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Thanks You's From Our Troops - 2009
OperationSanta, These are the guys I have the pleasure of serving with each and every day. We are in Okinawa, Japan. Thank you so much for the support and effort you have given to us. We are eternally grateful for the generosity of our Nation’s citizens. Kind regards, Gunny Steve Morris ____________________________________
I write this on Christmas Eve with tears in my eyes. I just returned from my daughter’s house & found a large box on my porch from TSgt Pati Acosta in Afghanistan , the Medic who sent us a note saying our quilts mean everything there. She sent a beautiful framed flag & plaque saying it was flown on a combat mission on Thanksgiving Day in honor of the Calif Team of Citizen SAM – see atch pics. I am extremely touched that they took the time to do this, and honored to have the flag from a combat mission. Thought you might like to have the pics for our Newsletter – I will definitely show it to our Quilt Guild & display it at the Quilt Show in Feb. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Arlene ____________________________________
Good Morning, My name is Annissa Marcelino, I'm a Senior Airman currently serving in Afghanistan. I received a Christmas stocking filled with goodies this morning, and among the contents was on of your handmade liners. This is a very unique idea and will certainly be put to good use. I wanted to express my gratitude to the people who take time out of their day to support us who are serving in this conflict. Your effort and hard work is appreciated beyond what my words can express. The simple pleasures of a caring touch go such a long way when we are separated from our own families. May God bless you all and have a wonderful holiday season. ____________________________________
My name is Spc Guerrero and I am currently stationed out in Afghanistan. I want to send my deepest appreciation for all the stockings, letters and for having us in your thoughts. People like you guys give us the motivation to keep going and doing our jobs. We are grateful for having thoughtful people like you guys. Again thank you for what you are doing as well because I want you to know that this organization is really helping us, and making a difference. Thanks, Spc Guerrero Afghanistan ____________________________________

I wanted to say thank you for your gifts. We are a US Marine Corps training team currently working with the Iraqi military.. We live with the Iraqis a great distance away from most US forces so a touch of Christmas was very much appreciated. Thank you again. God Bless & Semper Fi! Major Chris McGuire ____________________________________
Thank you so much for thinking of us and taking the time to send us stockings. We have them hanging up and are going to open them on Christmas Day. It is tough to be away during the holidays but it makes it easier when we have prayers and support from home. Thanks again. MSgt. Chance Barlow 1st Special Forces Group ____________________________________
Greetings from Afghanistan, My name is Chaplain Darren Schwartz and I am the battalion chaplain for Task Force Dark Knight. We are a military intelligence battalion based out of Austin, TX. Our soldiers, however, are from all across the country from Maryland to Hawaii. My assistant, SGT. Brandi Vineyard, and I want to thank you so much for the amazing stockings for our soldiers. We have been able to distribute some of the goodies to our soldiers in the outlying areas, where they do not have access to a lot of comfort items. We really appreciate your time and support! Sincerely, Darren Schwartz 1LT. US Army chaplain ____________________________________
Hello all! My unit received some of your wonderful items and wanted to say thanks from central Afghanistan. We truly appreciate your support for the troops and I promise your efforts are not in vain. Thank you so much for the time and effort spent producing the helmet liners and hand warmers. The temperatures have dipped below freezing the past few weeks as the rainy season has officially begun. Nonetheless, we are nice and toasty thanks to you all! All the very best, Gunnery Sergeant Steve Morris ____________________________________
Dear Operation Santa, I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to all those involved in the tremendous effort to support the troops out here in Afghanistan. The distance to home is shortened by your works and the boys, both young and old, truly enjoy the gifts and reminders of the place we long to be. However, we are also thankful to have the ability in representing our country proudly. We approach each day with vigor and determination to make improvements upon the work done by others before us. Last evening we distributed the stockings. The goodness was quickly consumed and stored for the days ahead. As well, the stockings are now hung from an electrical cord (aka mantle) inside our tent. It does add a nice touch of color and we did our best to coordinate fabric patterns, which is difficult when everyone has an opinion. Nonetheless, all agree that progress has been made. Again, thank you so kindly for the support you are providing from back home. You may disagree, but we appreciate you more than you appreciate us. Kindest regards, Gunnery Sergeant Steve Morris ____________________________________
I just wanted to send you a quick email thanking you for the stockings that you sent out to our unit. It was a really good surprise, it brightened our day this holiday season. Being deployed for the holidays is hard and it really helps to get something special from back home. It is nice to know that we have the support of special individuals like you and your organization. Again thank you very much and have a safe and wonderful Christmas. Respectively Major Richard Harney ____________________________________
Operation Santa, What a surprise to receive three enormous boxes today full of wonderful handmade stockings! All of the bright colors and patterns were sensory overload compared to what we normally see on a day-to-day basis here. We're planning a Christmas party on the 24th and will be sure to take pictures of the soldiers with their stockings. Thank you again for your generosity and support! ____________________________________
On behalf of the U.S. and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines working in the Logistics Directorate of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, I would like to thank you and your staff for your generosity during the Holiday Season. Serving overseas, in a combat zone and away from our families and friends is no easy endeavor...especially during the holidays. However, receiving this box of stockings certainly brings a spirit of joy and togetherness in an otheriwse turbulent climate. As you can see from the attached photos, your gifts brought smiles and happiness to the servicemen and women of this command. We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your thoughts and prayers. It's because of people like you and your staff...we do what we do!! God bless you and your famlies and Happy Holidays from Kabul, Afghanistan! ____________________________________
I just wanted to let you know we received another box of stockings today from OPERATION SANTA. Everyone in my section received a stocking with the first box you sent. So I distributed the second box stockings to other members of my unit. They were very happy to receive these stockings and send their thanks. It's amazing how a simple act of kindness can make people forget...even for a brief moment...just how tough things are out here and deliver a sense of peace. Thank you again and God Bless you all. V/R, ____________________________________
On behalf of the U.S. and Coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen andMarines working in the Logistics Directorate of the NATO TrainingMission-Afghanistan/Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, Iwould like to thank you and your staff for your generosity during the Holiday Season. Serving overseas, in a combat zone and away from ourfamilies and friends is no easy endeavor...especially during theholidays. However, receiving this box of stockings certainly brings a spirit of joy and togetherness in an otheriwse turbulent climate. As you can see from the attached photos, your gifts brought smiles and happiness to the servicemen and women of this command. We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your thoughts and prayers. It's because of people like you and your staff...we do what we do!! God bless you and your famlies and Happy Holidays from Kabul, Afghanistan!



