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                 FEEDBACK FROM OUR TROOPS

                    June 2008 report from Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution

Don,
    We have many letters from 1st. Lt. Estaban Vickers unit.  They are a great bunch!   Sent us letters & picture of the unit. 
Our biggest surprise came Saturday just in time for Flag Day celebration.   1st.Lt.Vickers sent us a USA Flag & Certificate.                                                                                   The flag was flown over Camp Fallujah, Iraq on May 11, 2008 dedicated to the Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution, Florida.                                                                   We plan to take the flag & cert. to the Flag Day luncheon planned by the Son & Daughters at the Field Club on Sat. June 14th.                                                                     Our Congressman  Vern Buchanan  & Florida State Regent Sue Bratton & others will be attending.                                    

    We are so proud of them and when we asked what more we could send, they just wanted more sun flower seeds!

Regards,   Barb & Frank Hodalski

Letter received 1-11-08

 

 Click to enlarge: 

A   

A lovely letter from one of our female soldiers, SPC Valerie Mitchell, rcvd 10 May 2007

 A May 2007 Email  from US Army CPT  Richard Rodgers to a local church:

March 2007    

The 3/67 Armor (Hounds of Hell) returned home in December 2006 after a year tour in Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rustamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq. This is one of the units we have supported during 2006. Upon their return home they made up a shadow box recognizing our chapter for our efforts to make their lives a little more connected to home. The flag in the shadow box was flown over FOB Rustamiyah on 4 November 2006. The narrative with the flag reads as follows:

 "This certifies that the US Flag herewith presented to

Sarasota Florida Chapter

Military Officers Association of America

Was flown over the 3-67 AR Battalion Headquarters on Forward

Operating Base Rustamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 November 2006

Signed by Edwin Rodriguez, Command Sergeant Major, and Mark A. Bertolini, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding.

An accompanying Certificate of Appreciation reads as follows: "For your outstanding commitment to the soldiers of 3-67 Armor during our battalion’s deployment to Iraq from December 2005 thru November 2006. Your countless donations of gifts for our soldiers to pass on to Iraqi children and numerous sundry packages for our soldiers were both inspirational and will always be remembered. We greatly appreciate your steadfast support."

From BG Jim Hesson -

For all of you who participated with packages or funds, this is your recognition for your efforts. Do not quit now, there are still troops who need our support every day!

A short note from the recipient of a package:

                                                                                                                                        Nov 28, 2006

Dear MOAS and MOAA,

    I am a US Marine Sergeant currently deployed for the 3rd time and my name is Jaspreet Blevins. I would personally like to thank you for all that you are doing for us. It is difficult to get certain things you really want out here but with your help it is not a problem. The most exciting thing during any deployment is when we get a package. It helps us to go on with our daily routines knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of us. I thank you for taking care of us and your help is certainly appreciated and it keeps us going. Thank you.

 A July  2006 letter and picture from Marine LtCol Bryan F. Salas, thanking their "Sarasota Friends".

Dear BGen Hesson and Sarasota Friends - 

Greeting from the Marines in Iraq.  Many thanks for your generosity and support.  Dozens and dozens of Sarasota citizens send care packages to the Marines in Iraq.  Sarasota is a consistent supporter of its men and women that serve here through the weekly packages we receive.  I am not aware of any other city that provides its forward-deployed men and women this consistent support. 

          The packages are well thought out—large enough for a fireteam to share, small enough so that it is easy to transport, non-perishable and non-meltable food, sundries, and reading material. 

          We receive the packages here at the headquarters of the California-based First Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters and distribute them to the battalions of the 5th Marine Regiment that are based in and around Fallujah, Iraq. 

          The battalions are from all over America.  Two from California, one from the Reserve Forces in New England, more from North Carolina.

Semper Fidelis 

LtCol Bryan F. Salas

Multi National Force -- West

Public Affairs

 Other "thank you" letters. Click to enlarge.

 

 

                                                                                              

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