with so many goodies that everyone was full by the time they left the office.

It is good to still receive stuff every now and then. Sometimes people start out sending stuff and stop early on in our deployments. Now that we could be staying here up to 15 months we need all the help we can to stay motivated. So thank you!

Well, I just wanted to send a note of thanks and say hello.

V/R

CPT Jon Flores
1CD, DSTB S1
U.S. Army

Dated 2 May, 2007
Arabian Gulf

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

I want to tell you how much it means to us serving abroad to have supportive folks back home that are behind us. The care package you sent to me was shared among the squadron and it was fantastic. We particularly enjoyed the small notes and pictures as we opened various bags within.

Often times the Navy gets overlooked as we are not necessarily on the ground and dealing with all the hardships that a ground soldier has to deal with. I will say that we as a force still deal with many difficult issues, a huge one being time away from home. My squadron has been away from home about 12 of the last 18 months and we are scheduled to be gone from home the majority of 2008. During extended periods away from home it is particularly nice to get a care package as a gentle reminder of those home, those whose best interest and lifestyle we are fighting for.

I personally fly the skies over Iraq on a daily basis for a period of about 5-6 hours at a time. My mission is to assist those on the ground and give them all the support they need to keep safe. The presence of a F/A-18 Super Hornet has made the difference time and time again for the ground soldiers and I couldn't be happier than knowing I can help them. In addition to direct support, I spend the remaining airborne time XXXXXXX (mission description withheld - OPSEC) . My day is generally long but rewarding, and I count on the approximate XXX (number withheld - OPSEC) maintenance and support personnel in my squadron to maintain and prepare our aircraft.

In addition to those personnel, I am supported by an aircraft carrier full of over XXXX personnel. We proudly provide continuous around the clock support to our comrades on the ground.

I just wanted to give you a bit of perspective from a proud and thankful sailor.

Please pass my thanks and the thanks of my entire squadron for your caring gesture and endless support. A special thanks to those at St Stephens Episcopal Church of Seattle and the youth group from the Chinese Presbyterian Church of Orange County.

In my 17 years in the service I have received several packages; but I don't think I have ever received one as generous, caring and tasty as this one!!

Thanks again!

Very Respectfully,
LCDR Marcus "Gilligan" Lopez
VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks
USS Ronald Reagan
U.S. Navy

Dated 2 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I just received a package from your organization today here in Afghanistan. I didn't need all the items for myself, so I shared them with those working with me and took the remaining things to our camp's chapel.

We all say a million thanks for your hearts compassion for those away from home.

PO1 Danny R. Bearden
HHC 141 LTF, OEF Afghanistan
U.S. Navy

Dated 2 May, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for your time and great support. I am amazed how the efforts of your organization truly make a difference!

Please know that your kindness is deeply appreciated; you have made a difference in the morale of our Soldiers.

Thank you for all you do!!!

1SG Brian M. Disque
C Co., 2-30 IN
U.S. Army
"Our Country, not Ourselves"

Dated 30 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for all of the packages that you have sent to us from your organization. On behalf of my soldiers I can say that they are all greatly appreciated.

Every time I get a shipment in, I have soldiers coming in for days to see what I have in the boxes that they can use. After about a week I then take what is left down to the common area where soldiers from other units can also get things from your boxes. I have even surprised some soldiers who don't get much mail by just handing them unopened boxes so that they get first chance at the contents.

Again, thank you for your continued support. I know that it will mean even more to the soldiers now that we have had our deployment extended.

SGT Randolph Jones
A Co. 122 ASB TF
Florida Army National Guard

Dated 27 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received a box with 12 cans of caramel popcorn in it yesterday. Thank you. I know my Soldiers will love it come tomorrow night. On Saturday nights we have a movie night with popcorn and sodas. The caramel popcorn will be something new and I’m sure it will be gone before the night is over.

Things continue to go well here. The past month has been a little disheartening with the announcement of the extensions. We are planning for the worst but we are still not sure if we are included or not. The weather is starting to warm up. The forecast for next week breaks the 100 degree mark for the first time of the year. Let the fun begin.

I hope all is well with you and your families. I know I tell you every time I send you a note or email, but we really appreciate your support.  And I know ALL the others do too.

We could really use more drink mixes and sun block.  Temperatures have broken the 100° mark this last week and it will get hotter before it’s all said and done.  Sunglasses with black frames and black lenses are also needed but they cannot be colored or mirrored lenses. 

And yeah, if you have some extra microwave popcorn lying around I’m sure I can find a Soldier or two to eat it.  I ate a box of Girl Scout Cookies while I was typing that last sentence.  Thank You.

