Things To Read, Watch or Listen To

We haven't done this in awhile, but, every so often, we like to point our readers to information that they may not get on their nightly news. Some are from commanders giving reports. Others are soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who are serving on the front lines. They range from broad overviews to day to day life. They may help you understand what it is like "over there".

If you read enough, you will find out that the experiences of some in one sector do not reflect those of others. One district or province may be very active with contact with the enemy. Another district may be quiet and focusing on rebuilding basic infrastructure, developing good governance and economics. This is true for both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Please enjoy reading these posts. Some are rather long, but they wouldn't be here if they did not provide the best information possible.

Richard's Deployment

Richard is in Afghanistan and posts a weekly update. He is at FOB Salerno where our favorite dustoff medic is stationed. He posts pictures of the progress as they build a new, permanent hospital. Right now, they work in tents with raised floors. Last week they suffered a flood and had to rebuild. They've been treating a young patient, Azad who is six, for several months. Today he was moved to the Afghan Surgical Hospital:

There was one landmark today; Our longest-stay patient, Azad, has moved to our Afghan surgical hospital. He's doing very well and his family is visiting him now. His youngest sister in 17 days old. His family is looking forward to going back home. Their gratitude is overwhelming. The gratitude of all our Afghani patients is overwhelming.

Read more about Azad, the flooded hospital tent and the continuing progress to build a permanent hospital here (pictures)

Soldier OnBackground on Azad's story and this little bit about being away from home:

Most of us spend an inordinate amount of time planning our redeployment, our return home. No matter how many times the Chaplain tells us not to idealize things back home, we do it anyway. When you are separated from home and family it's easy to remember everything through rose-colored glasses. It's great for getting through the deployment, but it can make things harder when you actually get home. Despite the fantasy, life goes on at home just as before; children grow up, spouses become independent, coworkers and friends move on. As we idealize life back home, and as life goes on back home, the gap between the fantasy and the reality grows larger and the transition becomes more jarring. It's all just part of the hidden stresses of war. Not all wounds are visible. Not all pain is obvious. Not all casualties of war are Soldiers.

JAG Officer in Mazar-e-sharif Afghanistan (pictures)



More here: JAG Officer in Mazar-e-sharif Afghanistan (pictures)

JAG Officer: Kandahar

Kandahar is just as hot as I thought it would be. I think it’s been around 105+ degrees every day. It can get up to 115 and even hotter but fortunately it hasn’t gotten there yet.

Our first day of class as I was proposing the schedule, which included afternoon sessions, the Afghans immediately protested. They said that they would rather start early and end by noon to avoid the heat in the class room. This week we’re teaching in ANA land so the buildings have no AC. So it was agreed that we would start at 0700 every day and end by noon. It’s actually worked out OK.[snip]

Here on Camp Hero there is a huge area that is surrounded by a covered boardwalk. In the center is a soccer field, small roller-blade arena, and volleyball pit. On the boardwalk are various fast-food places; a Canadian donut shop - "Tim Hortons" aka "deadman's donuts", Korean snack bar, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King. There are also several Afghan shops selling various items, a sew shop, embroidery shop as well as a restaurant just off the boardwalk. It’s actually pretty nice.

The base even has it’s own waste reclamation plant. The first night we were here I asked Paul what that terrible smell was and he said it was the “poo pond” or “bamboo pond.” It’s the water/waste reclamation plant that has bamboo growing in it and it’s about 100 yards or so down the road from his room – where we’re staying. He offered to take us down to see it but of course we declined. The smell was enough of a tour.

This part of the country is the “hot spot” in terms of Taliban fighting. This is the area where Scott Lundell was killed, where road side bombs are a regular occurrence as well as small arms fire. Paul says that when they first got here there were regular rockets being fired over the camp but none that actually landed inside the wire. (continue reading:
JAG Officer: Kandahar)

JAG Officer continues with a great overview of life in Kandahar including the people, the food and the buildings: Last Days in Kandahar

We were there during the workers lunch and it was interesting to see what they were eating. Their main course was a watery soup of yogurt and green onions with a few cooked vegetables and naan (bread). They use the big loaves of naan as plates and then eat the bread around the things on top of the bread. They were very gracious and invited us to join them, but of course since we had just eaten we declined.

And this is Matt Sanchez in Afghanistan (formerly in Iraq). He has some great videos including interviews from enlisted and officers on their work there, conditions and progress.

Getting ready to go to Shura


Food Time in Afghanistan (an excellent quick view of food and eating traditions)



LTC Gilhart Provincial Reconstruction Team Afghanistan on progress and projects



Other videos from Matt Sanchez in Afghanistan

On to Iraq where the experiences can vary even more greatly from area to area.

Jack Army: Typical Patrol

It is real easy to get complacent when you go on patrol after patrol like this one. Nothing happens, nobody challenges you, nobody pushes the envelope, everything is just quiet, business as usual. That is one of the things that is so hard about this job: fighting the complacency. I haven't been in constant, days-long combat, but I imagine that it is easier to stay alert during that sort of activity because you have to. Of course, I'm not eager to test that theory!

A couple of notes about some of the things you see in the video.

Jack Army: Giggles

Since I've figured out how to embed video, I'm able to give you a couple of more. Next up is a video from a visit to a town outside our area. This town gets almost no notice from anybody, good or bad. It's just a quiet town doing it's own thing, but security there is good, services are getting better, and the townsfolk are very supportive of the government and the Coalition.

We started our visit to a small pre-school where we handed out toys and played with the kids for a few minutes. Some of the children were a little shy.

See the rest of Jack's patrol and a little video of the kids enjoying a little "giggle fest" here.


Acute Politics: Militias

I have written previously about some of the major distinctions in the structure of the Iraqi Security Forces. Over the course of the last year, I have had the opportunity many times to see various Iraqi units in action. The Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police have greatly increased in number- there were few of either evident in Ramadi last October, and they are everywhere now. I like to see IAs and IPs; I like to see that Iraqis fighting for their own country. However, the guys I really like to see are the PSF and Neighborhood Watch fighters.

I have witnessed the appearance of local fighters in an area several times- an advent that is normally followed quickly by relative peace.

