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Here are some emails sent from our troops... 2005 - 2008

Other years are here: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008-2005

Here are some examples of emails...

 

From: Cobb, Richard R Jr 1LT MIL USA USAREUR 7A
Subject: Re: CHRISTMAS BOX
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2008, 2:03 AM

hi...
Sorry to hear about you're storms. thats really unfortunate. Its
incredible that you continue to put so many other people in front of yourself.
Thank you again for the work, support and contributions you all make over there.
Again, it really matters for the Soldiers. I got the box of goodies. Its great.
I havent given it out quite yet... I'm waiting for a time we get to gather
around. I'll be sure they know who its from and what you all went through to get it
to us. Thank you again very very much.
Hope you have a GREAT holiday season.
God Bless
RJ


From: Rivera, Pedro A USA SFC USA JPOTF
Subject: RE: CHRISTMAS BOX
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:34 AM

Almost forgot, between my Soldiers and the Air Men, Sailors and Marines
who work within my command, we were able to eat all the candy you sent
us a few weeks ago. Now it's time to go to the dentist and the Gym!!!

Pedro.


From: Rivera, Pedro A USA SFC USA JPOTF
Subject: RE: CHRISTMAS BOX
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:31 AM

First of all thank you so much for your continuous support. The Soldiers
in my team are forever grateful for your kind gestures. Second, please
express our gratitude to all of those sponsors/supporters for their nice
gifts and donations. Let them know that because of people like you and
them, we are reminded of the reasons for which we serve this great Nation.

As far as the weather situation, my prayers are with you and your town.
I hope it gets resolved very soon. Over here the weather is a bit cold
at night (aprox. 65f). I realize that for you this sounds great, but
comparing the weather here a few months ago (130+ f), it is a big change
for us to adjust to.

Again, thanks a million for your great contributions. May God bless you
and your loved ones forever.
Pedro
V/R
PEDRO A. RIVERA
SFC, USA
JPOTF MPS OIC


From: Bowden LT Jennifer D (AA MWSS H&S CHAPLAIN)
Subject: RE: CarePackage
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 7:51 AM

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Greetings, Josey and Jeff,

You'll be receiving more thank yous. However, I wanted to be the first
to thank you SO much for the wonderful box of candy and tooth goodies
you sent us! I've taken pictures of the Marines and Sailors attacking
the candy. We're trying to get it into goodie bags to distribute- but,
it's going quicker than we can tie the bags. We finally handed the bags
out for the Marines and Sailors to fill. :) You greatly enhanced morale
within the unit. THANK YOU!! When you have a moment- please check out
our 'unofficial' 273 website. The address is: www.mwss273.com.

Thank you again! Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Jen
V/R,

LT Jennifer D. Bowden, CHC, USN
MWSS-273, Chaplain


From: Cobb, Richard R Jr 1LT MIL USA USAREUR 7A
Subject: Re: HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 6:47 AM

Hi!
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, again. My platoon had a special dinner
together for the Soldiers to make sure they're havin a good holiday. It was
nice. We are all doing very well and moving along with our mission.
I just came back from Baghdad and saw the package you sent with all the candy
and dental supplies. Love it. thanks again. I'm in the middle of
distributing that all out to the Soldiers. They're obviously taking the
candy quicker then the dental stuff, but they are taking it. To be expected i
suppose.
I have to finish up an investigation, but i want to thank you again for doing
what you do. It is very appreciated over here.

Richard Cobb
1LT, MP
Platoon Leader


From: Bowden LT Jennifer D (AA MWSS H&S CHAPLAIN)
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2008, 4:20 AM

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Hello Josey and Jeff,

Thank you very much for your support! Our Marines and Sailors are so
thankful to know they're remembered.

Have a great day!

V/R,

LT Jennifer D. Bowden, CHC, USN
MWSS-273, Chaplain


From: Lindsey, Danny L USA SSG USA HHD 6th Trans BN
Subject: RE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
Date: Monday, November 24, 2008, 1:49 AM

Dear Josey: Hey there...always a pleasure to hear from you. I am doing
well and I did excellent on my inspections. There was only one area
where I have to work on a little. I cannot believe how much candy was
collected. That is a whole lot of sugar. Thanks for sending
toothbrushes with the candy. That is very thoughtful of you. I hope
you all have a very nice Thankgiving. My wifes Mother and Father are
travelling up to Virginia from North Carolina to be with my wife and the
boys for Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for that. I did not want her
to be alone during Thanksgiving. That would break my heart. Take care
and I will chat with you again soon.

V/R

SSG DANNY LINDSEY
6TH TRANS BN S-2 NCOIC
PHYSICAL SECURITY MANAGER


From: Lindsey, Danny L USA SSG USA HHD 6th Trans BN
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 9:26 AM

Dear Josey: I got a huge box full of candies and cookies today. OH
MY...it was so full of chocolate and delicious cookies. I put out a big
bowl and filled it full of candy and everyone who comes in has been
digging in the bowl for a few pieces of candy. Definitely a big hit.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I hope everyone there is doing well. We are all
doing good here. What are your plans for Thanksgiving? I hope you have
a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will keep in touch. God Bless you!!!

