Thank You Notes from the Troops

OC gets notes of thanks directly from our troops and indirectly from supporters who have heard from the troops. In an effort for all of our supporters to share in these I will add notes as they arrive in my snail mail or email box. I will reduce their names to just their initials to protect the privacy of the sender. The notes are to both the OC supporters and the Knitting Corps supporters.

Many arrive written on a flap of a used MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) that the service member has used as a post card. Here is an example of the front and back of a typical mailing:

_______________________

11/24/11

(This note was sent to one of the children at the middle school via OC.)

Dear Ms. J.N.,

I am a staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and I received your letter in a Ziploc container with some Nutter Butter cookies- a care package given to us by our Sergeant Major. We are currently serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thank you for the letter and the items that you sent us. The good thing about pop stars and football players is that they keep the Marines happy when we hear their music or find out that our team won a game. Your thoughts also make us happy and keep us motivated. I served two years with a Staff Sergeant named K.N.- is he any relation to you? To answer your questions, my name is Staff Sergeant B.B. and I am from Colorado (stationed in California) and I have been in the Marine Corps for nine years on January 20. Military Service is sort of a higher calling and a way of life for me. Aside from the COprs I like to do distance running and skydiving and scuba diving. I don't if I can really say that I have any "heroes" but I do have a lot of admiration for the Marines who have fought before me throughout history. I can oonly pray that we live up to thier honor and carry on their legacy during our time. Once again, thank you for the letter. In an environment of acronyms and military jargon it is good to hear the language of a normal American kid.

Semper Fidelis,

B.B., SSgt, USMC

(This note is from a Marine in a combat zone to a child at a local school. He may not have any "heroes", but I do and he's one of them -Doc)

_______________________

1/16/12

On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, THANK YOU! for the kindness and generosity that you have shown us recently through the gifts that you have sent us. It is patriotic Americans like you that enable us to do our jobs here and get through this deployment faster. And we are truly grateful. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. God Bless!

Sincerely
LT J. G., Chaplain
1st Recon BN

_______________________

1/18/12

 I got the beanie and scarf that you made. Just know that I really liked them both. It's people like ya'll that are willing to take time out of your day to make a beanie and scarf for someone you don't even know. It's people like you that make me honored to fight for this country of ours and ensure that you live a life of happiness and freedom. I know every night I will sleep with them on to keep me warm in these chilling nights. Stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas & New Year.
We hope that this means as much to all of you, as it did to us.

Cpl X. F. R., USMC

_______________________

12/12/11

I just got back from battlefield circulation with the Colonel and I returned to many, many boxes.  I'll be pushing those out to our Battalions.  It will take a very long time, but it will get out.  Mail from many are flowing in with very little assets to move it out, but we'll move it out to our Warriors.  

 

Thank you so very much for all that you have sent and all those will enjoy it.

Merry Christmas!

SgtMaj C.C., USMC

_______________________

12/10/10

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the organization "Operation Caregiver" for your support of the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers of the 1st Marine Division, particularly HQ Battalion Fwd. We truly appreciate your efforts and generosity. Your gift demonstrates your dedication and support for the military and provides the service members currently deployed a bright spot in their day. Through your faithful support of HQ Battalion Fwd, you embody the values of self-sacrifice, patriotism and community spirit which inspires our service.....

Semper Fidelis,

K.M.T., Capt., USMC, HQ BN Fwd

_______________________

10/01/10

Thank you for the care packages! SgtMaj M.K. provided many boxes for my battalion. I distributed all the items I received to my Marines and Sailors who are serving throughout Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

My Marines and Sailors are spread out over 20+ small combat outposts. None of these positions have PX's or fancy chow halls. Most eat only filed rations or food from home. So care packages are our main source of comfort and hygiene, regular food and other items. It is great to be able to share these boxes from back home with the Marines. Care package items carry great meaning to them all.

...Even though our battalion is thousands of miles from home, care packages and letters from home help with the distance. We appreciate your gift, your support and your prayers.