Militias are a mixed bag. In some areas, they have been extremely helpful in decreasing the violence and securing neighborhoods. These are most closely associated with neighborhood watch or policing programs. In others, like Sadr City, they continue to be dangerous for the people and coalition forces.

An example of how working with the shiehks and creating a locally staffed security force improves security and living conditions can be seen in this report at Badgers Forward:

Raider Commander Update on Ramadi

Security here in Ramadi continues to improve as the Iraqi police and army forces work daily to keep the population safe. When we arrived in February, we were averaging 30 – 35 attacks per day in our area of responsibility. Now our average is one attack per day or less. We had an entire week with no attacks in our area and have a total of over 65 days with no attacks. I attribute this success to our close relationship with the Iraqi security forces and the support those forces receive from the civilian population. The Iraqi police and army forces have uncovered hundreds of munitions caches and get intelligence tips from the local population every day.[snip]

Some of our most recent successes have been in the areas of reconstruction and governance. The city government didn’t exist before April of this year, but has grown steadily over the past few months, and is now providing essential services to the population. In areas that were battlefields only a few months ago, city electrical employees are now repairing transformers and power lines. Sanitation workers are fixing sewer leaks caused by hundreds of buried IED’s [improvised explosive devices]. The Iraqis now have repaired the electrical grid in about 80 percent of the city and about 50 percent of the rubble has been removed. We expect to have all rubble removed in the next 90 – 120 days, which will allow for many parts of the city to start rebuilding.

Read the rest of the report at
Raider Commander Update on Ramadi. Ramadi is in the Al Anbar Province, once considered the hotbed of the insurgency in Iraq. It still has a high attack rate, but this is because the small corner of Al Anbar overlaps Baghdad and a southern "suburb" or "Mahala" called Ahmadiya. There is also an area north east of Baghdad between Camp Taqqadum, Tikrit, Mosul and Kirkuk where the routes for smuggling money, weapons and fighters follow the main highway and river system. It is also the area where the tribes most loyal to Saddam hold the land. In fact, the al Tikriti tribe is the family or tribe of Saddam. It is these small areas where concentrated attacks drive up the average in the whole.

On the odd variances in conditions in different parts of Iraq, we have two reporters:

Violence ebbing. Wealth returning. Can this be Iraq?

For there are two Iraqs in evidence these days: not just the one where weddings are bombed and young women murdered in reply. The other Iraq is harder to dramatise but it is equally real. It is a place where boring, ordinary things take place. And in taking place become extraordinary in the context of conflict.

Last week it was the opening of a new $20 million government centre next to Tal Afar's ancient ruined fort. The day before Jamil detonated his explosives' belt, the sheiks and dignitaries came in and crowded through the building's corridors, muttering approvingly as they examined its new painted walls, the photocopiers, printers and computers - some of them still wrapped in plastic - sitting on the brand new desks.

From Michael J. Totten, veteran reporter who has traveled and reported from the Middle East: In the Wake of the Surge (pictures included)

Just to the right of my knees were the feet of the gunner. He stood in the middle of the Humvee and manned a machine gun in a turret sticking out of the top. I could hear him swiveling his cannon from side to side and pointing it into the trees as we approached the urban sector in their area of operations.

This was all purely defensive. The battalion I’m embedded with here in Baghdad hasn’t suffered a single casualty – not even one soldier wounded – since they arrived in the Red Zone in January. The surge in this part of the city could not possibly be going better than it already is. Most of Graya’at’s insurgents and terrorists who haven’t yet fled are either captured, dormant, or dead.

A car approached our Humvee with its lights on.

“I can’t see, I can’t see,” said the driver. Bright lights are blinding with night vision goggles. “Flash him with the laser,” he said to the gunner. “Flash him with the laser!”

A green laser beam shot out from the gunner’s turret toward the windshield of the oncoming car. The headlights went out.

I'll warn you now, this is long, but it is Gen. Petreaus giving a very detailed interview on the ground situation in Iraq: Interview with Petreaus

HH: Welcome, General. You took over command of the multinational forces in February of this year, February 10. In the past five months, how have conditions in Iraq changed?

DP: Well, obviously, we have been surging our forces during that time. We have added five Army brigade combat teams, two Marine battalions, and a Marine expeditionary unit[ed...that's our Fighting 13th that we need additional support for], and some enablers, as they’re called. And over the last month, that surge of forces has turned into a surge of offensive operations. And we have achieved what we believe is a reasonable degree of tactical momentum on the ground, gains against the principal near-term threat, al Qaeda-Iraq, and also gains against what is another near-term threat, and also potentially the long term threat, Shia militia extremists as well. As you may have heard, that today, we announced the capture of the senior Iraqi leader of al Qaeda-Iraq, and that follows in recent weeks the detention of some four different emirs, as they’re called, the different area leaders of al Qaeda, six different foreign fighter facilitators, and a couple dozen other leaders, in addition to killing or capturing hundreds of other al Qaeda-Iraq operatives.

Boredom

We were sitting out at one of the check points and there is this house a little ways away from where we stage our vehicles. They are always standing outside the house waving at us. I just so happened to have some hard candy in case I was near any kids, so I got out of the truck and started walking over. One of the sergeants went with me. I stood a little way back and waved a them, and then kind of shook my bag of candy. They started to walk toward me, two of them holding hands with their father, so I started walking toward their house.

I stuck my hand out and said “assalaam alaikum” to the man, which means “peace is upon you.” The man said it back and then asked me how I was doing. It turns out that he is a teacher at the school in the village and he spoke English. I told him I had some candy I would like to give to his kids, and asked if that would be okay. He approved, so I gave some to each of the three kids. They loved it and were all smiles.

We got in to a conversation with the man, just trying to find out a little bit about him. We all introduced ourselves and he introduced his kids (I forgot everyone’s name in about two seconds…) He told us that he loves the American troops here. He said that the IPs at the check point were doing a good job. One of his concerns though was getting shot at. At night, because they don’t have air and because it is so hot, they sleep in the grass outside their house. Gunshots are a pretty normal thing, and he told us he was “weary” of his children getting hurt from stray bullets. The sergeant I was with said that he would try to talk to the IP and the guys at our patrol base to notify them of his concerns and see if there was anything that could be done as far as getting them some sort of wall put up.