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The Power Plants Division of Marine Air Logistics Squadron 26 at Al Asad Air Base, United States Marine Corps, sends a hardy "Thank You" for making it a little more cheerful this time of year! spirit of joy and togetherness in an otheriwse turbulent climate. ____________________________________
Thank you all so much for your incredibly generous gifts. The stockings were obviously made with much love and care and my Soldiers and I very much enjoyed receiving them on Christmas. I have attached some pictures of the Soldiers here in the Battalion's Operations Center with their Stockings on Christmas day. This is just a small sampling of the Soldiers from Task Force Longhorn who received your gifts. In our BN alone, we received over 200 stockings!!! This allowed us to ship a stocking to every one of our Soldiers spread throughout 27 bases in Baghdad and Southern Iraq. Amazing. Thank you all so much. you can see from the attached photos, your gifts brought smiles. ____________________________________
To tell you a little bit more about our unit. We are the 303d Military Intelligence Battalion, an Intelligence Collection Battalion. We have a distinguished history dating back to WWII and we are The Army's most decorated Military Intelligence Battalion. As a collection Battalion, our Soldiers are responsible for collecting all the intelligence to help Combat Commanders make decision about their operations. When not deployed in Iraq, the Battalion is based out of Fort Hood, in Central Texas. Many of our Soldiers are on their second or third rotation in Iraq and some are even on their forth. This is the Battalion's third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to this deployment, the 303d Military Intelligence Battalion had a previous rotation to Iraq from Jan - Dec 2004 and then again from Aug 2006-Oct 2007. We arrived in Iraq for this deployment right before Thanksgiving. This tour should be a twelve month rotation for us, which means we will all be home for the holidays next year. Thank you all again for your wonderful generosity; it is truly amazingand awe inspiring. v/r MAJ Michelle Krawczyk ____________________________________
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the care packages. I have received approximately sixty boxes over the past several days and it was a very nice surprise. I will most definitely share your gift with my fellow Marines and Sailors. My plan is for the Commanding Officer and I to distribute the stockings to our Marines and Sailors on Christmas Eve. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will ensure each member of this command has a joyous Christmas. If you did not know 1st Maintenance Battalion (Rein) is permanently assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group located at Camp Pendleton, California. We have been deployed for three months of a seven month deployment. The Marines and Sailors are doing a superb job. Their morale is extremely high, because of the love and support we receive from family and friends such as you. Our battalion is responsible for providing combat logistic support for the coalition forces throughout Al Anbar Province. On behalf of the warriors from 1st Maintenance Battalion (Rein) thank you for your support and may you and your loved ones have a joyous and safe holiday season. Semper Fidelis, John Armstead Sgt.Maj USMC ____________________________________
I am LTC Joanne MacGregor, Commander of 2-149 Aviation Battalion. I would like to take this moment to send you my heartfelt thanks for the generosity and thoughtfulness of so many people who made wonderful Christmas Stockings for my Soldiers. We have approximately 550 Soldiers in the Battalion and we fly CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks, and UH-60 MEDEVAC aircraft based out of Balad, Iraq. It was such an overwhelming feeling of warmth and joy to see all these boxes arrive filled with beautiful hand sewn stockings full of snacks and goodies for the Soldiers, they absolutely loved it. It is because of volunteers like you who give so much to the troops and make us feel supported unconditionally that we are able to continue our mission with pride. The generosity and support from people like you makes being away from our family and loved ones bearable. Being a Central Illinois native myself from Peoria, IL it is with great pride that I serve our country and represent the United States here in Iraq. I wish everyone back home a Happy and Peaceful New Year. Warmest Regards, LTC Joanne MacGregor ____________________________________
I am writting to you to thank you for the stockings you sent my team and I while in Iraq. Everyone greatly enjoyed them and we thank you very much for all you do for the troops. Sorry for not getting back tell now but we have been super busy. I also am attaching a picture of our support team but im sorry to say we couldnt get one with the stockings. But atleast I got one of the whole support team together. Again thank you very much for the stockings, your time to make and send, and all your support for us over here. We couldn't do it without friends and family supporting us back home and without kind strangers like youselves sending us care packages. Thank you, LCpl Chears, Channing R. ____________________________________
I wanted to say thanks once again for thinking of us. The most important part of your Christmas efforts is the message that the folks back home care, and that they are still rooting for the good guys. Col James D. "Bullet" McGinley Afghanistan ____________________________________ !
