Soldiers Thank Yous!
May 2011
Mrs. Keegan,
I am an Air Force officer stationed at a fairly small FOB in Afghanistan.
Most of the people that I work and serve with are US Soldiers. It has
been a great experience that has changed my life and the way I look at
it. With several small children and quite a few outside demands it is
not often that I get much time to read at home. While here, I've had a
chance to read multiple donated books and have been grateful for it. It's
a wonderful thing to be able to read a novel (my current favorites are
from John Grisham) or a book about some historical events/figures (presently
about the post-Civil War era). It is a great way to effectively use my
sometimes scarce free time and to maintain a connection with life in the
States. While in college, I heard a statistic that for every one letter
written to a politician or to an organization there are hundreds of others
with similar sentiments who don't write. I bring this up because you may
not get much correspondence but I know for a fact that there are quite
a few Americans (military, civilian contractors or federal employees)
reading books that have been donated, gathered and sent by people like
you. In a recent book I picked up I saw a notice for Books for Troops;
I assume that there are multiple organizations and people like yourselves
carrying on similar work who would have been included on this email if
I had the ability to do so. In short, I want to sincerely thank you for
the work that you and others in your organization do for us; it makes
a difference.
Respectfully,
MD, Capt, USAF
January 2011
I wanted to thank you for your support and wanted to let you know that you are appreciated. i urge you to continue your mission caring for our troops, as these letters from home are a real morale boost. i am in the us navy sea bee's the navy's ground fighting construction force, although i dont see fighting like the marines, my mission is to support them by building defensive positions, vital communications centers and comfort areas including places to rest. i wanted you to know that every time we receive support packages its easier to remember what we are fighting for. i never understood what people meant when they said "to give their lives for our country" i had always thought they were talking about those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, now i understand all to well, giving up precious years of my life being thousands of miles away from home and loved ones to protect people i will never meet. i want you to know that , given the chance i would do it all exactly the same. i ask this of you and all who read this, enjoy what you have been given, the rights and freedoms that are taken for granted so that fighting for you means even more, fly a flag in remembrance of what this country is and where its been, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given their lives and those who have died.Never forget 911 and especially those rescue workers and firefighters who perished in the attack. and thank a vet, it means more than you think it does. God bless and be with you on your mission as we continue ours. THANK YOU!!
December 2010
To all volunteers - thank you kindly for the packages you have sent to me while I was deployed to Kandahar Afghanistan. I was attached to the NATO Role 3 hospital, which is a trauma receiving hospital. The casualties coming in every day were numerous and very catastrophic. It was important to keep our morale and spirits up. I can't begin to tell you how much receiving care packages from home meant to us. I had deployed several times before but this was my first time to Afghanistan and it was amazing how much care and support we received from home. Know that we appreciated everyone one of yourpackages.
I have redeployed home safe and sound and I know our replacements would appreciate your packages as we did. Again, thank you so much for your volunteering, support, and well wishes.
Very Respectfully,
RS
LCDR NC USN
May 2010
Mr. Seguin/Mrs. Perry,
Thank you for your incredible support over the past year. My team and
I are heading home in a few weeks, so we will be unable to receive any
more packages. I will, however, provide you with an address or two for
the dedicated warriors replacing us here in Iraq. I plan to visit family
in the Saratoga area in late FEB/early MAR and would love the opportunity
to stop in and thank you all personally for your tremendous generosity
and effort. New mailing addresses will be provided in a future email.
Have a happy new year and God bless you always.
V/R
B. B. E.
January 2010
Operation Adopt a Soldier- Thank you.
Your efforts throughout my deployment have been a tremendous morale boost for myself and my soldiers. Please let everyone from top to bottom know that they are appreciated and I will NEVER forget what they have done. I am scheduled to redeploy back to the States by the end of January. Let me apologize for taking so long to write back. I just now noticed the email on your flyer. Please put me on your email distribution list for any upcoming events for the coming year. I will like to lend my support to your group by any means possible. I appreciate the thanks from Mr. Lane but it is I who should be thanking him and others like him for the sacrifices they have made for our country.
Once I get a confirmation that you have received this email I will gladly send you a “Christmas” photo of our section. Thank you once again for all you do and you are reason soldiers like myself still believe that America is still the Greatest Nation in the World.
Thank you.
SFC P. G. B.
P.S. I did receive some letters from School children (Hoosick Falls, NY). If they are part of your efforts please let me know and I will send an email through you to them if that is OK.
December 2009
I have received a couple of your adopt a Soldier packages. I want to start off by saying that I am greatly appreciative for the packages that I have received from you & want to express my gratitude to you & everyone that had a hand in packaging the boxes. I would also like to take this time to let you know that I will be leaving here in a few months so I would rather you send your packages to another deserving Soldier, so if you will please remove my name from you mailing list.
