BU1 John S. Arias
Trident Guard Force
U.S. Navy

Dated 29 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!!

I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you have given my unit while I've been out here for the past year. We greatly appreciate everything you have done for us and all the support you have given us. I can't even imagine how much time and effort it takes to run your organization. We are heading back stateside soon and I just wanted to ensure that you guys were notified!! I am with MWCS 38 in the USMC.

Thank you for everything!!



Love,
Sgt Cassandra Jorgensen
MWCS 38, Unit 41137
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 27 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

To all of you at Give2theTroops, thanks for the boxes this Christmas. I could hardly believe the generosity of so many people I didn't know, and I was glad to be able to share it with the many fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians who are serving with me here at the Corps headquarters.

I especially appreciated the box of golf balls! We have an improvised driving range that I use for stress relief occasionally as the attached photo shows. I know how much time and effort it must take to get all of these boxes filled and sent, and I just want you to know that I appreciate it.

Your support for the troops means a lot, coming from one who is actually old enough to remember Vietnam days (OK, so I was just a kid, but I still remember).



Thanks again, and God bless you, your staff, and the volunteers.

LTC Gregory Graves
MNC-I, C5 Assessments, XVIII Airborne Corps
U.S. Army

Dated 27 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for all the help, we could not have done it without you. I am not sure if you saw an email from my Sergeant Major (SgtMaj Milton). He was going to email you to tell you thank you so much for the HUGE gift that you sent to us. I wanted it to be a surprise for you to receive an email from him regarding the PS3 system you gave us. I have attached pictures of the SgtMaj with the gift!

As soon as the Marines and the CO saw it, they were just amazed. The CO announced to everyone that it would go in our duty room for all to enjoy when they are back in their rooms relaxing. The duty room is a room next to all the Marines' rooms. We do not have a rec room but the duty room will now be that as well. A Marine has donated his tv and the PS3 will be in there.

The Give2TheTroops Marine Corps stockings were hung in Marines' offices throughout the spaces. They were given to individual Marines and they hung them. I will take pictures of the PS3 at the duty room.... you cannot believe how excited the Marines are.

The Christmas party was a great success thanks to all of you, not to me. I was just the middle man, I was the laborer. I don't think I told you guys this but at least once I stayed up until 2 am sorting out the gifts and once I stayed up until 6 am.... Had to get up at 8 am that morning to ensure critical taskers got done. It never bothered me. I wanted to make sure the gifts were organized, ensuring all received at least one gift and also was separating the gifts to send to our Marines that were not here and also had to ensure to pack the all the gifts to send to them... it reached them safely. Not one gift missed. Man, was it a miracle!!! Like I tell my Marines, GySgts don't sleep; they go back to their room and study, drill and conduct physical training. We stay up to look over the junior Marines that watch over our country. But in reality, our job is never done because if it was, there would be no need for Marines.

The Christmas Party was a blast and you could just feel in the air that it was a quiet happiness, it wasn't jamming out to music, it wasn't loud, it wasn't chaotic. The evening was filled with Christmas music playing, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, people playing video games, some people playing basketball. There was a peaceful calmness not expected when a lot of Marines get together. Many Marines were sitting around just talking to each other, groups of 3-5 were formed just sharing stories and just enjoying the evening. You could tell people were calm. Like you would expect when you're at home during Christmas; just relaxing with no problems insight. I was looking around and you could tell that the seniors were conversing with the juniors, juniors talking to juniors and smiling. Many came up to me thanking me for everything and you could tell in their eyes they didn't mind being in Iraq.

Nearly everyone came up to me and personally said "thank you" to me and shook my hand with a great big smile. I want you to know that "thank you" wasn't to me. That "thank you" was to all of you, that handshake was to all of you and that burger I had was for all of you.

I may not be able to give you much more than a letter of gratitude as there are many of you (and I do mean many of you!!), but please know that you guys made it possible.

You have made many Marines happy and they are talking about Madden tournaments tonight!!! I think I could beat them.

Thank you again,   

GySgt. Jesus Deniz, Squadron Gunnery Sergeant
HMH-466 S-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 26 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hi there, I wanted to let you know that we received your package. The soldiers were very excited to open it and to go through the goodies you sent. It is difficult to be away from our families, but we believe it is for a good cause. Thank you for your kindness. Have a great day!

VR,

CW2 Edgar (Eddie) Contreras, Shops Tech Supply OICO
D/1-10 Aviation Regiment (Attack)
U.S. Army

Dated 26 December, 2008
Kuwait

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I'd like to give sincere thanks to you all for the care package! We are located in Kuwait where we do helicopter repairs. We are more fortunate than some of the other locations, but many of the items that you provided are not available to us, so they are additionally appreciated. Your organization's support is a tremendous morale booster for us. Not only do we get cool stuff that we need, but it's proof that Americans of all ages support the troops out here.

On behalf of my unit, I thank you all and Sandy Dearborn (from your Connecticut Branch), for all that you do for us! I will ensure that the items are shared and distributed unit-wide. God Bless you and please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed.

With Sincere Gratitude,

SSG Donald P. Boisvert, Aircraft Engine Inspector
TF AVCRAD
North Carolina Army National Guard

Dated 25 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is PFC David J. Mckim I'm just replying to your care packages you sent to SGT Israel Castilleja and my unit. We all appreciate all the hard work you put into these packages and hope you can keep sending them in the future if you can. We all work very hard to do our best at our jobs and to keep the United States safe. We will all come home safely so don't even worry!

Your care packages help out everyone because it shows that people do care for their soldiers and gives us all a little more motivation to keep our heads in the game. I enjoy a lot of different activities from playing magic the gathering card game to HALO 33 on the x-box 360 system you sent us.
My army buddies also play with me on our off time, which is awesome.

I'm married and have 1 kid. They of course are sad that I'm away, but have confidence that I'll come home safely.

Thanks again for all your support and hope to see more of your boxes in the future!

Take care,

Sincerely,
PFC David J. Mckim
HHB 2-146 FA
U.S. Army

Dated 19 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to say thank you. I am a linguist and I work with the U.S. Army in xxxxx, Iraq. They share your gifts with me.

Again, thanks a million. Have a nice day.

Hussein Elbeir  
Iraqi Linguist

Dated 18 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello all:

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best holiday season possible before you all scatter to the winds to visit family and friends.  I also wanted to remind you of the significant impact of your thoughts, prayer, contributions, and support has made on our Marines.  Regardless of our personal convictions of any war or conflict, the nation must stand together and unite as one in order to achieve our common goals.  I post your cards, letters, and distributed your gifts for all of our Marines.  Although I have never met any of you, you have made a lasting impression and made our time here more tolerable. 