Thank you for thinking of the troops In this holiday season, it's Americans like yourselves that improve the moral of so many service members stationed far and abroad. We would like to extend our personal thanks for your great efforts as you reached out with more than 35,000 stockings to not only Marines but to all the troops deployed around the world. Your efforts greatly affected each of the troops moral in a very positive way. Once again, thank you for your outstanding support of out troops deployed world wide. Marine Guard Detachment American Embassy Algiers ____________________________________
Dear Operation Santa; I would like to personally thank you for the recent contributions of all the Christmas stockings you provided to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the Joint Psychological Operations Task Force at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar. As the Christmas season is approaching, it is always nice to receive special thoughts from our folks back home in the states. Again, I thank you for your generosity and continued support to our service men and women. Sincerely, Richard Compton Chaplain, JPOTF ____________________________________
From the Air Force We would like to personally thank you for the Christmas stockings sent to our deployed service members actively engaged in the Global War on Terror. Your graciousness and kindness have brought joy to all of us at this command. We greatly appreciate your thoughts, well wishes, and continued support. Thomas Miller Command Sergeant Major Col. Michael Ceroli ____________________________________
Your gift of stockings was heartwarming; especially this time of year when we are so far from home. You truly made us feel loved and appreciated. Our mission is interesting and complex but your Marines are doing a great job and making a measurable difference. Iraq and America are safer for their efforts...and we couldn't do it without your support. Semper Fi, Major Eric Wolf ____________________________________
The soldiers are still proving themselves every day in our mission. The pace is picking up and they continue to learn and grow with each other. We are not going to give time lines at this point but we all know what we have accomplished here. We have driven a wedge between the local population and the insurgent forces seeking its support. Contrary to popular belief, we can and will defeat terrorist insurgencies. Progress is being made here in Tikrit, Iraq. We are opening clinics, schools and small business as well as training the Iraqi police. Our platoon is all volunteer and we are proud to serve the United States of America. Your kindness makes our mission that much easier. The soldiers of 2nd platoon want to thank everyone for their support. It is citizens like you that make America such a wonderful place to love. Robert A. Zielinski Sgt. 1st Class U.S.Army "PITT BULLS" ____________________________________
Happy Holidays. My crew wants to Thank you for the Operation Santa. I passed out 350 Christmas Stocking to the Crew on Christmas Eve. Hope your Holidays were great and Happiness is brought to you over the next year. Vr, CMDCM(SW/AW) Susan A. Whitman Command Master Chief ____________________________________
Thank you for the Christmas stockings. We had great fun receiving them. Attach are several photos of Marines receiving and distributing the stockings aboard the USS Iwo Jima. We appreciate the many useful products and the Christmas spirit that you shared. Semper Fidelis, 1stSgt Migliore ____________________________________
Greetings from Iraq. Thank you so much for the stockings. We received 45 stockings plus a few extras. They are sure to brighten up the holidays out here for us. It is nice to know folks back home are thinking about us. I am a physician deployed with a first Cav unit from Ft. Hood TX. I stay busy in the sick call clinic, mostly colds and twisted ankles. Thankfully there is not too much combat activity in this area. My medics do most of the 'grunt work' out on the roads. They are spread out between the large base here and some smaller outposts. I was able to deliver some personally this week and am in the process of distributing the rest. Again, Thank you so much, Praise God, Capt. Yee ____________________________________
The Marines of Caleb Company, Task Force 1/4 would like to thank everyone involved. The support that you have readily given Caleb Company has been an essential part in assisting us with our mission accomplishment. Your time and financial sacrifice is a testament to your patriotism and spirit during a pivotal time in the country of Iraq and has blessed the lives of an entire company of Marines. At no point should you ever feel that your contribution has gone unnoticed. It has been a blessing and a constant reminder of your emotional and physical support. On behalf of the Marines from Caleb Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, thank you for your efforts. Semper Fidelis, 1st Sgt. J.L. Schiller II ____________________________________
1. I would like to take this time to say "Thank you" for your support during the Company's deployment to Iraq. 2. The Marines and Sailors of Company D, third Assault, Amphibian Battalion, received care packages sent on your behalf. Sergeant Major Humphrey of Marine Air Group 16 was able to provide boxes to our unit. Your support is greatly appreciated by all of our personnel. It is your continued support that keeps our troops motivated throughout our deployment. The stuffed stockings remind us that there are many great folks out there are very compassionate towards our service members deployed throughout the world. Personally for me, having been stationed at the University of Illinois Naval ROTC from 2004-2007, I am reminded that the great folks of Central Illinois are strong supporters of Armed Forces. We are thankful for time that you dedicate in putting together these packages for us especially during the holidays. They bring a feeling of home to our troops. As the Marines and Sailors open the packages you send, they gather around curiously to see what is inside. There is always something in the boxes that the men enjoy. 3. Once again, our most sincere Thanks for your support. We look forward in corresponding with you 1st Sgt. Johnny Rositas III ____________________________________