Another read from Badgers Forward on support from Military Spouses: Ladies of Lakedaemon

Right now I am reading Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire, an ode to the Spartan martial spirit, but I was really struck by this passage, a short soliloquy from one of the Spartan officer's wives:

The wives of other cities marvel at the women of Lakedaemon. How, they ask, can these Spartan wives stand erect and unblinking as their husbands' broken bodies are borne home to a grave or, worse, interred beneath some foreign dirt with nothing save cold memory to clutch to their hearts? These women think we are made of stauncher stuff than they. I will tell you, . . . we are not.

Do they think we of Lakedaemon love our husbands less than they? Are our hearts made of stone and steel? So they imagine that our grief is less because we choke it down in our guts?

So too of today's "milspouses." People ask Mrs. Badger 6 how she does this, as if dealing with deployment is a superhuman task. She does it because she loves me and she believes in me and our task and purpose. I see the same resolve in other milspouse blogs and as I talk to Soldiers about their wives at home. (And occasionally husbands.)

They are not super-human. Quite the contrary. They are everyday people who decided they are going to get through this - that they and their marriages will come through this. Everyday people just deciding to make it through this. And that is far more impressive than being super-human.

Speaking of spouses and children on the home front, My Life as a Military Spouse, reports this interesting part of deployed family life: Out of the Mouths of Babes

I constantly battle with my children over their asking mommy to help with everything. Yes, daddy is gone a lot, but when he is here, he can help, just like mommy normally does. My children don't seem to understand the concept, or so I thought. I have been raging about this issue for several days now and this morning S3 came to me and we had a conversation that went like this:

S3: Mommy, I would love to have some watermelon, but it is not appropriate for me to touch the knifes.

ME: You are right honey, you are not allowed to touch the sharp knives, I will be there in just a minute to help you.

S3: Mommy, I know I can ask daddy things too, but he is not here, he is at work. Remember? He is out with the tanks and his soldiers. Remember?

ME: Yes honey, I know daddy is not here. I appreciate you remembering that you can ask daddy to help you with things too, when he is here of course.

S3: But mommy, we ask you for things because we love you. We don't want you to forget that we love you, so we have to ask you for things. You are the bestest mommy and I love you over and over again.

Read the rest of Out of the Mouths of Babes

Minnesota Red Bulls Home

After a bit of a snafu, our two buses were joined by escorts from the State Patrol, and a couple of dozen motorcycles from the Patriot Riders and the American Legion. As we crossed every county line in Minnesota, we picked up a new escort from the local sheriff. Just outside of Owatonna, our procession turned into a parade with hundreds of motorcycles leading us, and thousands of people lining our route. Our luxury coach bus included tinted windows, so I'm not sure if the folks we passed saw us waving back, or how many of us had to turn away as we were overcome with emotion.

Video of the Welcome Home Red Bulls

Most of these reports and many more can be found on the Dawn Patrol at:




- May no soldier go unloved

Letters From the Front: You Kept Us Going

This is a picture of Army Rangers, "Tough Guys", still holding their Easter Baskets Soldiers' Angels sent to them in Afghanistan.

Soldier's Angels,

My unit and I want to thank you for all your support. Your thoughts and prayers have kept us safe for the last 10 months and are going to see us home safely very shortly.

Keep up the good work. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines as well as all other service members' morale may be uplifted by a single letter. Imagine the power of a care package with special items just for him/her! You guys are helping people cope with the separation by creating a link with our world. God bless all of you for what you are doing. Your support means the world to us and has helped us understand that our time away from home hasn't been for nothing.

SSG Michelle

People often ask deploying Airmen, "What can I do to help?"

Most Airmen say, "Nothing. We're fine."

Asking for things is hard, and we can get almost everything we need at the base exchange.

It's not until I get a package from a loved one that I realize how much these little pieces of home really mean to me. Often I don't know that I'm missing Gummi Bears until they come in the mail, looking battle hardened from traveling halfway around the world.

Sometimes just a short, quick card can brighten my outlook. And every once in a while, you hit the jackpot. After a long, tough day, there's nothing like returning to your workspace and realizing you have a package waiting for you on your desk. It's almost like Christmas.

Packages are great. Gifts and candy are always shared with others. In fact, co-workers and hut mates often get excited for each other when we get mail and many times we'll be on the lookout for our friends' names while we're at the post office.

Regardless of how odd the gift may be, it's important because it tells me people are thinking of me while life continues to go on at our home station. My favorite package to date was the one I received from my office back in the states. They sent me a couple of our base's newspapers, and it was really fun catching up on the goings on at F. E. Warren Air Force Base.

I don't mean to knock e-mails. They have their positive points: They are instantaneous, easy and free. But in my opinion they don't make up for being able to hold a letter in your hand. Knowing someone took the time out of their busy day to write down their thoughts and let you know they were thinking about you. It's just a good feeling.

Now I know this is a two-way street, and I'm a bit of a hypocrite because I don't normally write many letters, but since I've been here I've written 15 letters. Most of the time I just tell people what my day is like. It may not seem that exciting to me, but for people back home it gives them a window into our lives. My goal is to write a letter to everyone in my address book before I leave Bagram Air Base. It's a lofty goal for a writing-challenged person, but one that is completely possible.

Recently I saw a quote from an unknown author and it really hit home. It said, "What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human handclasp." When you think about it that way, how can you not write a letter?

I got an email from Reed today titled "WOW". I wanted to share this with all of you because without YOU this wouldn't have been possible.

"That is the coolest thing that I have received period.
The thought and time put into it is amazing. I really
don't know what to say. Thank you so much. That is a
keeper."

Thanks to all the Angels that made this possible!
Kim&Reed

Soldiers' Angels Europe: A Letter From Around the World

When I picked up the mail at the office I was surprised. As always many letters and postcards from the US. And as always many of the same die hard Angels like Angel Louella from Texas, or Angel Toni from Belleville, Mi or Angel Carol from Riverside, IA. All these Angels send a lot of letters and postcards. But this time there also was a letter from Hong Kong for the British Troops. That really was a surprise because that means that the Troops truly have support from all over the world.