Serving God & Country,

Lt. C.M, USN-CHC, 3/3 USMC

_______________________

1/1/11

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the promise of the new year. I'm writing to thank you for the thoughtful care package of coffee you sent. Obviously coffee makes the Marine Corps work just a bit better than it would normally be, so it is a precious commodity that we often find ourselves low or out.

SgtMaj A. was kind enough to share with us what you sent and I must say that while regular coffee is always appreciated, that top-of-the-line stuff you sent was as surprising as it was/will be put to quick use.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know we really appreciate the thought and care.

Sincerely,

SSgt J.S., 3/25, USMC

_______________________

2010

Thanks a million for organizing this program and taking the lead on getting packages to us here in Al-Anbar. I promise you that these packages will be sent to our front line outfits.

Please pass on to all of the generous volunteers that each and every one of us appreciates their kindness and devout Patriotism. Our young men and women over here will remember this for the rest of their lives.

...It is a true honor to be associated with such great Americans.

...

Semper Fidelis,

SgtMaj W.N.O., MNF-W CSM

_______________________

2010

Thank you for the continued support you give to the Marines and Sailors of 1st Recon Battalion. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated patriots who take such good care of us while we are deployed. You all are a blessing and we are genuinely grateful for your support. Wishing you all God's richest blessings. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

J.G., 1st Recon BN

_______________________

12/06/2011

As I write this I am writing in the middle of Afghanistan where I would normally be cold but because of your foundation ...I am finally warm and comfortable for the first time in weeks.  I never knew before coming to Afghanistan how cold it would get, so receiving your scarf and booties were more than amazing. It really helps to know that there are people and foundations out there to support us in our endeavors. Please continue to support us in what we do. Everyone here appreciates what you do for us; never forget that.

Thank you!

Cpl E.S., USMC, 1st Recon BN

_______________________

12/9/2011

We received your care packages and just wanted to take some time to say thank you! The knitted socks and cap were such a blessing to receive. I actually sleep in them nightly and they keep me very cozy when our heater goes out.

Your kind words and support are very appreciated. It's tough being away from home during the Holidays. But the care packages make us feel closer to home. We truly can't thank you enough.

Sincerely,

HM3 T.W.S., USN, 1st Recon BN, Afghanistan

_______________________

2011

I wanted to send a short note to thank you for the care packages. It means a lot to us knowing the people at home take the time and effort to let us know that we are thought of. The contents did not sit idle long, the brought many Marines a small piece of home. Your efforts do not go unappreciated. Again, on behalf of the Marines and Sailors of 3rd Recon BN, thank you!

Semper Fidelis,

J.R., Capt, USMC, Sangin, Afghanistan

_______________________

12/02/2011

On behalf of the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 5 (RCT-5), I want to use this opportunity to say thank you for your kind gesture. We really appreciate the care packages you send us, we are truly blessed to know that someone is thinking about us. We pray that God will replenish your pocket in one hundred fold, amen.

Again thank you very much for the care packages.

Best Wishes,

RCT-5 Marines

_______________________

2012

On behalf of the 1st Recon BN, I want to thank Operation Caregiver for all of what they do. As Marines and Sailors and Soldiers in Afghanistan our "quality of life" is so much brighter from the packages received here. Many of the members here at 1st Recon use the products for daily needs and morale booster in this time of war. Thanks you so much for your support.

Merry Christmas!

Cpl. W.F., USMC

_______________________

12-22-11

On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of 1st recon BN, THANK YOU for the kindness and generosity you have continually shown us through the care packages and knitted goods you have sent us, It is patriotic Americans like you all that enable us to do our jobs here and get through this deployment faster. And we are truly grateful. Wishing all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Sincerely,

J.C, Lt, 1st RECON BN

_______________________

2010

Thank you so much for the care packages! My name is L.M.,  I am 26 yrs old & currently a Sergeant with the US Marine Corps. I'm stationed in Northern Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During my time here I have been working as a team leader for a Female Engagement Team (FET). Our job is to talk to women & children RE issues within their community. This job also includes gathering information on their suspected husbands/fathers. It is a very interesting job and for the most part we love what we do. We go about 45 days between showers and hot meals so the treats are welcome and having soaps & things to hygiene with means we get to smell good for awhile so thank you again. Please enjoy your holidays and take care. :)

Sgt. L.M.

