What We Heard From Our Troops

Thank you so much for your overwhelming support of my unit and myself over these last couple months. My platoon was and is very grateful for the care packages you sent with the stockings, XBox with all the games, and the mix of comfort items that make our living conditions a little better over here.

I am with the 6th Squadron, 9th US Cavalry Regiment here in Iraq. Our area of responsibility is the eastern half of the Diyalah Province with the main focus on Muqdadiyah and the surrounding towns. Progress is difficult to measure as the insurgents seem to strike in surges. I feel we are making a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people though and that is really what we are here for. I measure our success by the stability we provide the area. We have a long way to go but, eventually this region will become secure without the help of our unit. I have been reading a little about what is happening back in the states concerning the war and truly believe that we can provide an opportunity for the people here to change their own country. I have met some great Iraqis that will someday be recognized as patriots that led their country to freedom.

Here are a couple pictures, one of my platoon and the other of myself up on the observation post overlooking the Iranian border in the distance. This hill is my favorite spot to get away every once in a while and enjoy God's creation. The dichotomy of being in a war zone and experiencing complete peace at the same time is surreal. I love it.

I will include you in my email list and send you updates when I can. I don't know really anything about you. Please feel free to email me, I enjoy getting news and stories from home (especially the Great Northwest).

Sincerely,

Grant
 

I am a soldier stationed at LSA Anaconda in Balad, Iraq. We received a bunch of packages from Operation Support Our Troops in Washington State. Thank you so much!!!  It's awesome to know people are thinking of us back home.

I've got to run, I just wanted to Thank You and make sure you know we all appreciate what you do for us.

Happy New Year!!!!

V/R,

SPC Sheri M. Warner

Hello from Iraq!

Thanks for the donations that you've sent to our soldiers. We have received over twenty boxes from Operation Support Our Troops and every box has been given out to the soldiers. The stockings went exceptionally well for the soldiers on Christmas Eve and they were greatly appreciated. We would like to thank you all for what you do for every soldier. Thanks again, and God Bless each and everyone of you.

1-37FA
SGT CHAPMAN, TYSEAN
Chaplain Assistant
CH(CPT) STRONG, TOM
Chaplain

Thank you for those wonderful gifts.  We are stationed in F. O. B. Grizzly Ashraf, Iraq. The gifts were placed on the dinning tables Christmas day; so that each individual would receive theirs. The enclosed cards brought tears of joy to the eyes of many a grizzled old Marine and Soldier. We are truly grateful, and want to thank you, and the children for your thoughts, your prayers, and your efforts on our behalf. Thank you very much, and give each child a big bear hug from us.

Sincerely

The guys and gals of Grizzly

Attached are some Christmas pictures of our troops.  We had a good Christmas thanks to all of you!

CH Mvondo

I am SSgt Michael Best I'm in the Marine Corps I want to thank you on behalf of all the Marines and Soldiers here in Iraq, I was one of many that received a stocking for X-mas with the goodies in them thank you and if you can be so kind to deliver a message to Katie at Lockwood Elem. in Washington and all the kids there just to let them know that their time and efforts wasn't a waste of time, it really lifts our spirits up over here so if you all keep doing your part it will give us the strength to keep doing ours thank you and God Bless you all...

Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year to you.

Semper Fi

SSgt Best,M.L.

Hello,

I am a civilian contractor working at the Airfield, Brandi Williams gave me your package. I don't have any family so it was nice to get a box for Christmas. My name is Richard Jones and I work with KBR.  I just wanted to let you know that the package was welcomed.

Thank you again

Richard Jones

MHE Operator

Thank you for your most thoughtful and welcome Christmas stocking. I especially like the coffee (particularly at 2:00AM). We all appreciate your support for us, even more so during these Holiday seasons. Being away from our homes and families is difficult for everyone here, and your Christmas care packages bring a bit of home to us. Even more treasured than any gift, though, is your support of us troops and your prayers for our safe return. Your support invigorates us and brings us pride in serving our country and our fellow citizens.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,

MAJ Bradley

Baghdad, Iraq

Thank you for the Christmas goodies! They were great. Know that you and all of your folks have made our Christmas over a here a little bit brighter. Thank you and God bless! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Sincerely,

James Baginski, Senior airman, USAF

Baghdad, Iraq

Dear Sheryl and all of the O.S.O.T crew,

My name is Ali Turner (Ali being short for Alice) and I am writing to thank you for the treats that were handed out yesterday at one of our Christmas parties here at Camp Stryker, Baghdad, Iraq.