Who ever wrote that letter, thank you, thank you from heart.

I am sure one of the soldiers is happy to receive it. Your letter goes out with one of the next care packages.

Think of the way this letter made. First it went from Hong Kong to Germany and then it’ll go from Germany to Iraq. Isn’t it amazing?

As I write this, UK security forces, intelligence and police are searching for two or more possible bombers who parked two car bombs in busy London areas. These men must be worried about their families while they continue to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq against the very same people who might one day succeed in harming their families. As allies, they deserve as much support as our own forces who are working hard to defend us. Please support our Coalition Allies. Help a British Soldier have tea time.

A Phone Call Away

Tonight as I was coming home from celebrating my birthday I got a surprise call from a soldier that I wrote to a couple weeks ago. We talked for about 20 minutes and he could not thank me enough for being a part of "The Angels". He said that the soldiers don't always see the good of what they are doing there and it means to world to get a letter from the states telling them that they are important and that we care about them and support them. It was a tear jerker conversation at times and I could tell he didn't really want to hang up but his phone time was up.

It never ceases to amaze me that soldiers feel the need to thank us when they are the ones putting themselves on the line each second of the day. I am so proud to be a part of Soldier's Angels and so proud of our men and women serving our country. This truly was a wonderful birthday

Spiritual Warfare

Our Mission is really over accomplished! What fun! There is no doubt Chaplain Theresa will have enough Rosaries for quite a while. With the numbers still promised to be shipped along with those we've all shipped already, she should have about 1,200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoohoo!

Sincerest Thank You's to all the Angels who helped with this Mission, it was quite wonderful and heartwarming (and fun as well). We couldn't have done it with out all of you and your incredible contacts!

Huge Hugs,
Tigs Mom (Karen)

I am writing to express my appreciation to all of those who have received my information from this site and sent me letters, packages, and cards in support. I want to let you know that those are what meant the most to me during my time here and I cannot express my gratitude enough for you taking your time out to send those things to me.

Also, I am writing to let you at the site know that I will be leaving in the next month to month and a half, and would like you to remove my information from your site as soon as possible. I say this, because I want everyone to get the notice in time, so that things will still not be arriving here after my departure.

Thank you so much and continue to do the wonderful job of spreading love and encouragement to others who are have taken the oath to protect and defend our wonderful country of the USA.

Respectfully,
1stLt Tabitha

Our Medic from Dustoff Salerno In Afghanistan joins us for a quick update in the forums

I just wanted to say whatup to everyone on here. I know that I have been slackin big time on the forum. Its been a busy couple of months thats for sure. The East Khowst Salerno Krew is now operating out of two locations so we have to rotate back and forth weekly so that is partly why I have not been posting on the forum. I will try to do better. Other than that we are all doing great and are still receiving mail left and right from Soldiers Angels all across the states...even Germany! I got a box full of goodies from Germany a couple weeks ago so that was pretty cool.

I have been trying my best to send thanks to everyone as the packages and mail arrives. I know that there are some out there who I havent been able to thank. Here are a few names that I cannot match email addresses that very recently sent me a package. So if anyone can help or if you see your name please let me know.

Bill & Laura from PA
and
Stewart(last name) from GA

I really want to send them my thanks.

On another note, everyone out here is staying very busy. I flew over 100 hours these past two months. Probably the busiest I have ever been. Our amazing flight medics are doing great work at saving lives and treating the sick and wounded. We even flew an enemy prisoner yesterday who needed medical care. Our crew cheifs have been doing great work as well keeping our aircraft in top condition for flight and not grounded. As for us Pilots, we always like our aircraft flyable instead of grounded because what good are we if we cant fly! But seriously though, everyone has been working hard and as a team.

Many have started to take their much deserved R&R. Brian and Sean are both on leave right now. I get to take mine in August and luckily I will be able to be there for my sons 1st birthday so I am pretty excited about that!

Well, I just want to say thanks once again to everyone who has continued to support the DUSTOFF crew out here in Afghanland. We appreciate it very much. Talk to you all soon.
Adam

Soldiers' Angels Flag Flies From Mt. Shasta

Hello Angels,
Here are several pictures from my climb of Mt Shasta on June 8-10, 2007. I told
myself that my motivation would be to endure all pain like our soldiers are doing overseas right now. However, the conditions were not optimal and it was an extremely difficult feat. We didnot make it to the summit, but made it high enough to feel the accomplishment of climbing a mountain.

As you can see by the photo, the view was spectacular. Thanks to SA for providing the
hat and to the person who coordinated the making of the flag, it turned out great.
As always, keep up the good work. ~ Mike Keegan

Your Support Is Appreciated More Than You Can Ever Know

Hello Angels Angel ,

My name is Dylan XXXXX, I'm in the Army and am currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. I've been here for 10 months and have 6 or 7 to go. Throughout my tour I have received various letters and packages from various angels all over the 50 states. Although I haven't had time thus far to contact many of them I'd like to say thank you personally to each and everyone of them, and will do when possible. I have kept everyones letters so I may reply one day when the time presents itself.

In a few days here I will finally be going on leave, so things have slowed down for us to prepare for that, giving me time to join your forum and give my thanks. I would like to thank my current angel who has stayed with me throughout my entire tour thus far. Rachel thank you very much . I am very lucky to have your kind and caring support backing me. (she told me not to, but I'm doing it anyways, ha ha Top Banana )

**Although you might be getting all kinds of crazy ideas running through your heads, I urge you not to try and send me anything because I have thanked you or joined the forum. I would much rather you used them to tend to soldiers in greater need then I.**

Again thank you very much to all the angels for your support and caring. it is appreciated more then you can know .

- SPC Dylan (INFANTRY!)

Hello
I wanted to send a thank you to “Solder’ Angels” for a steel coffee cup.
I guess I should start over and explain this note [Sorry been deployed to long].
In 05 I was in Bagdad and then to Afghanistan in 06 and I am still going here in Afghanistan till the spring of next year.

