I just wanted to write you and tell you how much appreciate the care package I received! I’m know the thoughtful people who send all the needed items can boost the morale more than you may ever know. I am proud to serve our country and even prouder of the people back home who took time to send a soldier some love.
Thank you
Cpl W G

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45 push-ups! That was one soldier’s payment for Girl Scout cookies and M & Ms! We share by starting the “bidding” on the items sent. It was an idea we came up to keep things fair. We had a lot of fun yesterday after we received your box. The items were great and we really appreciate your thought, generosity, and support. I am writing on behalf of the soldiers, and my husband who received your package. We are blessed to be in the same unit. We don’t get a lot of free time.
Thank you again!
You really made our day!
S G

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Thank you so very much for thinking of my soldiers and sending them your gifts and care package. It’s nice folks like yourself that makes our year here bearable. We truly are proud to serve you and to hopefully make your world and ours safer.
It is so hot, windy, and sandy here and it gets hotter each day! Still, receiving gifts from nice people like you makes our days a little more comfortable and reminds us you care.
Thank you!
Sincerely E B

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Thank you for the care package. It was very nice. What you all are doing is a great thing for us over here. It's always nice to receive a "taste" of home.
Thanks again.
EW

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I want to thank you very much for the service you provide for all our troops overseas. Everything you do is deeply appreciated. Getting any kind of mail here means more to the troops than anyone can really understand. We all thank you from the bottoms of our hearts and hope to be home real soon.
SPC CW

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Hello I am stationed in Afghanistan. I wanted to take the time to thank you for the package you sent. I came home for R&R and I could have asked for a better one. I got married, and also on my last day there I spent my wife's birthday with her.
Once again thank you for your support.
Spc. SS

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thank you from all of us here in navy customs, we appreciate everything the folks do for us back home.
have a great day and keep up the good work.
J

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I recently received a care package from your organization and I wanted to say thank you. I appreciate your kindness and support for us. I hope all is well with you, as for me, I am doing well. I would also like to say thank you, hello, and I hope all is well for others who have also sent us letters included in the box; I appreciate the fact that you all took the time out to send your regards and support.
Thank you, Gunny T

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thank you, thank you, thank you
i dont know you but i am american soldier sworn to defend all walks of life in our country i would like to take the time to say thank you very much i am very gratful for the box i recieved it made my day i have 15 months here in iraq and your support makes it that much easier
thank you
B

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hello
Thanks for the package. i am station inIraq. I got a package from you today. Just want to say thanks, that i appreciate it very much.
Bye
E

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Thank you very much for the care packages you send out. There was something for everyone in the package, and we all send a big thank you. Organizations like your make it a lot easier on the troops over here. It gives us all just the little bit extra in knowing that people are back home supporting us and what we do. Thanks again from all of us.
B S

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Hey how’s it going? I am very grateful for your package and letter. My friends and I greatly appreciate it. It is very kind of you to do such a thing, since not many people do stuff like this any more. Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to get something in the mail here, and I have been very busy trying to settle in.
A little about me, I am 22 and a native of Illinois. I come from a small town, so I am kind of a small town boy. I am in the National Guard, I will be here for the next 8 months.
At home I am a loan processor at a small bank, but I think I am going back to school when I get home. I want to get a bachelors degree in business.
I just wanted to extend my thanks to you and the organization. Like I said before it is a great and wonderful thing you do and I hope everyone gets to be apart of your group or program.
Again thank you so much,
SPC C L

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On behalf of all the soldiers in our section, we would like to say thank you for the time and care that you have put into the boxes that you have sent our troops working to bring peace to the people of Iraq. Your boxes brighten their lives and put a smile on the faces of our soldiers and lets them sit back and have a piece of home. The road is long and tough but knowing that we have your support helps to make hat travel not such a lonely one. Once again thank yo for all your support
The Soldiers, NCO’s, and Officers of the Support Ops Team

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Thanks for supporting the troops. I received your care package yesterday. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart “Thanks”. And on behalf of my soldiers, we appreciate everything you do for us to make things and life a little bit better here.
God Bless You and Your Organization
1SG C

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Thank You for all the goodies you sent us! It was only nano-seconds until all the yummy and useful stuff you sent was dispersed. A lot of people received great joy in your surprise. We’re all doing okay here. Most people are deployed 4, 6, or 12 months. Everyone works well together as the professional team that they are.
Often times there are thoughts that people in the U.S. have forgotten or don’t care much about the wars going on…But coming here has shown me that there are still many people, like yourselves, who haven’t forgotten us.
Thank you again so much for your thoughtfulness. You’ve brightened the day for many here!
Sincerely M McC