Thank you for your kind support of the troops over here in Iraq . We greatly appreciated our stockings. The attached picture is taken Christmas morning. Your kind generosity reminds us why we do our jobs to the best of our ability every day. We are a Shock Trauma Platoon which is essentially a field emergency room providing medical care to injured marines, sailors, and soldiers. May you have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season with your families back home. Warmest Regards, LCDR Combs Daniel J. Combs, MD LCDR MC (FS) USN ____________________________________
Thank you, so very much, for your encouraging words and gifts to our Soldiers! Merry Christmas:-) CH (CPT) Shay L. D. Worthy ____________________________________
The Marines and Sailors of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines would like to thank you and your staff for the much needed care packages. You are the constant light that brings "Home" a little bit closer when it seems so far away. There are times when the weather is a little hotter or somewhat colder and those patrols seem a little longer but it's family like you all that makes it all worthwhile. YOU ARE OUR HERO'S! Semper Fidelis Sgt. Maj. T.L. Jones ____________________________________
Your organization was mentioned in a Marine article that you sent 1000 Stockings to our deployed troops. My brother in law,Sgt Jeff Kurek, from Oak Forest IL, currently at Camp Ripper, Al Asad, Iraq, where many of your stockings were delivered. I just want to say THANK YOU for everything you do for our troops. ____________________________________
On behalf of PMT War Hog I would like to extend our thanks for all the hard work and effort it took to get my men and me the Christmas stockings. I didn't believe them when they told me how much mail was waiting for me in the mail room but we managed to load it all up in our HMMWVs. I was able to get most of the boxes out to soldiers of the 2/106th CAV from Kewanee, Pontiac, Dixon, and Aurora; along with soldiers from 2/130 INF from southern Illinois. I managed to have a few extra which I plan to give to
some of the Canadians we live and work with here, but am waiting to Christmas day to do so. The items will all be put to good use I assure you but more than actually getting stuff it is knowing the thought and care that made it happen in the first place. We cannot possibly thank you enough for adding a little Christmas cheer to a place that feels nothing like Christmas at. So, once again I will simply say thank you, the rest of the WAR HOGs thank you, and we look forward to seeing all of you when we ALL get home. Sincerely, 1LT Ian D. Sherpinskas CAV Executive Officer ____________________________________
I was fortunate enough to receive one of your Christmas stockings. I wanted to take a moment to say "Thank you!" I am a Chief Hospital Corpsman assigned to CTG 56.5. We are a group of Reservist assigned in Kuwait. Our mission is force protection in the form of harbor and shore defense. We guard the High Value Assets as they enter and depart the harbor. This is the first time in my Navy career that I will be away from my family in Illinois. Thanks again for thinking of us. Happy Holiday! HMC Deborah Kent, better known as the Desert Bunny ____________________________________
Thank you for all that Operation Santa sent. Our flying squadron and maintenance squadron very much appreciated it. It definitely brightened our holiday season. There were extra stockings so we flew them to a base that is a little more desolate than ours that is mostly US Marines. Your organization represents Central Illinois and the Peoria area very well. Thank you again and have merry Christmas! TSGT. Jakob Pogeman ____________________________________
Just wanted to let you know that all of the stockings have arrived and are hanging up. We are looking forward to Christmas Eve to open them. Thanks Again for the support! Eric D. Snedeker ____________________________________
Good Morning, my name is SGT Gail Nordvall and I am with the 333rd Military Police Company, from Freeport, IL, currently stationed in Afghanistan. I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the Christmas stocking you sent to our company. I sincerely appreciate the warm thoughts and all of your hard work and efforts to get those to us. You have warmed our hearts and put many smiles on a lot of Soldiers faces. Happy Holidays to you and yours and thanks again for thinking of us! God Bless, SGT Gail Nordvall ____________________________________
Dear Friends, My daughter called from Korea last night to say the Christmas stockings from your group had just arrived! Everyone in her group is extremely thrilled and very much surprised to receive these wonderful Christmas treats. I had not forewarned them of their coming because I didn't know if your supply was enough. They are making a list of the unmarried soldiers who are alone without family there at Christmas, in the unit, and are having a celebration to pass them out. A great big kudos to every one in your group, these young men and women certainly appreciate all of your efforts, and as the mother of several Air Force personnel, we have three children in the AF, I certainly greatly appreciate your kindness. Please keep me on your list of donors and let me know when you have other needs! Thank you again. May God Bless each of you. Merry Christmas to all. Best Regards, Linda E Eddington ____________________________________
Holiday Greetings from the members of the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron/Heavy Equipment Section currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq at Sather Air Base. We would like to say thank you to the Peoria Area for their support of the troops. Best Wishes to all during the Holiday Season. TSgt David Krisher ____________________________________