Thanks again for your help and support.

Shawn

CPT Shawn Muder
E Co, 4-227th ARB
EQUALIZERS!
U.S. Army

Dated 26 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Just a quick note to say thank you very much for the cans of popcorn, it was a big hit with everyone. I can tell you that you and your organization do make a difference for the guys and girls here. I am also getting short so I won't be here to collect any more neat packages. Our replacements will be here in a week or so and I will have them sign up with you. At any rate thanks a bunch. I look forward to meeting you when I finally get back.

Regards,

Jim

CW4 James Muthig
CO I, 185th AV
U.S. Army

Dated 24 April, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The photos I'm sending you today were taken from the last village assessment I went on while I was training the new group that is replacing us on that mission. I was handing out all of the stuffed animals (and some of the Easter bunnies) that you all sent us, and a bunch of other stuff that you have sent lately.

At first it started out as being just the little girls who wanted the items, then the boys, then even the Grandparents came out of the woodwork!!! You could really tell that the kids loved the toys, colors and coloring books, pencils and such. I think that by the time we left that village everyone in that village was smiling......and that is all thanks to G2TT for making it possible for us to give them so many things.

Also - we loved the chocolatey caramel Trails End® popcorn from the BOY SCOUTS - it was a HUGE hit! And who doesn't love GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!?

Thank you so much again!!!! You are awesome!!

Love,

SGT Ryan Royer
235th MP Co / 1st PLT
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 23 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Greetings from Iraq. I've been busy these past couple of weeks here.

(entire 2nd and 3rd paragraphs were removed by G2TT in compliance with OPSEC)

Below is a picture of my good friend AGM Hadem. He works in vehicle maintenance for my battalion here and does a great job repairing the vehicles. He's spent time as an infantry soldier so he realizes how important his mission is.

I look forward to hearing from you again.



CPT Gregory Andres
2BN, 2BDE 3IAD, MiTT
U.S. Army

Dated 22 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

THANK YOU! What an encouragement to receive such generous gifts from back home! I've received boxes from you with all kinds of goodies, including the DVD Player & DVDs. My assistant and I have ensured our troops have received heaping loads of goodies from y'all. Thank you.

I am Ron Eastes - the Chaplain for "Cross Functional Team 2-319"! We are living on a common outpost in Iraq. Thanks to the kindness of your organization, it's at times hard to remember we're deployed. In all, my folks here are doing well - thanks to the kind generosity of folks like you.

Please express our thanks to the many people involved in the process.

I hope all is well with all of you.

Lord's Blessings,

CPT Ron Eastes, Chaplain
2 BCT, 82D ABN DIV
U.S. Army

Dated 21 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Sorry, I have not been able to send our many thanks for the two boxes of goodies, but our base blocks the forum portion of your website. My troops and I really enjoyed the variety of gifts. I only wish you could see their faces when they get to break open the boxes and choose among the many items. Almost like watching kids at Christmas time!

Here is a picture of some of our personnel with goodies you sent us. Sorry, the photographer cut off the bottom of the sign, but I think the message is clear.

You honor us with these gifts. God Bless America and your volunteers!

Thanks!

Major Stanley R. Smith
Staff Judge Advocate
U.S. Air Force

Dated 21 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear G2TT (Connecticut Branch),

We received the final packages from you for our "Hawaiian luau" - thank you!

We sent "HULA GIRL" out with the tanks ... she will make the rounds to each CO, and they will take a photo for you. Here is the first photo for your web site. We'll send more pics… good times!

CPT Thomas E. Lamb
S4/HHC/1-9IN
U.S. Army

Dated 19 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the great support you have shown my soldiers. It was wonderful to know that we have great American cirizens back at home who support us.

There is nothing greater that a person can do than to give his life for another. As soldiers, we understand the price of freedom.

Thank you for your great support and may God continue to bless you and your families.

CSM Eddie Fields
HHC 610th BSB BN
U.S. Army

Dated 19 April, 2007
Middle East

Dear Give2TheTroops,

We received the golf equipment last week and donated it to our MWR office. They sponsored a closest-to-the-pin contest the Friday after the packages arrived and it was very successful. The person who hit the ball 110 yards to the pin came within 3Ft 8" of the make shift hole. We were able to give him a sport bag purchased with NAF funds derived from beverage and merchandise sales.

We're having another contest next week and I'm sure the participation will get bigger and bigger. I see people out there all the time hitting and practicing for the next event or just out there trying to get away.