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I received a package for my detachment today from you guys and wanted to say thank you. We appreciate all you do for those of us serving over here and everywhere else the government sends us. It’s nice to know we are defending citizens who care about us and are willing to show it by taking time out of their day to volunteer to do this. I have been out here almost four months, but still have a while to go. But I don’t mind it out here. It is what I have been trained to do and why I joined. Wherever the government wants me, I’ll be there.
Sincerely.
LCPL N

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Greetings from the Middle East – I just wanted to drop you a quick note and thank you for your time, and for the box you sent. Quite frankly, people like you make the world a more pleasant place to live.
I am honored to be deployed and to defend a great person like you. I am grateful that you took the time to write me, and I am honored to have made your acquaintance.
Godspeed
K W

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Just a note to say thank you for all your Support and Care and Effort.
We Really Appreciate it!
SGT J R

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Just wanted to take the time to say thank you very much for the packages, it was very thoughtful of your organization. I am currently a member of the RED HORSE Group (We do heavy construction), we can deploy on short notice and be self sufficient, in others we protect and feed ourselves. This is my 2nd deployment since 9/11, and even though my family doesn't want me to come, I feel that I need to. That's why I joined so long ago, 1980 to be exact. I feel that someone needs to protect our country and through out the years I have ran into a lot of people that are not willing to put their lives on the line if they need to. Some people don't even know that the military is no different than lawyer, doctors, or even teachers. Ours is the Profession of Arms, and I'm proud to belong to such a distinguished group of individuals.
I receive packages from my own family, like many others who are deployed, but sometimes it means more when we get a package from complete strangers who are willing to support us. We read and watch the news and see what people think about what we are doing over here, unfortunately, I do not put any faith in the news media. They only play up to what is going wrong and not the good that we are doing in both countries.
My daughter is in the JROTC, and I'm glad to see that one of the young ladies whose name was on the letter is also in JROTC.
MSGT L A C

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i just want to say thank you for the care package i received today. thank you for all your care, kindness and support. means alot and it lets me know that there are people out there who really care about the soldiers and what we do out here. thank you so much.
Janet R

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I just want to send a thank you for the care package you sent to me in March. I appreciated all the support you have given me.
Robyn

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I just want to say thank you for the care package. I received it today and I enjoyed everything that you sent to me. I really don't think people know how much, with somethings small as a care package can make a soldier's day around here. Sometimes as a soldier you truly do feel like the world has forgotten about the troops over here fighting. But when we receive care packages and letters it lets us know that it is not true. But, once again I would just like to take the time to say Thank You :-)
PFC TA

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I wanted to send you a quick thank you note for the care package I received today. It was wonderful and made my day here in Iraq. All of the items are useful and will certainly come in handy. I have a little over 2 months to go until I return home. I am in the Navy and working with the Army and it has been quite an experience, a great one, but different from the Navy. I work with a group that is charged with defeating the road-side bombs. It has been a very rewarding experience and one that I will never forget.
Thanks again for the package. I appreciate your thoughts and kindness to the troops.
BD

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Video sent to us by Echo Company - download in Windows Media format (61MB please be patient)

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It must sound odd to hear, but we heard about all the harsh winter weather hitting the States, and I actually thought to myself-“I wish I was shoveling snow.” I think back to the simple things back home-things that make home that “one” place. The place where you can spend the day in your old-holey sweats, complaining about yet another thing that needs to be done that will have to wait-because there never seems to be enough time. I know all of you know what I mean!

Thank you for everything-every thought-every prayer. Know that we carry you with us-to lift us when things are darkest. And the next time you shovel snow-or attempt to make it to the restroom in the middle-of-the-night, I want you to stop, just for a moment, and smile.
RM

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On behalf of all my men I would like to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to you for your support. Since our tour we have been overwhelmed with the care and support that not only loved ones have supplied us, bu the enormous generosity that perfect strangers have showed us as well. I once believed that there was no such thing as an altruistic act however, anyone of the boxes our Platoon has received has proved me wrong. It warms my heart to know that people take the time, money, and effort to pack and ship a box 8000 miles across barren land with only the hope that it bring a smile to someone's face. You will never know how much your support means to all of us, how a bite into your favorite candy bar can bring you home. All your thoughts, prayers, and hugs wrapped in these boxes are a constant reminder of why we do what we do.
FC

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We received your package, thanks for thinking about us! Everything sent will be put to good use and is greatly appreciated by us--especially the candy and snacks.

Our FOB sits at 5000 ft above sea level. But this country holds so much sorrow and utter poverty that it is difficult at times to even enjoy some of most incredible sights here, like the sun setting over the mountains. I miss everything about the states and can't wait to get back to see my family. We've received donations of holiday decorations from back home. The hanger, shops, and my desk area are pretty festive. It's not much, but it's the little things that really help keep our spirits up and make the time here a little more bearable. Thank you for supporting our troops and our Nation's Military, and I wish you all the best during this Holiday Season.
BB

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Thank you for all the wonderful care packages. God Bless you and your families
SSG H

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Hi things are OK, but being stuck here is no thrill. This is my 3rd time mobilized with desert storm, operation Iraqi freedom, operation enduring freedom, and Afghanistan. I look forward to my return to the states and to finally remove my uniform. Thank you for the care package that included books, cookies, candy and many other items.
take care, Tim

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As my tour of duty finally draws to an end here, I've reflected on a few things. First, I would like to express my appreciation for family and friends. It has never ceased to amaze me the generosity and fellowship complete strangers are willing to give others.