My name is HM1 (FMF/PJ) Del J. Cochran and Corpsman with 5TH ANGLICO supporting a MITT here at 160K in Western Iraq. I just wanted you to know that we here have received your stocking and they have been hung with care awaiting Santa on Christmas. It was a very kind thing you all have done for us and we would like to take this time to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. As I mentioned we have them hanging in the our chow hall and will be passed out Christmas Morning. A Staff Sgt Tanner will be sending you a unit picture and he may already have. We make sure we contact everyone who sends us to thank them and as you well may know there is a lot of people to thank. So, Again Thank you so very much for you kindness and Merry Christmas. Semper Fi, HM1 (FMF/PJ) "Doc" Cochran ____________________________________
From VMU-1 "Watchdogs" Squadron S-3 we would like to thank you for your support and patriotism as we are over here in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. From our side; we do a lot of the planning and training for the Squadron. From keeping all Marines records up-to-date to supprting our troops on the ground from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's), we are working 24-7 making sure we get our mission accomplished and we all come home safe. All the Marines are in high spirits and are very grateful for your support. Everything was received in good condition and will be distributed to all Marines. Once again thank you for your support and prayers. You all are in our thoughts and prayers as well. Operations Department (S-3) ____________________________________
Ooh-Rah!!! On behalf of the corpsmen of CSTC-A (Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan)/Command Surgeon, Kabul Afghanistan, we would like to thank you for your generosity and selflessness. These stockings helped bring a little bit of home here to us. We thank you for your continued support and prayers during the holiday season and throughout the year. It is very difficult to be away from our spouses, children, loved ones and friends back home during the holidays, but with generosity like yours, we tend to get through it a little easier. Thank again for everything and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Fair Winds and Following Seas, R/ HM1 Erin E. Lawlor (IDC) Combat Medic/TAP Mentor CSTC-A/Command Surgeon ____________________________________
I am currently deployed to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar and wanted to say a big Thank You for the wonderful stockings full of goodies. It was a nice surprise and greatly appreciated. You're the best. Happy Holidays. Shelly ____________________________________
I wanted to thank you for the stockings your group sent to the 31st MEU in Okinawa. Saw the info posted on the MEU's website about them getting stockings from your group. My son is with the MEU right now but his battery is not in Oki right now but I'm sure they will get theirs when they get back in a week. My son's birthday is on the 19th of Dec so it's hard not to see him for that too but know there are others that care helps. We hope he will get home at the end of Jan or first of Feb so we can have Christmas then. I live in central Illinois but didn't know about your group. Again please pass my thank you along to all that have helped our boys and girls know they are remembered and loved. ____________________________________
Hi, I am so grateful for all you do for our troops. My fiance is in Afghanistan with the Army and is on his 2nd deployment missing the holiday for the third time in four years. This year is very hard being we are newly engaged and planning a wedding. He received over 100 stockings from Operation Santa, and all the guys were so grateful! He got to gloat that I had submitted his name so everyone gets some Christmas joy and never forget they are loved in the U.S.A. Thank you!! Tera ____________________________________
I will update our website to point to the right operationsanta. And thank you once again for the wonderful stockings. Respectfully, Captain Jorge Escatell 31st MEU Public Affairs Officer/Webmaster ____________________________________
We received your gifts and just want to say thank you! It's great to know that people still remember we are out here. Thanks again and happy holidays!! Cpl. Marin, M.A 2/25 H&S Co. Left: Cpl. Leung, Middle: Cpl. Marin, Right: Lcpl. Chaves ____________________________________
On behalf of 2nd Radio Battalion, OCE East, I want to thank you from the bottom of all our hearts. Everyone gets a little homesick around the holidays when they are deployed. The stockings you sent make things a lot easier. I think everyone has a “stocking story” from some time in their lives that they can reflect on. We deeply deeply appreciate the thought and care that went into these stockings. On a personal note, I am a native Peorian so I want to thank you personally for your kindness. It never fails that when I am back in town on leave, I am always thanked for my service. I appreciate that and I will tell you that it is my honor to serve my country. Happy Holidays Central Illinois from 2nd Radio Battalion and have a Happy New Year as well! Respectfully, SSgt D.R. Stubblefield ____________________________________
Here are some photos, thanks from our Marines, Happy Holidays Lt Tavzel ____________________________________
____________________________________ Thank you so very much for the stockings of goodies. It was a delight passing them out to the solders in my company. The expressions on people's faces change from tired and worn out to joyful and revived. God bless you all LT Stevens, Ryan ____________________________________
I received a box full of stockings the other day and it was a welcomed surprise. The touch of home and of the season is always welcomed by everyone spending the holidays away from family and friends. This will be my first Christmas away from my wife and kids and your generosity is appreciated. Happy Holidays! Semper Fi!!
