Care
package thank you notes
Dear Defenders of Freedom,
Thank you so much for the box of “goodies”. Everything inside the box
was perfect! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time out of your busy
schedule to pack such a wonderful surprise. It’s the people like you that
make life away from our families a little more easier. May God always
listen to your prayers & bless your hearts. Iraq is much colder now with
winter almost here. Enjoy the holiday season with friends & family. I
will include you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Raquel
620th/659th Maint. Co. - Iraq -
I wanted to send you a sincere Thank you from the men and women
of the 451st Expeditionary Air Wing. We received your box yesterday
Thanksgiving day. Everyone loved your toiletries and personal items
that you sent. Your items were immediately put to good use. We really
appreciate your kindness and graciousness. I am sure that you will be
blessed for thinking about us over here in Afghanistan. Your donations
are very much appreciated. I wish you Happy Holidays and a very
prosperous New Year!
Thank you!
Douglas MSgt, USAF – Afghanistan -
Hello,
I received the box. I just want to say thank you. I appreciate your support.
Marie, HQS B Co. - Afghanistan -
Defenders of Freedom,
Thank you very much for the care packages. We appreciate them
very much and will put them to good use. It helps to know that people
at home are thinking of us especially during the holidays.
Sincerely,
The men and women of the 62 ERS – Afghanistan -
Thanks so much MSgt. S…. (The card has 20 signatures)
Maria,
Thanks for the box of candy and sundries from your organization!
There is always something special whenever a package arrives from
home, especially if it is out of the blue and from an unexpected friend!
The work here can be exhaustive and consuming and surprises like your
package always seems to re-focus the perspective back to things that
matter like friend and family, and the tremendous support our Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen and Marines enjoy from the fabulous people at home who
give so freely and upon whose support we so depend. This is especially
true at the holiday season. The American spirit shines through your
organization’s selfless support and generosity!
Thank you for your kindness and I wish the best for you and your family for holidays!
Sincerely,
Ed…….………..Brigadier General, U.S. Army – Afghanistan -
Combined Forces Sp. Op. ……..C.O………
My name is SGT Jeff. I am a member of the G6 ….of the 30th Medical
Command. On behalf of my leadership and all the Soldiers, Airmen, and
Sailors; I would like to thank you and everyone that contributed to the
care package. I can't express enough how much the packages and support
mean to all of us here. During this difficult time of year, it brings joy to
every service member to know that people from back home are keeping us
in their thoughts and prayers. I wish we could show our gratitude in person
for your generosity. We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a
Happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you again for everything you have done for us.
SGT JEFF, USA - G6, …..30th Medical Command- Afghanistan
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)
Hello,
my name is HMC Torrie and I'm in the Navy. My unit and I received
your boxes here in Afghanistan and would like to extend our greatest appreciation
to your chapter and you. We thank you for the continued support and prayers.
Sincerely, HMC Torrie
Defenders of Freedom,
We would like to say thank you so much for the care packages and clothing
items you've been sending us for our patients. With the packages you send,
we're able to send snacks to those who are mostly isolated and unable to get
a little piece of home due to their remote locations. They are overjoyed at
receiving your packages and send their heartfelt thanks for all you do for us.
We are also able to maintain a stock of personal items which we are always
in desperate need for our patients. Thank you for your support especially at
this time of year! You are truly a blessing.
V/r, MELISSA, 1st Lt, USAF - Hospital - Afghanistan
On behalf of all of the military and civilian who serve here, I want to
thank for those cookies, which were a big hit! .........
Blessings & Prayers,
Lee -134th –S. T. –Chaplain –Afghanistan
November 2009:
I am writing to let you know we received your wonderful packages.
My guys tore into them and immediately had super wide smiles! The candy,
squirt guns, books, cookies and other items went like wild fire and made our
day. Each one kept saying "wow, they sent this for us?" We really appreciate
your dedication and support. I know how time consuming putting together
boxes is and they were really great. I attached a few pics of some of the guys
that you are supporting. Please know we truly appreciate you and we are
lucky patriots, such as yourself, continue to support us. Again Thank You!