Now that we are ready to go, or almost, I wonder if I contributed to the "war on terrorism"? Was my presence necessary? Not from where I'm sitting, but I'm sure someone who received that critical email or was ablt to view a mission timeline thinks I did a splendid job and that my time was indispensable. It's just hard to see what kind of impact you make on someone's life here.

Retirement is right around the corner for me.now I need a career that doesn't involve travel. I hope that one day we can meet, but if that day never happens, please remember that I will think about you and the friendship you extended to me.
SSG LR

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thank you so much for the package I received from you. I really appreciate all you and S.K.I.P. do for all of us over here. Please tell everybody involved in S.K.I.P. thanks from all of us, and thank YOU especially for taking such great care of us.
CW2 Mark T

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Hello, thank you for the package with all the goodies. I shared the snacks with my fellow soldiers and they appteciate it as well. It means a lot to know that we are remembered over here. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Things are going well, just busy as ever.We are hoping things will slow down this winter for a well deserved break. Right now we are working 13 hur shifts 7 days a week. It makes the time go fast but it gets very tiring.
SPC Joshua H

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Thank you on behalf of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the British Army of the civilain police assistance training team headquarters, for keeping us all in your thoughts and sending us your generous care packages, Our primary mission is to assist the government of Iraq stand up to their local, provincial, and national police forces. It is truly amazing to see the men and women of Iraq stand up to sectarian violence and terrorism and say, "no more, this is my home, and I will make my neighborhood safe for my people."

It is not an easy mission, but it is a critical one. Your support is very important to us all. You are the greatest strength we have. Thank you again to all the members of the Special Kindness In Packages for supporting us all.
Katherine P.

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Thanks for the box of goodies. It is wonderful to know that others, others than our famiies, think of us.

We have a couple men from MA and NY we get to hear theese guys over the Yankees and Red Sox.....good times makes us all laugh and forget. Again Thank you
Darren T

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Please pass on my "hello" to everyone at special kindness in packages. I am sure you are all very busy this time of year. From all of us deployed we dearly appreciate it.
Laura R

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Hope you are fine and well. I want to thank you for the care package that you sent me. I appreciate it very much. I have been here 18 months. It is tough and dangerous but I am happy to serve our nation.
James VT

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Thank you for all you do back home to support us. I really appreciate the time you took to put together the package. Don't worry nothing goes to waste. We have a goodie table where our support letters and cards and supplies that are sent. It is very important to show other members just how much people back home support them.

We arrived here on a short notice deployment, we go anywhere to do anything as quickly as possible...this is our mission. We all have a bed to sleep on, ac and shower trailers. There is a PX which is out of almost everything you want or need but stocked full of what you don't. Thats just the way it is. We do have a chow hall that serves hot meals everyday so I can't say we are suffering here like some of the troopers in other areas. We work shift work and there is no such thing as days off or much personal time. I work with an outstanding company of troopers that are more dedicated than I have ever seen and their level of expertise in unparalleled.
Jonathan H

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Hello to you all.
On behalf of my fellow section leader (Mr. D B), along with all the soldiers that we command, I would like to thank you for your continued support of us overhere. Your cards, letters,and packages are the things that keep us going. It is just wonderful for us to get things from home from out fellow Americans. I want you to know that you don't ever have to send us anything just as long as you always keep us in your hearts and espically your prayers. We do this job not for the glory or the pay, but to protect our way of life. I'm sure that there are those out there that do not support the war (even some over here), but at least for me, your support of the everyday soldier is greatly appreciated.
Here is a picture of the soldiers that you are helping to support.
Thank you again for your continued support and I am humbled by it.
Joe S C

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I would like to say thank you for what you are doing. I received a care package from you the other day and it really brightened my day to say the least. We have a tough job over here, but it is made all the easier knowing the support we have back home. It makes the burden that much lighter to bear. We know we are appreciated, I just wanted to say that we appreciate you greatly as well. Thank you.
Christopher G.

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things have been very busy here. I have been working long 13 hour days, 7 days a week. I can't believe we have been here 3 months already, only 12 more to go. Things are to slow down around the end of Oct as snow arrives and blocks the mountain passes. It is getting cooler here, in the 90's compared to the 100 degree weather we were facing. I do miss many things from home though that I took for granted before, like going to the movies, going out to dinner, and going to stores. I do try to read the newspaper or watch the news to see what is going on back in the U.S. and around the world. I appreciate all of your support and than you for taking the time to send me a package. It means a lot to know that we are appreciated for what we are doing over here.
Thank you again
Joshua H.