____________________________________ THANKS! This is just a few of us from 1/4 Charlie Company 3rd platoon. from left to right: lcpl Espinoza, Cpl Santoyo, Lcpl Benson, and Lcpl Schrock
____________________________________ My name is Jed Dodson, I am deployed in Afghanistan right now. I just wanted to drop you a note and say thank you for hooking us up your organization. It's really nice to get something in the mail as we all know but it means so much more when you are deployed away from home. Most of all it makes me happy to know that people that don't even know the soldiers(like you) are willing to take time out of their schedule and money out of their pockets to help some of these men and women that may not have anyone back home to send them the conviencies of everyday life we take for granted. So thank you so much once again for not only helping me out but all of the other soldiers that need it more. Sincerely, SPC Dodson ____________________________________
Thank you sooo much for the stockings you sent us! Attached is a pic of one of the Doctor's and I taking a "sneak peak"...how sweet of you all and the time you spent making these for us. I have them hidden and can not wait to give them to the Soldiers on Christmas day...you have brought Holiday Cheer to Southern Iraq and we are so grateful!! Thanks again!! Fondly, SFC Kym Ricketts United States Army Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq ____________________________________
Thanks You's From Our Troops - 2007 _____________________________________________________________________
I just wanted to say thanks again for the stockings. All 13 boxes. They were a big hit with the Marines. Take care and keep up the the great work that you do. Tom Kapla ____________________________________
Prairie Air, Thank you for the wonderful Christmas stockings you sent. I was lucky enough to receive one and just wanted to express to you how much we appreciate your support during the holidays here in Iraq. Sincerely, GLEN G. LANGDON, Capt, USAF Fuels Project Officer MNF-I DCS R&S ____________________________________
Let's start out with THANK YOU and sorry we aren't Marines. Your box of christmas stockings was the best thing I've seen out here. To let you know who we are, we are an Army field artillery unit. And we appriciaate everything you do for the Marine Corps and the occational army/navy/air force units.LOL ;-) My guys are bad about getting there pics taken, but I will at least send you a pic of the stockings. Thank you again Robert Coffey SFC, US Army _______________________________
Thanks for sending the stocking to the Marines in Baghdad. It was a nice surprise to get one last week. Thanks for thinking us over here. Take care, Joe Henson _______________________________
Ladies and Gentlemen, My name is LCPL Kyle l Curtis and I work in supply with MARINE WING SUPPORT SQUARDORN 272. we really appreciate the stocking that you sent us for Christmas it means more than words can say to know that we are supported by people back home in the US. Enclosed in this email are some pictures of the marines in supply armory and embark with their stockings, hope you enjoy them. VR/S LCPL Curtis MWSS 272 supply (DASF NCO) _______________________________
Thanks so much for all the Christmas stockings that you sent all of us at Camp Ramadi Iraq recently. We also received 2 boxes of flip flops, some clothes, a Christmas tree, and many over- the-counter medicines. I am holding the stockings so that I can dish them out to everyone just prior to Dec 25th. I know they will be very much appreciated by all. Please pass along our thanks to the rest of your organization. Sincerely, Dave Dave Bray, MD MAJ MC USA Dermatologist Senior Battalion Surgeon for C CO 3BSB 1BCT 3ID _______________________________
I want to say Thank You Very much for all your support and dedicated to all the Marines station in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world. Take care and God Bless you and all the families involved in this support. Merry Christmas from Baghdad Iraq. Semper Fi SSgt Duran _______________________________
Good morning, My name is cpl devine, Justin. I just would like to thank you very much. me and my platoon appreciate everything you do for us in the war against Iraqi freedom. Your support back home goes a long way. We are going to take a platoon picture on Christmas when we hand out the stuffed stockings. Thank you very much again. Justin devine Cpl devine, Justin 2nd supply bn, maint co, 1st plt Unit 73735 _______________________________
My son SPC Gregory Regan Jr who is stationed at Camp Taji, Iraq let me know he received 5 BIG boxes filled with stockings for his unit and they LOVED them! Gregory and his "Family" wanted me to tell you "Thank You"! They emptied out the stockings, put all the contents into a community share box and are hanging the stockings and Christmas cards up. You are all great! Merry Christmas! _______________________________
Ladies & Gentlemen, I wanted to take the time to thank you for the stocking gift packages you sent. It was a great surprise and filled with many wants & needs of myself and the Marines they were shared with. Thank you for taking out the time to think of us and I hope you all have a blessed day! R/S, Corporal Munsell, Laura E. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 Headquarters, S-4 Embarkation/Logistics Al _______________________________
Thank you for sending the box full of stockings. It was the exact amount to be passed to all the young Marines in my department. They were very grateful and appreciative of your thoughtfulness. Thank you for thinking of us and for giving the thought of home back to me. I can‚t wait to tell my family (Pekin/East Peoria area) that a wonderful box was received from „home‰. Thank you! Steve Williams Master Sergeant of Marines _______________________________
I just wanted to write and say thank you very much for the beautiful stockings that your organization sent to our unit. I am kind of running with the Christmas celebrations for our unit and I wanted you to know that I will put your gifts to good use. I will try to send a photo of the unit as Christmas approaches so you can see your efforts in action. Thanks again and know that we appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful day, CW2 Dave Ramsey _______________________________
Thank you so much for all the boxes you've sent to my men these past few weeks. I'm the executive officer for a 700 man infantry battalion stationed in the northern part of Baghdad. We've only been in country for about a month and so have roughly 14 (or so) to go. Within a few weeks of getting settled into our new home we started receiving your packages--the troops were pretty happy...and surprised. They really do appreciate the snacks and other stuff you've been sending. It seems like a never-ending amount! About half the battalion is living in more austere conditions than I, out in the Baghdad neighborhoods in Combat Outposts. We've made a special effort to get your packages out to them as well and I know they appreciate the little touch of home that the stockings give 'em. Again, thank you so much for showing these Soldiers that someone is thinking of them and thankful for what they're doing. MAJ Joseph Kuchan 1-502 Infantry, 2 BCT 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) _______________________________