Sincerely,
MSgt Tara and the Men and Women of the 577th EPBS, Afghanistan
Maria Elena and "Defenders of Freedom" California Chapter,
My unit would like to thank you for the wonderful care package you have
sent our way! We got it the day before Thanksgiving which was perfect
timing to bring smiles to many faces! The items you added to the package
were heartfelt and much needed! In fact, I personally just ran out of soap
and you all added a Irish Spring bar that came at the opportune time, not to
mention I just used up my last tube of toothpaste as well-so the Crest came
in handy too. Our Exchange obviously carries all of these products along
with candy, etc, but not having to take time out our busy days to go get
these items and having you take the time to send them down range for us
instills that we are serving something greater than ourselves. Your
unselfish generosity and thoughtfulness makes you all part of our team
so far away! May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration and
kick-off to the holiday season, and remember one thing: "We have the
watch over here!" God Bless and many Thanks!
Very Respectfully,
CDR Matt -USN -Iraq
Officer In Charge
I thank you and all the people that helped put these packages together
for us. I as well as many of our troops are very grateful for the people that
support us and never forget about us. I sit here and read through all the
cards missing home and the holidays, my children birthday, 1st day of
school and many other important events in their life as well as mine and
just sit back and always remember why I am doing it and think to myself
is it worth the sacrifice? Yes it is for my children and the people in the
world freedom is important, but it isn't free. I think about it this way it
is a small price to pay but very much worth it especially to secure my
children's, family and friends safety. It is very rough out here trying to
stay focused and those special dates roll around but with the support of
people like you it really makes me and all soldiers proud of what we do.
Before I joined the military I knew I had more to give and being out here
I feel like I am doing something good and honorable for my family and
friends and people like you make it all worth wild. I wish I was home
just like every soldier but if we all got what we wished who would be
out here protecting the land of the free. I want you to know how
grateful I am for your support and your card; it meant very much to
me and made my day. : ) I have shared my goodies with other soldiers
which send their thanks and wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
May God Bless you and your loved ones.
Angelica - SGT, USA
82nd Combat Aviation Brigade – Afghanistan
To whom it may concern,
This is CM Sgt. VaTema and I received your care package from
Defenders of Freedom. I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks.
As an Air Force member it really means a lot to me and other Airmen
when we receive small thoughts from across the US remembering we
are still here. Thank you again for the care package and please
remember that we do appreciate every single thought and pray for
us here.
Sincerely,
Chief Ivy, CMSgt, USAF Squadron Superintendent
379th Exp Force Support Squadron – Afghanistan
Just wanted to say thank you for the care package. I really do appreciate
you guys taking the time out of your busy schedules to remember the
soldiers who are overseas. Once again thank you!
SGT Reshema
659th Maintenance Company – Iraq
Thank you for your gifts. It was nice to receive snacks and stuff... My
squad loved everything. I would like you to include a friend of mine
in your gift giving as well. He is stationed at another FOB and his unit
just reported to Iraq. I think this is his 3rd tour so this is not new for
him... Also my unit is scheduled to redeploy back to the USA sometime
around Feb 10, 2010.. so we are almost in our 60 day window... So
thank you again and Happy Thanksgiving to you, Your Family, and the
Defenders of Freedom staff and their Families.....
Sincerely Yours,
SPC -Steven - Unites States Army
139th Military Police C Co - Iraq
Thank you very much for sending the care package and cards - it arrived
on Thanksgiving Day. I wanted you to know that I shared the contents
with the Airman, Sailors and Marines in my work center. Again, thank
you - it was timely, thoughtful and the contents were items we needed.
v/r, CAPT. PAUL – USAF Senior Watch Officer – South West Asia
Just a note to say thank you for all you do for all the soldiers serving.