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I just want to thank you and Special Kindness In Packages for the care package. It is much appreciated. My soldiers and I are doing well. We are staying busy. It is getting a little cooler here everyday. I think we are about to go into the rainy season. I heard it is going to be a big MUD festival. Not looking forward to that but it will be a change from choking on dust every day. Again thanks for your support of Military Personnel.
Thank you
Robyn G.

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We would all like to take a quick moment to express our sincere appreciation to you for your recent care package you sent to us. It means so much to all of us to know that there are people from home that support us and what we are doing over here. We work the night shift in a control center. There is Army, Navy, and Air Force working together here. We are a tight little bunch of coffee drinking fools. All of us have way different jobs when we go home--but do pretty much the same thing while we are her together. Once again, I would like to thank you for all of your support efforts and thoughts. We will definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
sincerely,
Jennifer T
Camera V
Dakota H
Mary Beth W

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I just wanted to personally thank you for supporting us with the love and packages and things that you so to support the military. That means alot knowing that someone cares.
Derone P

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I wanted to send you a note to thank you for the care package you sent to me. Because of the "activity" level we haven't had much down time. Again thank you so much of thinking of me and taking the time to send the packages in support of us.
R M

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Thank you for the package. It means a lot to me that you would send me all the items. I like receiving packages and mail as it brings up my moral. I share what I get with my fellow soldiers, seamen, airmen. Hope all is well with you and you are blessed.
Cindy B

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Thanks so much for sending the care package and for your support of our efforts. Everything you sent has been well received and of course everything we could eat went fast.
Thanks
RT

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Thank you so much for my package. I used the bath items and now I smell wonderful! So nice to have people out there that care so much for the troops, I really appreciate all of your support.
Nadine

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thanks for supporting us> I am sorry I didn't write back sooner. I really appreciate what you are doing for us.
SGT T

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thank you for your kindness. Everything you have sent will go to good use. Snacks are always a commodity here and, of course, necessities are always welcome. Well, we are all well here, just busy. That is always nice because it helps pass the days. The weather is HOT! However, we are managing well. Thanks again.
Devine

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Thank you for the goodies! I shared it with my battle buddies and we all appreciate it. Take care and God Bless You and your family.
Sincerely TSG Sheila A.

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Thank you so much for your package. There are no words to express how much you mean to me and all the Soldiers deployed away from their loved ones. It's so great knowing that there are wonderful people like you taking time out of your busy lives to think about us. I pray for you and thank God for people like you just as you pray for us. We couldn't do what we do without the support of so many back at home.
Things here are fine. We're very busy but it makes the time go by faster. The food at the Dining Facility is good and we have a Green Beans coffee shop that sells delicious coffee. We stay in 20 man tents right now but hopefully in a few months we will be moving into trailers. It'll be a lot more comfortable and we'll have more personal space. Right now there is only about 2 feet separating each person. Everyone seems to be in good spirits though but are looking forward to coming home next summer.
Take care and God Bless
Alicia

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I wanted to thank you for your care package you sent to me, everything was great! I loved the books, the candy, the hygiene items. It was right on the money. It does get really hot here, today was 130 and it was hot. Well we are getting ready to go to chow and back to the motorpool to work on some more Bradleys.
your friend
Dennis

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Thank you for your gift package. I know when soldiers get items form the homefront it does make them happy. Thank you for your care and thoughts.
We do thank you again for your gesture. Have a wonderful day!
SGT Keith A

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Thank you very much for the care package. Your support means everything to us. My Marines and I enjoyed everything you sent. Thank you again for taking the time to make us a little more comfortable.
Thank you
SSGT S

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The Marines and Sailors of _______ would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication and loyalty. We really appreciate you taking time out of your day to support us and we would like you to know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. On behalf of our Co Platoon we would like to thank you again and hope for your continual support throughout our tour in Iraq.
Respectfully
Unit ___

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Thanks for the care package, it was great getting it. I don't get much mail, so it was real nice. I have been in the service for 25 years, this is my last deployment. Things are going good here for me, we have been real busy since the great flood. I average about 26 miles by foot a day in the side valleys doing flood assessments. In Sept I will get a 15 day pass to go home back in the states. I am counting the days.
It looks like I will be here past March 2008, that will put my deployment at 545 days, that is a long time. I guess time fly's when you are having fun! We handed out some notebooks and pens to some local kids, look at the power of the pen.....so happy!
take care,
TIM

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Thanks so much for the care package! It's so nice to receive mail from home, especially if it's filled with goodies! What a great organization you have! I've been in the Air Force for 12 years and I am a medic. This is my 3rd deployment.
Thanks again
TSgt Angela G