Again, thank you so much for your support out here. Thank you for responding so quickly to my request and for your service to the men and women of the armed forces.

By the way, myself and several others here are part of the 103 FG at Bradley in Connecticut.




Thanks for your support,

SSgt. Gregory A. Jones
380 ESVS/MWR
Connecticut Air National Guard

Dated 19 April, 2007
Iraq

Hello Give2TheTroops (Colorado Branch),

My unit and I would like to thank you for all the wonderful things in the two packages. Most of us or at least half of my Marines were around when the packages came in and there was quite a bit of excitment in the air.

Thanks for all the support and prayers because every single person here really needs it. I feel good typing this letter and I hope you can share it with those who have hearts like yours. Being away from family and friends and then receiving letters and care packages, and being able to call home plays a major part on the many warriors here especially those who experience this to a first time away from home.

The Marines here with me are my brothers and sisters and we all stay close for support and comfort. Just a little about me I'm 32 from Atlanta, Georgia I have a beautiful young daughter (1 year old). She lives in Denmark with her mother and I can't wait to see my little girl I've only seen her three times and it's because we're in different countries.

My parents been married for 43 years, I have a set of twin brothers and an older sister. Oh yeah I just picked up the next rank so I'm a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. Hey, once I get pictures onto my thumb drive and am able to get back to the Internet I will try sending a picture of my unit.

Thank you again and enjoy all you can...I close with a smile good evening it's 2209.

Once again, we all thank you for all the support.

Sgt. Christopher B. Mitchell
2nd MLG "FWD" Service Co. PRP Co. (Mortuary Affairs)
United States Marine Corps

Dated 15 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I write this letter with great appreciation. I am truly amazed at the effort put into getting military personnel these wonderful care packages. It truly brightened our day.

There was so much stuffin the package that I was able to share with my fellow Marines. I just wanted to write to you all and give you a big THANK YOU and let you know that you truly make a difference.

Again, I just thank you so much for the support. It's hard to come across such unselfish people these days. You guys are great.

Thank you!

Your truly,

LCpl. Eric J. Cole
Postal Det. 3
United States Marine Corps

Dated 15 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear G2TT (Connecticut Branch),

Good Afternoon! We received another care package from your organization, Give2TheTroops, and I wanted to sent thanks to you and all who were involved in this.

The items you sent here to us are greatly appreciated. The folks in our unit are from about twenty different towns in CT.

I have a son who is over here in a different place but in Iraq and soon my oldest son will be here and all three of us most likely will not see each other.

Give2TheTroops takes the edge off not only by the items that are sent but the notes that are in it, knowing that my Boys have this kind of support. I make sure that I send thanks to everyone no matter how many times I receive items from them.

I have viewed your web site and seen the pictures and I made sure that I told everyone about where they could view them.

One more thing, Thanks for what you and your folks do for us and God Bless.

Sincerely,
MSG Bryan Curtis
143d CSSB
Connecticut Army National Guard

Dated 15 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops,

Hi there...thanks for sending the package to my camp here in Iraq. I could use more magazines, if you have extras.

We enjoyed everything...thanks so much!

PFC Joe Rodriguez, Jr.
C Co 2-16 INF
U.S. Army

Dated 15 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear G2TT (Connecticut Branch),

I am sorry it took me so long to write you back, but I was on leave and just got back on few days ago and was happy to have received the packages from you. I wanted to send you a letter to say thanks for the keyboard and "My God Boxes" but I thought it would be better if I sent a thank you letter with a picture of the choir.

We didn't have rehearsal until Saturday. Things here are well just taking it one day at a time, they are saying we will probably be extended so you know the soldiers aren't too excited about that, but that's the life of a soldier.

Please tell all of your volunteers, and the ones who donate that we are truly grateful and thankful for everything that you have done for us. Not just the boxes, cards, letters, but also your prayers. I pray that God blesses Give2TheTroops and bless your organization far beyond what you could even imagine or think.

Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the pictures I included of us with the keyboard and prayer boxes you sent.
(I would be the only odd ball in the photo with that loud road guard vest on!)





Thanks Again,

SSG Myron Jamerson
D FSC 4-9 CAV
U.S. Army

Dated 13 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear G2TT (Connecticut Branch),

Well I received our package yesterday and we all enjoyed what was sent to us. You really made our day, it had been a little fustrating the past couple of days.

You really put some smiles on face out here, thank you. So how have you been? Me, I guess as good as can be. Well gotta run, back to work!

Thanks again!
A1C Jaime Carranza
379 EMXS / MXMFA
U.S. Air Force

Dated 13 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We have received the two boxes that you sent. THANK YOU!!!!