I am a civilian contractor working in Morale, Welfare and Recreation. I have been here since June of '04, and, as a FORMER Viet Nam anti-war protester, I am grateful forever for the chance to be over here serving those who serve.  I am the daughter of a WW II Naval Air Pilot who was stationed at Whidbey Island, and in my hippie days thought I knew it all. My father would say through clenched teeth, "I may not agree with you, but I'll fight like h_ _ _ for your right to believe what you want."  Being a 17 year old punk who didn't get it that "freedom isn't free", I am thankful that God gives us second chances.  I never got a chance to thank my dad, so, often tearfully, I thank the soldiers for who they are and what they do.

I am a graduate of Chief Sealth High, and until just a few years ago my mom lived at Providence Point up on the Plateau.  Now she is downtown at Horizon House, which is up on Pill Hill on University. Soooo, when I saw that you guys were out of Sammamish, I went nuts. Something from the Great NorthWET makes it even sweeter.

My husband lives in Alabama, and without his support I couldn't do what I do. Three of our four kids live in the Seattle area, and while they struggle with me being over here, they know that God told me to come.

I am writing a book about my adventures, our amazing soldiers, the brave Iraqis, and the interpreters who are the unsung heroes of this conflict.  I get so mad at Certainly Not News for their insistence upon sullying our service personnel, and I feel I have a story to be told. The title is going to be "A Ballad for Baghdad," and when I get home in April, I'll be working to finish it up and get it out. People need to know the amazing things that are going on over here, and by God's grace, I'll be able to tell them.

May I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing for "my kids." It means more than can be expressed.  Please send a special thank you to "Doris" whose signature was on this particular card, and may this time of remembering God's greatest gift, and His greatest light truly be special for everyone in your organization.

Blessings,

Ali Turner

Thank you so much for the stocking. All of us greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers; please know that your gift has brought me some extra joy on this special day. It's wonderful to know that there are people at home like you; thank you for taking the time to send your love. In my 17-years of service, I have spent many holidays apart from my family and friends. Each time is just as difficult as the last. I know that my family loves me, they are proud of me, and they understand what I'm doing is important. That is a wonderful feeling that keeps me warm on lonely times like today. Your caring thoughts and prayers have brought me some extra warmth today. Thank you so very much, I hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Major Rick Heidorn

US Army, Military Police

Baghdad, Iraq

My name is Stacey Houseman. I just wanted to thank you, and all the others who contributed their time, love, thoughts, prayers and effort, for the stockings and other goodies you've sent. If possible please pass on to the Cub Scouts of Pack 422 from Woodinville for their gifts of popcorn. My unit received cans form Wyley, Frank and Sean. So if possible please express our gratitude.

I just wanted to let you know that the efforts of you and all the others help us immeasurably. Just knowing of all the support we have gotten from folks like you, helps lighten our hearts and loads after long, wearisome days or nights.

The stockings and other goodies were greatly appreciated by the soldiers as it brought a touch of home thousands of miles to us.

God Bless you and yours.

God Bless America.

Respectfully,

Stacey Houseman

Ms Sheaffer,

Today our battery had an impromptu Christmas party.  I just wanted to again send my thanks to you and everyone for the support and gifts we received. They were very much appreciated.  It really means a lot for us to know how much we are supported by the good people of the United States. 

Please pass on our thanks to everyone. 

Sincerely,

Stacey

I would like to take this opportunity to say a heart felt thanks to all the people involved at Operation Support Our Troops. It's hard being away from the ones we love during the holidays and difficult to get into a Christmas spirit in our surroundings. The stockings we received are a blessing and are now hanging throughout many tents as decorations.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and for your time and effort to bring a little joy into our holiday season.

Sincerely,

Timothy R. Bonsell

My name is TSgt Bryan Hucker from the 407 AEG, Civil Engineering Squadron, currently deployed to Iraq. I am one of the service members that received one of the Christmas stockings that your organization sent out.

I wanted to thank you and all the others that spent the time and effort in putting together, the Christmas stockings.  They were very much appreciated. It means so much to us over here when we get things from people back home knowing that we are supported and thought of. Thank you again

V/R

TSgt Bryan Hucker

The soldiers here at Camp Taji, Iraq, appreciate the support from our Washington Family. I received a Christmas gift from a young trooper named Sean from Cub Scout Pack 422 of Woodinville, Washington. It does my heart good to know that our nation and communities support the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marine, and Coast Guard.

Thanks for the support and God Bless you.

CHARLES GREEN SR.