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Thank you fro the package you sent. My unit will be returning to the states soon Thanks again for your support.
PFC W

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Hello. How are the wonderful citizens of sunny California & citizens of Massachusetts. Thank you for all the wonderful things that you do. Iraq is hot and humid but I'm taking one day at a time, oh and drinking lots of water. Hopefully one day our mission will be complete and we get to come home to enjoy sometime with our loved ones.
God Bless
E

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Thank you so much for the box I received from you! All the troops here really appreciate the kindness and generosity that people back home have shown to us, and I feel it's very important that I make sure to take the time to thank anybody who supports me in any way. I try to instill in my soldiers that nobody owes us anything and the we need to ensure we show our appreciation to anybody who sends anything.
We are at an FOB and if I had one complaint it would be the limited selection of basic things, mostly personal hygiene items, in our PX. That's what really makes packages like the one you sent mean so much, because there are things we can't get here that most people take for granted.
I am married, with 2 sons. I'm a huge Vikings and the Wild (hockey team) fans. I love volleyball, soccer, music, and movies.
Thank you so much!
CW2 Mark

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It's the little things that help make the time go by better and faster. Your support is really appreciated. THANK YOU!
I have 16 1/2 years in the Army, I like what I do and that I am dealing with soldiers and helping out the team to accomplish the mission. We live in metal modular buildings and each building has 7 rooms with a bathroom on one end. Each room is about 15' X 15' with 2-4 soldiers sharing, depending on rank. The rooms have heaters and A/C's and when it rains it echoes like a ware house due to the tin roof.
Weather, it is around 110-120 during the day, it depends on where the wind is coming from. At night it is in the high 90's, sure am glad I work at night! I am married and my wife is my best friend, she has 3 kids and I have 1. I am a cat person, and miss my Macy, she loves to be petted but is finicky. We have made her an indoor cat after her getting into a cat fight and now she has her own pets..she has fish and gerbils that she watches for hours.
Rob

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Thanks for the great box, it made it here in 12 days which is very fast (based on the usual mail). I handed out the gifts to the crew. The soap is always a requested item, we try to wash our hands as much as possible here. The candy is great because we can put it in our pockets. We always need the office supplies so those will benefit all the guys.

We all wanted to say thanks for the kind thoughts and the support, we have been very well taken care of by all the folks back home. We look forward to coming home.....eventually.
Major Joseph P.

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Thanks for the care package, it was great getting it. I don't get much mail, so it was real nice.

I'm in the Army here in Afghanistan, I have been in the service for 25 years, this is my last deployment, I was also deployed to Iraq.

In the pics, one is of us handed out pens and paper, I call it the power of the pen, ther are happy...The other on, I'm on a 11 mile hike, I'm on the left hand side..

Well, take care….Later
TIM

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I just want to thank you for the Care Package’s items you sent. They have been put to use and appreciated. I have the opportunity meet Soldiers daily and assist them in what they need before they get back on the road.
Robyn G.

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i was wondering if i could request movies, music cds, and snacks for my men here in iraq. i want to also say thanks to you and your organization. we really appreciate your support over here in Iraq. it means alot to us. please let me know if we can request these items specifically. thanks and bye for now
SFC REYNOLDS

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I would like to thank you and everyone there for the package I received. I give out stuff that we need to the guys and other stuff we give to the local schools and hard luck cases. My unit will be leaving soon, so we don't need anything more, so thanks for the package, and its good to know people you don't know care and send things. Take Care!
Respectfully,
Aron V.

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Hello guys at SKIP, I am one of your recipients of your care packages and im writing you guys to let you know that it helps soliders as myself who dont really have a family and recieve only what we order online. But thanks to you guys were able to get that shock like what?, a package, for me. You know, im not sure if this sounds cheesy but im telling you the truth. At least from my point of view. It was actually a SGT of mine who signed me up for this thinking she was kidding around then poof, one day i got a package from you all:) But im not gonna let this letter drag so just simply thanks for the support and good luck with what you do.
Sincerly,
PV2 Ramos

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I would like to extend to Sharon Girl Scouts and all the members of SKIP my deepest thanks for the package. I want you all to understand how important it is to feel appreciated in today's military.
I have been in the Navy for four years now and have been on two tours in Iraq. I want you to know that my Marines and Sailors were grateful for your kindness as am I. I hope that you continue your mission to support our country and its Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.
Once again, thank you all and God bless you.
Sincerely,
Roy J.