On behalf of my Marines and Sailors, I would like to take the time to thank you and everyone else responsible for the wonderful stockings. We truly appreciate this noble gesture because we can see that somebody took some of their personal time to make the stockings to include filling them. My men and women noticed this and were deeply touched by the kindness and generosity displayed. Gestures like these truly make everything we do worthwhile because it tells us that America cares about their men and women who are out here serving their country. Being away from our loved ones during the holidays is difficult, but we knew and understood the sacrifices we would be making when we signed on the dotted line. It truly is an honor and pleasure to serve our country. Once again, please thank every person who contributed to the wonderful stockings on behalf of the RED DRAGONS. We would also like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and may God bless you all as well. "Semper Fi" SgtMaj Diaz HMM-268 Red Dragons _______________________________
Thanks so much for the wonderful stockings that you all have sent for my Marines and I! We are very excited! Currently they are put up in a box waiting till Christmas Morning and then I will pass them out to all the Marines! Thanks, SSgt Robertson _______________________________
I would like to thank you all for the stockings. This probally isn't the web site to do it but I figured it would work. I am the Ordnance Chief with VMA-542 at Al Asad Iraq. We have taken a few pictures that will be heading your way also. But again from the Ordnance Marines here Thank you all for your support and prayers. MSgt James York _______________________________
We would like to thank you for the support. The stockings have brought a Christmas cheer to the Marines of “C” Co. 6th ESB from Peoria, IL currently attached to 3rd BN 5th Marines in Camp Fallujah Iraq. Attached are some pictures of the stockings hanging on the Marines gear racks. Unfortunately we are never all together at the same time but I ensure you that every Marine received their stocking and was great full that they received one. Again we thank you for the support, thoughts, and prayers. Semper FI V/R SSgt Conrad Const. Foreman 3/5 Eng Plt. _______________________________
I received several boxes of stocking from your organization over the past couple weeks. Tonight I passed them out to my company. Needless to say, they were very well received. A small token from home goes a long way. For many of my Paratroopers, this will be their first Christmas away from home. For other Soldiers, like myself, it is yet another Christmas away from home (four years in a row I have spent Christmas in a new country!). For all of us, the stockings are a token demonstrating that there are great Americans back home who support us and make our daily sacrifices worthwhile. Thank you for sending enough stockings for me to pass on to my company. I'm not sure how I got on your list, but I'm glad that this Army Soldier made it. I'm originally from Dwight, Illinois, in Livingston County. It is encouraging to know that I hail from a state that is so supportive of it's veterans, from all services. Thank you for the that support! Please continue the prayers as well, each one certainly makes a difference. Respectfully, CPT Jeremy Riegel Commander, HHC 173d Special Troops Battalion Jalalabad, Afghanistan _______________________________
To the folks at WMBD 31 and FOX 43, We recently received some stockings that you put together for us over Christmas. Thank you for your support during this holiday season. We appreciate all the goodies and warm thoughts you sent our way. It means everything to us to know that we are on your minds and hearts back home. Thank you to all who were involved in making and sending these holiday care packages. From the Marines and Sailors of 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines Detention Collecting Point, Camp Fallujah, Iraq. _______________________________
I would like to thank you for all of your love, support, and concern over the past several months. As our time here passes, all of us miss home and the ones we love that much more. Add to this the holiday season which is a time that many of us see our families and friends more frequently, and feelings of loneliness and homesickness become even more prevalent. The cards, letters, and presents sent by all of you worked wonders to help raise the spirits of all of us that are here in Iraq. We are very fortunate to have so many people that care enough to take the time and effort to think of us while we are out here. All of the Marines were surprised when they received stockings and that we also had a Christmas tree to enjoy. It is incredible how much support we receive from back home. We are truly grateful for your support not only during the holidays but throughout the year. It's amazing how the little things always go a long way. It is organizations and people like you that remind us why we do what we do. Thank you and God Bless, GySgt Dave Melka Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48 Great Lakes, IL _______________________________
I would like to personally THANK YOU... on behalf of myself, the Marines here at SEI Platoon, Maintenance Company and all forward deployed troops away from home this holiday season! Your efforts and support help to bring a little bit of home to each and every one of us! I'd like to also THANK the following for their efforts and contents of my personal stocking: -WMBD-31 & FOX-43 of Central Illinois -Washington Presbyterian Church -Mason and the other K/1st Grade CCD Students at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Roanoke. -Brandon and his fellow W.D. Boyce Council Boy Scouts of America in Peoria. -Alberta Anderson of Pekin. Your organization's continued support is greatly appreciated and brought us all a little bit of Christmas joy this year, which plays a vital role in keeping the Marines' spirits and morale high. We at SEI can't thank you enough! "SEMPER FI" GySgt Michael D. McComas SEI Maintenance Chief Maintenance Company Supply Bn (-)Rein Al Taqaddum, Iraq _______________________________
Thank you for your support and all of the stockings that you sent. You‚re support and generosity for all the troops over here means the world to us. It makes our sacrifices worth while; please continue your support each year that the troops are here, it means a lot to all of us. I‚ve included a picture of part of group with the stockings. Once again thank you for your support and generosity. V/R SFC Boyer, Brian _______________________________
CIPFM, We are MWSS 473, a reserve unit of Marines in Iraq. We received stockings from you for Christmas; attached is a picture of the platoon with stockings. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this Holiday season away from our families. Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 Communications Platoon _______________________________
