On behalf of LTC Swartz and myself, I want to thank you for spearheading “AMillionThanks.org.” We received a box full of wonderful cards today from kids from all over the country, basically “thanking” our soldiers for answering the call to duty. I must say that some of their personal notes are heart-wrenching. They have wisdom well beyond their years of age. All of these cards, given from the heart, truly lift the spirits of our soldiers. Given that most of us are from Maine, being 5,000 miles away from home is difficult. These cards make us feel like we have families everywhere.

The sacrifice that our soldiers and their families are making to fight the “War on Terrorism” in Afghanistan is significant. I can assure you, however, that their collective sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. Compensating for such sacrifice is nearly impossible; yet, a reward does exist. The reward is having our soldiers and families know that they are helping the Afghan people realize a dream. The dream is that they’ll be free from terror someday and that they’ll enjoy the freedoms, rights and privileges that we have as Americans. Personally, I know of no greater reward.

Shauna, I want you to know that you are right on with your program. Soldiers need to know that support exists for them on the home front, even from children who may not know the ramifications of war. Support from the home front keeps our soldiers in the right mindset to stay focused on their missions.

God bless you for your vision, kind thoughts and certainly, big heart.

BAYONET! FORWARD!

Thank you for your thought and consideration! Your support and patriotism has helped strengthen the resolve of our Marines. It’s people like you that keep the Marines motivated and proud to serve our country.

I am pleased to inform you that things are going well here in our area of operations. This is our unit’s fourth deployment to Iraq and the second to the same area. The Marines enjoy seeing the progress that is being made. I was her back in 2003, fighting our way in. Now we spend most of our time getting the Iraqis back on their feet. Our mission now is to rebuild the city by providing fuel, clean water, electricity, and security to the people. Stores and restaurants are now open. There are actually playgrounds full of children. The locals are out greeting us and giving us the thumbs up. The people are approachable and friendly towards our patrols. It feels very positive here and things are going in the right direction. We’re about half-way through our deployment. My job is to keep the Marines focused on their mission and vigilant; ready to smash our enemy should he try to take back the ground. The Marines will not let America down.

A little about me: I’m from San Diego, born and raised. I graduated from San Diego State University and went on to become an officer in the marine Corps. It’s been a good life; tough, but always rewarding. When I’m not deployed or at work, I spend most of my time surfing or working on the house and cars. I’ve been married for seven years and have a six year old son. We are expecting another son in two months… wish I could be there! I look forward to getting back to my family, but know that I have a job to do. The Marines are performing flawlessly, and it has been a privilege to command them.

Thank you again. Please know that your support has significantly raised the morale of our Marines.

Thank you for the tremendous effort you are leading in supporting our Soldiers. The letters of support and thanks generated from your website, “A Million Thanks,” provide needed encouragement for these men and women in uniform. Young people like you demonstrate the strength and greatness of America. The Army National Guard is proud to be a sponsor of your website, and the letter writing campaign it promotes.

Just last week, I personally distributed some of your letters to several wounded National Guard veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Your efforts make a difference in people’s lives and ensure our Soldiers know that their Nation is solidly behind them.

Maintaining our Soldiers’ morale is incredibly important. Whenever and wherever they are called, Army National Guard Soldiers are there.

Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. Please accept my Director’s Coin of Excellence as a token of my sincere esteem for your work.

Re: Thank you for supporting the Soldiers and Airmen of PRT Qalat, Afghanistan

Thank you very much for your continued support of the Soldiers and Airmen in Qalat, Afghanistan. We truly appreciate all that you do for us, to include the pictures, drawings and letters of support.

We focus on Governance, Security and Reconstruction, to include support of schools, clinics, distributing aid, building roads and bridges as well as working with the local government officials to better meet the needs of the local citizens.

Thanks again.

My name is Sgt Velez and I am one of the NCO’s for a Combat Medic unit out here in Iraq.

I just wanted to say thanks for what you do for us out here. It means a lot to know there’s [sic] folks back home that are thinking about us and supporting us in so many ways.

It never stops to amaze me how there are people like you back home, dedicating your time and efforts in appreciation to soldiers deployed overseas.

Back when I was in collage all I ever cared about was camping and swimming. And here you are, dedicating your dime and efforts to show appreciation to soldiers you will never meet.

You should be Proud [sic] of what you do, and what you represent. Most people sit back at home, enjoying the benefits they have. You have chosen to take what you have and show appreciation for it. I have no doubt that you have brought many smiles to soldiers out here who needed them.

When I first got your package I wasn’t sure what it was. Soon after there where [sic] letters and cards posted all over our working area. I must admit some of them where heart warming others where [sic] so cute in their innocence.

If you don’t mind, Id [sic] like to share 2-3 that I had to photocopy and take to some friends in other units.

One, written by a child, says “thank you soldiers for what you do (it shows a dozen soldiers lying dead on the ground in pools of blood and a few more still fighting) And it says in the bottom, my daddy and brother are safe because of you.”

Another letter starts, “ dear soldiers, if your reading this GOOD Job, it means your not dead” also written in crayons. I loved that one, its true!

And the best one, the one we keep here in our TOC, says “ Deer soldiers I respekt what you do over there, helping Iraqy pepul ( I hope)”

I took half the box and gave it to the combat stress team, I know they will share it with those that needs it the most.

So again, thank you for your kindness towards us out here.