I shared the box with my soldiers they enjoyed it. The cards and letters
that were enclosed were very nice and thoughtful. It’s nice to know we
have such great support from back home. Thanks again and God Bless!
Robert, SGT, USA
To all the loving families and friends,
Hello, my name is Breanna, I am from Lodi, CA and I am in the US Navy
serving over in Iraq. Today my unit and I received care packages from
your organization and I am sending this email to thank you for everything
that you are doing for us. My unit and I are very grateful for all the goodies
that you have sent. I hope you all have a great holiday season and again
thank you for taking your time to make ours better! Please feel free to
contact me with anything I can do for any of you. Happy Holidays! :)
Very Respectfully,
Base Command Group – Iraq
I just wanted to take a minute out of the day to let you know that we
recently a box from you and to say...from all the Sailors here at Camp
Phoenix..."thank you so much for all of your support"!!!!
Your generosity and caring make life that much easier for our tours.
V/R – LT Tony USN
Deputy Navy – Kabul
Thank you so much for the care package I received today! I have already
handed out everything in the box to my coworkers. I really appreciate the
kind words and thought y'all sent my (our) way. More than anything that
can be sent to us, you words and prayers mean the most. Thank you again!
Tabitha Captain, USAF
455 AEW/CVK – Afghanistan
My name is Todd and I am a sailor in the U.S. Navy... I received 2 packages
from your organization yesterday, and wanted to take this opportunity to
thank you and your organization. I received the packages just in time, as
I am leaving Afghanistan next week and coming home to Kansas. I passed
along the items to my shipmates that I am leaving behind as I embark on
the road home. It has been a long tour for me. I started in November of
2008 went to combat training, then some specialized training, and then
in-country to Iraq. I spent 5 months in Iraq during the hottest part of
the year. I was transferred to Afghanistan in late August.. Believe me
when I say that it is truly a great thing to be American. The only thing
that makes it bearable is the love of our families, and the packages that
express the profound gratitude of our fellow veterans and American citizens.
The very reason for why we are here. Receiving a package is like a mini
Christmas in a box no matter when it comes. So on behalf of my fellow
shipmates and myself, I want to say thank you and BRAVO ZULU
(a Navy term) for a job well done. Keep up the good work to keep us in
the fight. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Very Respectfully
Todd - Petty Officer 2nd Class, USN
Hello Ms Szlachciuk,
First let me apologize for taking so long to write this thank you letter.
A little about myself first, I have been in the USAF for 19 1/2 years, I
joined when I was 21 yrs old. At that time even at 21 leaving home was
the hardest & scariest thing I had ever done. Basic training wasn't that bad
because my best friend, compadre David Delgadillo had signed up 2 years
before me and gave me the scoop and was my first AF mentor.
But unknown to me all the discipline in my house with taking care of my things, cleaning,
ironing, cooking and the meticulous things I learned from my mom. I learned
how to be a good person from my brother and sisters and my Tio and Tia in
Oregon who took me in during a time I could have gone down the wrong path
very easily. People always say to me "the Air Force really made you a
different person" I always tell them "no my family did" the Air Force just
channeled the part of me that was untapped.
I have had many assignments here in the states and overseas. My family
and friends have always supported me and I know it was hard at first for
them to see me leave but they always stuck with me. It wasnít always
easy to come visit me where I lived for one reason or another but I always
felt their presents and love. I truly believe I wouldnít have made it this far
without them.
When I first came into the service I will agree I did it to serve my country
and have a career, but I didnít get the fully meaning of what it truly meant,
oddly enough it took a few years of serving before I understood I would get
emotional when hearing our national anthem or see our flag, now that I have
been in nearly 20 year I get teary eyed every time.
I have been deployed to South East Asia three times, first time was in
Sep 99, to Saudi Arabia, upon my return to my home station at Shaw AFB
SC, I landed at the Columbia airport (now mind you I was married at this
time) I landed to be greeted by no one, I had to find a ride home it was very
sad time as I watched others as they were greeted by friends and family.
