What We've Heard From Our Troops

 

 

379 EAMXS / 34 AMU

 

A package with a certificate of appreciation and American flag is being sent to…

 

Operation Support Our troops

 

I wanted to say thank you for the Easter Blessings on behalf of my airmen who are proud professionals serving their country with "Pride and Power" as part of the B-ONE MX Team. We support the GWOT fight with aircraft maintenance and support personnel on that provide top-notch on-equipment maintenance and logistic support to maintain B-1 aircraft in combat readiness condition. Aircraft maintainers are the foundation of training, humanitarian and combat missions accomplished in our great Air Force. Historically, they’re a dedicated group…that has been tested, tried and true towards our air corps operational support, airlift and combat success. They are “The On-Call Force Multipliers” on the flight line, in the back shops and support functions who demonstrate a can-do attitude…anytime and anywhere. We provide the war fighter with combat mission ready bomber aircraft to conduct worldwide operations by employing air to ground precision guided munitions against any adversary, anytime and anyplace around the globe on short notice.

 

We received a shipment of goodies that you sent in support of Operation Support Our Troops, The Sgt. G.I. Rabbit Easter greetings campaign and are enjoying the treats. The packages were well packed and stocked with things we could use and needed.

 

We salute you for you and your support team. Thank you and the great people from Washington State from my Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 130+ airmen from Ellsworth, AFB, South Dakota.

 

SMSgt William L. Miller

379 EAMXS / 34 AMU SUPERINTENDENT

Al Udeid Air Base

 

 

455 EAEF

 

Thanks so much for the Easter Blessings you sent for Easter 2007. I greatly appreciate it!

 

John T. Trujillo, SMSgt, USAF

455 EAEF Superintendent

 

 

71 EROS Maintenance

 

Just to let you know some of your Easter Blessings goodies arrived over in Djibouti, Africa and my young Airmen are enjoying them!!! I wanted to pass along our thanks and gratitude to your organization. It really does brighten the lives of many individuals here from this small token of thanks from home.

 

v/r

 

Dana E. Futch, CMSgt, USAF

71 ERQS Maintenance Superintendent

 

 

A/1-23 IN

 

My name is CPT Jake Kemnec and I am currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.  I have been here for the past 10 months.  A few weeks ago I received a package for Easter from your organization with your name as the point of contact.  I really just wanted to take a minute out of my day to thank you for your support and for everything that you sent to us.  It is always nice to get care packages such as that, especially around the holidays as it never gets easier being away from ones family during those special occasions.  Unfortunately, sometimes some people get nothing at all, so your packages were definitely well received and a nice surprise.  Please know that you brought a smile to me and many other soldiers.  I send the gratitude of 120 other soldiers who appreciate your selflessness and dedication.  Attached is a picture of us that I thought you'd might enjoy.  This was taken down in the deserts of California right before we deployed.  Thanks again!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jake Kemnec

 

CPT Jake Kemnec

A/1-23 IN, XO

 

 

 

 

66th MP Co.

 

I want to say thank you for my whole company. We appreciate your kindness and keeping us all in your mind at the holiday seasons. They tend to be the hardest for all of us being away from our love ones. With people like you and your group you all make it easier for us by letting us know we are cared for and in people's hearts. We loved the care packages with the Easter candy and the guys love the X-BOX and the games they play them every night or when we have down time. I was not able to get pictures due to that fact we all work different hours and days. I am sorry this is so short we have been very busy.

 

Thank you again.

 

SPC Carn, Tabra R.

66TH MP CO.

 

 

C-RAM Sense & Warn

 

Yesterday I was handed a wonderful Easter bag that you put together.  It’s very encouraging to receive your support.  Thank you for all that you do.  May God richly bless you and your family. 

 

Jim Bashore

 

CW3 James Bashore

C-RAM Sense & Warn

 

 

CJTF-82 Counterintelligence Team

 

I wanted to thank you on behalf of my soldiers and airmen who are part of the Bagram Airfield Counterintelligence Team. We received part of a shipment of goodies that you sent in support of Operation Support Our Troops, and are enjoying the thoughtfulness and warmth they bring to us as we are halfway around the world away from our families.