V/R

SSG DANNY LINDSEY
6TH TRANS BN S-2 NCOIC
PHYSICAL SECURITY MANAGER


From: Lindsey, Danny L USA SSG USA HHD 6th Trans BN
Subject: RE: daily harvest
Date: Friday, November 14, 2008, 6:10 AM

Dear Josey: How are you doing these days? I am doing fine and trying to stay
busy most of the time. I hope all is well with you and your family. Are you
ready for the busy Holiday season that is fast approaching? I know this may
seem shocking but I will be glad when it is over because it will be a little
depressing to be away from my family during this time of the year especially. I
am just so ready for the new year to get here. What is going on in your neck of
the woods? Please tell Louie that I said Hello and I hope he is doing well.
Please take care and I will chat with you again soon.

V/R

SSG DANNY LINDSEY
6TH TRANS BN S-2 NCOIC
PHYSICAL SECURITY MANAGER


From: Cobb, Richard R Jr 2LT MIL USA USAREUR 7A
Date: Monday, November 10, 2008, 1:58 AM

I GOT THE PACKAGE... i'm sooooooooooo sorry i didnt respond sooner.
  We have  been swamped with mission and administrative stuff.  
My Soldiers had a Halloween  BBQ and i just put the box by the condements... 
i never saw any left over.... i  take it they loved it.  
So again, on behalf of all my Soldiers... 
thank you very very much for your  support and contribution.  
Its greatly felt over here.  I wish you could have  seen their faces
when i brought the huge box of candy to them.  
Moral is good!  Thanks again.  God bless  RJ (AKA, 2LT Cobb  

From: Lindsey, Danny L USA SSG USA HHD 6th Trans BN
Subject: RE: HALLOWEEN BOX
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 1:58 AM

Dear Josey:  I just wanted to let you know that we got your box  yesterday.  
Boy was it ever filled with wonderful and delicious things.  
Especially the caramel apples.  Those went over real well.  
I cut mine  open and shared it with another Soldier because they were so big.  
The  chocolate candy...OH MY GOSH...there was so much of it.  
We are making  little Halloween bags full of candy and we are going to try and get
people to come to our tent on Halloween and get some candy even if they  have no costume.
What are your plans for Halloween?  THANK YOU SO MUCH  for what you do for us over here.  
It really means a lot.  
I wish you  and your family and friends a very Happy and Blessed Holiday season.
 V/R    SSG DANNY LINDSEY 
 6TH TRANS BN S-2 NCOIC  
PHYSICAL SECURITY MANAGER         

9/6/08 This wasn't an email but a letter we just received.


From: Cobb, Richard R Jr 2LT MIL USA USAREUR 7A
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 12:52 AM

Hello We got your boxes. they were great. I put them in the Soldier common area and it was gone within a matter of a day. They keep askin me who i get these packages from and i tell them about your organization. They love ya. We all greatly appreciate what you do for us. Its a big relief getting items and candy we dont get all that much of over here. Its even better being reminded of who we have back home carin for us. Thank you again so very much and God bless you for your efforts helping my Soldiers and I. Time to get back to work. thanks again. 2LT Cobb


From: gary h.
Subject: Your Package
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 6:24 AM

Josey,

Thank you so very much for your wonderful package you sent. I hope we can be friends even after I leave Iraq. God bless you and your family.

Gary


7/26/08

From: Jamie Hildreth
Subject: RE: CARE PACKAGE
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008, 1:49 AM

Good morning, well...it's probably more like the middle of the night there. I always forget the time zones. I wanted to send a quick e-mail to let you know the package arrived. When I went to the post office to check the mail all the people there were talking about the box. Normally when people receive packages they are relatively small, this one was huge. I smiled at the guys at the post office and told them I would bring them some goodies from the box. When I got back to the mortuary I had to have help to get it out of the HMMWV. We brought it into the main office of the mortuary and everyone was standing around it just looking at it. It was kind of like a present you don't want to open for a little while. Once the moment passed I brandished a pair of scissors and opened the box. Again, there was a pause where everyone was staring at the box. I think at that point it was more of a selfless act; nobody wanted to take away from anyone else being the first to see what was inside. We all moved at the same time, slowly lifting the flaps of the box until we saw what was inside. Instantly it turned into bright faces and chatter while people dug in and gathered what they wanted. We took most of the sweets and edible stuff and put it in our community area or break room. That way everyone could enjoy it, including visitors. We split up the soaps and set the drawings aside. Once we had gone through the box (with me squirreling stuff away for the post office guys) we put everything where it needed to be and sat in the break room. Several people began eating the sweets while Shaw and I read the cards to everyone, showing off the pictures to go with each one. It truly was a magical moment. I can't tell you how happy everyone was. The next day I put the goodies I had squirreled away into a smaller box and brought it to the post office. I shared with the people there and it was much the same experience. I gave them a couple of the cards as well, to hang up in the small break area in the back of the post office, to help make it a little more cheerful. Your care package went a long way and I thank you, we all thank you for the support you gave us. In response to your last e-mail, I am sorry to hear about the accident, more so that you aren't able to enjoy the things you once were. Hopefully you will find a happy medium somewhere that will bring you the same kind of joy. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, even if it isn't clear to us at the time what that reason is. You have put smiles in the hearts of many people and we appreciate you. Thank you, PFC Hildreth, Jamie E. Mortuary Affairs


7/16/08

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 12:05 AM

From: Jamie Hildreth

Good morning! I was pleasantly surprised this morning by your e-mail.
Sometimes you get down because there are so many negative things going
on that you forget all the wonderful reasons that make you keep going. I
can't wait to see the drawings and pictures from the children. I will
hang them up all over the mortuary and hopefully it will make it a
little more cheeful in here. The walls are all a sandy-yellow color,
which in other circumstances might be calming, but in the desert, when
the only amount of color you ever see is the sunburned red of skin from
being outside too long, the last thing you want to do is come home to
the same blank and lifeless walls. Of course, none of the goodies will
go uncherished. I appreciate all the support you and yours are giving
us. It really does make a difference in the difficult setting we are in.