E E
Thank you. Your efforts throughout my deployment have been a tremendous morale boost for myself and my soldiers. Please let everyone from top to bottom know that they are appreciated and I will NEVER forget what they have done. I am scheduled to redeploy back to the States by the end of January. Let me apologize for taking so long to write back. I just now noticed the email on your flyer. Please put me on your email distribution list for any upcoming events for the coming year. I will like to lend my support to your group by any means possible. I appreciate the thanks from Mr. Lane but it is I who should be thanking him and others like him for the sacrifices they have made for our country. Once I get a confirmation that you have received this email I will gladly send you a “Christmas” photo of our section. Thank you once again for all you do and you are reason soldiers like myself still believe that America is still the Greatest Nation in the World.
Thank you. SFC PB
December 2009
Dear Mr. Seguin and OAAS,
Today was a very special day for me and my team of combat advisors here
in northwestern Iraq (Ninewa province). I received your packages with
the 6ft Christmas tree and all the decorations to go with it. Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! We especially appreciate all the hand-painted "blue
star" ornaments that Mr. Lane so carefully painted. It's really something
special to have one of our "warrior predecessors" take the time
and put so much care into making us feel loved as we follow in his footsteps
to defend our great nation. It is our honor and privilege to carry the
torch and bear the burden of sacrifice that once rested squarely upon
his shoulders. Mr. Lane, we salute you!!!
We didn't waste any time setting up the tree and getting it decorated.
My fellow warriors and I trimmed the tree together and reminisced about
our different experiences doing the same thing with our families during
past Christmas holidays back at home. It now stands in my team's operations
center for all of us to enjoy. I have attached a photo of the finished
product as well. Thank you again OAAS for lifting our spirits and bringing
Christmas cheer to our home away from home in the distant sands of Iraq..
Merry Christmas and God bless you always.
Very respectfully,
MAJ E
December 2009
Dear Mr. Seguin and OAAS,
Today was a very special day for me and my team of combat advisors here
in northwestern Iraq (Ninewa province). I received your packages with
the 6ft Christmas tree and all the decorations to go with it. Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! We especially appreciate all the hand-painted "blue
star" ornaments that Mr. Lane so carefully painted. It's really something
special to have one of our "warrior predecessors" take the time
and put so much care into making us feel loved as we follow in his footsteps
to defend our great nation. It is our honor and privilege to carry the
torch and bear the burden of sacrifice that once rested squarely upon
his shoulders. Mr. Lane, we salute you!!!
We didn't waste any time setting up the tree and getting it decorated.
My fellow warriors and I trimmed the tree together and reminisced about
our different experiences doing the same thing with our families during
past Christmas holidays back at home. It now stands in my team's operations
center for all of us to enjoy. I have attached a photo of the finished
product as well. Thank you again OAAS for lifting our spirits and bringing
Christmas cheer to our home away from home in the distant sands of Iraq..
Merry Christmas and God bless you always.
Very respectfully,
MAJ E.
December 2009
Sir, I must thank you once again. There were about 9 packages that came in last night. I went around and handed everything out today so each item found a home with a Solider. If I had to estimate I would say thus far all of your items have got into the hands of 100+ Soldiers (I was able to spread it out a fair amount). I suppose the difference is if all this went to just a few people then it would be more of stored by them. On behalf of all the Soldiers who have be on the receiving end of these goodies I would like to thank you again. If you could pass this along to Terry as well I would appreciate it.
Casey
Gail
I wanted to send a quick thank you on part of my platoon and I for receiving your wonderful care packages. You packages brought a smile and a morale boost to me and my soldiers here in Kunar Province Afghanistan. Things are going well here and we are down to 4 months left in our year-long deployment. The soldiers have been working very hard to secure the local populace and and work with our Afghan security partners in order to make sure the National elections went smoothly. Luckily in our area there were no injuries or deaths to anyone during the elections. Local nationals were able to vote all day long with little fear of being attacked thanks the soldiers hard work and the local Afghan police strong efforts. Thanks again for you and your organizations continued support of all deployed Soldiers. IT is people like you that make a difference and give purpose and (small reminder ;) ) of why what we do is important. Thanks again for all your prayers, packages and support.
Ryan F.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! I received my AdoptaSoldier Box in early August. Everything inside brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart & soul. I cannot put into words the feeling I have knowing that so many Americans back home support us and what we are doing over here. Day after day, Soldiers are busy, caught up in the work that needs to be done here in Iraq. It is easy to get so caught up, that eventually all you know is what is going on here in this country...you lose sight, reference, or memories from back home. Receiving packages from organizations like yours remind each and everyone one of us that back home, an entire country of fellow Americans have not forgotten us and support us 110%. That support is exactly what we need to keep us going, to keep our chins up...and you have done exactly that. THANK YOU for your support; we believe in defending Freedom and the American Way of Life. We are doing our absolute best to help Iraq and its people. It is YOUR support and the support of Americans just like YOU that keep us going, and remind us why it is we are over here doing what we're doing. Thank YOU, and God Bless the United States of America.