I have sometimes questioned my decision to come back to Iraq when I could have simply retired and blended back into society.  However, it is people like you and the Marines that I serve with that remind me why I'm here. 

To date more than 4,200 service members have made the ultimate sacrifice here in Iraq and will never see the end results of what they were fighting for.  Although in the future of America they will fade away as a statistic, I can assure you they are never forgotten. Most of the buildings on military bases are named after our heroes, places such as honorary walls at every unit, the memorials across the country, and the people they served with will carry their spirits forever.  In every building I have worked in, the walls are adorned with the photos and memories of our fallen comrades. 

To your Founder, Andi Grant: This message was designed especially for you.  All too often, wives, sisters, and mothers are left at a moment's notice when the men run to the call of duty.  Your sacrifices are often overlooked as you perform all of the duties and responsibilities in a household that are normal shared.  On the other hand, we cannot forget that we also have our own females that serve side by side with their male counterparts out here.  I have 10 in my company for example.  All too often we focus on the "fighting man" and omit those at home that have to endure many sacrifices as well.  Thank you for all that you do. 

In the end, I want you to know that you have touched the hearts and minds of the Marines that serve here with me.  Your dedication and support helps us push forward when the future is uncertain.  Whether I live to be a hundred or die tomorrow, you have made a difference.  I wish and pray that each of you receive all the joy in life that you deserve and that your dreams for the holiday come true. 

It has been my heartfelt honor just to know you even if only through letters or emails.  We are halfway through our deployment and although our Marines are out on missions everyday, we have not lost nor had a Marine wounded in action.  I attribute that to your prayers.  So for this Christmas I ask not for any material object for me or my Marines, but simply ask that you take a moment to say a prayer for the safe return of our Marines and all service members to their families and loved ones.  I am a firm believer that it works.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!       

Semper Fi
 
1stSgt Scottie Lee Bowden, H&S Company 1stSgt
9th ESB, Unit 38432
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 18 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks so much for all the things you've sent us.  G2TT has now provided us with enough Christmas decorations to decorate our camp, and thanks to you we also have enough goodies to give to everyone!!! You even sent my favorite peanut butter and a Maxim calendar, and toys for the kids, and snacks and so much more!!! G2TT is truly an organization that "Supports" the Troops!  Thank You.

Respectfully,

Dated 17 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you again so very much for all of your support throughout the year. And thank you for the recent holiday box you sent my unit - full of goodies.

The DVDs, X-Box games and Playstation 2 games were a particularly big hit with the guys. So if you ever run across more of those, please be sure to send them to us!

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

God Bless,

Sincerely Yours,
MA2 Michael A. Reddington
Task Group Trident
U.S. Navy

Dated 17 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

FROM B Company, DSTB 10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION, U.S. ARMY:

Thank you for your support! We received your holiday care packages! And we wish you all a wonderful holiday season!
SPC William Hess

Thank you for all the goodies you sent to us through SPC William Hess! We hope you have a good holiday season.
With our thanks and warmest wishes for a bright and happy holiday.
SSG Andy Ellis

Thank you for all that you do for the troops. We appeciate everything you send us out here. Have a great holiday season.
Daniel L. Minahan

Thank you for all your support. Your generosity has overwhelmed us here in Iraq. Thank you for taking time out of your day to send us care packages. Nothing can display my gratitude. Thanks a lot.
SPC Todd Rump

Thank you so much for all of your support! All of us here really appreciate it. May happiness fill your holidays and New Year, too.
Mike Baber

Dated 17 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I'm an Airman in the United States Air Force and I wanted to send at least a thank you card to you! I have received one of your care packages and it made me smile. What you're doing is truly amazing and a great accomplishment! You have no idea how HUGE of a deal it is what you're doing by sending us care packages. You've managed to put smiles on troops' faces and made the fact that we are overseas during the holidays much easier for us.

It's truly an amazing feeling knowing that we have such supportive and understanding Americans at home. I'd like to thank your Founder, Andi's, husband for serving too. Somebody's got to do the job and he stepped up. Mrs. Grant should be proud of herself for starting Give2TheTroops. Please give her this message: "Thank you for being you! You're one of a kind!"

Words can never explain how thankful we all really are because of what you're doing. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I hope you enjoy the holidays with your families.

May God Bless you!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE 386TH EXPEDITIONARY WING!

A1C Lucy Hernandez
386 ESFS, Security Forces
U.S. Air Force

Good Afternoon!

Here is a thank you letter that I typed for you on behalf of my unit:

Respectfully Sent,
LCpl Christopher P. Campbell
MSG Detachment New Delhi
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 15 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FOM AFGHANISTAN!

Thank you for the holiday care package you sent to SSgt Reuben McBroom and our 3/8 India Company, 2nd Platoon. We appeciated it and want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. We are mailing you photos of us - they are en route to you. Please keep up the good work!

Thank you all!
LCpl Mike Woodall
3/8 India Co, Unit 73255
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 15 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

LTC Horace Bowden and the
402D AFSB, 3RD ESC LSE
U.S. Army

Dated 12 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

To all who have supported us, this thank you is for all of you.




God bless,
1LT Eric Kuyper
337th Signal Company, TF Warrior
U.S. Army

We received another box from you today and the guys loved it.  The stockings were great! We hung them up with the other stockings we have received from our families.  Our break tent is just about full of stockings and X-Mas decorations! They really loved the batteries and DVD’s. It’s nice to watch some new movies every now and then.  I opened your box up and within an hour, the guys have raided the box and there is very little left. It's nice just to get little things like a new toothbrush, soap, or even something to snack on. 

Once again, I can’t begin to say how much we love you and your organization for providing for us during our deployment.   During the holiday season, it is so wonderful to receive gifts and packages like the ones you send out on a daily basis.  It makes being so far from home a little easier to get through - especially during this time of year.

Thanks for all you do and I know everyone you touch is thankful that you do what you do, too.

Dated 13 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I'm really happy that you sent us those holiday care packages. We ate for THREE DAYS - just from the items you sent in the boxes! Those protein body bars helped a lot also. My whole Platoon got something out of the boxes. They were eally enjoyable.
 
Thank you for everything.

I hope you all have a great holiday.

Your U.S. Army Soldier,



SPC Travis John Hoyle
64 BSB, 3rd BCT/ 4ID
U.S. Army

Dated 12 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I received a package today that made me want to hug the mail clerk. Thank you very much! Do you have an angle tree because I wanted to put my children on it so they could get something for Christmas! Could you send me some info from ECU on a degree in education, nursing, and psychology?