Task Force Command Sergeant Major

1st BN, 37th FAR

Camp Taji, Iraq

TASK FORCE RED LION

My name is SSG Demetris Vance; I am currently serving my 5th deployment to Iraq but my 10th deployment over all. I am the Engineer Maintenance NCOIC for the 546th Maintenance Company out of Fort Polk, Louisiana. We are 3 months into our year long deployment and I wanted to take some time out of my busy schedule and say thanks to all of you that support us and what we are doing. I am extremely busy with trying to keep control of the 47 young lives that are under my direct supervision and believe me, it's not an easy job. But for the most part, I have a great group of soldiers and I love them as if they were my own children.

It does get hard for the soldiers sometimes, but all I have to do is remind them that I was here for all the holidays last year and that we will probably miss many more holidays. I'm not upset that I missed all the holidays, all my children's and my wife's birthdays, two anniversaries, and not to mention everything else that it takes to keep a family together. I'm just happy to have had an opportunity to serve with some of the bravest young men and women that I have ever met. Our operation tempo (optempo) is extremely high and fast paced and sometimes they barely have a chance to call home or send an email to let everyone back home know that they are safe and sound.

I know that I am rambling along, but I just wanted to let all of you guys back in the world know that we are doing well, but most of us wish we were home for the holidays, but we all know that what we are doing is for the betterment of the Iraqi people and the world as a whole. We do our duty without complaints or looking for any gratitude.

I 'm sorry for carrying on like this, but I read your web site and I was compelled to send out this email.

Demetris Vance

SSG, USA

Engineer NCOIC

Thank you all so much for the wonderful box of stockings. How beautiful.  All of the soldiers loved them. Thank you for your support during this time. Especially being the holidays when we are away from home. All of your hard work and efforts have made our season a little brighter. Thank you soooooo much.  Merry X-mas to ALL.  Happy holidays,

Sincerely and gratefully yours,

Sgt. Jamie Melendez,

466th ASMC, LSA Adder

I received a Christmas stocking from your organization and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it.  I also know that others here at Camp Taji also appreciate the special support during the holidays.  You truly make a difference for us!

Thank you again and Merry Christmas!

LTC Ken Kirkpatrick

Coalition Senior Advisor, Taji National Depot

Hi

I am in Taji, Iraq supporting the troops. I have been here for 1 and half years. I work for KBR Sub Contractor and I run the billeting/Housing Dept. here on Camp Taji.

I house the soldiers (put them in there living quarters). I also run Tomahawk Village which is housing for soldiers that are here for a short stay. I wanted to personally say thank you for the stockings and things for these soldiers here at Camp Taji. I will be giving some of the stockings to soldiers that will be here with me on Christmas Day.

I have a tree in my office and I have put the stockings all around it, I will send you a picture if that is ok with you. You let me know. You are doing a great job and making a lot of soldiers very happy. I know every one doesn’t really hear about your gracious gifts to the soldiers. So I am here in Iraq and I wanted to let every one know they are getting to the soldiers and they really appreciate every thing every one is doing back home.

Again thank you so much the soldiers will have a gift to open on Christmas day here at Tomahawk Village on Camp Taji in Iraq.

Pauline (Polly) Tanner

Billeting Coordinator

Hello, my name is Steve, im in iraq and based out of Ft. Lewis. I received one of your care packages in the mail a few days ago and i just wana let you know how much those mean to us, it really shows people really care, and the things you sent, we can really use. Well i never use regular mail, i only use email and i seen you left your email in one of the packages so i just thought you would appreciate an email

Steve

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It is very well appreciated. May all have a wonderful Holiday Season.

SSgt Faulkner

Hello there,

I just wanted to pass on a quick thank you to you and all of your supporters for all that you are doing to help the Soldiers here. One of my Soldiers received a package from your group, and I think that was honestly the 2nd piece of mail he has received in 6 months being in country.  Since he got the package, his morale has improved. I can't thank you all enough for what you are doing there back home. Being that you are also from Washington state makes it that much better. We are all part of the 3rd Stryker Brigade stationed out of Fort Lewis, in Tacoma.  It is always a pleasure to hear from everyone back home and just to know that we are thought of is comforting to each in their own ways.  Myself and my men greatly appreciate what you all are doing back there. Keep up the good work.

