I wanted to reply to all the people of Rhode Island who added their heartfelt thoughts and prays to this site. I really do appreciate it. I wish I could thank each and every one of you for it. I have been deployed overseas 10 times and 6 times since 2001. It helps greatly knowing that we have so much love and support from the American People. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! ~~ABF1 Marshall ------- US Navy, Cranston, R.I.
I would just like to tell America, thank you for all of your support and love you give us. All of the care packages, letters and everything, it keeps our heads up and lets us know just who we are fighting for -- all of YOU. It's no wonder why I'd give the ultimate sacrifice to keep our great country free and safe. Everytime I come back from Iraq, I get applause, hand shakes, smiles, cheers, pats on the back and thank yous. It makes me feel good, knowing that I'm doing my part in protecting this great country. Again, Thank You all! Take Care and God Bless! ~~SrA Rock ------, SLC
No need to know my name because I speak for many. I see the looks of my brothers and sisters in arms when their feet are cold or the ground is flat and hard and there are no soft pillows for them to use...as they catch a rare few hours of sleep. I see their tears when they wish for a card from home or a package- and wonder if they are adopted yet on the list that was given to Homefront Hugs. They turn away as I begin to look but I know the pain and I know the joy of receiving a package...and knowing I was not forgotten. I share whatever I can but it is not the same as getting your own and seeing your name on that package. If you find it in your heart to adopt a soldier this holiday season...or buy some socks or travel pillows or a warm blanket for any of us- please know we ALL appreciate it. I know Homefront Hugs sends reminders out for after the season- and is always telling me how awesome their volunteers are...and we agree. Just please remember those still waiting and those still hurting- though they would never admit it. You all are heroes to us- and I wish only this Christmas that every last soldier,airman and Marine who is waiting to be adopted and maybe just for a pair of warm socks and a letter- is not waiting too long. The power of depression and feeling forgotten is heavy and affects our ability to do the best we can-but hell- we'll never admit it. We'll tell you everything is fine...even when our toes are freezin. Please help if you can - and God bless you all - and thank you for keeping us warm and caring even if we forget to tell you. You all are our guardian angels every day we serve. ~~Marine in Iraq
On the morning of Thanksgiving we were all a little down. Then later that day, we received your boxes. I can't begin to tell you the gratitude we all felt and the smiles that it put on the faces of all the soldiers here. But the thing that touched us the most wasn't the content of the boxes. The thing we were most proud of and what touched us all the most was the enclosed card with a picture off all the great Americans there waving and smiling at us. The entire mood changed and our Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving again. We all ate 'Army Food' for Thanksgiving and talked about everything you guys sent, but again the talk kept going back to the card and the obvious support and love and care that your group sent. We noticed young, old, disabled, moms, dads, sons, and daughters. And we could also pick out the ones that have even served themselves, they just have that look!! Please tell all of them from the bottom of the heart of many soldiers located in an isolated forward operating base in Iraq, we received their gratitude on Thanksgiving day when we needed it the most. We may be serving here in Iraq but you guys are the Heroes. Thank You Again with the deepest Respect. ~~Major K.O.
I just received your package. I wanted to take this time to thank you for your thoughts, and more importantly your time. We are doing a job that our country has called us to do and you are making that job easier. I am not much of a 'candy man.' However, I wanted you to know that I put it to good use. Today, on mission, I took the candy and gave it to as many children as I saw. You cannot imagine the smiles of these kids who have nothing and surely have never had candy. My heart nearly melted completely, when a little girl from Kirkuk blew me a kiss and said thank you! It is the little things in life that make the difference. Keep up the work and know that it is making a difference! Thanks again! ~~Specialist B.Q.
I WANT TO THANK ALL THE GOOD AMERICANS WHO DID NOT FORGET ABOUT ME IN THE WAR ZONE. I FEEL PROUD TO BE IN THIS GREAT FAMILY WHICH IS THE US ARMY THE WORLD STRONGEST MILITARY.YOU MAKE ME FEEL STRONG. I SACRIFICE MY FREEDOM TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM TERRORISTS. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DOING BY SUPPORTING US TROOPS. WE WILL FIGHT UNTIL THE END TO MAKE AMERICA THE FREE COUNTRY. ~~PFC ROMAIN ------, BROOKLYN, N.Y.
Thank you everyone for your support. All the soldiers greatly appreciate the things you do, including myself who is currently in Mosul, Iraq. ~~SPC Nathan ------ Army, Hot Springs, Ark.
