25 December 2005
Wonderful Supporting Groups and Individuals
I am humbled. Humbled and proud. I want to take some time to describe the types of support that we have received over here from the American people. I thought that this flood of support would wane after a month or two after we arrived, but it hasn’t. Not even close. Here are some examples of the support we’ve received in just the last month or so:
*12,000 cookies from the “Wisconsin Cookie Brigade” (that’s about 20 cookies per soldier and is in addition to the dozens of cookies that I’m sure almost each soldier has received from friends and family—no wonder we’re getting fat!).
*Hundreds of books and magazines from the volunteers of the Books for Soldiers program (http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/).
*Tens of thousands (I’m not kidding, tens of thousands!) of letters and cards from school kids from all over the country.
*Thousands of hand written letters from adults addressed to “Any Soldier,” expressing their support for what we do and the sacrifice we’re making.
*Seven hundred hand-made wooden pens, made by woodworkers (www.freedompens.org/)*An American Legion Post sending its monthly collection of goods and supplies.
*A girl scout from northern Wisconsin sending her monthly box of candy and sweets (her commitment that she “wouldn’t not stop working for us until we come back and finish our sacrificing” for her).
*Dozens of packages of supplies from our battalion family readiness group.
*A card for each soldier here, each signed by a dozen or so employees from a department store in Wisconsin.
*Hundreds of ornaments and Christmas decorations sent by church groups.
Every day, over the last few weeks we have received dozens and dozens of packages. The above list is in addition to the various items that almost every soldier gets from his friends and family. For example, the people at the place I work, sent me a package for soldiers here that included DVDs, music, games, computer food, nice socks, etc. In addition, they raised over $1000 to support the Badger OIF Foundation. What can one say in response to support like this?
As you can imagine, we’ve been overwhelmed. Receiving this kind of support leaves one in awe . . . speechless. The support is from people all over the political spectrum—both supporters and criticizers of the war. Where else in the World do you see people like that? I am proud to be an American.
Of course, I miss my family this Christmas . . . . I miss them a lot. But, to receive this much from so many people takes away some of what's missing. It’s been a truly humbling experience this Christmas and holiday season. Thank you.
Merry Christmas all. Let's hope for a more peaceful year, next year.
*12,000 cookies from the “Wisconsin Cookie Brigade” (that’s about 20 cookies per soldier and is in addition to the dozens of cookies that I’m sure almost each soldier has received from friends and family—no wonder we’re getting fat!).
*Hundreds of books and magazines from the volunteers of the Books for Soldiers program (http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/).
*Tens of thousands (I’m not kidding, tens of thousands!) of letters and cards from school kids from all over the country.
*Thousands of hand written letters from adults addressed to “Any Soldier,” expressing their support for what we do and the sacrifice we’re making.
*Seven hundred hand-made wooden pens, made by woodworkers (www.freedompens.org/)*An American Legion Post sending its monthly collection of goods and supplies.
*A girl scout from northern Wisconsin sending her monthly box of candy and sweets (her commitment that she “wouldn’t not stop working for us until we come back and finish our sacrificing” for her).
*Dozens of packages of supplies from our battalion family readiness group.
*A card for each soldier here, each signed by a dozen or so employees from a department store in Wisconsin.
*Hundreds of ornaments and Christmas decorations sent by church groups.
Every day, over the last few weeks we have received dozens and dozens of packages. The above list is in addition to the various items that almost every soldier gets from his friends and family. For example, the people at the place I work, sent me a package for soldiers here that included DVDs, music, games, computer food, nice socks, etc. In addition, they raised over $1000 to support the Badger OIF Foundation. What can one say in response to support like this?
As you can imagine, we’ve been overwhelmed. Receiving this kind of support leaves one in awe . . . speechless. The support is from people all over the political spectrum—both supporters and criticizers of the war. Where else in the World do you see people like that? I am proud to be an American.
Of course, I miss my family this Christmas . . . . I miss them a lot. But, to receive this much from so many people takes away some of what's missing. It’s been a truly humbling experience this Christmas and holiday season. Thank you.
Merry Christmas all. Let's hope for a more peaceful year, next year.
# posted by themobilized : 05:51