Thank you to everyone for everything,

SGT Rosemonde D'Haiti
601 ASMC
U.S. Army

Thanks for sending out the care packages. All of the Marines' faces lit up like Christmas when they were opened. The supplies you sent will not go to waste and are greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
GySgt Kenneth M. Mabe, Airframes Division Chief

My name is Sgt Derek Carpenter. I am a mechanic on the V-22 Osprey. We recently received some packages full of some great stuff that we could all really use and I just wanted to say thank you for the stuff. We all appreciate it.
Again, thank you very much for the packages.
Cpl Derek L. Carpenter

Thank you for everything yall sent us, it was extremely appreciated.
LCpl Timothy S. Carlton, Jr.

My name is SSgt April Ceballos, I got some of the items that you sent to Sgt Hoyle, and I just want to say thank you for everything.  My Marines and I greatly appreciate everything you’ve done for us.  Once again thank you so much.  Take care, God Bless.
SSgt April M. Ceballos

Dated 10 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!

We received the packages that you mailed out today. I must say that you shouldn’t have, you sent out way too much. It was great to get all those items. You gave everyone in here a smile from ear to ear. It was like watching my daughters opening gifts during Christmas. Sgt Matthew Hoyle and a few of the Junior Marines opened the boxes and were proud. They had their chests puffed and seemed very humbled to get such gifts. I tell you that we have gotten packages before, but nothing close or as nice as the stuff that you sent to us. You have hearts the size of Texas! You even gave a smile to one of the Marines here ... a smile that I would have never thought possible, and he was ear to ear as well and that was me. I am old and mean, from what the Marines tell me. I guess being with the grunts for 7 years will do that.

Sgt Hoyle has told me that your founder's husband has been over here a few times, I hope he returned home safely as well. I have been over here 3 times now. It gets better every time. I came over here in the beginning and wow that was crazy, then I was here a year later. The second time I got to see the improvements that were built on our shoulders from the first time. I decided to change jobs so that I could fly and now I am over here for the 3rd time, and well I see a good place. Since I fly on the MV-22 Osprey I have been able to fly all over this place and see what we have done and the great work our military has done.

Well I have a little work to take care of and I still need to call my wife and kids today. I must say though, that I am humbled to see what you did for the Junior Marines here. You have given them a good day here, and those types of days are far and in between for these young guys who have left there families for the first time. Well

I am grateful to all of of you and your friends, donors, and volunteers for doing everything that you have done for us.

Thanks to you and yours,
SSgt Matthew A. McLellan, Crew Chief/ Aerial Gunner
VMM 266 Maintenance Control
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 10 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

I just received four care packages from you and more stuff than I could have imagined!!  There was enough for the entire Maintenance Division.  You should have seen it.  Everyone was scrambling to get the items of their choice.  It was like children in a candy store.  It is truly amazing that your organization and your fellow volunteers would take so much time, energy, and money to support us out here.  Words are not enough.  I could never repay you for the impact you just made. 

Attached is a photo for you. SSgt Hiller is on the right and me on the left.  We passed out the items you sent.  Please send my “thanks and appreciation” along with the entire VMM 266 Fighting Griffins' “Thank Yous” for all that you all did.  It truly means a lot!  You are great Americans! 

Your Friend,

Sgt Matthew M. Hoyle
VMM 266 Maintenance Control
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 10 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Washington Branch),

My name is Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Jay Morgan. I am the person who requested care packages for my USAF service men and women currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  I would like to personnel thank you all and your staff for putting smiles on my Airmen’s faces during this holiday season.

We receive our U.S. Mail every night around 8:00 pm - right after my nightly maintenance meeting.  Besides talking about aircraft status, we (old supervisors) also talk about the morale and welfare of our troops.  Some of the deployed squadrons were unaware of such organizations like yours.  Well, this is where I come in to play in the sharing department by spreading your G2TT care packages wealth to other squadrons on the base.  My troops really appreciate your support and I assure you none of the items sent will go to wayside.  A few of my troops collectively decided to spread your gratitude to US Servicemen, Dod Civilians, and Contractors traveling through the passenger terminal and USO located on our base.  Your organization's name was placed above the display along with your web site just in case they wanted to respond.

Once again, the men and women of the 75th Expeditionary Aircraft maintenance Unit humbly say “THANK YOU” for your support.

SMSgt Jay Morgan
455 EAMXS (A-10)
U.S. Air Force

Dated 10 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I would just like to thank you for doing what you do for us!  It means so much to receive things from back home.  I received the package and it was a hit with the troops.  We ended up finding some old baseball gloves back in an abandoned building about 2 weeks ago so we ended up playing ball that night with the bat and balls you sent.  It sure was a good distraction with all that is going on around us.  I just want to send a little note to thank you all for sending us a great care package.

TSgt Mike Rooney
332 ESFS/SFOB
U.S. Air Force

Dated 8 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received yet another package from your group - thanks so much. As it turned out, it came just in time to catch a couple of Marines from my platoon who are at a remote location. We pooled items from your various packages and sent them back north with a good supply for the small number of Marines we have up there. Again, thank you for all you have done for me and for the rest of the service members here.

Ed

CWO-4 Edward M. Williams, Engineer Ordnance Maintenance Platoon Commander
1st Maint. Bn, Maint. Company
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 8 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

We received a box full of Christmas today from our back home!! Our team is spread out everywhere, but I will make sure everyone gets what was put together for them. We have been so busy. I know I speak for the whole team when I say that the holidays have come up and are going by faster than we can keep up with!! I'm not sure who specifically at Give2TheTroops organized the assembly of our personal box of cheer, but please relay to them on behalf of our unit, a very heartfelt thank you and Merry Christmas too.

Thanks for taking the time to be so thoughtful and generous. We are truly grateful.

V/R,

SSG Rodney G. Little c/o Major Michelle G. Tope
xxxxx Battalion (unit information withheld as per OPSEC)
U.S. Army

Dated 8 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I want to send a special thanks to all who assisted in all the time and effort.  We wanted to start off by saying that we appreciate all the care packages that your organization sent to us.  All the Marines are enjoying all the candy, hygiene gear and games, which are really putting smiles on their faces.  The dedication and support from all the people back home works wonders and reminds us of why we put the uniform on everyday.  It lets us know that our efforts do not come unnoticed. 

We will be sending pictures and Christmas Cards to your organization.  Please send our deepest appreciation to all the children who took the time out of their daily schedule to write us and make the Christmas Cards.  Please pass on to all our sincere gratitude.

Again our deepest appreciation for everything. 