We salute you for your support not only to us, the deployed soldiers and airmen, but also to our families whom we so desperately miss. Many of us have small children whose smiling faces we will miss on Easter morning as they discover the bounties they received. Thank you to the great people from Washington State from my soldiers and airmen from Mississippi, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

Sincerely and with many thanks,

DARREN W. TILLMAN, Major, USAF
Commander, CJTF-82 Counterintelligence Team
 

What a unique idea … Operation G.I. Rabbit :-)  Thank you so much for the package that arrived today. Not only is the package chocked full of goodies but you have perfect timing as the weather is starting to heat up here in the Middle East. Thank you very much and I've attached a few pictures of the proud recipients of your generosity!! Much love and respect from all of us here in Baghdad.

Sincerely grateful,

Kevin D. Benjaman, MSgt, USAF
Superintendent, Vehicle Maintenance Flight
Sather Air Base, Baghdad International, Iraq
 

Thank you for the Easter Blessings. I have attached a group photo of the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team to this e-mail. This picture was taken today, 30 March 2007 at the Phoenix Base Landing Zone. The tall bald man in the rear is the commanding General. His name is Major General Kenneth Hunzeker. I am one of the short persons in the front kneeling in the center.

It took me ten minutes to hand out all the items in the box. Everyone that received an item said, "thank you." The smiles on their faces said the rest. Thank you and please pray for us. Every prayer helps.

Respectfully,
Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Hernandez
Holden, Massachusetts
 

Thank you so much again for all the fine packages, and Easter bags.  I gave one of the donated X-Boxes to our youngest soldiers; he's twenty and the smile on his face said it all.  Most of our groups is over 30, but some like me are still kids at heart.  I'm 46, but some days I feel like I'm 18.  Except for the bald spot which reminds me I'm not.  Laugh out loud.

I'll be ending mission in another 38 days.  I'm ready to go back and relax for a change.  Four years away from home, and two combat tours is starting to catch up.  My kids are grown.  19, 17, and 14.  Kristen will graduate HS the summer.  I will be home for this.  She wants to be an English teacher, and Beth and I totally support this.  My baby wants to be a Marine.  She's in Jr. ROTC now.  I want her to go to West Point.

As I told the Whites; I am in the process of finding a suitable replacement for me before I leave.  Your organization brings hope and joy to us in the field. Keep up the good work.  I will give you my regular e-mail address when I leave.  I want to help you when I get back home.

Respectfully,
LTC Pablo Hernandez
CPATT PAO

As a member of the British Army working in a largely American organization, I would like to thank you for the cheerful Easter gift which has landed on my desk.  It is truly appreciated to receive support like this from my adopted family.

Many Thanks

F.J. DU TOIT
Captain, British Army
ADC to DCG CPATT

Today I was given one of your "goodies" bag. I really want to thank you for the support and dedication you & your organization give to "the Soldiers." They (Soldiers) ultimately make our jobs interesting and yet rewarding. So when individuals such as your self take time to send them cards and care packages, it proves that they truly represent the American people at large. Giving and taking care of each other is the common denominator.

Again, thank you.

Respectfully,

MARCO V. VALENTE
1LT, MP
Aide-de-Camp
Civilian Police Assistance Training Program
 

Thank you for the support and everything that you are doing for us at home.

SrA Piper

I just wanted to thank you for your support while we are out here doing what we do. We loved the Easter baskets you all put together for our troops here. It really did raise the morale of my troops and they all send their thanks also.

SSgt Burandt
 

Dear OSOT,

Thanks very much for the Easter care packages. What a nice treat for the soldiers! I'm a PA in a busy TMC where several medics and providers are always looking for chocolate :)

A special thank you to Claudette, Conner, Brynn, and Lisa.

Theresa Hanes
CPT, SP, MPAS
C/299th FSB; HHC 9th ENG
 

Wow! What a wonderful surprise and treat to receive, not one, but two packages from Operation Support Our Troops. The Easter treats were a hit, and as you might expect were thoroughly enjoyed by all, but to open the second package to find an X-Box and game cartridges was truly a special treat. What a generous gift! On behalf of our aircraft maintainers here in Al Udeid, who are here from their home bases in Washington, New Jersey, South Carolina, Delaware, and California, I would like to say THANK YOU!

Our folks work hard and put in long days, but they do occasionally have periods of free time between mission launches and recoveries, and I can guarantee the X-Box will get a lot of play time.

Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity in supporting our Armed Forces. It is appreciated more than you know.

I am stationed at McChord and would like offer you an opportunity to tour the base and one of our C-17s and meet some of the troops you have touched when we return later in the summer. If you are interested, please let me know and we can firm up details as that time gets closer.

Again, from the aircraft maintainers at the Mighty 8th, THANK YOU!