Staff Sergeant Dustin S. Williams

HHC 5th BN 20th IN, 3-2 SBCT

Just a quick note from Baghdad for you.  Thank you so much for taking the time to support your troops.  Just so you know your care packages got to the troops in plenty of time for the Holidays.  I am with the Stryker Brigade out of FT. Lewis.  We received your stockings and they were all distributed.  Please accept our thanks and pass this on to everyone involved.  You all make the time go by faster knowing that we have support out there.

Thank You,
SFC Iwerks, Aaron
 

Thanks to all of you at OSOT for the goodies you sent to myself and my Soldiers for Christmas. You helped to improve their morale by 100%!

SFC David Cox
HHC 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment
Baghdad

My grandson (Randall) tells me he received 2 big boxes of stockings. He was so overwhelmed with the generosity of the OSOT people. He was so excited to get so much and said he would give the stockings to his unit and pass out any extra to others.

He is very grateful for all that you and the others did and wanted me to thank all of you. So from my grandson, the men and women in his unit and from me - THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!

God Bless You !!!!

Marcy

Wow!  We just unloaded the mail plane and found 8 boxes of stockings and goodies for my troops.  What an incredible gesture of support.  I can't tell you how high morale will be when my Airmen wake up (or return to their tents) Christmas morning to see a unique, hand-made stocking just for them.

My first sergeant and I are separating the goodies and will deliver them at midnight Christmas Eve/Day.  Most of my troops work noon to midnight or midnight to noon, so we have the Claus-ian task of getting them delivered in a very short window of opportunity.  Fortunately, the tents aren't too spread out.

On behalf of my 150 combat logisticians (air and ground transportation specialists, fuels troops, supply specialists, and vehicle mechanics) running the busiest air terminal in Iraq, thank you and may God bless each member of your organization with a wonderful and joyous Christmas.

MICHAEL O. CANNON, Lt Col, USAF

Commander, 447 ELRS

Just rec'd an email from my son, David, acknowledging receipt of the OSOT shipment(s) sent to Lt. Jason Cox, aka "designated Santa" for the 334th Signal Company, which has just completed transitioning from Mosul to Baghdad.  We certainly appreciate all efforts by OSOT, especially your support of our son's Company at Christmastime. Thank you!

We sent the warmest wishes we could by covering the entire 334th with fleece blankets. Between OSOT's fun-to-receive pkgs and our bit of practicality, sounds like Santa's helpers knew just what was most needed. They'll certainly feel our love, respect and appreciation for each one serving our country so far away during this Holiday season.

Many, many thanks to you!

Big hugs,

Lynda

My name is Pfc Kowalcyk and today we received stockings from the proud Americans in the State of Washington.  I would like to let you know that we think that was a very nice gesture and we are all grateful for people like you who take the time to do these sort of things for all of us who are over here during the holiday season. Thanks again.

Hello my name is Sgt. Coby Schwab and I recently received several packages from your organization. I can not express our gratitude and appreciation for what you have done. Each member of my platoon received a stocking and I delivered them with the Santa hat on.

This is my second deployment to Iraq and the support for our troops has seemed to decline in the last couple of years. However it's people like you that lets us remember that there are still many great supporters and loved ones out there. I know I couldn't keep coming back here without all my friends and family back home supporting me.

Our task force is located in Ramadi, Iraq.  We are an Engineer unit that looks for roadside bombs to allow maneuver units freedom of movement. My platoon however does convoy security to get parts and equipment to the guys doing the clearance missions. The cool thing about my platoon's job is we get to travel all around Iraq and get to see all the sights.

Well thanks again.  My soldiers and I truly appreciate all that you and your organization are doing.

Sgt. Schwab, Coby

TF 321 Eng.

Thank you so much for the BIG boxes of goodies and Christmas Stockings.  The unit is having our Christmas Party on 23 Dec and it will be my pleasure to play Santa for our troops and pass out the stockings.  We appreciate so much your gifts and prayers.

Please keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours.

THOMAS E. DRAKE  (TOM)

Brigade Chaplain, LTC

16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne)

I wanted to personally thank you and your organization for taking the time to send these wonderful stockings to us here in Balad, Iraq.  They're such a treat and they definitely gave the place a more Christmas-y air.  There is so much a soldier here thinks about when the holidays are coming, the little things that all add up to what Christmas is to us during our normal lives.  And getting gifts from you, and knowing that you are thinking of us and care about us fills a very crucial void in our lives.

Thanks again.  I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.  We hope to be back among you soon.

Warmest regards,

SGT. Neil W.

