FEEDBACK FROM OUR TROOPS
May 2011 - Jim Hesson rcvd these pictures of the 159th CAB (Combat Aviation Brigade), the unit we're currently supporting.
The first one is a photo of the 7-101 CSM with a group of care packages. Then, two soldiers receiving boxes. The last photo is of CW4 David McFarland, from Sarasota, FL! His Wife, Pam, also from Sarasota, is the 159th CAB’s Family Readiness Support Assistant!
Email received February 2011 by BG Hesson -
My name is SSG John Durham. My unit just got to Afghanistan last month. Our CSM brought some mail out to our small FOB a few days ago and there were many packages labeled from Operation S-O-T. I just want to say thank you from myself and from the soldiers at FOB Bande Sardeh.
I found your card in one of the big boxes and wanted to E-mail you to tell you thank you and ask that you relay our Thanks to those that also helped and supported with sending packages. I know that many soldiers do not think to look for a return address or something of the sort so that a Thank You can be sent, So I made it a point to find one at least.
Care packages have always given me a smile when I get one, and I know that our soldiers here are the same way.
Our FOB is smaller than a Football field so you know that we would not have any of the things that a bigger FOB would have. Most of the bldgs we have here have been built by us or the unit we replaced. Living spaces are tight, but at least we are out of the direct weather and have cheaply made heaters to keep the living areas somewhat warm.
Again Thank You for continuing to support the troops.
Thanks,
SG John Durham
Letter rcvd 12-18-10 from Chaplain Dave Mowbray, 2/6 Marines, Afghanistan
Don,
We have had a lot of boxes from you guys! I have sent out thank yous,
but you know how slow the mail can be.
Please convey my gratitude to all the folks there in and around
Sarasota. The packages made a difference, as there are no real
resources here. The few stores here are all poor imitations of a Dollar
Tree. My girls won't be getting any Afghan Christmas gifts to say the
least.
Our mail has just been cut off, so please don't send anything more. I'd
hate for it to get kicked back to you and waste your postage.
Blessings to you this Christmas, and thanks once again for all you have
done to help our Marines and Sailors here in Marjah. We have had a
tough fight and are ready to get home soon.
Sincerely,
Dave Mowbray
Chaplain
2/6 Spartans
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Letter received in July 2010
Letter & pictures received in May 2010:
A February 2010 letter & certificate received by the faithful S-O-T package senders from St. Martha's Church, Sarasota.
Chairperson Mary Anne Thompson reports they recently sent another 15 boxes!
February 2010 Certificate to faithful S-O-T package-senders Barb & Frank Hodalski:
February 2010 Letter from 2/2 Marine Chaplain John Eastman & RPSN Eddington to St Martha's S-O-T Committee - (Chairperson Mary Anne Thompson reports they recently sent another 7 boxes, using our new addresses).
(Note- St. Martha's Ladies sent McDonald's Certificates!)
1-5-10 - U.S. Army EMail and pictures
We thank all of you from the bottom of
our hearts. It's wonderful Americans
like all of you that serve as a reminder of the kindness and generosity of
our Country. Our Soldiers appreciate every item sent to them and I hope
that they have responded to the members of S-O-T with many thanks.
God bless you and all who
continue to remember the fine young men and women
of the 425th BSTB (Airborne).
V/r,
CSM Montoya
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