THOMAS M.
April 2009
I just wanted to send an e-mail saying thank-you for the care packages.
They help a lot and I've shared their contents with others in my area.
We all appreciate the small things we receive. Well, it's big to us and
just getting something in the mail is always fun. I will be returning
to the States soon, in about 2 months time. The unit that will replace
my team will be 3 people here at COS Sykes. This will be their address:
Combat Stress Team
212 CSC
CO SS
April2009
I am an airmen in Kuwait running Convoys in Iraq. I have 14 airmen under
me and I was wondering how I could get them on the list for letter/boxes
ect. We just got in country and will be here untill Nov and I know they
and I would love your support.
Sgt R S
March 2009
Im an Airman deployed to Al Udeid AB Qatar. Thank you so much for your
wonderful package! God has blessed me with a beautiful wife and
son, but unfortunately there are a few of us who have no families and
your support means so very much! I have a quick question for ya... Inside
your package was ornaments created by Mr. L. Lane. Attached was his at
home mailing address he enclosed for correspondence, but was taken off
so as to not fall into the wrong hands. I was wondering if you may know
him, that if I mailed you something for him in your care if you could
give it to him for me. I know its a strange request, but if you could
trust a complete stranger I promise you wont be humiliated or disappointed.
I thought it would be neat to have an american flag flown over Afghanistan
in his honor, complete with our signatures here from ramp services 8 EAMS.
Nothing more, you have my word. Thank you very much for your time and
look forward to your response. Also Thanks again for all your support
and I pray we will always continue to represent our country with the highest
honor.
Thanks Again,
S. J.C.
December 2008
I would like to thank you for the numerous packages that I have received
during my 15 months here in Iraq. It was wonderful to receive mail and
be able to share with fellow Soldiers and injured troops here at the Combat
Support Hospital. My unit is redeploying and I will be leaving Iraq in
about a week. Thank you again for the show of support to us.
M H
Sep. 2008
Just got two boxes. Thank you for the generosity and support. I am stationed at FOB Lindsey which is a hub for most of our embedded training teams with the Afghan Army and Police in Southern Afghanistan. Our base is located on an Afghan Army base. I should be here thru the end of the year. We have a consolidated mail room where we put out the care package items for the teams out in the remote camps and patrol bases to take needed hygiene and staple items when they pass thru for maintenance. Many of these guys have no access to a PX or even regular mail and resupplies. I'm in pretty good shape locates near the NATO air base in Kandahar so will share with all our teams. Anything in the tooth paste, shaving items, regular soap, wipes, etc line in small sizes are great. We also collect school items in basic pencils, paper and crayons for schools when we get a chance to do humanitarian aid visits. If children have paper and pencil they can go to school (if the school is open).
Thanks again!
T. M.
MAJ, IN
Aug. 2008
The 10th Mountain Division Legal Team and I would like toexpress our sincere appreciation for the boxes that we received last week from your organization. It truly was a blessing. The boxes I received really liftedt he morale and spirits within the office. The boxes were addressed to me so they were brought to my desk and sat most of the day (I was out of the office). When I came to the office, almost everyone (18 Soldiers),were very curious as to what was in the boxes. It truly is a sight to see watching grown men and women go through care package like it was Christmas morning. I have deployed many times in my career and know the true importance of organizations like Operation Adopt a Soldier. The appreciation my Soldiers have can't be typed in this email but I will tell you that the impression it made was worth the trouble. Again I personally want to thank each and every member of the Operation Adopt a Soldier for doing their part in support the finest Soldiers in theworld! I will definitely be looking forward to meeting all the great Americans that volunteer, contribute, and participation in yourorganization. The 10th Mountain Division should be returning in May of next year. See you then. Again, thank you and God Bless! I have attached a few pictures of members of the 10th Mountain Division Legal Team.
SGM R. W. MND-C
NCO10th Mountain Division
Aug 2008
I am sending you this letter to say thankyou for the package that I recieved
from Operation Adopt a Soldier. I recieved it yesterday. I wasn't aware
that my name was selected to be involved, but I am very grateful for the
the small contribution that you have made on my behalf. I am currently
with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and I am serving a tour in
Iraq. I will send reply's to anyone who write's to me, as I have done
in the past on my last deployment in 2004. I will send letters to those
who would care to write to a soldier. Again thank you for the package
that I have recieved and send my thanks.