I thought you might like to know a little about our group here. Our
fearless leader, Ssg Rodriguez is from Puerto Rico and has an accent
that sometimes leaves you standing with a dumb look on your face as you
try and process what he's trying to say. He has a wife and two small
children back home. He often tells me how much he misses his chlidren.
That's another reason I think the drawings will help. He has been my
squad leader since I got to the unit nearly 2 years ago. We've been
deployed together once before and he's one of the sweetest, most
considerate men you'll ever meet. Our fearless leader in
assistance...assitant fearless leader?...well...you know what I
mean....Sgt Villanueva. He's also from Puerto Rico. I don't know him
nearly as well. He just came to our squad right before we deployed and
he's the kind of man that pretty much stays to himself. He has good
intentions and tries to help whenever there's anything to be done. I'm
sure by the end of the deployment I'll know him a lot better. Next we
have Spc Foster. He's married with two small children as well. He isn't
out here with us at the moment because he had a death in the family and
had to go home to be with his family. He gets back at the end of this
month. There's Spc Lytle, he's a very loud and awesome guy. He's
won soldier of the quarter and I am sure if we were back home he'd be able
to get soldier of the year. He's always the first to jump up and say
"me" when anyone asks for a volunteer no matter the task. He's
married with a newborn back home. The most adorable little boy! Pfc Soto is another from Puerto Rico...I'm not sure why there are so many in the
mortuary affairs units...but there are...he starts out quiet and
reserved but once you get to know him he opens up and starts acting more
relaxed, and crazy. He just got to the unit a couple of months ago so we
all treat him like the baby of the group. Pfc Cobb is another loud and
outgoing guy. He is the brawn of the group for sure. He's probably
somewhere around 6'3 or so. He used to be a truck driver and loves to
tell stories about things he's done and places he's been. He's been
deployed before as well and we'll sit around listening to tales of how
things used to be. He's not married but has several school aged
children. Spc Shaw is the other female, besides myself. She's the most
outrageous and outgoing person I've ever met. She has absolutely no
shame and loves to see if she can shock people. She's the kind of person
you would expect to see jumping out of airplanes, or or climbing
mountains so she can repell off them. I went through AIT (advanced
individual training...our job school) with her. She and I hit it off
right away and have remained friends since then. She doesn't have any
children but does have a significant other. Lastly there's me. I am the
elder of the bunch, but not by much. We are all somewhere in our 20s.
It's a good spread of ages. I am from Texas and have no children. I am
much more reserved than anyone else in the group. Often times you'll
find me tucked away reading a book, working a brain teaser or working on
the computer. I am currently taking college classes trying to get my
bachelor's degree in criminal justice. My dream is to become a crime
scene investigator. I'll get there eventually!

That's the quick down and dirty about us here. I've included a group
picture taken just outside the mortuary. You can see the quirkiness in
each of the people in it. Thank you again for all you do.

Pfc Jamie E. Hildreth
Mortuary Affairs

 

 

FROM YEAR 2007


From: Chris
Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2007 14:36:19 -0600
Subject: Re: Fwd: FW: Happy New Year!

Hey aunt Josey.
Sorry it took me so long to write back. Everythings going ok here. Im in Texas now. I should be back in Bagdad by the 15th of January. Happy New Year to you and the family. God is an awsome God, he sent you to me. Thanx again aunty. Will talk to you later.

Love
CHRIS


From: Chris
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:05:15 +0300
Subject: Re: Fwd: Thomas Kinkade

Hey aunt Josey. I'm back in Bagdad now... Everybodys almost back to normal, which is good. How are you and the family? Good I hope. Thanx so much for emailing me while I go through so much. I love you so much. This is a cool email, I like it. Talk with you later. Bye.

Love
CHRIS

Anyway thank everyone who donated their time and effort to make us a little more comfortable and just know you all made a difference.

Thank You From Charlie Company 704th SB(Support Battalion)

And thank you from just me.... Pat "


FROM YEAR 2006
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:58:28 -0800 (PST)
From: patrick mackey
Subject: Re: PREZTALS

Well, let's see... Yep they are medical just like us and there are females. Not all here yet but, most are and a lot of females. Always are with this type of unit. Anyway, I am still going to be at Ft Leavenworth and Mom has the address. I probably will be home around end of July timeframe. Just tentatively... pat


Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 04:59:11 -0800 (PST)
From: patrick
Subject: Re: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Well, Thank You very much! Actually the boxes got here believe it or not today! Incredible. Tell everyone that we all say thank you. We had a great Halloween. Two of the boxes got here one coffee and the other was the goodies. I think you said there was another? well, it should be here soon as well. Thank you again and talk to you soon


Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2006 04:04:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: patrick
Subject: Re: CHECKING

Well, as far as us needing stuff, we are all pretty good at this point. We only have about 38 days left so i dont know if your packages being sent out now would even make it to us. We have all appreciated the great boxes of stuff that you have sent and yes even the coffee went quick. I do have a request though from most that you send the recipe on how to make those pretzels. Everyone loves those.... It was the only time i had a hard time making people leave my office. Usually they cant get out fast enough. hehe. It's a compliment to me... Anyway I loved the pics of the wedding and wish I could have been there. I think I will be come home in the summer and we'll have to work something out with everyone and have a get together.