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we appreciate your support. not all soldiers get letters or packages. and as an infantry men, and having seen what I have seen...death feels so close that sometimes you think its knocking at your door. and its a relief to know that people like you support us. Vietnam never had the love and support from there country that we get today. and packages, and letters go a long way. theres nothing like a little slice of home.....when on some days you feel that all hope is lost. and people die over here....every day.....every day. it may not be in the this city that imp working in. but it happens. and while we go out there....scared....and hoping to just make it through the current mission...and soon be back home.....its good to know that....hey, you all are behind us. maybe the president makes sense....maybe he doesn't. as far as where this war is going ....we don't know. all we know is that we wish to get home...and if we get the chance...we would love to thank you all ....personally. have you ever had a bad day....and came home to your dog or your loved ones, or wife, or husband...all that stress seems to just simmer out? thats whats its like for as when it comes to letters or packages. I may never meet you. but I wanted you to know that we appreciate it. and we cant go on without the support of the people that live in the U.S or in your case MA. thank you. and continue to stand by us.
Joshua

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It, sometimes, is quite hard to remain upbeat and hard not to fall into a “funk” , but luckily when that feeling hits I receive a package from either you or my wife.
Ronald

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Thank you very much for the package of goodies you sent to me in Iraq. Please give my love and appreciation to those who contributed. I am very proud to tell you that the American Soldiers over here are working very hard. If you knew just how much they sacrifice for the love of their country, your heart would swell with pride. Again, I offer my sincere appreciation from myself and everyone who enjoyed the gifts.
Thanks again
1LT Maggie C

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I just received your package today. I really appreciate getting it. I have posted your letters up at the shop as a reminder of the support we are receiving and as a reminder of why we serve our Great Nation. When I receive packages I normally share them with my Marines who have not got any mail for awhile. Mail is a big morale booster out here. Once again, thank you, sorry for this being short, but I have to get back to work.
MSGT Kenneth R

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Since we have been in country we have received many packages and support from you and your family. I wanted to extend myself and say thank you for the time and thought you put into supporting us. We are getting to the time where soldiers begin to become depressed and miss home. However, every time we get re-supplied there are boxes for us from strangers—you. I have noticed a trend in my men that the are more motivated than most to do their job and complete the mission. I contribute this in large part to people and families like yours that bring a little piece of home to us with every box.

It is an honor to lead these great men into battle and I can’t thank you enough for your support.
Fritz C

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I am writing this letter to thank you for the care package that you recently sent me. Books are always welcome. I want you to know that everything you send is greatly appreciated; all the items get used.

Again I wish to thank you for all that you are doing and look forward to hearing from you again.
Randy J

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Thank you for the care package for my marines and I. Your support means a lot over here. It helps make a bad day better. Everyone here is very grateful for everything you are doing. Knowing the people back home are supporting us helps the marines, especially the younger ones through their 1st deployment. Thank you again and everything you do is noticed.
SSGT S

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Thanks to everyone down there in the SKIP organization! I greatly appreciate your care package and the whole idea of your organization. We enjoy knowing we are appreciated and cared about even by those we don’t know. Once again. Thank you and God Bless.
Nicholas Z

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Sending you my warmest wishes for a wonderful spring season! A fresh new beginning, promises of new joys, miracles great and small.

Wishing you all an Easter filled with all the blessings of the season.

Thank you for all your support
SSG Laura R

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Hello and God Bless. Thank you for the package of goodies. I shared them with my soldiers. People like you help make our mission over here easier. Thank you again. May you continue to be blessed.
Joe St C

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Just a little THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! I currently just returned from Iraq and received 2 packages from you all. You all are talked about all the time overseas! Thanks again. God Bless and BRING EM' ALL HOME SAFE!
Michael

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I would like to thank you for the care packages that your organization sent us. We appreciate the support and the faith that you have in the people serving in the military.
Thank You,
SFC B, Stevie

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Thank you so much for the care package!

I shared the shampoo, socks, oatmeal and candy with the rest of the office, but I'm going to take the book and crossword for myself.

I hope you are doing well,
Laura

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My name is Devin Chesbro. You generously sent me a card and care package that I recieved yesterday. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to think about the military personnel serving our great country. I am currently in Afghanistan, and have been for several months. Originally from Pennsylvania, I share some of your pain in the wintery months. I am 22 years old, enlisted in the United States Air Force. Okinawa Air Base, Japan is currently home, and will be for a few more years. I am a Flight Engineer, and have been flying on the HH60 PaveHawk for a few years now. We all love what we do, and it makes us even prouder to know that the American people care about what we do, too. My hat is off to you, and people like you who have not forgotten that half a world away, a war is raging and people are suffering. I have attached a few pictures so you can put a face to the name, please accept my thank you's, from all of us.
Take care and stay warm,
Devin

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Thank you for the wonderful care package. At this time of year it is great to know that we are all appreciated by the American people. We are a busy and fast-paced hospital and your "goodies" are shared by many. Have a great holiday season.
Thank you!
1LT Murray

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Thank you soooo much for the box of goodies! Everything was very useful and amazing. All the soldiers say thank you. Don't worry about sending anything else we are heading back by the end of Jan beginning of Feb. Thank God. Well, God bless you all!
SGT Tyrkala