Happy Holidays,

MSgt Armando Valdez and the Marines of
MWSS-373/ AGS DET
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 2 December, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

We just received a care package from you mailed in early August.  Our Soldiers appreciate it.  I'm sure you've heard the same from others that getting mail is extremely important to the morale of Soldiers.  It probably took a while to get to us because we changed bases and getting mail here is sometimes difficult.  It's great because we don't have a post exchange or anywhere to get certain items except.

Your package was included with all the mail and most of the snacks are already gone.  On behalf of my fellow Soldiers, we appreciate everything you and other patriotic Americans are doing to support us and other service members.

Thank you. 

Very respectfully,
CPT Manuel Duenas
U.S. Army National Guard

Dated 2 December, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

Thank you for the wonderful box I got yesterday. I read Rick Collins' bio on the G2TT web site. I would like to hear about his Vietnam experience sometime. I tried to contact all the Texas sports teams, Cowboys, Texans, UT, Texas A&M to see if they could send us something. Haven't heard from them as of yet. I am trying to get calendars, posters, whatever I can get to decorate with. Plus we all know the best cheerleaders come from Texas! I hope we can be friends even after I go back to the States next year.

Have a great day,

SSG Gary Harders, Jr.
710th Ord. Co. (EOD)
U.S. Army

My name is Shawn Hayden and I received a package from you guys the other day. This is the first one I have received since I have been here, and it brought a smile to me and the other soldiers I work with to go through it and find all the things inside. I would like to thank you and all the volunteers for sending this package to me. I really appreciate the fact that people back at home still keep us troops in their prayers and thoughts. Stay safe and I will talk to you later.

SGT Shawn C. Hayden
CFLCC-G2
U.S. Army

Dated 30 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

First of all, Happy Holidays! Secondly, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support. We have received your gifts, boxes and care packages and I, fronm the bottom of my heart and the hearts of my Marines and Sailors thank you so much. Your undying and constant devotion to us is definitely a great reminder that peopple care about us, regardless if we know you or not. You make us realize that there is a bigger picture to this conflict, which is UNITY.

These enduring and hard times away from home, loved ones and all that we were used to make us put a lot into perspective; things we never think about when we are home. Being deployed makes you realize how many great people there are in the world and how many are willing to go beyond that extra mile and beyond their personal lives in order to ensure the Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers know that they are cared for ... every single one of them.

I know we can never repay you, for what you have done for us goes beyond words or material items, but please know that we are forever thankful. In all honesty, you all are truly the main reason why we can focus on the mission at hand and why we do this with a smile on our faces.

You are the reason why the sweetest feeling in the entire world is knowing the day will come when we can go back to the great country we call home and to the great people who are willing to sacrifice a piece of them at home to endsure we know you all care about us and that you have our backs.

Our country is well protected, Please sleep better at night because our morale here is now high and we are focused ... focused because of all you guys have done for us. The smiles you bring us will never fade and your willingness to help make our Christmas a great one for me, my Marines and my Sailors will forever be in our hearts.

I cannot wait for Christmas to come and to see their faces when they receive and open the gifts you sent us!!!

Thank you forever and ever.

SEMPER FI,

GySgt. Jesus Deniz and the Marines and Sailors of
HMH-466 S-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 30 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. We really appreciate the care package you sent us. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Take care and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Sgt Christopher N. Egge
CLB-2, DET-B, KV STP
U.S. Marines

Dated 29 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Where do I begin? I came back after a patrol yesterday and was met with a note that I had mail. The anticipation of mail from home brings smiles to many grown men and women, and it is quite a powerful stress reliever. The usual process for these types of notes is to immediately, and I mean immediately, track down the person who left it. Fortunately, she was very close. "Sir", she said, "you have two huge boxes, two heavy boxes." I followed her to get them, trying to think who they were from.

When I first saw the Give2TheTroops logo, I immediately smiled. These gifts were an unexpected and very welcome surprise. Thank you for everything. We put aside the stockings so we can hand them out on Christmas Eve. Everyone here says thank you.

I asked around here to see if there are any particular needs or wants. A lot of people (the younger troops) mentioned video games, so I am going to get a list of what they are talking about to see what we can do for them. We can't complain. It is not even close to home, in any aspect, but we know why we are here.

Speaking personally, two simple words cannot begin to describe the appreciation I have for the efforts your team. Please extend to your entire organization my sincere gratitude. The result of your tireless efforts is a piece of the home that everyone misses.

Also, I enjoy reading the cards as well. Please let Shannon, Stacey, Sandy, and my friends at Bank of America know that I thank them all. These are people that we have never met, but they are yet connected to us through their kindness and generosity. Lastly, I love reading the cards from the kids. They remind me of what my own girls and what they would do, and no amount of praise is enough for that.




In closing ... thank you all.

Bill

CPT William Arendt
B/403 CA Bn
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 23 November, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Just want to send you a email and let you know we received your packages earlier this week and handed them out to the guys/girls in the squadron. They loved the packages and the support you are providing for them and for all service members deployed. I'm sorry we don't have any pictures the troops opening your packages but right now we can't use thumb drives or download pictures to the computers. I have included a few taken a couple of months ago.

Just a little back ground on our unit; we are the 75th Fighter Squadron /75 Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) stationed in Moody AFB, Georgia. We maintain the A-10C aircraft and belong to the 23 Wing out of Moody. The 75 AMU is one of the three original groups that started back in 1941 as the 1st American Volunteer Group named The Flying Tigers.

The group was started by Claire Lee Chennault who recruited pilots and crewman to go to China and help support and defend the Burma Road from Japanese attacks. They flew the Curtiss P-40 aircraft and had one of the best fighter records in military history. Their trademark shark teeth can been seen flying on our aircraft even today.

On a personal note, I would just like to say how much your support means to the people deployed throughout the world. It's so great to see people like yourselves taking time out of your busy days to help out. It's people such as yourselves that make this country worth fighting for and we are proud to defend this great nation.

On behalf of the 75 AMU and myself: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!




MSgt Scott A. Blakeman, A-10 Weapons Flight Chief
455 EAMXS/WS
U.S. Air Force

Dated 27 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I received your care packages and was blown away by the incredible generosity your organization has shown us. I'm with the 50th Brigade Combat Team of the New Jersey Army National Guard. I'm a Sergeant First Class - a Platoon Sergeant. I've been in almost 20 years and I've been here twice - the first time was with the 42nd Infantry Division. This is by far the most generous display of Soldier support I have ever seen.