Anyway thank everyone who donated their time and effort to make us a little more comfortable and just know you all made a difference.

Thank You From Charlie Company 704th SB(Support Battalion)

And thank you from just me.... Pat



Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:13:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: patrick
Subject: Re: CHECKING

I think the new unit coming in is going to be 1st armored div. I don't know who my replacement is exactly yet but, they should be coming in anytime now.I think some are due in by the 17 of this month. The rest should filter in after. I will get you a name and their address which shouldn't be too different from ours now. I think they would love you all for that. ... Pat


patrick wrote:
I got a name for my replacement here if you all are still going to send stuff.
SGT Chris

Thank God for him.... I can come home now! Anyway we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the stuff you sent to us. We are all very appreciative since a lot of the stuff were things we could not get here and generally take for granted that we can just go to the store and get whatever whenever. So please thank everyone again for all they did. I will see you all soon probably this summer. Bye for now

These emails are from the unit based at this camp now

6/1/07

Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 22:10:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: patrick mackey

Subject: Re: Hello

I am safe and yea it was bad going home and then coming back but, it's ok only a few more months. We should start getting ready to come home in September. I think we will be back in Oct. but, at the least we should be home by Thanksgiving. As far as running low on stuff not really. I think we are all good for the time being. Phone cards are always a hit and anything else you already have will still get used I am sure of that. Everyone is so thankful for you and your group there. I am sending the camera back this week so you should have some pictures to see of all the people here that have enjoyed your pretzels as well as the stuff you all have sent. I will also take more with my digital and email them when I get time. OK it's back to work for me now... Pat...

Hey aunt Josey, sorry it’s taking me so long to mail you. Everything is kind of crazy out here now. The threat level is up, so security measures are up, and at times we can’t even get to the computer center because it is so crowded. And with this heat computers are breaking left and right. We are on a water blackout now. We can’t even take showers for the next week. Yeah its bad. I know you are praying for me and the troops, believe me we feel your prayers every day. I always get asked have I spoken to aunt Josey lately, and I tell them as soon as we can get a working internet I will. I received one box just three days ago, thanks a lot. Man it made stuff better believe me. Morale is not that good these days. We need a lot of baby wipes and deodorant over here now. Tell everyone I love them and thanks. I know God loves me, he sent you to me. Love you aunt Josey. Bye.


Hey aunt Josey. I received one of the boxes yesterday. Thank you so much. Everything is exactly what everyone needed. God bless you and everyone. We just found out that we might get extended for eighteen months over here, so spirits were a little down. And when your box came, it lifted spirits fast, thanx again. I know God is present everytime I read your email or recieve a package. Continue to pray for us. I love you.

LOVE
CHRIS


Subject: Re: TWO MORE BOXES SHIPPED !!!

Hey Aunt Josey,
You know its always great to hear from you. Every time I get stressed, and need a break I always check to see if you have mailed. It gets crazy at times. We get a casualty in (troops,and Iraqi) every two days about. But other than that its semi-calm. My unit is actually about half female. We always need some things like toweletries. The PX runs out of stuff, or doesnt have things. I havent recieved the other boxes yet, they are more than likely here though. Thank you and everyone else again. Love you Aunt Josey.

Sincerely,
CHRIS


Subject: Re: HELLO,...........Sgt Mackey"s Aunt

Thank you so much and God bless you. The homemade goodies and coffee will be perfect for now. If you guys want to send extra, and surprise us that will be great also. When Pat gets home, tell him I said thanx for everthing and to contact me as soon as he can. I guess you have a new nephew now. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your friends and family. Again, thank you so very much for everything

From: Chris

Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 11:27:50 +0300
Subject: Re: HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!

Hey. How are you? Vanilla creamer sounds great, but with sugar cookies. Again thank you and everyone else so much. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless.

LOVE
SGT HART(chris)


From: Chris
Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:08:54 +0300
Subject: Re: TWO MORE BOXES SHIPPED !!!

Hey aunt Josey,
I actually recieved the first box today. The Battalion is behind on getting mail out to troops. They have three conex's full of mail. Thank you guys so,so much. Everybody was so excited when I opened the box. For me it was a big moral builder, I haven't recieved any mail from anyone accept you. God bless you aunty! Tell Pat I said hello, and god bless. Thanx again for your prayers, they are working. I will e-mail you later when I get a chance. Love you.

Sincerely
CHRIS



From: Chris
Date: Fri, 08 Dec 2006 17:11:24 +0300
Subject: Re: TWO MORE BOXES SHIPPED !!!