A couple weeks ago our truck got a blast from a bomb, by GOD GRACE NO ONE WAS KILLED. But me and one of my other Sergeant had to go to the Med station to be check out. Nothing significant wrong with either of us, so back to work but some gave me a cup from your outfit with some coffee – I swear that “Angel” on the side of the cup was the greatest thing after a “bad day at the office”. I am back at my FOB and I can’t find the cup but the thought some one cares enough to send those cups sure made this old Sergeant Day. Thank You from one Infantry Sergeant here in Afghanistan.
SSG Charles

Your service is extraordinarily valuable

On a recent visit to one of our battle positions, I was intrigued by the number of fans inside the berthing area. I was quickly informed of the origin of the fans from several of the Marines. When I relayed this story of kindness I kept hearing more and more things that had been done by you and the Soldier’s Angels. It seems you have quite the following of people you have touched within the battalion, especially in the Communications Platoon.

I am proud to be from a country that has caring and compassionate people like you. Your service is extraordinarily valuable and as I’m sure you have heard, it is greatly appreciated by everyone you touch through your gifts.
Thanks again and God Bless each and every one of the fine folks in your organization.

Semper Fi,
Jay

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

Help Soldiers' Angels make a difference in our service members' lives.

Join us today!



- May no soldier go unloved

Friday's Letters From the Front: Thank You for Your Support

Greetings From Baghdad

Hello, greetings from Baghdad, Iraq. I just want to thank those angels assigned to me, who have wrote me a letter or sent me a card, I appreciate your love and support, and it's an honour and privilage to serve this great nation we live in, and fight for our freedoms. I also appreciate your prayers too. I know I have seen your mail going out to many of our troops, thank you so much, we love all of that love and support we're getting from you angels, it really boosts our morale, when we receive some love from people back home, and it makes our jobs easier knowing we are being supported by our people back home in America, people like you, I've said it before and I say it again, Thank You Soldiers Angels, we the soldier love and appreciate you too.
I just finished writing and addressing Iraqi post cards, and I wanted to let you know that I'm well and staying safe.
Sincerely, SSG Marvin

Hello from Iraq,

First I would like to thank you for all that you do, we apreciate it greatly. The soakers were a great ideal we had a couple of soldiers who couldnt wait to have a water fight. Thanks for all the small packages they worked out really well. Everyone got what they need and then some. I hope you all know how much you are appreciated by us for taking care of our troops. Once again thank you and God bless.

Jason

An Angel To Watch Over Me

Mr Bader,
My name is SGT Shamar I'm a friend of Mr Olivas. Thank you so much for everything you have sent me. All your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Last week I started wearing my Soldiers Angel pin on my bullet proof vest and trust me it protected me. I was out on a routine convoy that was hit by an IED. I think my Angels has something to do with no one sustaining any injuries during the blast. Well I have to go because there are other soldiers waiting for this computer but in closing THANK YOU!
SGT Shamar

First Response Back Packs

Hello and thank you for your support.

I recently received some backpacks full of goodies for our soldiers. As the nurse in charge of the intensive care unit, my nurses and I see quite a few patients come through our unit. You should feel great about the support that you give. The back packs are great for the injured soldiers, and they are great for the nurses to have something to give. The back packs are a big hit with everyone.

Your note mentioned that we could email a wish list. This request is for the hospital staff so if you have other priorities, please take care of those first. These are all "nice to have" things. -Snack foods that are "healthy". We receive lots of cookies, but I have quite a few health conscious people that prefer to eat healthier snacks.
Anything from tuna snack packs to trail mix and anything in between. -Room deodorizers. Anything that makes it smell better except for aerosolized cans, plug-ins or things you need to light (i.e. candles). The gel containers work well. We use them in the bathrooms, hospital units and sleeping quarters. -Drink mixes. Any of the sugar-free mixes to make the water taste better would be great. It's so hot that we drink LOTS of water.

From all of us here at the hospital in Baghdad....THANK YOU! We all appreciate your support!


Angela
MAJ
Head Nurse ICU1
28th Combat Support Hospital
Baghdad, Iraq

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City raised money to send over 70 backpacks to our wounded!

British Troops Love Our Support

(British Sailor) Hope you don't mind me emailing you, we received your letter and I was quite touched as it's true we don't receive much mail like that from our fellow britains!!

David
XXXXX
XXXXX
Comments/Question:: Hello,
I am a british solder currentlly serving in Iraq along side U.S. troops. A group of us recived a letter from a Sharon XXXX email address: XXXXXX. On behalf of all of us and others that will recive this letter at some point in the future Id like to say thank you so, so much for your support from the U.S. public and Sharon. I did try and submit my self as a solder on your site but I see you only deal with US Military. I think its an amazing thing you all do and it keeps us all going through the hard times and reminds us that people like you are supporting us from back home. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of out hearts. Dave. XXX

Don't worry! There is a way to support our allies through Soldiers' Angels Europe

These guys are hungry for mail and support.



Birthday Greetings from Angels

Thanks to all the angels who sent a birthday to Stephen, he just email me a message of thanks

"Anyways, it really did mean a lot to me and it made me feel like I was home again. I was shocked as well with the amount of letters that were in the box. I think it will take me the rest of the deployment to write back to all those people, but if they were kind enough to write me I am going to try and write them back."

To all of the angels who sent my un official Doug a Birthday card Thank You. Here is part of his email...

Thank you very much for the Bday packages. You have spectacular timing. I was floored with the generosity ... The cards from all the folks from Soldiers angels were very nice and very uplifting. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support ...

Thank YOU very, very much!

Hello again Stephanie. My guys wanted to make sure that I told you thank you very much.

On behalf of the the guys THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH!!!

Well everything over here is getting kind of hectic again but like always we'll pull through. Hope you and your family are fine. Oh and I don't usually have too much time on the computer but if you could, would you tell whoever you can at the soldier's angels thank you as well. We really appreciate everything you guys are doing for us, I know I say this every time I write but it's just that we are all so grateful out
here that some times we have nothing else to say but thank you.