Chief Roy Sheppard

ROY O. SHEPPARD, CMSGT, USAFR
MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT
8 EAMS/MXA
 

Thank you to all who sent the gifts our way.   I was just watching the guys playing with the new XBOX.  It's amazing to know there are people out there who are so thoughtful.   Thanks for all your support and God bless!

SSgt Matt Yates
 

I would like to thank you very much for thinking of us out here and taking the time and effort to support us in the very generous way that you have. All of it is greatly appreciated and is already in heavy use.

Thanks again to you and OSOT.

Karl Johnson TSgt, USAF

My name is SGT Doane. I work with PFC Cobbs. A basket of goodies came for our unit, and I would like to thank you. It is nothing more special for deployed Soliders than to get care packages. We want to thank you very much. God Bless!

Just wanted to say Thank you from my troops and myself. The Chaplain's assistant passed out Easter bags to us and everyone really loved them. It was very exciting to receive a chocolate bunny. Needless to say, the bunnies were gone instantly. The headbands were a hot item.

I just wanted to let you know that we really appreciated your generosity and for thinking of us over here. I wish you the happiest of Easters and may God bless you, your family, and everyone else who touches your life.

Best regards,

SFC Tracy A. Graff
OPNS NCOIC
478th PSD
 

Hello

I would like to thank you for the Easter packages. I know our Company had a lot, but all eight guys in my section were able to have a bit of home this Easter Sunday.  Now, we got a little carried away and handed out the packages prior to this Sunday.  Your packages were well packed and stocked with things we could use and needed.  We then were surprised to see that they came from Sammamish, WA because we are from Ft Lewis, WA.  I again would like to thank you and let you know we appreciate all the support you have given us.

V/R

Paul D. Weller
SFC, USA
PAC NCOIC, 1-23 IN (Stryker BDE)
 

Thank you for your Easter Greeting!

v/r

LAWRENCE M. CUMMINGS
LCDR/MSC/USN
Preventive Medicine Officer
 

Sheryl and others at Operation Support Our Troops,

  See attached Thank you... (Note: link to attached thank you.)

  Received your Easter blessing this morning, thank you so much for praying for us and sending us a little gift.

  Also attached is a weekly newsletter I write.  If you are interested,  I can add you to my list.

  Thanks again,

Blessings,

Steve

Stephen "Steve" Sheridan, MAJ, MS
Chief Medical Logistics
MNC-I Surgeon's Office

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful Easter treats.  My soldier and I shared a bag.  He took the pepperoni sticks. I took the jelly bean eggs. He took the headband and toy airplane. So I demanded, and got, the chocolate bunny which automatically gave me rights to the moist towelette.

It was very nice of you to think of us. We have about five months left before we come home. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers for that time.

Thanks again,
SFC Donna R. Smith
28th Combat Support Hospital
 

Hello all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have been going through everything that you sent and putting to good use, distributing throughout the CSH the best I can.  I apologize about taking this long to get to you.   have been away on business.

Thank you so much for your support. We are truly grateful!

LT Charles Paul

Thank you for remembering us troops while being away from home during Easter.  The bag of goodies put a smile on lot of troops faces.  Some of them do not have close families so getting a Easter bag made them feel good.  Were all glad to hear that we are in your prayers.  Keep us in your prayers and pray for our safe return home soon we hope.  We are all tired of deploying and leaving our loved ones behind.  It makes it tough on the children and hard on the spouses when we keep being sent away.  Thanks again for remembering us while deployed away from our own families. 

God Bless
TSgt Todd Lightner

Thank you very much for putting together the Easter Goodie Bags for us. Our leadership just passed them out, they received warm smiles and great joy.  I just wanted to say thank you it was well needed.

John Steele

A big Thank you to you and all involved with the OSOT program. We actually received the Easter basket packages you guys made on Easter day! From all of us to all of you, Happy Easter and once again, Thank you!

    I wanted to Thank You for the Easter bag of goodies.  It doesn't really feel like Easter here, just another day.  Your words were kind and I could feel my eyes welling.  I wonder what doesn't make me cry these days?  My name is Christina Rodriguez and I'm in the Air Force.  I deployed somewhere far better then others are at the present time, so I am thankful for that. I'm an aircraft technician. I think my friends enjoyed your headbands a great deal.  They started wearing them right after receiving the bag of treats.  I've been at my location for a little over 2 months and have 4 more left.  I'm originally from NJ but stationed at Ellsworth AFB, SD.  The fartherst west I've been is Nevada though I'd like to see WA state one day.  Thank you again for everything.