Hey Aunt Josey,
You know its always great to hear from you. Every time I get stressed, and need a break I always check to see if you have mailed. It gets crazy at times. We get a casualty in (troops,and Iraqi) every two days about. But other than that its semi-calm. My unit is actually about half female. We always need some things like toweletries. The PX runs out of stuff, or doesnt have things. I havent recieved the other boxes yet, they are more than likely here though. Thank you and everyone else again. Love you Aunt Josey.

Sincerely,
CHRIS


From: Chris
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2006 16:58:52 +0300
Subject: Re: MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!

Merry Christmas aunt Josey. We were on a communications blackout due to death for over a week. I mailed you a letter... Your boxes and emails always lift my spirit. Thanx again aunt Josey. I think its about 90 of us and half men and women. I love you. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year. I will e-mail you from home also.

love
CHRIS


From: Chris
Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:05:14 +0300
Subject: Re: Just Checking on you .......

Hey Aunt Josey.
It has been very busy here. We are going through a change of command and have to inventory everything, thats in between doing my job, and taking in casualties. Im sorry it took so long to write. I recieved 2 more boxes. It seems as though when the morale of the soldiers are down and they are overworked, here comes your boxes to brighten things up. Everyone told me to tell you thank you so much for what you are doing. A few are going to write a thank you letter to you they said. You already know you are my serenity. Every one loved the toilettries you sent, that really made there day. Talk to you later Aunt Josey. I love you very much

Sincerely
CHRIS



Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2006 06:24:24 -0800 (PST)
From: patrick mackey
Subject: Re: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

We all thank you so much for the boxes. I received 2 so far. One came today, perfect timing. Everybody loves the pretzels (of course) and wants me to give you their addresses so you can send them to each of them... heehee. Anyway it was like Christmas with so much candy and treats. We will be coming home FAT. Anyway I/We really thank you and appreciate it all. More than could be expected. I will talk to you again soon. Happy Valentines day to you and all. ...

Pat


Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2006 21:14:12 -0800 (PST)
From: patrick mackey
Subject: Re: 2 Boxes

Hello again, We have 64 people in our company. Both Men and Women. Males make up the majority, but we have the most numbers of women. I tried to take a poll of some things they would like and Biore face wash pads, Ultimate Secret deodorant, Ankle socks sizes prob. 5-8 or 9, and intuition shaver refills were among the most asked for items. We all appreciate these little things you all send to us. I thank you from all of us here. Everyone said how nice this is and to make sure that everyone there knew they were appreciated.

Pat


From Year 2008


From: Tomlinson LCDR Michael L (1/2 Bn Chaplain)
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2008, 6:08 AM

Thanks to you we had a wonderful Christmas! Your kindness and generosity speaks volumes. It is unfortunate that the rants and lies of groups like MoveOn.org and the media often overshadowed our successes. Please take it from me unless we screw this up in the next year or so we have won the war in Iraq with fewer casualties (4,200+) than the 20,000 + that were predicted for the initial invasion 5 years and 9 months ago. That is incredible and you’ve had a hand to play in that victory by sending your sons and daughters to fight for freedom (some paying the ultimate sacrifice), sticking by your country’s warriors and just being there with morale boosting support.

Some quick facts of what the US military has done in Iraq: we liberated over 25,000,000 people in Iraq who are taking to democracy; deposed a dictator who was paying terrorists and their families in Israel tens of thousands of dollars to murder innocent men, women and children; captured the WMD storage facility at Muthanna where deadly Saran, Mustard Gas, VX and other deadly concoctions were stored; captured and sent to the West 500,000 tons of yellow cake used to make nuclear weapons; disarmed Libya of its advanced WMD and nuclear weapons program without firing a shot; conservatively killed more than ten thousand al Qaeda terrorists and proven the lie to Osama bin Laden’s boast that the American military was a paper tiger that could be easily defeated.

Our/your Battalion has led the way in humanitarian outreach with Operations Eyes On, Happy Feet, Textbook, Care Bear and Dental Floss. Internally your support for Operations Spittoon and Up & Smoke made 1/2 a chewer and cigar smokers paradise. We salute you for your support. God bless you and a may you have a very Happy New Year.

Semper Fi,

Mike

Chaplain (LCDR) Michael Tomlinson

1st Battalion 2d Marines

COP Rawah , Iraq


From: Bowden LT Jennifer D (AA MWSS H&S CHAPLAIN)
Subject: RE: CarePackage
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008, 2:25 AM

Greetings, Josey and Jeff!

Did you have to weather the snow storm to get to the post office? I
hope you're enjoying an amazing 'white' view without the traffic
complications! It looks like New York is still getting more snow.
You'll have a white Christmas! You are wonderful!! Thank you very much
for the box filled with goodies. We had a Christmas Program yesterday-
I've attached a photo- and, your goodies were gone before the service
ever started (the reindeer ears are in the pic as well:). Did you make
the chocolate/caramel dipped pretzels? They were great as well as
everything else. I can't thank you enough for your support to this
squadron.

I will enjoy your church series. There are units that don't have the
chaplain on Sunday and they will watch it! Books are always appreciated.
Thank you.

The holidays are a tough time to be away from home- and, you've helped
the Marines and Sailors to create new traditions! There will be a
special message to family and friends on the website Christmas Day.
Please know that the message is meant for your and your family. And,
thank you again for everything you do!