_______________________

1/19/12

Just wanted to let you know we got a bunch of care packages in the mail today from Operation Caregiver. :) You guys are awesome as always, and we are thankful for all you do for us.

God bless you in all that you do. Keep in touch!

Lt. J.G.

_______________________

Thank you very much for the care packages that you have sent to myself and my fellow Marines. It means a lot to me to know that you are about us even though we have never met.

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

I would sincerely like to thank you for the care package. Everything was much needed and appreciated. Thenk you for the time and thought you put into the package.

Sgt. D.G., USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for the care package that you have put together for me. It has everything I need plus more. So thank you and God bless you for the support.

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for all of your support. Getting the package really menat a lot to me. I want to say thenk you for the time and effort put into the package.

Sgt. C., RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you very much for every one of your care packages. It means a lot to all of us here; most importantly all of the support from home. I remember when I sent a letter like you guys did when I was in middle school. I never got a reply back but I can understand why it's hard to find the time sometimes. I want to take the time to tell you guys how much I truly appreciate your letters. Your letters are touching and motivating and it makes every day of it worth it. Take good care of yourselves and work hard in school.

Cpl D. USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

I'm with RCT-5 Motor Transport. I am a wrecker operator. Thank you very much for the Care Package. Everything in there ia always needed and not always available.

Cpl. M., USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank You!

I appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers for myself and my fellow Marines. These care packages will be put to grat use! I proudly serve my Country and represent for people like you. Thank you for your support!

Sgt. C.A., USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

I thank you very much for everything you have sent. It really helps us all out and keeps us going. Thank you for your support and prayers.

Sincerely,

PFC G., USMC, RCT-5

P.s. Stay in school.

_______________________

Thank you for the love and support. Knowing we have people like you standing behind us makes being here worth it. Thank you. AGAIN!

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

I just want to thank you for taking the time to gather the resources to be able to send Marines like myself. Things we need to make the fight as comfortable as a fight can be. I know my Marines as well as myself are grateful.

Cpl R. USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you so much for the goods you have sent me and my unit. They mean the world to us because we will use and need everything you sent us. It helps us when we are doing missions and can't take showers or eat good food or when we are at camp and are too busy to get to the PX. We have the stuff you kind people sent us to keep us going and hygiened, so thank you.

Sincerely,

LCpl S.S., USMC, RCT-5

P.S. God will reward you all for your kindness and generosity.

_______________________

Thank you so much for your support and loving support. This package I received really helped me out a lot. Thanks so much. I am proud to serve you.

PFC K. USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thanks so much for your package. It realy helps and keeps our morale high and smiles on our face. I am doing fine over here and thank you for your support. God Bless You!

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for your support. I appreciate all the goodies inmy package.

Cpl. T.J. USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Hi, I am Sgt. B., and I am one of many marines that received your care packages.
I would like to thank you for your care and supportand also to let you know that everyting you do for your troops is greatly appreciated.

Semper Fidelis,

Sgt. B, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for the support and care packages. Really enjoying the cookies!

Sincerly,

Illegible, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for the snacks and hygiene accessories. I really appreciate your support. It's good to know that thee are people out there who care about us. Once again, thank you very much for everything.

Cpl. G. USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

I'm grateful for all those items that I've received in this care package. I really appreciate the support and effort you have given thus far to make our deploment just that much more enjoyable. God Bless!

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you for the care package. It was very helpful.

Unsigned, USMC, RCT-5

_______________________

Thank you Caregivers for all the support. It really means a lot when we get Yalls care packages and letters. In those letters Yall thank us for being Yalls heroes but I thank you for being my heroescus it puts a lot of motivation in me when there is people like you that cares about us. My name is Cpl.G. I'm from Houston, TX. My email address is (unintelligible).

Cpl. G, USMC, RCT-5