What I do when I receive boxes, is I bring them to our Company TOC and make sure all the Soldiers get to share in the good fortune. I have to let you know (because you probably won't see it on television) but things are a lot safer here, thank God, than they were when I was here the last time. We work side-by-side with the Iraqis and other countries' forces and they have come a long way.

I hope to hear from you again. I truly appreciate all the support great Americans like yourselves have shown us. It makes me so proud to be a part of the greatest fighting force in human history and to defend the greatest country God has given mankind.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

SFC Christin Auriemma, Force Protection NCOIC
HHC 50th STB
New Jersey Army National Guard

Dated 27 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I wish to thank you for all your support this year. The items you sent us were great and I was able to share them with members of my entire unit! I'll be coming back to the U.S. around the time you receive this letter. I wanted you to know that I appreciate your thoughtfulness and efforts in making my time here worthwhile. I've enclosed one of the original letters written by "Andi" that was sent inside one of the care packages. This letter has oficially been to xxxx (OPSEC), Iraq and back to you in 2008.

While many of you thanked me for my service to our country, I want to remind you that there are many others still serving who need your support.

Once again, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

LTC Michael A. Dalesandro
B Co. DSTB, 4ID
U.S. Army

Dated 23 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received another care package from you today with the PS3 Game System & games inside. Wow! What a surprise! Thank you! There were also some Santa hats and holiday decorations. The guys loved the Santa hats - we have been having all kinds of fun with them. We all thank you very much. We really love the game system. The Marines were so happy ... I had 15 muddys in my room playing it. I will have to mail you some pictures.

Thank you again and Semper Fi.

Love,

LCpl Dustin Turner
1/3 C Co. 1st PLT
U.S. Marine Corps

On behalf of the Soldiers of HAVOC Company, 50th Special Troops Battalion, I want to thank you for the support you have given to us while deployed to Iraq. Our unit is from the New Jersey Army National Guard, headquarted in Port Murray, New Jersey. We are located very close to New York City, and have participated in several operations in the areas surrounding New York City, following the events that took place on September 11, 2001. Our participation in those operations, as well as our operations here are extremely important to us, as many of our Soldiers were directly affected.

We recently received 2 very large boxes from your organization, and I am truly amazed at the generosity shown to my Soldiers. We're with a small Soldier support area in a camp in Iraq. Our Soldiers have limited accessibility to many of the items your organization sent to us. The news of your care packages was received quickly and made it through the camp. Our Soldiers literally "rushed" the Command Post to see what you sent.

The items you sent us made it to the hands of Soldiers in a matter of minutes! All the cards and letters enclosed in the boxes were taken by the Soldiers, and many intend on writing you or contacting your organization directly to share their appreciation.

I wish that there was more I could say to thank you for your time, efforts and donations. It is truly appreciated.

May God bless your organization, volunteers and donors in the days to come.

Sincerely,

CPT Sean J. Combs, Commander
HHC 50th Special Troops Battalion
New Jersey Army National Guard

Dated 22 November, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Thank you very much for the package that you sent!  It was an awesome gesture that everyone enjoyed.  We have placed the cards that the kids made on the wall as a constant reminder that people still appreciate what he are doing out here.  It is always a great feeling to have mail sent out here and everyone just loved all the goodies in the box!  Enclosed I am sending a few pictures of us and will keep you posted until we depart next year.





SSgt Peter D. Frankland
455 EMSG/CE
U.S. Air Force

Dated 22 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Hello.

It's me - SPC Thompson again! I hope all is well with everyone. I wanted to express my appreciation to everyone who participated in the "Halloween Morale Booster" project! It was a great success all around.

It was such a huge succes that I didn't go to work that day. I stayed at the living quarters and passed oit the treat bags to Soldiers who work at the hospital, post office, the Battalion that is all over us, and to Soldiers who work at the DFAC (Dining Facility). And I continued to make bags for most of the day.

Meanwhile my co-workers SGT Dozier (Shift Leader) and SPC Wilson (my roommate) went to the FARP and gave out bags to the pilots. (They must have known I was giving out candy because a lot more than usual came to get fuel!)

SGT Dozier had to come back to the living area to get more treat bags. Anyway, we had enough, so it worked out well. They told me that some of the pilots had on costumes or at least their helmets were painted. I wish I could have been there ... I bet it was funny. But I was taking care of the Soldiers and I had a lot of fun on my own.

The challenge actually came that night, when we hand delivered 144 Treat Bags to everyone in our company. It was awesome! SGT Dozier knocked on the door ... and then SPC Wilson sprayed them with silly string and I snapped the picture. Of course, we paid for that dearly, because for the rest of the night, people toilet-papered our doors! We must have laughed for a while. I've attached some photos for you, so you can laugh as well! (the date is wrong on the photos).

After we got through clowing around, I went to a Gospel Explosion! And it truly was just that! I gave all my fellow choir members Treat Bags as well. The Lord was with us that night ... his spirit was truly there. We sang and praised the Lord. Sometimes we forget just how much God loves us and how much he blesses us. But I am telling you, the next morning, I was just filled with joy. What more could I ask for?

I had a great time with all my friends (with your help). I was able to do something really nice for the Soldiers and build up their morale, and then, when I went to the Gospel Explosion, I was filled with spirit!

I'm thinking of doing something for Christmas, but would like you to be involved again and am open to suggestions. Please let me know.

P.S. SPECIAL THANKS TO PATRICIA A. MOE, M.L. & CRAIG OLSON, CINDY HIBBS, JANET CAGLE, SHARON CLOWDUS, CYNTHIA ARTIS







Thanks again,

SGT Hope Thompson
894 TH QM Company
U.S. Army Reserves

Dated 22 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE CARE PACKAGE!!!! We received it and it was great. The Marines are enjoying all that you sent us. We even put up the Christmas tree and the decorations. There was a blow up Christmas tree and we have put that one up and it is lit all day and night. You should have seen our faces when we opened up the box!!! We are definitely so grateful for everything that you have done for us.

In all honesty, I do not know how to ever repay your organization for what you do for us, I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart and our hearts.
The Marines definitely enjoyed opening the box and setting everything up.

Thank you for all that you guys are doing for us over here.

Take care and God bless.

GySgt Jesus Z. Deniz, Squadron Gunnery Sergeant/Logistics Chief
HMH-466 S-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 22 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We received your latest care package the other day with the PS3 Game System & games inside.  You sure do know how to make a lot of people smile and jealous at the same time.  I said that everything was everyone's to enjoy.  Some of the young women really wanted the teddy bears.  They said it made them feel like little girls waiting on Santa all over again.  Everyone has enjoyed the goodies and other things that you sent.  The letters and cards from the kids really mean a lot. 