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Blessings, Jen

LT Jennifer D. Bowden, CHC, USN
MWSS-273, Chaplain


From: Rivera, Pedro A USA SFC USA JPOTF
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008, 2:06 AM

Hello Jeff and Josey,
Just a few words to let you know that we received the care package and we are very grateful for it. I have attached a picture of our Christmas tree with all the goodies you sent us. Notice the ornament on the tree, below the hat/star, next to the red bow… It is actually a great photo! Hopefully the weather has cleared up some.
Again, thank you so much for your support and may God bless you, your loved ones and everyone involved with Treats for the Troops.

V/R
PEDRO A. RIVERA
( Kuwait )


From: Lindsey, Danny L USA SSG USA HHD 6th Trans BN
Subject: RE: CHRISTMAS BOXES
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 1:45 PM

Hey there Josey, I got three gynormous boxes from you today and
boy were they ever filled with wonderful things for the holiday. I am
going to wrap several of the items you sent and present them to some of
the lower ranking Soldiers on Christmas Morning. I intend on going to
the chow hall during breakfast with the Santa hat on that you sent and
handing out gifts at the door. That should be a real treat. Thank you
so much Josey for everything you have done for us to help make our
Holidays a little brighter over here. Lt Giorno and I passed out some
of the goodies to a convoy today that is leaving tomorrow and will be
on the road during Christmas. They were very appreciative of the
goodies. Please tell Robin and her family that I said Thank you for
being so caring and selfless. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and
Happy New year. I will be thinking of you on Christmas morning. I look
forward to hearing from you again. Until then please have fun and be
safe!!!!

YOUR FRIEND
SSG DANNY LINDSEY


 

5-6/08 - I have to catch up on posting these. Stay Tuned. Jeff

4/30/08

Hello to everyone,
I really don't remember the last time I sent a mass email out to update
everyone so if I repeat some of the things in this one, I apologize. My
commander has been on emergency leave the last two weeks so I've been
wearing two hats as the acting commander and maintenance control officer.
Definitely a lack of sleep on this end but he should be back in a week or
so. As the acting commander I had my eyes opened to some of the harder times being in that position. The company had a red cross message come down that one of my Soldier's eleven year old daughter was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, however, the redcross message was not written correctly on the other end to sound serious enough to grant him emergency leave therefore, I had to tell him that he could not go home to see his daughter. That has definitely been one of the harder things I had to do.
Fortunately after many phone calls with the girl's doctor at Tripler Medical
Center, HI, I was able to get him to resend the message and by the third
message, he finally got it right and the Soldier was on a plane 1 1/2 hours
later. Now were faced with the dilemma to try and get the command to
reassign this Soldier to the rear-D so he can see her through the treatment.
As of now, she has a 50% to live through the next 14 days. The day after
that Soldier finally got to leave, another red cross came down that a
Soldier's grandmother died and even though she was close to her grandmother, she was not aloud to leave for her funeral either because she wasn't immediate family. In my position, I had to give a hard persona to these Soldiers in order to appear to support the chain of command (which is a must for discipline of the unit) yet I whole heartedly disagreed with the
decision. On other news, the NC National Guard has their MP unit on this base. They have had some hard blows coming their way already loosing five Soldiers in the last month and half to two months. I actually went to college with two of these Soldiers who were behind me, but I knew them through ROTC. My college room mate Joel Thomas was actually assigned to this unit while we were in college. Other than that it is a pretty normal day. Training the Iraqi Army continues with small successes that are few and far between and the Soldiers continue to continue their mission day in and day out. I hope all of you are doing fine and I miss you all very much. To my wife and family, I love you very much and can't wait to see/talk to you again.

Jordan

4/18/08

We reached box number 150 and got another letter of thanks from Christina here

4/10/08

Some of our recent additions don't send emails but do send thank you cards or letters via mail. Here are some cards from Nyla, and Christina we received over the last week.

Mike got to go home on leave to see his young Son and Wife YEAH !. Some of his two weeks is spent traveling, so now he is on his way back to Iraq. Thanks to all who help make these boxes possible. Miriam who came down from Northville with Girl Scout Cookies that they will love !!! My neighbor Mickie who put together a great package for our new addition of Female Soldiers !

Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:34:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: Scott Nagorski
Subject: Re: HAPPY EASTER

Hi I hope your easter was all good. Your box made it just in time being that i leave to go home for my 2 weeks in a day. I can't wait!!! Thanks for everything thats a hole lota movies. It will give me something to do when i get back here from enjoying my time back home. Thanks again.
-Scott

Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:26:31 -0800 (PST)
From: michael chandonnet
Subject: thanks

i got the gingerbread cookies box 2 days ago thanks they went quick. well im on my way home here soon. im not at my FOB right now im at a bigger FOB that i will fly to kuwait from. i am hopeing to be home on tuesday.

mike

Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:07:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: michael chandonnet
Subject: Re: HAPPY EASTER

im back and my box got here the same day i did thanks man it was some good stuff.
mike

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:49:32 -0800 (PST)
From: Scott Nagorski

Dear Josey,

We got your 2 packages a few days ago our mail has been slow for the past 2 weeks. All was great. The movies were really great. It kept us busy for a few days. All the magazines were given out that day as I brought them to where the computers and phones are. It turns out I am going home earlier for my 2 weeks of leave. I wanted to go in June for my anniversery but I'm going in April. Oh well. I got a nice trip planned for my wife and I anyway. There's not to much I can think of to send except maybe sweet tarts lol you guys are doing a great job. We really appreciate it.