     My name is COL Ehrich Rose and I have the privilege of serving as the Chief of the Military Transition Team for the 4th Iraqi Division, and I want to thank you for the wonderful box of treats and Christmas stockings that you sent my men. I know you are a friend of PFC Bazzano and we really appreciate the support. I am fortunate to have him along with five other great paratroopers to help ensure our safety and security.  My team consists of 37 great American soldiers and our mission is to help teach, coach and mentor an Iraqi Division in order for them to fight the war and allow the US soldiers to return home.

     We live on a small Iraqi base known as DAGGER.  This base was once used by Saddam Hussein as a weekend getaway for some of his special friends.  There is a nice palace on the grounds that our Iraqi friends use as a Headquarters, and our little home away from home appears to have once been the outdoor barbecue and cooking area for Saddam's guests to have a picnic while they overlook the bluffs on the Tigris River.

     If you were to look on a map, our base is located just to the south of the city of Tikrit.  That city was once the home of Saddam Hussein, and there are still lots of people who support him and are unhappy that we got rid of him.  So as a result, sometimes our base gets a little exciting, but my men are well-trained and extremely brave, and we have been fortunate to not have anyone get hurt.

     My team was specially created just for this mission, so we were able to come up with our own mascot.  Since we are normally stationed with the 25th Infantry Division on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii, we wanted a mascot that would remind people of where we came from.  So our mascot is the Kahuna.  According to Hawaii folklore, the Kahuna was an advisor to the kings.  As advisors to the Iraqi army, we thought that name was most appropriate.  So we Kahunas have been serving in Iraq since the beginning of September advising the Iraqi army on how to bring peace to all of Iraq. I have included a picture of the wall to our little base camp.  You will see our mascot as well as the patch of the 25th Division from Hawaii.  That is the patch that has the lightning bolt on the taro leaf.  The motto of the 25th Division is Tropic Lightning.

     We really appreciate the support and kindness that you provided through these gift boxes.  The treats and accessories will not only help with our morale but will also help make Christmas seem just that little bit more like home.  Although we are a long way from the states and we miss our families and our lives back home, getting notes, cards and stockings full of goodies from kind folks like you helps greatly to justify the sacrifice.  Thanks once again.  We really appreciate the warm thoughts and wishes.

      KAHUNA!!!!

Ehrich D. Rose

Colonel, Infantry

Chief, 4th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team

I have received about 10 boxes now. I'm not sure how much more is coming but I can hardly contain myself to hand them out! It brings me to tears. I myself am unsure about our (U.S.) reasons for being here. But that is not why your organization sent these items of love. It's to let us know that you support us...the troops! Your a group of more than the organization you represent. You are parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandparents, etc. That's what we feel. That's what keeps us going. LOVE. Otherwise, what are we fighting for? Maybe we have half a chance at making it out of this place in one piece because we can keep some semblance of HOPE.

I'll write more later. Thought I should share my thoughts to this point.

SSgt Todd J. Humphrey

886th ESFS/ E Flight

i just wanted to say hello from somewhere south of baghdad and to let you know that i appreciate what you are doing.  i am a former Newport (knights) senior high school graduate and washington state university alumni who is currently serving with the 57th signal company (2nd BCT-1st ID) on a FOB somewhere just south of baghdad, and i wanted to express my sincerest appreciation for all that you are doing.  i am also a poet, singer, and songwriter who often focuses those talents to share with other here, there, and elsewhere.

thank you very much for being there for us all.

respectfully,

mark d dejongh

spc-us army signal corps...the voice of freedom, everywhere!

Thanks to you, Santa’s Soldiers sent Christmas to over 8,000 troops!!

Because of your generous donations, hard work, love and support, 8,294 brave service men and women serving our great nation overseas will receive Christmas from home OSOT style.

Girl Scout Troop 1206

sent 77 beautifully filled stockings all the way from

Centreville, Virginia!

Cub Scout Pack 422

collected over $7,000 of their fabulous carmel corn for our Troops!

Woodinville, Washington

Over 200 volunteers showed up November 18 and November 25 to pack a total of 6.5 tons of love and gratitude for our troops!!!

Our troops will get to enjoy some sights, scents and a “feel of love from home” for Christmas.

We have so many businesses, churches, schools, scout troops and individuals to thank all across our great nation.  Boxes of donations came in from New Hampshire, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and nationwide!  It is because of each and every one of you, OSOT has been able to send love and appreciation to over 65,000 Troops since we began our Holidays from Home projects in 2003. We can’t thank OSOT volunteers enough!  You are OSOT and none of this could be done without you.  THANK YOU!

Have A Very

 

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!! Your OSOT Core Team