Roger

"Please Help My Soldiers"

Hello,I am wanting to submit members of my platoon. This is my third deployment over here. I am with the 3rd Infantry Division based out of, GA. Most of the members in my platoon are on their second tour here. Some do not receive any mail besides bills. No matter where you go bills end up following you. I would like to have them receive something other than bills. A little encouragement from home goes a long way. Some are very shy or dont know what to write back. I would like to thank you for all of your support. It goes a long way to know that we have people at home that support us.

Someone submitted my name to soldier's angels. I've been very impressed by the letters and support that I've received. Now I am requesting the assistance of soldiers angels for my company. I am the Executive officer of an Ordinance Company. We have a platoon of medics, cooks, staff, and mechanics. We are currently at 273 soldiers in our company. They work grueling days and are exhausted afterwords and are always looking for something to do. My request is simple. Please help our soldiers by providing something fun and uplifting for them to do. It doesn't necessarily mean purchasing them expensive gifts or videogames. They enjoy other things too like puzzles, crosswords, chess and checkers, card games, ect. Many people will even send over the weekly newspaper crossword puzzle to help keep them occupied. Doing this helps them releave stress and keep their minds off of being homesick. It also effectively helps pass the time.Thanks for all your support! LT V

Dear Angel, I am a transportation platoon leader for 27 outstanding men and women who are from the South Carolina. We just recently deployed to Afghanistan and will be here for 1 year running all transportation missions through most of Afghanistan. The platoon before us recommended this site as they had wonderful support from their angels. We hope to feel the same support! Thank you unconditionally for your support! Anything you can do for us is greatly appreciated.

Veterans Are Grateful for Our Help TOO!

Rec'd this today from the VA in Albuquerque, NM


Hi Twyla, we received some back packs and comfort items and are very grateful. I spoke with one of our social workers yesterday and he is very interested in the back packs and we will use the comfort items for our lodger program. Again, thanks you so much and an official thank you letter will be sent shortly.


Sonja Brown
Chief, Voluntary Service &
Public Affairs Operations
New Mexico VA Health Care System

On Memorial Day I joined the Patriot Guard Riders escorting the bus with the patients from Walter Reed on it to the parade in Gettysburg, Pa.

I got to talk to some of our Fallen Hero's that day. I noticed one had a Soldiers' Angels sweat shirt on. I asked him if he would like a Soldiers' Angels pin to go along with it and he said he already had one.

He told me how the wonderful [and] caring members of Soldiers' Angels have been showing him their support + to honor them he had quite a large tattoo of the Soldiers' Angels logo on his right arm.

John

Angel Work On the Home Front

I arranged to take pizza, breadsticks, hotwings, and drinks to the Army and Marine Corps recrutiers' offices tonight. So I go pick up all the munchies and load it into my car. I drive up the recruiting station and park. I grab everything and start walking into the office and out comes a Marine recruiter to help. We set everything down and start talking and I tell them about SA. I divided up the food and run over to the Army recruiters. When I walked in, they all just smiled and said hello. I arrange the food on the table for everyone to help themselves and introduce myself and tell them about SA. During the two hours that I was there, i walk back and forth between the offices and talk to all of the recruiters and hand them pins and coins and shake their hands and tell them thank you for your service. I have to take fliers and business cards up there at a later date, because my printer went on the fritz! I had a really nice time talking to these soldiers and Marines and learned some things about each of them. One shared with me his experiences in Iraq. I walked out of there with a grin from ear to ear because I was able to spread the word about SA and feed some troops!!! It was a very rewarding time.

The Happy Dance

My grandsons are still here staying since their mom is still recovering from her episode back the tail end of May. One of their "duties" as they call it is running down the driveway to "rescue" the mail. My son is glad to turn that "duty" over to them for a few days. LOL After all the birthday cards & PC's he brought home.

Today I hear them both SCREAMING at the top of their lungs..."GRAMMAA, GRAAAMMAAAAA we got MORE free mail!! They delivered 4 free mail envelopes to me. All are from the LWT & all of us are doing the HAPPY DANCE Top Banana Top Banana Top Banana Top Banana all over the house. Sure hope the neighbors aren't watching they will think we have lost our minds.

Keep sending those letters we do make a difference.

Hugs
Tammy W

Help us support our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Join Soldiers' Angels and you'll discover that feeling of satisfaction that makes Angels do the "happy dance".


- May no soldier go unloved

Letters From the Front - Thank You For Your Support

This video is from local KC Angels who read letters and told stories about the wonderful responses they received full of gratitude for the support they have given to our troops all around the world.



I wish that I could reach more people with our website and within our community. I wish they could see the requests that come into Soldiers' Angels. Many of them are not for the soldier writing the request. They are often writing for others that they serve with who get no support.

In Amy's Alerts, I read a message:

dear angel, my unit is assigned to a MiTT team, and we live apart from our parent unit. the augmentees that i lead are forced to only use a small room, with a broken couch to have their down time, aside from their personal computers. We love to recieve mail, but working day in and day out in such close proximity to the iraqi army, only allows us limited opportunities to go to our parent unit and recieve our mail...we just love the mail and the goodies we sometimes recieve from home. any good tidings our way is greatly recieved. i think this operation you guys have going here is also very awesome. i hope we can find a great angel and communicate with them to regain a little of that sense of home.

I am Not a soldier but A SGT in the US Army this is my third deployment here in I raq since the war started. I have a lot of soldiers who like myself on my first tour will never see mail or even a package. I just wanted them to know that there are people who care.

A lot of care packages get sent to Afghanistan and reach Bagram or Kabul but few make it downrange to the FOBs. I'm on Camp Stone and have been here over a month and have not seen one package come in for any of the soldiers here. We don't have an AAFES store here so comforts are limited. Things like Tang powder, kool aid w/sugar/ crackers, chips, ect. would be greatly appreciated.

Even with 90,000 Angels, the number of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that are without support is staggering. So many Angels try to support as many as they can, including "unofficial" adoptees who aren't signed up, but may have been referred by a friend or family member. The over 140k men and women in Iraq and 20k in Afghanistan are only those who are there now. Many have been deployed and returned. Some with physical and mental health issues. There are many wounded, like those we were hoping to support with Operation Aces High.