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Thank you for your support
Happy Holidays
SGT Cyr

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Thank you so much for the recent S.K.I.P. package, I received it on Halloween day--you REALLY made my holiday a big hit! I really appreciated all the cookies, candy, coffee, and other great snacks. I can't tell you how grateful service members are to receive tolietry items such as shampoo & toothpaste as those items are always (sadly) in great shortage to purchase here in Baghdad!
Again, thank you so VERY much for all that your organization does -- you REALLY DO make a huge positive impact on morale over here!
Take Care, SMSgt Houtz

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I just wanted to thank all of you for the care package, it was great! Please let me know if there is a better address in the future. I had a few other suggestions of requested items by my unit: soup (tortill/fajita/chicken rice), hamburger helper singles, mashed potatoes, apple cider mix, cappuccino mix, white athletic socks, lemonade or grape kool aid singles, gushers, face soap, anything girly, dvds. Thank you again for all you do!

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Just a little THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! I currently just returned from Iraq and received 2 packages from you all. You all are talked about all the time overseas! Thanks again. God Bless and BRING EM' ALL HOME SAFE!
Michael

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Thank you very much for the wonderful package of goodies. We all appreciate it very much.
Please keep in touch.
SGT Cyr

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Hello from Baghdad, Iraq! I just received a very nice care package that had a magazine in it that I've never heard of before - Angels On Earth.
I wanted to thank you for donating this because it has brought me a great deal of hope and inspiration. Each night I read a couple of pages and it manages to take my mind away from being in a combat zone before I go to sleep.
God Bless
Thank you for supporting the troops overseas!
SMSGT Houtz

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I'm the American Soldier that you wrote to last week. First, I want to thank you very much for the package and your gracious words. Second, thank you for not only thinking of me, but my fellow soldiers. Your words of kindness and support follow me with every mission.
I'm 34 years old, married to the most wonderful person in the world with two beautiful daughters. I'm from Maine and am deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
I began my deployment (early this year) with combat training to prepare us for the worst. We are doing great things here. I told my wife that after seeing what I saw it's worse than the commercials you see on TV advertising for money to South Africa. These people sleep under the stars barely clothed and kids running everywhere herding sheep and cattle that are skin and bones. I don't get it. I don't see how these people survive.
For the most part they are friendly and offer courtesy to the American Soldiers, but there are some bad apples embedded within the crowds. Small villages have tens of thousands of people crowded like sardines. Cattle, sheep, and vegetables infested with flies and gnats are hung everywhere for sale. I could go on and on.
Well, I gotta go for now. Please respond via Email or letter. Actually I prefer letter mail, it's fun to get. Your inquiries for care packages are wonderful. If you do send another care package just be creative and they can be non-specific Male or Female, as we do have both (here). I will be sure to evenly divide and share the contents with my fellow soldiers. Thank you again and don't be shy... I'm Not. I'm proud to be a soldier defending AMERICA's Freedom!
Sincerely,
Scott
PS - I looked at your website, it's awesome!

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I would really like to thank you for the wonderful packages that you have sent out. (Once we return home) my unit has been notified that we will be back here in Iraq (within the year).
My hearing has degraded enough that upon my return to the States I will be classified as "non-deployable" and have to find a new job. That, of course, make my wife extremely happy.
I have to tell you, the packages that I receive from you are a highlight of my existence here in Iraq. It, sometimes, is quite hard to remain upbeat and not fall into a "fun"; but luckily when that feeling hits I receive a package from either you or my wife.
Well, I just wanted to thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Ronald

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I want to thank you for the packages that you have been sending to me over the past few months. I do not always need all of the items that are in the packages, but there is always some other soldier in my unit that has a need. It is really great that you are organizing this effort. I speak for all of the soldiers in my unit when I say that we really appreciate all of the support that you and people like you give to us while we are deployed over here. It is not always easy and your kindness helps to keep our spirits up.
Thank you again,
Lee

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*Thank you so much for sending my platoon and me a package.  We truly appreciate all your support.  It helps a lot when my guys know that people back home are thinking of them.  Things here are fine.  It is finally getting cooler out, which is nice.  It was really hot this summer over here.  It is actually cold out at night; that is something we have not experienced for a while.  We have been deployed for going on 10 months now and the guys are looking forward to getting back to the states to be with friends and families.  Soon enough though. Well we thank you for all your support.  
Take Care. sincerely
Eli

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*My name is Jayson. I am very thank ful for the care package you put together for me and the many others you work so hard for.  I am a Navy Corpsman assigned to a Marine infantry unit. I am what they call "doc".  My job is to save lives, as I have had to do here many times.  We work very hard everyday and getting a package from someone I've never met is greatly appreciatied.  I  will be 21 one this month and will spend Christmas and New Years  away from home which sucks.  I try and stay in touch with everyone back home as much as possible and any mail from anyone boosts our morale greatly.  We all loved the treats you sent for Halloween (I shared it with my marines). Thank you also for the letters from the students it shows that you care and you're doing a great good in supporting us. 
 So thanks again,
Sincerely,
Jayson

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 Thank you for all you have done for the soldiers of the 3d ID Band.  
The packages, and goodies you sent to us were reall appreciated and enjoyed by all.  I just wish you could have seen the troops enjoy them.  
I know how hard you have worked to make all this happen and All of us thank you for all that you have done.
Again thanks for what you are doing and for what you've done for the troops here. We really, really appreciate it.