The items were needed and greatly appreciated. We bring the stuff to our combat outposts and get them distributed that way.

We also keep a small stock in the office. It is great to hear soldiers tell each other not to go to the PX but to go to the chaplain's office for what they need. It saves them money and their valuable time between missions.

Blessings,
Steve+

CPT Steven G Rindahl, Battalion Chaplain
1-5 Cav, 1CD
U.S. Army

Dated 11 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wanted to thank you for the wonderful care package you sent to my soldiers. It was so nice to see the excitement in their faces. It was like opening Christmas presents!

The entire shop plus surrounding shops were able to use everything in the box. Thank you again for ya'll's hard work and dedication to the soldiers. The soldiers have read all the cards you sent us and have them up on our MWR wall.

Again, I can't express how much it means to them that ya'll put so much effort into what you do and that ya'll support them.

LT Dianna Lively
HSC 19th EN BN
U.S. Army

Dated 8 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We just got your package yesterday. It was great! Everyone was excited to get some Easter candy and the movies were great! I think we will be set for the next couple of movie nights. The socks were also a good call. Many of my guys have started to wear through some of their socks so it is nice that they have some new ones now. Everyone really appreciates all the support you are giving us. We cannot say thank you enough.

I still owe you some pictures. The internet here is really slow and the last couple of times I have tried to upload them it has timed out and not allowed me to send them. I am trying different options so hopefully something will work sometime soon.

Thanks again for everything...

V/R

1LT Kyle Madsen
Apache Troop, 4-9 CAV, 2BCT, 1CD
U.S. Army

Dated 8 April, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am a lost for words besides "WOW!"

I never thought there would be so much stuff, but trust me it all got used. We had a new platoon come in from Missouri and some of the soldiers needed hygiene items, so I gave most of it to them.

The food you sent went to our company and our brother comany - The 160th MP from FLORIDA.

I also gave some items you sent us to our neighbors in the 82nd.

I was blown away by the size of those boxes!

You guys do such great stuff. I only wish you could have seen the looks when the new platoon from Missouri saw all that stuff. I told them to write you, so I hope you get some letters or e-mails soon.

Thanks for the love and kindness you give all of us over here.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support,
SPC Nicholas Mayer
235th MP CO
South Dakota Army National Guard

Dated 8 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

HAPPY EASTER!

We got the other care package today and we're already dividing up the Hawaiian shirts. We will wait (as per instructions) for the follow-up care package you sent us before we celebrate and take the picture.

I like the little lambs you included. We will send the little beanie babies out for the kids in zone.

The food is almost gone. People come to see me all the time, mostly to complain, so I give them food and it makes them feel better.

GOOD STUFF, MORALE HAS IMPROVED!!!

CPT Thomas E. Lamb
S4/HHC/1-9IN
U.S. Army

Received 8 April, 2007
Afghanistan


1SG Art Fredericks
C Co. 1-102 Infantry
Connecticut Army National Guard

Dated 8 April, 2007
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just received the care package from your organization. It is amazing of the support that your organization gives to the troops. I along with my fellow soldiers want to say Thank You for everything that you donated and sent to us.

I kept some things for myself, shared with my buddies, and stocked our company's MWR tent with the rest of the items for my fellow soldiers to take as needed.

Again, THANK YOU for all that you do.

SGT Charles Mastin
TF AVCRAD 06-08
Kentucky Army National Guard

Dated 7 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Wow! Thank you for the Care Packages! I gave all of it to everyone and everyone in our unit says, "Thanks for the Packages!"

It's great to see that you've been sending packages for almost 5 years. That is amazing, starting out from Andi's basement and now you've grown into so many branches. It is so wonderful to see so many people in the United States caring about so many Soldiers.

Please tell everyone thanks for all the donations and tell them to be safe over in the United States. I have been in the military for 18 years and I got married in July of 2004. I have a new born who is 8-months-old and has 6 teeth already. He is growing and I am missing out on all the beginning months of my baby growing.

I get pictures from my wife and she tells me of the things he does. Then they grow up so fast.

Well, I will let you go for now.

Tell everyone Hello.

Bless you all....Thanks

THANK YOU,
V/R

SFC Neal T. Gerth
MNC-I C3
U.S. Army

Dated 4 April, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the care package you sent us . It lifted the spirits of many soldiers I have here. We have not been here too long and most of us are working 12-18 hour days with no time off. The PX is limited on everything at our base here in Iraq.

For most of the soldiers in this unit, it is their second time deployed and probably the worst.