I wish people could see and hear the gratitude that these men and women return for something as little as a letter with an uplifting scripture on the envelope. That was the recent humble request of a soldier. There are so many like him.

DEAR ANGELS

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE TO ME THIS WEEK AS I RECEIVED FOUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT AT A TIME WHEN I REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE CARES ABOUT US...

THEN WE GET LETTERS FROM OUR ANGELS, I CANT TELL YOU HOW UPLIFTING IT IS TO GET A LETTER FROM A STRANGER WHO IS SO POSITIVE TOWARDS US SOLDIERS, THESE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE WHO COME UP TO US IN AIRPORTS AND JUST SAY THANK YOU, SHAKE YOUR HAND AND SMILE, IM ALWAYS LEFT IN TOTAL AWE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT LEAVES ME TOTALLY HUMBLED.

I got 25 letters today, and a package from Tammy C. I got some letters from a 7th grade class and a 5th grade class. I am riting them all back individually, so that could take a while LOL

I just wanted all the Angels to know how much I appreciate what they have done for me. You know what a tou[gh] time I had coming back here, but there letters really have made a difference!!! Please let them know, they really do make a difference for us over here, even if they never hear back from the person they [w]rite to, the[ir] letter that day may have been just what the soldier needed to go on for the next day. I know when I have not been able to talk to you which has hardly been at all this last month that the letters I get in the mail have lifted my spirits a lot.

There are days that I mite not get any, but I know that I have alot of angels out there thinking of me and praying for me. Please honey tell them that we need them to help keep us going. It's not easy over here and we are constantly reminded that most of these people don't want us here, but to know that we have so many people back home that support us, that care about how we are doing and want to help take care of us is
an awesome thing."

Dear Terri,

Thank you for the care packages. It was a very welcome suprise for my platoon and I. We had just returned from a 3 week mission and found the care packages sitting on our bunks.

I wanted to let you know that it was better than Christmas morning. One item in particular really hit home for us. It was the skittles that you sent. You see, we have been out on assignment for over three weeks and have seen nothing but dirt, sand and barren hillsides. After awhile everything seems to look the same. So, when we dug into the care packages and saw all the bright colors of the skittles candies, it really made our day and reminded us that someone at home cares about us.

Thank you for everything you are doing for me and my troops. We really, really appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Josh

Even the smallest among us can make a difference.

My 5yr. old and I were at McDonald's with my mom today. I was talking to mom about how I was going to save my Ketchup packages for my soldier and if she wasn't going to use the rest of hers I would take them too. My 5 yr. old grabbed her happy meal bag and said I'll be right back. I thought she was taking it to the trash. I wish! I then watched her go to every table saying she needed everyone's extra ketchup for her soldier she adopted in Iraq. I could've died and burst with pride at the same time. I explained to my nearest neighbors about SA and what we had done. They said that was sweet and wanted the website addy. Rebekah proudly came back with a half a bag of ketchup. Sure hope my soldier is hungry LOL
Kim

We can help them with their mission which means they come home that much quicker:

Sara,

As always, really nice to hear from you. Thanks for the note and also the packages sent in support of these poor children. The toys and candy for the local children will be vital for our connection with them. I don't mind you sharing any of the notes that I send you. I want people to know that you and your Angle Baker friends have had such an amazing impact on my men and me.

Thanks and I hope this finds you well.

Sonny

And, they remember our support for a very long time.

I was walking around in Sunnyvale at the art and wine festival and just had to stop in on the marine booth. (no other branches were there). Well after I introduced myself tot he marine he asked me to thank ALL of you wonderful angels. His name is Ray and he received a few packages while he was in Iraq. On his behalf, thank you all!

I have sent letters and care packages. I have marched in parades. I have attended welcome home parties and I have been to the funerals. It amazes me that I have done so little to earn their service and I am humbled when the smallest thing is treated as the grandest treasure.

Daily, I see requests to Soldiers' Angels like those above. I read the letters of gratitude. I read the names on the list of missions at the PGR. They are almost all young and they come from every place in the United States. They serve and they sacrifice, their very bodies, minds and sometimes their lives.

They are ours and I hope that you will see them as ours: our families, our friends, our neighbors and ours to support.

I ask you to remember our men and women and join Soldiers' Angels in supporting them.

Until they all come home.



- May no soldier go unloved

LTC Patrick Turner Update from Iraq May 16th

Providing packages and support for Iraqis and CMOC (civil military operations):

From time to time, SoldiersAngels volunteers ask me what to send to us here for the Iraqi children and so forth. Note the email below that answers the questions you may have on this:

A cohort of mine, Captain Sheila Corcoran is a Team Chief for what is known as a Civil Military Operations Center ( CMOC ). A CMOC's mission is to serve a community at large. Her particular CMOC has, as part of their mission, a health care clinic and assist in finding "displaced persons"( these are people that have been separated from their families for one reason or another).

During a visit, I asked her what are the items that she needs the most that would benefit the community that she serves.


Here are the items the she requests in this order:

1) School supplies such as pencils, "Big Chief" tablets, erasers, etc...

2) Books in Arabic please, remember where we are. Hopefully your book stores will assist in finding them for you. Consider asking a local Mosque for help.

3) baby formula

4) diapers

5) baby wipes

6) Children & Adult vitamins

7) Children's clothes ( all sizes)


When purchasing these items please be "culturally sensitive" remember, our intent is to put an "Iraqi face" on what we do. No squirt guns, anything that looks like a weapon or a gun is not compatible with our mission here. Let's not get an American Soldier hurt accidentally.

I noticed, but forgot to ask, that there were no TOYS in evidence that they are asking for so cease fire on those.


LTC Patrick Turner
Camp Liberty

If you would like to support the CMOC and LTC Patrick Turner's project, please drop me an email at kehenry1_at_hotmail_dot_com for his contact info.