Thanks, PFC Nagorski, Sgt Murrey, Spec Jiminez and Spec Poirer

Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:16:55 -0800 (PST)
From: michael chandonnet

yeah im good ive been doing better since i have been able to get out of the wire this past week. yes the magazines made it and man was that box heavy. thats great that your gonna send that football we play football all the time and a change in balls is always great. wow cant wait for your treats last time we all loved them. its usually takes about 8 days to get mail. my family is doing good my son is talking alot more, he is on the spectum of autism but not autistic just has development delays in speach and behavior. the school system is going to help. my wife is doing great because i come home for R&R around feb 25th. so shes really happy. and my tour is supposted be up in december but might be up in september either way its fine by me - mike

Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:31:11 -0800 (PST)
From: michael chandonnet

Im going very good i have been able to go out on missions here lately so ive been a bit busy. we got the boxes thanks and we will be watching and eating the food when we watch the superbowl. thanks again. i do have one thing if you can find it. its a football by nerf its called Nerf Vortex it can have the howler things or it or not it dont matter. look forward to see what you send in the valentines box. you surprise me all the time.
mike

Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008

THIS IS A MARINE WE HELPED BY SENDING A BOX TO AT CHRISTMAS , WE HEARD HE WAS ON HIS FIRST TOUR AND NOT DOING SO WELL FROM JOSH WHO CONTACTED OUR WEB SITE.

From: April B
To: Josh Wright
Subject: Justin Gaines
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:43:23 -0600

Hey Josh, How are you doing? I hope all is well with you. I just wanted to give you an update. I actually got a phone call from Justin today. He is exhausted and freezing, but for the most part doing okay. He sounded really good.

He wanted me to let you know he really appreciates everything sent to him. However, in a few weeks he will be headed out on various missions. He said the last few months they are going to be there will be go, go, go. He will be going from place to place and therefore asks that you not send anymore packages. It will take extra time to get there and he has no place to put anything anyone sends. Letters are always welcome though. Other than that, he says things are still looking good for him to be home before May, depending on if they are going to have to due a huge post-deployment thing on the coast or not.
I too want to thank you for everything you have done for him. I was so ecstatic in the letter I got today and his phone call and he sounds just like his self and said he was okay.
Thanks again. -April Blackburn


Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 13:35:50
From: michael chandonnet
well i am a big cowboys fan and if they make it pretty far i would like a hat. i will see what else the guys would like for the super bowl. thanks for everything.
mike

Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 16:33:53 -0800 (PST)

Josey,
We will watch any DVDS that you send but comedy and action would be great. Also the other guys said a board game or uno cards would be great. Such as Stratego, One of the special edition monopoly's like the army edition or Simpson's or something like that. And always snacks I'm gunna try and get a photo taken this week for your web site. We really appreciate all you guys are doing. Thanks
Scott

Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2008 13:29:58 -0800 (PST)
thanks and happy new years to you guys also. I will ask the 3 other guys if theres anything they can think of. A movie or 2 would be great if thats not to much to ask for. But ill ask my other 3 guys also. I also got a new address to ship to
PFC Scott Nagorski


From Year 2007


Date: Tue, 25 Dec 2007 13:29:58 -0800 (PST)
well the holidays are here and im away from my family and friends. this comes with the military. once again chow sucked we had almost the same thing we had for thanksgiving cornish hens and ham. the best thing was the cheese cake and deserts. it also sucked because i had to work the toc and today no one really went out except for route clearance. so i missed out on the football tourny. the holidays just arent the same without friends or family. little things keep me going like a friend of mine saying that he was here with me last time and now he's at home in texas and its not the same and it wont be untill i'm home with my wife and son and to smile because when i'm smiling he's smiling and if you know him he has one on all the time so i can let that down. so im going to let all this holiday stuff pass me by it can only get better. just wait untill next year and i will top all of my christmas's. take care love you all. talk and see you soon.
mike

Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:20:02 -0800 (PST)

Well things have been going pretty good around here not to much happing in our area witch is nice. Santa is going to be coming here the 23 24 and 25th so that will be kind of fun. I'm going to ask to go home or just to get some internet down in the jail for my shift. I have received the package you sent and took it down to the jail to share it all w/ the other guys. Everything was great especially the homemade goods. They really like the chocolate cover Oreos and I liked the pretzel sticks a bunch. It was weird with the Duncan donuts coffee because we were just talking about ordering some online. The other guys (SGT Justin Murray SPC Kody Poiror and SPC Roberto Jiminaz) say thanks and have a good Christmas and New Year. If you would like we could take a photo for you and send it to you when we got some free time. Thank you very much and have a great Christmas and a happy new year we will try to the same.