I'd like to especially thank you for some letters in the package that were from the Ellington Congregational Church in Ellington, Connecticut and I would like to thank them too.

Thank you again,

1SG George Damour
308th PSYOP Co.
U.S. Army

Dated 29 March, 2007
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Pennsylvania Branch),

The microwave finally arrived today. We are going to build a stand made out of scrap wood to put it on - and then dig into some popcorn.

I have attached some photos for your website. The second is one of our latrines.






Thanks again,

1LT Frederick Carr
1st PLT, B BTRY, B/2-321 ABN FA
U.S. Army

Dated 29 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!

We are D-FSC 4-9 and would like to say, "THANK YOU" for all your support!

Our Maintenance platoon supports other troops with repair parts, water, fuel, etc. I myself work in PLL (the computer office that orders repair parts).

We love to see people back home who support us and we want go give you all a personal thank you for the beef jerky and personal items - it all went very fast! As for more items we need, we could use microwaveable food, food that will keep when we're out in the field (out on missions), more beef jerky, crackers, camping stuff, etc. MRE's get old ... really fast ...

Again, thank you so much for the box of much need supplies given to my troops. We all want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts ...

PFC Anthony J. Scalza
and
The Troops of Delta company ( FSC ) 4-9 cav
U.S. Army

Dated 29 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the three medical text books we requested for our medical clinic. The books discuss the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The major injuries make newspaper headlines, but we have dozen of soldiers coming to our clinic daily with strains, sprains, tears and other similar injuries. The books you sent make a significant contribution to the care of our soldiers.

Everything arrived safe and sound! This is really terrific, we've got some great medical resources here now, and I and the other medical providers have been very pleased to have the items. The information contained was applied on day one, and continues to provide an excellent resource for ensuring world-class medical care for our wounded or ill soldiers.

I think it's really terrific what your group is doing in support of our soldiers, it makes me proud to experience such generousity, the effort and dedication that your group shows in supporting our military citizens is truly inspirational.

Thank you. Your contribution of medical texts has already, and will continue to have, a direct role in reducing morbidity and improving the wellbeing of our soldiers.

MAJ C. Nystuen, MD
A Co. BTB
U.S. Army

Dated 29 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Once again I have only praise for the support that we receive from you.

We have the coffee displays, snacks and everything out for the troops and it's safe to say they all said, "Wow!" and smiled when they saw all the goodies. The letter from the old submarine gentleman moved many a hearts on this FOB.

Again and again, I will say when people like you take the time and use their money to support us when they have no reason to, makes them the true heros. It truly makes a huge difference when the troops see the support time after time.

P.S. I have returned to duty in Iraq after my medical evacuation to Germany. I am okay.

Thanks again,

SSG Nathan W. Brasel
3/747 AG POSTAL
U.S. Army Reserves

A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dated 28 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Just a quick note to thank you for the popcorn from the Boy Scouts - it was a big hit. I passed it out right away and it was well received. Please thank your fellow Give2TheTroops volunteers. We really appreciate the efforts.

Things are starting to warm up. Pretty soon it will be outright hot, but I hope to be home before I see 100° degrees. At any rate I just want to thank you again. I can tell you that your organization has helped make our holiday a better one for sure.

We will take anything that you send. I spread it around, so don't worry. The Crystal Lite drink mix sounds good. Powder type drinks work great. Soldiers will pour them directly into their water bottles. I have a long time left before I redeploy, so this is getting old. Not much new... hope all is well.

Regards,

Jim

CW4 James Muthig
CO I, 185th AV
U.S. Army

Dated 27 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for your care packages. I received the Trails End® popcorn the same day as the collective package of assorted items.

I have redistributed the items based on the needs of my troops. They will be sent out on the next thing rolling that way!

Thanks again,

1LT Erik M. Davis
HHT, 1-9 CAV
U.S. Army

Dated 27 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

The packages you sent us with coffee, air fresheners and snacks came and were very appreciated. The Air Wicks® and batteries went like gangbusters. Everything is great.

Thanks so very much for what you do.

Knowing that people like you in your organization care enough to send anything, is the best gift of all.

My sincere gratitude,

Julie Grundahl (rank withheld)
64 ERQS/TOC
U.S. Air Force

Dated 26 March, 2007
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received another care package from you today and this one was also great. We really aren't picky people, so everything you sent was appreciated and put to use.

The Marines are just happy to know that people other than their families are caring for them.

We are grateful.

Thanks again,

SSgt. Mike Renwick
MACS-2 IFR DET
U.S. Marine Corps