S. H.
SGT, USA
10th MTN DIV
Dear Cliff & Terri - I received some rerouted packages last week that went to the middle-east and came back to us at Fort Hood. But they served as a great reminder that I needed to extend one final thanks to you both. As my company is back from deployment and safe once again at Fort Hood, please extend my thanks on behalf of myself and my Troopers to you and your team that work in support of your "Adopt a Solider" program. Your material support goes a long way in reminding our Servicemen and Women that most Americans still love and support them despite what they may hear through our elected government and main stream media. I am humbled and thankful that our Military has dedicated people like you willing to sacrifice your time and effort for us. Thank you so much for all that you do and all the best!
C. G.
Captain, U.S. Army
First I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. I would also like to wish all your scouts a Merry Christmas also. I would also like to thank you for all the packages that you have sent me in the mail.Everything is going well here at Camp Taji. We had our Christmas Lunch today and it was nice, but not home.
Here is a little bit about myself. I am 31yrs old, married, and I have 3 children. I live in Richmond Hill (Savannah area), GA. I have been in the ARMY since I graduated in 1995.I love to hunt and fish.I am also in a bike club in GA. Again I would like to thank you for all the things that you and your family have sent. Hope that your Christmas is wounderful and your New Years is great. Hope to hear from you soon.
SGT W
Taji, Iraq
I am currently serving in Baghdad, Iraq. I came across your site through a few people i work with. I was curious how you have soldiers sign up for the program? We just arrived in theatre about a month ago and this is my first deployment, so im kinda new at all this. I work in military intelligence but i am serving in an MP unit. And let me tell you, they are the heros! they risk their lives just about everyday. i only go out a few times. My 21st birthday is coming up in May, sadly i will be spending it here... But July is when I go home on R&R and i cannot wait!! There really isnt much else i have as of right now.
Love from Iraq!
SPC H
I recently received a package from you and wanted to thank you for not only the goodies, but for also your support of myself and other soldiers over here. It is Americans like yourselves that make me proud to be an American. I am in the northern part of a Iraq on a Civil Affairs PRT (provincial reconstruction team). I along with some other soldiers work with DOS (dept of state) civilians, helping the provincial govt. stand up and take the lead in regards to infrastructure, governance,economics, and rule of law. I have been here about 7 months. I was also here last year embedded with the Iraqi army acting as an advisor. I volunteered for both deployments. Thanks again for your support.
PM
July 2007
Greetings from Taji, Iraq,
I would like to thank you for all of the support you have given to all
the service members while they are deployed. I have received numerous
packages from you and they always seem to come at the right time. Your
packages were always the first to be opened and reminded me alot of home.
Thank you again for all of your support, it means a great deal to us knowing
that American's still support us, regardless of their political views.
Thank you again and GOD BLESS YOU.
SSG Smith
I just wanted to thank you for the package you sent. We love getting packages over here. Would you believe that I am New York State CO, Mid State Corr. Fac. I was shocked to see Mt. McGregor CF on the heading of the letter in the box. I will be deployed here until on or about Dec. In a perfect world I will be home for Christmas. Thank you So much again.
MS
January 2007
I have received 13 boxes from your organization today! Thanks so much
for all you do for our wounded warriors. Patients that come to LRMC often
have absolutely nothing, including clothing. Others are sent with all
their field gear. The average patient stay is 6-14 days. After their stay
here, they pack up what they have and return home to their home station
for prolonged medical care and rehabilitation, or back to war in Iraq
or Afghanistan. While they are at LRMC, they are blessed by many individuals
and organizations such as yours. They are clothed, provided with basic
supplies and given loving mementos such as the recent pillows I have received.
Please, take encouragement that our wounded receive your gifts with joy
and appreciate the time and effort that goes into everything that is sent
our way! May God continue to bless you and your organization.
EW.
Over the last couple of months, I received packages from you folks under Operation Adopt a Soldier & Project Yellow Ribbon. I have been remiss in getting a note of thanks out. I and the others here at the 466th ASMC really appreciate not only all the "goodies" in the packages, but also the time and effort that goes into putting them together and mailing, not to mention the good thoughts and support from back home people like yourselves. Thanks again. Its a great thing that you do.
PG
I'm writing to you to let you know that I have received TWO of your packages from the "Operation Adopt a Soldier" program and I truly thank you for your generosity and your support. I have shared the "goods" with fellow comrades and they were thrilled to know that there are people back home that are thinking of us and are sending us items which are sometimes hard to get in locations such as the one we are in.
We all Thank you and God Bless.
DR
Thank you all once more
MP
Very Respectfully,
ES
Mr. Sequin,
I would like to extend a heart felt thank you for your support to me and
my buddies while I was in Iraq. I have recently returned, and although
my gratitude is well overdue, I just want you to know how important citizens
like yourself and your organization are to the deployed service members
around the world. I can assure you that each and every package I received
from you was distributed to my peers, and we are all appreciative. You
can continue to send packages to a female airman that replaced us, with
the following information:
DR