-PFC Nagorski

Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:21:48 -0800 (PST)
From: michael chandonnet
yes and THANK YOU! Me and everyone in my platoon enjoyed the baked goods and candy. I seperated it out and gave it to all of them and they loved it. I loved the cookies with the peanut butter cup in it. It was a little piece of heaven. thank you very much!
mike

Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:03:55 +0300

I got them (Christmas Boxes) and am trying to get JoAnne's to her. Having some issues trying to reach her with everyone trying to take care of things so we can leave and come home. I will find a way though. Thanks.
Sean

Subject: RE: Replacement Contact
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 08:22:51 +0300

He is here now, he is not my actual replacement but he works here in
the cell and will sit across from my replacement when she gets here but since I am not sure who it will be I wanted to give you a name of
someone definite. BTW, he is the biggest fan of all the cookies! Is
funny, you could pack 2 boxes, one full of cash and the other full of
the homemade cookies and choco dipped stuff and people here would not think twice, they would go for the cookies and dipped things!! I gave Paul his bucket of goodies, he loved it!
Well time to get some things done around here. Thank you for
everything, and yes I am very happy to be leaving here and coming back to the states and to Michelle! I miss her very much.
Sean

Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2007 18:02:25 -0800 (PST)
From: Scott Nagorski

Josey and Jeff
Coffee and coffee cream would be great (french vinilla if possable would be wonderfull) i work 25 hour shifts in a jail so we go thru lots of coffee and creamer.The candy and tooth brushes have been all handed out and eaten already so we enjoyed that very much. But anything you send will be much appricated.

-PFC Nagorski

Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:54:21 -0800 (PST)
From: Scott Nagorski

Hi my name is Scott Nagorski. Today i recived a package from you with candy, toothbrushes and tooth paste. I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you very much for sending that to me. I will be shareing all of it with my co-workers here in iraq. I thought the cards from the children were very sweet. You said in your card to let you know if ill be here for christmass and yes i will be.. I will not be going home untill about Dec of 2009. Thank you again for your support and treats :)

PFC Nagorski

Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:36:32 +0300

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!! I received another box today, thank you so much. I heard about the text messaging thing to support the troops. I wonder how many messages will be sent.

Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 09:05:03 +0300
Subject: RE: HAPPY HALLOWEEN BOXES ON THE WAY !!!!

I got them!!! Actually I got 2 boxes 2 days ago but it has been hell
here recently. We had a few bad days here with roadside bombs (IEDs) and some casualties and injuries. I hate that part of my job, when reports come in about people being killed or severly injured, it just makes me sooooo angry sometimes. I told everyone to brush their teeth from all the sugar, hehe. Was a great Halloween stash you all sent. Please pass our thanks to everyone there who helped. It was amazing! The dipped pretzels...my personal favorite!! They were delicious. ... Thank you so much!
Sean

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:48:45
Josey,
Coffee and fixins arrived! WOW, thank you so much, was
awesome! Arrived just in time as we were about out. You are an angel!

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:38:23

Josey and Jeff,
You don't know me, but I received an awesome care package from you last week. My name is Joanna Vasquez and I am a 23 yr old Air Force Sergeant stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. Thank you for the time you took to think of me and send me the magazines, all the hygiene items, and the twizzlers. I am stationed with about 50 guys and two other girls so it was nice to receive girlie things. I think it’s great what your organization does for the troops deployed to Iraq. We have been here since '03 and it is very touching to know we are not only remembered, but appreciated. I have attached a picture of myself and the last two girls that were here (they went home last month), I don't have any pictures with the new girls yet. I am the one with the short brown hair. The EOD technicians do 6 month tours, but I am here on a one year tour, so I've worked with two sets of them. I am not sure how many soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines write back to you and let you know how grateful they are,
Collectively, thank you for what you do for us,
SSgt Joanna Vasquez

Wed, 24 Oct 2007

Josey and Jeff!
Thank you I am back to work today and still not feeling all that
well, but I can't be away too much, there is still work to be done. I
spent most of yesterday sleeping and drinking lots of water. I went to
sick call the day before and they gave me 2 Ivs (2000mL total) of
saline. It helped a bit, apparently I was a bit dehydrated.
I look forward to seeing your card. I know I repeat myself a lot,
but you both amaze me with your energy and care for us. I am very
humbled, which is not something that happens to me a lot because of what I see in my job as a criminal investigator and then here in Iraq. I am amazed by you both and very thankful for people like you in our world! Yes, I think the weather has backed off enough that Chocolates can be mailed without melting away. My mouth immediately watered when I read about the pretzels...YUMM. You hit a soft spot with me there, lol. People here seem to like everything that is sweet, and they all have varied tastes, so whatever you send trust, me people are gonna eat! Lol.

10-9-07

Jeff & Josey,
Thank you, I received 2 of 3 boxes today from you.
I wanted to share with you something I thought that was
heartwarming when I was opening them. When I receive your packages I
open and separate them out based on what people on my teams may prefer
or request, as well as set things out here in the unit for anyone who
wants something. While I was opening one of the boxes, a young Army
private was walking past and something in one of the boxes caught his
eye and when I noticed it I asked him if he wanted something for him or
his buddies. Apparently he had been in Korea for a previous tour and
the spicy asian snack/trail mix was something that he enjoyed aand
reminded him of that tour. While talking to him I asked him if he could
use a phone card or 2 to call home. That was the icing on the cake! He
was so appreciative. Then I told him about yourselves and what you do
for us over here and he asked me to thank you for supporting us. It was
a very heartwarming moment for me thanks to you and your generosity. I
wanted to share that with you so you know what a difference you are
making to people here... Sean

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