- May no soldier go unloved

Thunder Run Correspondent in the Sand Box: The Hug

Thunder Run Correspondent says that he is "dusted in" due to a sand storm so he has a few moments to write another dispatch:

I think we’ve all had that sixth sense that something is missing. You may be walking in the woods and realize that there is something different. The birds have stopped chirping, or there is a lack of background noise. Well, I just realized that I’ve been here for several days now, and I have heard very few complaints.

Now I have an honorable discharge from the Navy and an honorable discharge from the Army. I can say that I have heard a wide spectrum of truly unique and creative complaints. I’ve heard people who would win gold in world class complaining. We used to have a saying in the Navy that if the bitching stops, prepare for a mutiny.

The secret weapon in today’s arsenal against complaining is - (drumroll please) “The Hug.” It is also known as “Da Hug.” I’ve seen it once.

Read the rest here.






- May no soldier go unloved

David from Thunder Run has got an inside into the Sandbox. He just arrived in Kuwait.

What am I doing in Kuwait? I have travelled here to provide support to an Expeditionary Medical Facility as they switch into sustainment mode. Most of my 20 years in the DoD have been in the support role. I think I have one of the best jobs in the world. My customers are also my heroes.[snip]

Dave, you oughta see it. This place is covered with highly motivated Americans (military, civilian, and contractor). These people have this place running as smooth as glass. They support what is going on up north, and I have never seen more talented and "switched on" people. They are the NEXT GEN. The up and coming generation. These people have their game faces on and they exercise their free will and initiative... to America's advantage. I met with Chief N from Maryland. He was very protective of his people. During a "dog and pony" walk through, I saw him slow down three times and fix three problems on the spot. He was unashamed that he gave non-standard, out-of-the-box solutions right in front of us "representatives from BIG NAVY." I believe he would have bit someone's ass if they had let the system fail. There is no playing games here. I saw no Mickey Mouse crap.

Read the rest and then stay tuned for updates.
- May no soldier go unloved

Thoughts on Easter Sunday: Building A Bridge

Every week I try to put up messages of appreciation from our troops who are being supported by Soldiers' Angels. It is no surprise, when Angels receive these messages, they are over joyed. Everyone likes to know that their efforts are appreciated. That is, after all, why we do the things we do. Not so we can feel appreciated, but so our men and women serving so far from home know that they are appreciated, that their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and that we care.

I put up these messages so that people will feel motivated to participate in the many great programs that Soldiers' Angels offers in support of these fine men and women and their families. I think that people need to know that they can and do make a difference.

People often think that they need to be able to dedicate enormous amounts of time or money to move a mountain of morale. This idea of overwhelming need can be daunting to the average citizen and, like any other charitable program, may keep people from participating. People will wonder, "How much do I really make a difference if I am just writing a letter?" "Does toothpaste, shampoo and deoderant really make a difference?"

The truth is, it does matter. It's not about the cost of an item. It's not about whether you give 10 minutes or 10 hours. The way that our support system works is like building a suspension bridge. Every part has a job to do; no part of the bridge works alone; if one part fails, the bridge will still hold; every part, no matter how small or how big, adds strength to the bridge.

Take the two most famous suspension bridges in the United States:



The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California





Brooklyn Bridge, New York



What holds these bridges together? Strong foundations built to withstand tsunami type waves. Steel towers built to withstand gale force winds. The steel trusses beneath the roadway provide stiffening to keep the roadway stable for travel. Finally, thousands of individual cables are bound together to provide support for the millions of tons of people, vehicles and freight that cross it every day over decades. The individual strength of each cable allows the bridge to be flexible, withstanding great forces, always moving to meet the demands placed on it, yet continuously capable of holding up under enormous strain.



Soldiers' Angels is built on a similar model. No one Angel works alone. Without all the Angels, our organization would not be strong enough to support our men and women. We stand on a strong foundation of service to others, the knowledge that liberty only stands because it is defended by the free and the belief in honoring sacrifices made on our behalf for that liberty. The individual abilities and strengths of each Angel, bound together, provides the strength and flexibility needed to maintain support for tens of thousands of serving men and women around the world.

Every new Angel adds to the strength and capabilities of this great organization.

And our men and women appreciate it.

From a platoon sergeant in Afghanistan:

All I can say is "WOW". As you can see by the distribution list, and by no means is that everyone, the list is huge. It has truly been overwhelming at the response of all. It really gives us hope and a purpose for what we are doing. As one of the leaders of the platoon I decided early on that we would post "Thank You" cards and holidays cards, etc. on our break room wall for all to see and read. I told the soldiers today in our meeting that if they ever have a doubt about why they are here or what they are doing just read a few of the cards. We here all know what a great country this is, I am just glad that so many others do as well. We truly are from the greatest country on the face of the Earth. If you don't believe so then visit any other country.

The support for my platoon has been amazing. You all are so kind. Whether it be letters that you sent, Thank You or Easter Cards, Cool or Sand Scarfs, Boxes of Goodies, Boxes of personal hygiene items. No matter how big or how small they are all appreciated the same.

Again, thank you all so much for your kind words, love and support for what we do. We aren't always thought of so graciously.

From a Captain in the 82nd Airborne:

Thank you so much for the generous support you have shown my battery. We recently received 2 boxes of snacks and toys and even peeps! Those are great for guard shift. I passed out all the letters you sent. I think they broke down into 7 per platoon. The guys are competing to see who can get a letter back from you the fastest so expect some personal mail from them. I can tell you, my Paratroopers are routinely surprised by the mail that comes from the people such as yourself whom we have absolutely no affiliation with. Those random acts of kindness boaster our belief that regardless of what is in the paper and on t.v., the American people still believe in us and support us. Without that our job here would be much more difficult.

We are building a bridge between the home front and the front lines with every package and letter that is sent. Across that bridge, love and gratitude flow to and from these wonderful people.

If you are already an Angel, thank you for supporting our men and women serving.

If you would like to find out how you can become part of this organization and support our men and women in uniform, please go to Soldiers' Angels, learn how you too can be a part of the bridge that keeps the soldier on the front line and the people at home connected.

Easter Message:

Luke 6:47-48 - Whosoever cometh to Me, and Heareth MY SAYINGS, and DOETH THEM, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid The Foundation on A ROCK: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon A ROCK.



- May no soldier go unloved