I can only tell you "thank-you" at this time.  But, the holidays are yet again upon us.  A lot of the senior enlisted want to make donations to your organization and I told them who to talk to and how to do so.  Even the officers are impressed ... now, that is truly hard to do in my Batallion!

Thank You Again,

SGT Israel Castilleja
HHB 2-146 FA 1st PLT
Washington Army National Guard

Dated 22 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Greetings from the big sand box. I received 2 care packages from your group yesterday. Thank you so very much. We passed the items around the Platoon and you made all very happy.  DOD has banned all removable media devices from government computer systems, as the result of a large cyber attack, a such we are unable to upload photos at this time. Trust me, you brightened a lot of Marines' days.

Thanks again,

Ed

CWO-4 Edward M. Williams, Engineer Ordnance Maintenance Platoon Commander
1st Maint. Bn, Maint. Company
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 20 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

THANK YOU!

Wow. Where do I start? You people are amazing. You guys are so selfless, and giving, and thoughtful. We got the care packages yesterday. You wouldn't believe how many troops crowded around the boxes to see what had arrived.

When the boxes were opened, the room lit up with smiles. Everyone started saying "Can I have one of those?", or "Cool, it's like Christmas here.", or "Who sent these?" It was amazing. Everyone started taking the Christmas decorations and hanging them up, or putting them out.

I had to have everyone STOP for a minute or two. I read the letter you guys sent aloud. People were amazed to hear how many people were involved in helping put the packages together. We are all so thankful for you guys. We are proud to be fighting for such great people! I will try to get the pictures we took sent to you. I took them on a digital camera, and the connection here is next to none, so hopefully they will send!

Thank You again, and God Bless.
 
A1C Megan Rosado and The Troops
386 ESFS/PHOENIX
U.S. Air Force

Dated 19 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

As soldiers, each day in our lives we experience so many different things and situations that bring both happiness and sadness to our lives. When we received the wonderful care package you sent (that volunteers took the time to send to us), it was just an awesome moment. That box was so big and heavy I said, "Now this is how a Marine sends a care package" - knowing that your Founder's husband is a U.S. Marine.

We read each card that was sent to us and send a Thank You to all.

My favorite season is winter and missing the ski season doesn't happen very often if I can avoid it. My family and I have visited many places in Connecticut, and actually have family in Groton, Led-yard, CT.

All of the gifts in our care package were needed and will certainly be used. We have both female and male soldiers serving with our unit and a few invisible soldiers who protect us and watch our backs. Yes, we believe in Angels in our business - that's for sure.

Thank You for keeping our soldiers in your prayers and thoughts. Please keep up all the hard work and continue to know we are very glad you take the time and effort to help us and think of us.

THANK YOU, GIVE2THE TROOPS AND ALL YOUR STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND DONORS!

SSG Ryan Edwards
A Co. 112th FA
U.S. Army

Dated 16 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

We want to thank you and your organization very much for such a wonderful package. It was one of the best that we have ever received. The items you included in the package were wonderful and very useful. I want say I'm sorry for taking so long to reply, but I'm kind busy and going in a million direction at the same time.

I am on a military transition team that's training the Iraqi Army to be on their own and help them to learn how to support themselves. There are xxx (OPSEC) of us on the team and we are among the Iraqi Soldiers. That means we are far away from civilization.

Thank you all at your organization on behalf of us please.

SSG Ronald Jean-Louis, LTAT Advisor
31A, MiTT 35B LTAT
U.S. Army

Dated 15 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for your packages!!! I wanted to take the time to tell you all how much I appreciate all you have done to support the Soldiers of 1-68 Armor Battalion/3rd Brigade Combat Team/4th Infantry Division! The Soldiers have absolitely loved all the things sent to them. I've done my best to get your items out to all my Soldiers, especially those living in more isolated areas.

The packages you have sent were wonderful. You are a blessing and I can't tell you what you mean to me as a Chaplain and to the Soldiers. God bless you and please continue to support the Soldiers who replace us.

With much thanks and gratitude!

CH (CPT) Leonard Siems
HHC, 1-68 AR, 3BCT, 4ID
U.S. Army

Dated 15 November, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I am currently proudly serving in theater in Afghanistan with the United States Navy.

I appreciate the care packages your organization recently sent to us. We are going to be here for a while.

Thank you,

MA2 Michael A. Reddington
Task Group Trident
U.S. Navy

Dated 9 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My unit is getting ready to leave here in a few weeks and I wanted to personally thank you all at Give2TheTroops for once again supporting us with care pakages during our 15-month long deployment.   Your packages lifted the spirits and morale of our Soldiers. The generousity of thoughtful people like you, played a very vital role in our survival here in Iraq.   Just getting something from home adds a personal touch to the daily lives of Soldiers who defend our freedoms.

I will be turning over the reins as point of contact to our replacements from the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York. I know you will take care of these troops with the same degree of committment your organization gave to us. Thank you.

Take care, and God Bless you and G2TT in all you do.

SSG DJ Saunders
HHC 1-1 ARB, T/F GUNFIGHTERS
U.S. Army

Dated 8 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I have received three packages in rapid succession and cannot be more thankful for you all and your organization. Everyone in my platoon has been picking through the boxes for food and hygiene items, and they all wanted to let you know how grateful they are for your contributions to the unit. Dare I say, you guys are the bomb! The little cards we get from people around the country are the cutest things ever and give us all a good laugh.

Everything in the packages are spot on and get used every day, especially those crossword puzzle books (I've picked up a new hobby).

Once again, we all thank you and hope everything back home is going well!!

LCpl Michael Weber
2/25 F Co., 2nd PLT
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 8 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to make us feel appreciated!  We spent a lot of time on the road advising the Iraqi Army as they take over security, so we really appreciated the snacks-to-go!  

We have now been ordered to prepare for returning to the good ol USA!   Thanks for all the support you showed us during our deployment.   I thank you for all you do and know that you are reasurring troops that they are not forgotten.  

1stLt Dave Keltner
MTT Team 0723
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 7 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you very much for the huge box of snacks, sweets and other goodies.  It was like Christmas today when we got it. 

Our unit will be returning to the States soon, but we wanted to say thank you again.  The generosity of your organization is amazing.

v/r,

MAJ James Randall Bugg
763rd Engineer Detachment (Facility)
U.S. Army

Dated 7 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello, I'm a member of the 15th Financial Management Company, C Detachment. We received a care package today with a lot of useful hygiene items as well as snacks and entertainment. I wanted to send my thanks to you and everyone involved in putting that box together, as it has already been put to good use. Thank you for your support and gestures in this time of need.