Very Respectfully
Christina Rodriguez

Happy Easter from the original bible belt.

I was walking today at work and it's starting to get warm here again. A guy came up and said happy Easter and gave me this bag. It really was appreciated and brought back memories of my kids when they were young. Thank you very much and God bless you.

Tom Goetz

Thank you so much for supporting "Operation Support Our Troops".  Today, Easter Sunday, I and hundreds (perhaps thousands) more received a gift bag filled with Easter chocolates, candies and a few other very nice treats.  A gift that was made possible by your wonderful family [organization].  It was a great surprise and certainly lifted the spirits of so many of us here in my squadron, and throughout the air base.  Even though we can't be at home with our families during important holidays such as Easter, it helps us to feel connected to those who choose to show their love and support for their military.  Please know, and help others to understand, that unwavering support for the troops is extremely important to us.  And, that even though many disagree with this war, the troops they choose to support are fighting to protect their rights to do so.

Thank you for your thoughts, efforts, and coveted prayers.  God bless you!

Very respectfully,

Technical Sergeant Christopher Nash, USAF
379 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar    

Just a short note of THANKS for the thoughtfully prepared and wrapped Easter gifts of candy, chocolate and other items.  Over here, every day seems to blend in w/the next and every day is a repeat of yesterday as we get the mission done.  Getting unexpected gifts from people back in the states that don't even know us but support us anyways, that really makes our day.  Thank you and all that played a part in packing the bags, wrapping them and getting them sent over here just in time for that special day.  We know that it didn't happen overnight and not w/o a lot of planning.  Hopefully you get numerous "Thank You Notes" but, if not, know that we are extremely busy over here and many don't have access to computers like I do.  So on behalf of the many you touched and made their day special by receiving your package, "God Bless You!".

V/r

Major Brian T. McHenry
Officer in Charge, JSTARS Aircraft Maintenance Unit
379 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar

Attached are only a few of the pictures we took during "Operation G.I. Rabbit".  Our unit is the 379 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and we had a blast distributing your Easter bags to members within our squadron.  Smiles were abundant on Easter Sunday, and we thank you for sending a little bit of home to our squadron members; it was appreciated more than you know.

Thank-you again.

Duke Lang, MSgt, USAF
First Sergeant, 379th  Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

I received a bag of goodies today that you sent out and I just wanted to say thank you for your support.  It's very much appreciated!!!  I'm over in Qatar with the B-1's from Ellsworth, SD.  I'm originally from Watertown, SD and joined the AF in '88 and had to leave so when I got orders to SD in '03 it was nice to be closer to family again.  We got here in Jan. and will be here until Aug.  They said it was only 94 today with 17% humidity but I think someone lied because it was definitely hotter than that.  Besides the fact that I'm away from my family again this place is not so bad.  There's worse places to be.  My sister and brother in law are stationed at Ft. Lewis and he's on his 2nd tour in Iraq right now and should be home in July and I have a niece who's husband will be going back for his 2nd tour in Iraq at the end of the year.  I just returned from Guam last May for a 4 month trip and I would love to go back as long as the family could go with because it's very pretty there.  Alright I've rambled enough.  I just wanted to say thank you for what you did.  Hopefully your not getting bombarded with emails like this. :)

Thanks
TSgt Bruce Kraft  
US Air Force

We are so very grateful for the package we received and the letter with an Easter Greeting.  Here are some Pics of us enjoying the gift.  We give a hearty thank you for your support and thoughtfulness.  Know the package finds us in good spirits during this holiday away from loved ones, thanks to love and support from people like yourselves.

Dallin Skelton

I received your generous donations last week and the troops are delighted with the X-Box.

 
You and your organization breath new life into those here that are struggling with keeping their morale high.

We are truly blessed to have your support!

Thanks again from all of us here at the 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

God Bless,
John Fuller

Everyone,

        Thank you for the wonderful care packages and thank you for supporting while we are overseas. We appreciate your words and kindness. Here are pictures of some of the Soldier whose lives you have touched. [Note:  link to newsletter and pictures.]

God Bless,

SGT  David Kress
HHC, 2-12 CAV 2-1 ID, 1 CD
 

Thank you sooooo much for the "Easter Blessings" and the great treats as well!  It's nice to receive  from someone who cares enough to give up a little time to make someone else's situation a little better. God Bless you.                     

Thanks for all your support………...

Mr. Shawn Allen Secrest    

(undisclosed location Iraq……)

379TH ELRS/LGRVO