I was not looking for any special welcome home, but it is kind of disheartening
when you see scenes on TV or movies of servicemen or women coming home
to family or people waiting to hug and greet them and you have nothing. But
this is not why I do it so I just pressed on.
My next tour of duty was to Saudi Arabia again in May 2001, this time I
was divorced and expected to not have anyone waiting for me, the difference
in this return home was we landed on my base and they had a official greeting
party but still for me there was no family or true friends, there was no
greeting genuine to my return (staged I would call it) I watched as people
received hugs from family and friends. Once again this is not why I do what
I do so I pressed on.
This leads me to this last deployment, to South East Asia "QATAR AB",
when I landed at the South Carolina airport I expected to take a taxi home,
luckily I flew back with someone I was deployed with and his family came
to pick him up and they were kind enough to give me ride home (I just
skipped the obvious no one was there for me) so I went home. But this is
not why I do this.
Each time I returned my focus was getting to see my son and family
as fast as I could if possible. This last deployment was very special to me
because it probably will be my last one. Prior to this deployment I had
spoken to my sister Christina in length on my grey feelings on returning
and never having anyone to hug and say I am glad to see you and to let
them know how much I missed them and how proud I am to have been able
to have served our country not just for me, but for my son, family and
friends and all the people who support our troops. My SIS took this to heart
and really wanted to be in South Carolina when I got off the plane, but I
didnít have a good return date and my base also wanted to keep me for a
couple extra weeks so no plans could be made, I believe this hurt her more
than me, I was used to returning to no one, but she put it to her heart and
mind she was going to be there, but it didnít work out but I love her for
the thought and support.
As I mentioned before when I return home from these tours I have two
things that I must do, see my son and see my family in Sacto. Both me and
my son Eric were very excited this trip home in July, he missed his Nana
(grandma) and his Tio's (uncles) and Tia's (aunts) and his primo's (cousins)
I felt the same to see my mom, sisters, brother, and nephews/nieces. When
exiting the plane I had no idea what I was in store for, all I knew was both
of us were very excited to be home. When I started down the platform I
could see the tips of what I knew to be flags and as we kept moving forward
I was seeing more and more flags appearing, when we reached the escalator,
I was like WOW and never did I think it was for me, I turned to see if soldiers
were behind me but then I remembered I didnít see any uniforms so I was a
little baffled till I saw my pictures and all my family and all of your volunteers
cheering for me. At that moment I felt so much pride, love and respect and
I knew I was home, not just with family but friends even friends I didnít know,
it wasnít the people thanking me, it wasnít the time I just spent overseas
serving my country that hit me, what hit me was I was being greeted by
strangers, I was being greeted by Californians / Sacramento people/
Americans and family and I was able to put the final pieces for why serve,
it was for each and every one of you. Thank you for taking the time from
your busy day and families to come and say thank you and to show our support
for our service members, and I appreciate what you have done for all of us,
that is why I serve.
This one event erases my memories of my past home comings; I cannot
thank you enough and to all the folks who organized this home coming, it will
forever stay in my heart the rest of my days. I am so honored to be part of
the Sacramento community, Sacramento is my home no matter where I am in
the world no matter where my life may take me after my service is complete,
Sacramento will always be HOME.
In finishing this letter I would like to thank you and all your supporter and
to pass on my gratitude and appreciation to the mothers and fathers of servicemen
and women currently serving whether in harm's way or here at home keeping
us safe on our home turf; you mothers and fathers sacrifice as much as the
men and women who wear the uniform and should be honored for your sacrifice
to our county. For those men and women who served before us and lead the way,
my respect and my appreciation goes to them; for if not for them we would be
fighting a much harder war without the foundation they laid for us, so please
except my thank you for your service to our country. This truly was a
milestone in my service, thank you all very much.
Sincerely, Eric NŠ
MSgt Eric C. NŠ
United States Air Force
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