SFC Frank Chapman
3d ID Band

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 Mrs Stiers
What an extraordinary, heartfelt thing you are doing!  It does so much towards uplifiting SGT Spoerke and the other Soldiers in the band when you send "care" packages to the band.  On their behalf, I just had to let you know how much your thoughtfulness is appreciated. 
Thanks again for all you do,
Chief Catchings
3ID Commander

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   I just recieved a package from you in the mail today.  Thank you so much for sending it to me.  It was extrememly thoughtfull and generous of you.  I am doing just fine out here at FOB Paliwoda near the city of Balad.  I am in my seventh month of the deployment.  We to be out here for another 5 months or so.  Not too much new out here.  It is pretty hot out these days up around 125 degrees most days.  Luckily it isn't humid out, but the heat alone is pretty bad when you are outside with all your gear on. We do have AC units in our rooms, they are old and pretty beat up, but luckily they work. Thank you againfor sending me a package. Sincerely Eli

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Tracy,
Thank you so much for the package I received today... and for the note
written by Sydney!  I've recently returned from Iraq and can truly say that
I am extremely grateful for your thoughts & prayers.  I look forward to
benefiting from them when we return to Iraq in February 2006.   

Was the SKIP Yard Sale a success?  Best of luck to you and your daughters
Girl Scout troop as they work to complete their Bronze Award.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jackson 
 

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I am now in Iraq.  They forwarded the package you sent from Kuwait.  I guess it just took a while.  Thank you so much and thank everyone at the church as well.  I appreciate everything you all do.  Every little thing helps us while we all are over here. 
take care and thank you
Stacey

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I would like to thank you and everyone who helped contribute to my care package.  Words can not express the feeling of support from the US.  Although over here with 100's of "brothers" in the corps.  nothing tops a package filled with things from the states. 
Liz

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Hello everyone, I have returned from Iraq.  I am back in Hawaii.  I want to thank you and everyone who supported me while I was over there.  You care packages were a welcome piece of mail.  And I know myself and all of us who were in Iraq, could not thank you enough.  Thank you for being proud Americans and supporting your troops.

Your efforts are much appreciated and not overlooked. I now have people in this unit asking about the project and I proudly tell them all about it. I put a majority of the package in our CQ room along with the letters to allow other soldiers an opportunity to see what you are doing first-hand.

Things here are very fast paced and confusing at best. But, we are making the best of every situation and these packages help keep our spirits high. Just knowing that people are supporting us in every way helps us look past our personal exhaustion and strive for successful completion of each mission. So, thank you.

Thank you so much for the care package.  I appreciate everything as well as my fellow soldiers.
Wishing you a wonderful Hoiday and a Happy New Year.
Stacy

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Dear Tracy,
Thank you very much for the xmas package you put together and to all of those who donated.  It was much more than I expected.  I greatly appreciate all of the support everyone from back home has been sending me.  It helps a lot to get something at mail call and to know that people care.  Luckily my time in Iraq is just about up, as long as we don't get extended again.  I don't think you can get another package to me before my APO is shut off.  However, my good friend from home has recently arrived over here.  He is from Sandwich, Mass too.  We went to high school together.  He is up in Mosul.  I know he would appreciate the support as much as I have.  Thank you again for everything, and please pass on my gratitude to all those who helped.
Sincerely,
1LT Zachary Alden Reed

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Thank you very much for the package. It means Alot.  I wish you a Happy Holiday and a spectacular New year.  Please extend my thanks to all who were involved.
Best Wishes
Ryan Bloom

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I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into the care packages.  As you know from being a military brat how much service members appreciate mail from back home.  I brought the package to work and shared it with everyone there. Thank you for keeping our spirits up.
Marie

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Thank you very much for your support. Its gestures like these that get us through the day and keep us going.
God Bless,
Steve Littlefield

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 I have been telling everyone out here about your project. Some seem really anxious about it, others think it’s a wonderful idea.
Skip

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 Just wanted to say Thank you. I received your package the other day, and I can't tell you how much it means. It's just the little things that most people take for granted that make our lives so much easier. Thanks again, and hope to hear from you soon.

STEVEN M. LITTLEFIELD