Have a happy and safe holiday season this year and pray for us to come home soon.  

Again, thank you so much for the time, effort, and support you've shown us. We greatly appreciate the kindness that you share.

PFC Adriana H. Sanchez
15th FMC, C Det
U.S. Army

Dated 7 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thanks you so much for the care package… I’m writing you from Iraq and I’m a part of the C-Det 15th FMCO Company out of Fort Hood, Texas. Thanks again for all the goodies and taking time out of your busy schedule to send things to my Soldiers and me. Have a great day and God bless you.

SGT Varita V. Quincy
15th FMC, C Det
U.S. Army

Dated 7 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the care package that you sent! We appreciate all of your support!

SPC Sarah Abastillas
15th Financial Management Company, Det
U.S. Army

Dated 3 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

On behalf of all soldiers of HHB 2-146, I would like to extend my greatest thanks for the packages you have sent us.  I'm still going through them and dividing them up equally.  It really meant a lot to a lot of the young soldiers that are over here right now to have that kind of support.  And the upper echelons of my command wish to extend their gratitude.  

We can't thank you enough.  You made our day today!  We look forward to your continued support until we are all home.

Take Care & Keep up the good work,

SGT Israel Castilleja
HHB 2-146 FA 1st PLT
Washington Army National Guard

Dated 3 November, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you so much for your extremely generous package. Everything you sent us was so perfect.

I read about how your company got started in Andi's basement and we are all amazed how your once little business took off with support from generous people. I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing. I know your packages are bringing so much joy to all members of the military and that is so huge for someone to do just out of the kindness of their heart.

Cpl Powers and I (both females) appreciate the girl items too. It’s really hard to get items like that out here that make us feel feminine. Everything was just so great. Your team of people really made our day today. Please know also that we share everything we get with all the other Marines and civilian contractors around us.

Thank you so much from everyone.

Sincerely,

LCpl Deana Martinez, S-4 Combat Driver
CLB2 H&S Co. S-4
U.S. Marine Corps

Dated 3 November, 2008
United Arab Emirates

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello again! I hope all is well! Thanks again for sending us more care packages! Everyone loved them. It really made if feel like it was Halloween here!
I put little baskets of candy out everywhere and we used all of the decorations! It looked great in the flight kitchen, we received tons of compliments!

Here are some photos I took of us, our dining area with the decorations and festive items that were sent!

Thanks again! We love you, Give2TheTroops!





With Love,

Missy

TSgt Melissa A. Letizio
380 EFSS/CDK
Connecticut Air National Guard

Dated 1 November, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

You are amazing!!! I cannot thank you enough for all you continue to do for us.  The Troops thank you and so do the Afghan kids.  We will distribute your items to the Afghan people on our next Volunteer Community Relations Program mission. I'm sending you a photo of me holding a young Afghan boy - a recipient of your donations.

Love,
Juan

LTC Juan Montoya, Advisor, ANA GS Inspector General
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 29 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for all your support and efforts to keep us happy. Thank you for the morale-boosting care packages ... it's all greatly appreciated.

The XBOX 360 game system you sent us is making its way around our unit. I try to get it to different people and to different shops so as many people in our unit can enjoy it as possible!

Thank you again for everything!

Cassie

Sgt Cassandra Jorgensen
MWCS 38, Unit 41137
U.S. Marines

Dated 28 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

I just wanted to say thanks for the care package. I’m the NCOIC of Chapel Operations here at XXXXX Air Base here in Iraq. I’ll make sure these gifts get distributed ASAP. It was wise to put everything in its own bag because one of the shampoo bottles burst, however the rest of the box was protected and will go a long way to help the troops here.

Thanks again.

VR,
TSgt Joseph McCurdy
NCOIC Chapel Operations
U.S. Air Force

Dated October, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),



SSG Alejandro Reyna
C Co. 1/4 IN
U.S. Army

Dated 24 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Hello!

It was very nice of Give2TheTroops to reply to my sign-up and to help my Soldiers. Your help to all branches of the service is a huge blessing. You all deserve a big SMILE.

Thank you again for your support,

SSG Ryan Edwards
A Co. 112th FA
U.S. Army

Dated October 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),

Tomorrow the fun begins, our replacements start rolling in and we are officially less the 2 months from going home.  Things are getting very busy around here which is a good thing…..makes time go a little faster.  Jen and the kids are ready for me to come home.  Jen told me I would make a nice x-mas present this year.

Thanks for agreeing to take good care of my replacement when I leave.  I am sure you will take good care of him and his section and I know I’ve done my part in taking care of a fellow Warrant Officer.

As always you guys are the best at what you do.  We have been very blessed to have , Give2theTroops supporting us.  I wish you could see how many Soldiers you have made smile and you have helped tremendously with morale.

As always you guys rock,

WO1 Darren Ekberg and the CAB ROC team.
HHC, Combat Aviation Brigade
U.S. Army

Dated 23 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to write and send us the care packages. They were well received by the team.  As I read your letter it made me feel proud of the desire and dedication you have to support American Soldiers during deployments. Please share this letter with others; let them know that Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are proud of what they are doing and how they are helping the Iraqi people.

I’m the Team Chief of a “Logistics Training Advisory Team” LTAT; we’re in a remote area called XXXXX (OPSEC) near the XXXXX (OPSEC) border. Our location is actually on an Iraqi Forward Operating Base (FOB) so we don’t have any of the conveniences like other Coalition areas. Currently we’re training and advising the 3rd Iraqi Army Division (IA), it’s a rewarding yet sometimes frustrating job.

I just recently went on a humanitarian mission to pass out school supplies and toys to five Iraqi villages. We visited the schools and it pained me to see how these children are living. It made me realize as an American society how very blessed we are even with all our problems. I took pictures and have attached a few.

I’m in the Army and I love the military; I guess you have to considering the length of time I’ve been in (23 yrs). When I’m not deployed I’m stationed in Bamberg, Germany, it’s in the Bavarian region of Germany and is a great town. The majority of my career I’ve been stationed overseas, my family has made many sacrifices for me to fulfill my dreams. I’ve missed many special occasions like the birth of my children because of the profession I’ve chosen.

I’m a Warrant Officer; it’s a great job to have. My specialty skill set is in the allied trades field, this consists of machining and welding. At the moment of course I’m not doing that because of the current mission I’m on. Before I became a Warrant Officer I was enlisted, a Sergeant First Class, I have also been a Drill Sergeant, nothing like Major Payne of course.

The weather here in Iraq is starting to cool off. When I initially arrived here it was 130 degrees in the shade (really) but now temps are only getting up to about 98°. The rainy season will start soon and probably last until early March. This is my fourth rotation and hopefully my last.

