Letters from the Gulf
Below are excerpts from some of the letters Cheryl has received from our service men and women in the Middle East.
Wow what a treat! I came in from shift last night about 11:30 p.m. and there is a big box on my
cot. I was even more thrilled when I opened it up. Even sugar for the
Kool-Aid! I usually drink alot of water, but with the volume I drink
daily here, it is so nice to have a little flavor in a world filled
with bland things. It is so nice to know so many are thinking of us.
God Bless and Semper Fidelis.
--SGT Mark Mason
11:55 a.m. Temp 103º F. in
the tent, but I guess it's liveable. They said it shouldn't get over
130-135 today. The air is very stagnant here or 40 mph wind, one or the
other, at the drop of a hat. Imagine turning your oven on to 150º F.,
open the door, put a fan in front of it and have someone throw sand in
your eyes. But other than that I guess it's not too bad. There are some
good things here too though. The dining facilities serve better food
than Ft. Leonardwood, not quite as good as PSF's food. But your food's
always hot. Thanks for the phone cards, they were greatly appreciated.
It's now 12:45 and the temp in the tent is up to 117º F. I would like a
nice leisurely walk through the cut floor about now. WOW, It's HOT!!
--Jim Thomas, Maintenance
--Robert Graham, PSF Farms side
--Tony Hines, Kill Floor
--Randy Morris (Brenda Morris-cut floor)
--Johnny Hines, Ex-cut/box shop
--Mike Thomas, Ex-shipping
--Isaac Watson, Ex-cut floor
The hospital (47th CSH) is
still receiving patients and not sure when we will arrive home. "I need
some real good Mexican food.” We love our country and will hang in
there until the end. We appreciate your donations and the time and
effort you have placed into sending them out. God Bless.
-- SSG Kristen Newman, US Army
This package was actually the first mail I received here in Iraq, and it was a joy to get it for sure.
-- Paul B. Porter
This box is a real morale
booster and greatly appreciated. The gifts are exactly what we needed,
too. God bless all of you and take care.
-- Monty Lynch and Armament Section
I am about 5 miles from
Tikrit, Saddam's hometown. It is about 3 hrs. north of Baghdad. It's
like a giant sand box with a little vegetation. Very hot here. We have
seen temps reach as high as l52 degrees. We were only getting a shower
every 5 days. Now it’s every day, so things are really looking up for
us. Thanks for everything.
--SPC Penny Henness
Please let all the friends
and family know on the home front, we are doing fine, and are safe.
Please thank everyone involved with sending the packages to us.
Everything you all send will be put to good use. Oh yeah, would you be
so kind as to send us the Sunday funnies. We would really like that.
--SPC Crystal Tonya Simms
Thank you to everyone
involved in supporting our troops during this conflict. It really means
a lot to everyone over here. The items you sent were perfect. We are
taking each day as it comes, just one more day closer to being at home
with family, friends and loved ones. The support we are getting from
small local communities is very, very good. That makes our motivation
real high to get our job done and return safely home.
--SPC Jeff Tipton
Howdy from Mosul, Iraq. We
are truly glad to receive packages like the one you put together. The
items inside were thoughtful & useful. We all miss being home with
our families and the little conveniences we may have taken for granted.
Please keep us and the other soldiers in your thoughts & prayers.
--MAJ Todd Stevens, 41st RAOC
Today we had a formation
and a moment of silence for our fallen brothers in arms. It's good to
know the American people are behind us. Thank you for your kindness and
continued devotion to our country. I only hope we as Marines, Sailors
in the 21st century have contributed as much to our country as the
Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen of the past. Semper Fi!!
--Cpl. James W. Hawkins, 1st Bn 7th Mar 881's Plt.
You don't know how much it
helps me and everyone over here knowing there are so many people out
there praying for our safe and quick return. Mail is very important to
all of us, it gives us something to look forward to every day.
-- PFC John L. Ribar JR, 549th MP Co.
Thanks, I'll be sure to
share it with the guys in the unit. It has been hot and dusty here, but
all has gone well in our area of the operation. The guys have kept in
good spirits and humor so far.
--SFC Gene VanDusseldorp
I especially appreciated
the baby wipes and lip balm with sunscreen. I was able to share the
jerky, candy and crackers with my tent-mates and they were happy to get
them. Thank you again for your wonderful package. I really appreciate
your hard work in organizing this!
--CDR Perry Johnson
I just wanted to thank you
and everyone else for the package. I put it out for the other Marines
to grab (I got some stuff first) and it was empty in an hour. I cannot
thank you enough for the amount of support you show us all. It's
strange for me to be looked up to. I just see myself doing my job for
the country. It really makes a kid feel good to see so much support.
--LCPC David Kennedy
My unit (315th ALCF
Airlift Control Flight) is responsible for airflow and cargo in and out
of Baghdad. We are operating across from Saddam International Airport.
The weather here is hot, averaging 135 degrees in the sun and 112
degrees in the shade. We have had two dust storms that lasted 24 hours
each. I used some of the stuff in the box and distributed the rest to
other Army and Air Force stationed here at Baghdad. When we get a box
or letter like yours supporting us, it makes it all worthwhile.
--Troy A. McNear
We seem to have removed
the evil men that have oppressed this country. We have now focused our
efforts on the citizens of this beautiful country. They have begun to
taste freedom and democracy, and you can see the hunger in their eyes
to rebuild their communities. Give my best to the many people who
helped put this package together. Sleep well tonight, the Marines are
on post.
--Aaron D. Eckerberg, Captain, USMC