Thank you so much for the Christmas stockings you sent. Attached is a photo of several medics with their stockings from our treatment platoon at the Camp Ramadi Battalion Aid station in Iraq. We are an Army unit but fall under a Marine command and work at a FOB (Forward Operating Base) with just as many Marines as Soldiers. Everyone who received your stockings was very appreciative. Thanks so much for sending some holiday cheer our way. Sincerely, Dave Bray, MD MAJ MC USA Dermatologist Senior Battalion Surgeon for C CO 3BSB 1BCT 3ID Camp Ramadi, Iraq APO AE 09396 _______________________________
On behalf of Alpha Company 3d Sustainment Battalion, 3d Sustainment Brigade FOB Q-West, Iraq I would like to thank all of you, who who took the time out of your schedules to assemble the these fine holiday stockings. The Holiday season is most difficult time of year to be so far from our families. We are delighted that although we cannot be among you at this specail time of year, it is very heart warming that you continue to keep us in your thoughts. From our Family to yours thank you central Illinois for your generocity during this season of giving. Attached is a picture of the Company with the stockings. Thank you Honored to Serve, SSG Ricky Melton Night Operations NCOIC A Co. 3d SB STB FOB Q-WEST APO AE 09351 _______________________________
Thank you so much for the gifts and stockings that you sent to our unit. Attached is a picture of a small section to which you brought holiday cheer. God bless you and your families during Christmas and this Holiday Season. Respectfully, Corey Pullig Captain, USMC Battalion Judge Advocate 3d LAR Battalion COP Rawah, Iraq _______________________________
Dear Friends, Today, the marines and I received your Christmas Stockings that you sent. We do appreciate what we have received. Though we are not home for the holidays, we know we are being thought of by our families, friends and people like you who do what you can do bring a little bit of Christmas to us and the other service members. Thank you for taking the time to fill these stockings, because we know it was with love in thanks that you did this for us. God Bless you! R/S MSGT ISABEL CASTILLO CAMP TAQADDUM, IRAQ _______________________________
Holiday Greetings! We thank you so very much for the numerous Christmas stockings you sent to us in Iraq. Attached are pictures from the Marines of 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Rawah, Iraq. Once again, thank you for making this a joyous holiday season! I am attaching these pics separately as they will not send due to the size, etc. Semper Fidelis, 1stSgt Gary E. Gall H&S Company, 3D LAR _______________________________
On behalf of Truck Company Maintenance Platoon, I would like to thank all of you who took the time out of your schedules to put together these stockings for us. Being away from home and family during the holidays isn't something any of us want to do, but gifts like this let us know that we are in your thoughts and that there are people at home that care. Being from LaSalle County, knowing these gifts came from central Illinois was pretty special to me. Attached is a picture of the platoon with the stockings. Thank you Respectfully Sent, Sgt Newell Justin P Platoon Sergeant Truck Co. Maint. _______________________________
Ms. Smith, the Red Dragons just wanted to wish you and all the volunteers to include your families Happy Holidays. The attached photo contains every member, Marine and Sailor, of this command you and the volunteers have supported with the wonderful stockings. Once again, "Thank you for the support and Happy Holidays." "Semper Fi" SgtMaj Diaz HMM-268 Red Dragons _______________________________
Thank you for your support and all of the stockings that you sent. You’re support and generosity for all the troops over here means the world to us. It makes our sacrifices worth while; please continue your support each year that the troops are here, it means a lot to all of us. I’ve included a picture of part of group with the stockings. Once again thank you for your support and generosity. V/R SFC Boyer, Brian NCOIC, TAMP-Iraq ____________________________________
Holiday Greetings! We thank you so very much for the numerous Christmas stockings you sent to us in Iraq. Attached are pictures from the Marines of 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Rawah, Iraq. Once again, thank you for making this a joyous holiday season! I am attaching these pics separately as they will not send due to the size, etc. Semper Fidelis, 1stSgt Gary E. Gall H&S Company, 3D LAR ____________________________________
Holiday Greetings! We thank you so very much for the numerous Christmas stockings you sent to us in Iraq. Attached are pictures from the Marines of 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Rawah, Iraq. Once again, thank you for making this a joyous holiday season! Semper Fidelis, 1stSgt Gary E. Gall H&S Company, 3D LAR ____________________________________
Thank you all for your gift boxes of stockings and your continued prayers, support and safe wishes. On behalf of all the Marines of CLB-8, especially those of the S-4 section, Merry Christmas and have a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year. Semper FI 1stLt Miller, Edward H CLB-8 S-4 Camp Fallujah ____________________________________
We have just received the stockings that were sent to our unit. Attached are the photos of the young Marines that received them. My Marines are very grateful for the Christmas spirit that your organization has touched them with. Thank you very much. SgtMaj Halcovich R VMFA(AW)-225 ____________________________________
I want to thank you for sending me and my Marines a care package during the holidays it really means a lot to us that American citizens care thank you and god bless…..Have a great day…. And Happy Holidays SGT VALENTIN D 372 MAINTENANCE PLT. SGT ____________________________________
Thanks for the Christmas stockings. The soldiers really liked them and gave them a touch of home. The soldiers spirts are high, as we looking forward to our return to the states. My unit is out of Ft. Riley,KS. We are with the 1st Infanrty Division. We have been in country since Feb. We are thankful to have people back in the states who support the troops. We are surley the greatest nation in the world!!! SGT Zimmer Dco. 216th IN ____________________________________
I received six boxes today full of Christmas stocking! Thank you so much for the work, coordination, and effort you and others put into Operation Santa. Every month, all the Marines located on the base here in Baghdad get together for a social where we eat and have a good time. For our next social in December, I will announce to all the Marines what CIPFM has provided before I issue out all the stockings. I will also take pictures and send them to you. Thanks again! Melvin Burch 1st Lieutenant Melvin D. Burch, USMC Battle Captain, C3 Joint Operation Center Multi-National Corps-Iraq ____________________________________