I will close now. Thank you so much for you letter, it’s always great to get mail from the home front. God bless you.

Sincerely,

CW3 Rodney L. Hughes Sr.
3IA Divison MiTT/16SB LTAT
U.S. Army

Dated 18 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to personally thank the volunteers and donors of Give2TheTroops for the care packages that you recently sent our unit in Iraq. We are overwhelmed by the level of generosity and thought that was put into the numerous items. Please pass on to everyone that these donations were extremely well received and utilized by our Soldiers.

To give you some background on our organization, we are members of the 1109th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) from the Connecticut Army National Guard located in Groton, CT. We are deployed in support of Operation Iraq Freedom to provide aviation maintenance and logistical support to Army Aviation units.

As you can imagine, the environment here is harsh and the time away from our families is difficult. However, it brings great comfort to all of us to know that we are still being supported back home.

Thank you again for all that you do and please pass on our heartfelt gratitude to all the members of your organization.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!



CPT Ray Chicoski
1109th AVCRAD
Connecticut Army National Guard

Dated 17 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

My name is SSgt Quinn Knight, I am an Air Force Engineer attached to the 10th Mountain Division, deployed currently to Forward Operating Base Delta.  As you know, I cannot get into specifics, however, suffice it to say, it's remote.  We received your care package, and were delighted in its contents.  We were able to spread it around to several LSA's, and all of the soldiers were extremely happy.  The items you sent were exactly what soldiers over here needed, and it was immediately clear you had
first hand experience as to a Soldier's needs in this environment. 

Everything made it fine, and was packaged very well.  Not to mention, the top quality of the items you sent: the nice body wash and Pringles, the manually charged flashlight/radio ... everything was a hit!

Thank You.... Thank You.... Thank You....  We are truly blessed. Every time we receive a letter, postcard, or package from home, we need nothing more to remind us why we all volunteered for such a life, in the Military.  We are proud, and honored to serve our Country, and Americans like you, who work so hard to support us in our difficult
endeavors.   

God Bless you all for what you do,

All my best,

SSgt Quinn Knight
810th Civil Engineer Flight/FED 4
U.S. Air Force

Dated 13 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I'm writing to express my appreciation for your time and service dedicated to easing the burden on forward deployed United States Service members. One of my fellow Marines received one of your care packages and I watched in amazement as the Marines sifted through the contents - sharing its entirety with anyone in the vicinity.
Yet more than the size of the box or the generosity of the items sent, I was amazed that people so far from this war could devote such time, energy, and resources so selflessly and aid men they have never nor will ever meet.

I believe wholeheartedly in this campaign in Iraq at a time when it seems most of our nation doesn't support or even opposes our struggles. Knowing there are still Americans like yourselves, who remain faithful when it's unpopular to do so, brings me more comfort than any amount of boxes or items ever could.

Thank you again for your sacrifice and dedication to freedom.

Semper Fidelis,

Cpl. Michael S. Currie
1/3 Charlie Co.
U.S. Marine Corps

SrA Kayla Grenier
332 EAMDS/CASF
U.S. Air Force Reserve

Dated 7 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (North Carolina Branch),

Good Morning, I'd like to say thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. And thank you for the care packages you have sent to me. They definitely brighten my day. It is amazing how important mail is here. When we don't get mail in after a couple of days folks get down.

Thank You,

SSG Jean Vereen
528th Med Det CSC
U.S. Army

Dated 7 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you for the care packages I received today. You rock - thank you! I have been very busy lately. All of our attached units have been pulling out the last 2 months, so I've been training the new guys and getting them used to our Missions. It is a long process. The Girl Scout cookies you sent us were a big hit. Thin Mints are always a favorite of mine. The squad grabbed them from the box before we even emptied the care package. And thanks so much those little black hats - they are perfect under the kevlar.

The cards from the kids were great to read! We always enjoy them. We're doing all right over here but it feels like we've been here forever. I can't wait to get home.

Thank you for everything all of you do for us. It makes us feel loved. You make it a little better for us and we feel closer to home for us by all the things you've sent us.

Again - thank you.



SPC Travis John Hoyle
64 BSB, 3rd BCT/ 4ID
U.S. Army

Dated 6 October, 2008
United Arab Emirates

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I just received my first G2TT package and I was so freaking excited!!!!  I love it! And everyone else is so excited!  There are so many great things in there! And I LOVE my Hello Kitty ornament! And my favorite H20 products! You are the best! You really put smiles on everyone's faces.  It was like Christmas! And the Halloween/fall decor is awesome! We are going to decorate as soon as we get some down time. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I've attached a few pics for now!




TSgt Melissa A. Letizio
380 EFSS/CDK
Connecticut Air National Guard

- I really loved the care packages. Got to go to a meeting  just wanted to say thanks!
Marque Mealing

- Thanks for your contribution to our troops. They loved it and the box was entirely empty by day’s end. Again, thanks for taking the time to put that together and send it our way.
Capt Anthony Fichera, 380 EFSS Air Expeditionary Wing

- Thank you for the care package that you sent to us!  It meant a lot!  Thank you for all that you do!
TSgt Samantha J. Kolness, 380 EFSS/SVMR

- Thank you for sending all the great stuff! It really cheered me up!! Thank you so much!
SrA Ashley Nieves

Dated 5 October, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

Thank you! The toys,stuffed animals and wool caps will go out to the kids on our next VCR mission and the snacks are for our camp recreation room where the Troops can enjoy them.  The clothes will be sorted and eventually distributed to needy families.

Thank you.

Love,
LTC Juan Montoya, Advisor, ANA GS Inspector General
CSTC-A, IG
U.S. Army

Dated 3 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to thank you for your support and for the 2 boxes that I received from your organization.  I have distributed the contents with my Soldiers and we
are all greatly appreciative of everything that you do for all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.  My best wishes to all of you that work and support this organization.

Thank You Very Much,
SFC Fernando E. Perez
HHC, 1-22 IN
U.S. Army

Dated 3 October, 2008
Afghanistan

Dear Give2TheTroops (Texas Branch),





SSgt Lance Heinzelman
JLC / AFN Bldg 415
U.S. Air Force

Dated 1 October, 2008
Iraq

Dear Give2TheTroops (Connecticut Branch),

I would like to say "thanks" for the care package that you guys sent to us. All the Soldiers were thrilled to receive the goodies you sent. We appreciate all that y'all do for us. Once again, THANKS SO MUCH for making a difference in our lives.

SSG Roland Sanders
D Company, 40th Expeditionary Si