From one of our Board of Advisors currently in Afghanistan:

"Dear Denise,

 

I hope all is well with you and your loved ones. Thank you very much for sending me the banners/posters, cards, and goodies, which I received several days ago. I immediately walked them over to the MWR here on Camp Eggers. The lady in charge there was excited to receive them and told me she would display what banners/posters she could and pass out the cards from the school kids. She also said she would take pictures with the camera you included in the package as well as with her own camera.

  

May your heart be filled with love and happiness during this Christmas season... and always! And may the New Year be a happy one for you as well. Thank you for all you do for the deployed military members and for thinking of me at this special time of year!

 

Please click on the link below to open your Christmas card. Be sure to turn on the volume to hear it. Enjoy!"

 

Don

 

Click here for your card.

"Hi, Denise!

 

Thanks for thinking of me at this special time of year! I would love to receive the Christmas banners and would try to ensure the broadest-possible distribution of them. Unfortunately, I am located on Camp E., which is pretty much a HQ-type base in the capital city of Kabul. Although I am sure people here would love them, the ones we really would want to reach are the soldiers serving in the combat outposts and smaller FOBs; these are the people even more so in need of these well-wishes from the hearts of the schoolchildren from our great state. It would be hard for me to get the banners out there to these guys, but I'd do what I could at least to ensure that whatever was sent this way would be put to good use to brighten the season for as many as possible! 

I hope all is going well for you. Thank you for keeping me apprised with your occasional e-mails. I hope this Christmas season will bring you the cheer you so greatly deserve as a result of your good works on behalf of deployed military members! Thank you for all you do to support them!

 

Warmest regards,

 

Don

 " Denise

"This is SrA Andrew S., and while being on my AEF deployment I read in a magazine that i can write students, who write to soldiers. I would love to participate in the program to be able to write back and was not sure on how to get involved. I am here for quite some time still and I would enjoy being able to spend some time writing back to the kids who support us."" Sounds Awesome, I'd love to take on the pen pal on top of the class letter with the other airman thats with me. I wish there were more soldiers that would try this program you got going on, does alot of good for these classes. Keep in touch Denise and keep up your hard work on supporting our troops. Hope your efforts on what you do for us get noticed. "

 10/01/11 From Officers with the "222/213" Utah Soldiers in Iraq:

 "Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Denise

The packages were truly amazing! I can honestly say I have not been concerned with receiving anything from anyone , not wanting to be a burden or impose.. I cannot thank you enough for the time and energy that it took for all of us to have something this special from home that reflects your thoughts and support.

The packages could not have come at a better time during this deployment. We all needed a reminder a pick-me-up of what is waiting for us all at home. The selflessness and the dedication required for sending these care packages is a true reflection of the character of you and those at home taking the time to think of us. Thank you again, this thought /moment will not be forgotten thanks to all of you."

Sincerely

LTC. Brad F.

From Maj. A with LTC: "Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Hi Denise,

I should be able to get one.  ... I have our SOldiers watching for the packages to send to the 7 of us here with LTC F..

Thank you so much for all your efforts.  My wife and kids were at the packaging party and were extremely impressed with the effort you have put into this.

I can't thank you enough "

 "I would like to know how I can get my name added to the list to receive mail.  I don’t need any care packages I just want to have a pen pal, I’m not getting any letters from home."

By,
Claire

" thanks for contacting me regarding Letters to Soldiers.  When we talked, I assumed the packages you are making are for soldiers from every state.  The attachments and your message below indicate that only Utah soldiers will receive the packages.  I am not sure you are aware that CVS/pharmacy does not have any stores in Utah.  Normally, we only make donations in those areas where we have a retail presence.  But I can see your passion to help these soldiers, and so I want to try to help you with your project.

 I can send you a $50 gift card to help purchase the powder, but with no stores in the state you will have to order the powder online at our website – www.cvs.com. You may not receive it until after your event and if that happens we hope you can use it for your next effort. 

 Denise,  thanks again for contacting us and best wishes on a successful fundraiser." 

 Karen Ramos

CVS Caremark Community Relations

"Each year, Apple Vacations honors the memory of Sept. 11th with a remembrance day. This year, since it's the 10th anniversary, we are looking to do something special.

We would like to send thank you cards to soldiers stationed over seas protecting our country.

Is there an address we can mail these thank you cards to that the soldiers will receive them?

Thank you"


Regards,

Trish Donnelly
Supervisor
Resource Development

 "Hello Letters to Soldiers,

 I work for Citrix which is located in South Florida and have been looking for volunteer opportunities that allows for me to provide some kind of assistance to our soldiers. I see that you are located in Utah, but is there anything that you know of that we could do from South Florida? Please advise.'

 Thanks!

 Lissette Ramirez

Sales Analyst, Americas Renewal Sales – Southeast (Carolinas and Virginias)
Citrix Systems, Inc.

"We have some teachers at our school who are interested in having our students writing letters to soldiers. We wish to do it via snail mail if that is an option. We have so far third and fourth grade teachers aboard. Please send us some information so that we can get started as soon as possible. We want to start early so the soldiers can see their progress as the school year unfolds.

"I am an advisor to the National Honor Society at Dugway High School. We want to help with Operation Enduring Christmas. I have looked at the website and cannot see where to give our donations and when they need to be turned in by. We would like to write letter & make cards and donate whatever money we can collect from our school to help with shipping. Also are their specific items that would could ask the students to donate. We are a very small school, but want to help however we can. You can either email or call me at .... We hope we can help in some way."

Thanks, Meg M.

Larry

This year at Helping Our Military's, Military Appreciation Day (9-10-11, Hosted by Kingwood Harley-Davidson)

 Major Jones just got back from Afghanistan and received and passed around 4th of July cards from kids here in Utah County where he is commander.  He really appreciated them.  He wished he could have golfed with construction workers at our tournament.

Thank you for your time and help!!"

Ms. Krista H., Third Grade Teacher.

"YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!!

Thank you for your daily selfless support through prayers and watching over our families. You all are truly amazing! We could not ask for better support from the Communities , families and friends and the selfless service that is provided by all of you.. Your soldiers are truly outstanding in an environment that is vague and ever changing.

They continue to do what ever it takes each day to selflessly serve each other and there country knowing that the atmosphere they are working in, is lacking in honor ,trust, and selflessness. You all should and deserve to be so Proud of Your soldiers , they DO the right thing every day no matter how nebulous it may appear. It is truly humbling and an honor to serve with all of them each day and to watch them adjust to this unstable environment between politics and religion.

Again, I cannot thank you all enough for the love felt support from across the state. Please be proud of your soldiers they are honorable and selfless in the service of there country and there communities across the state. I could not be more honored to serve with your soldiers, they are doing an Outstanding Job!

Sincerely"

V/R

LTC Brad Fuller

OPERATION ENSURING CHRISTMAS V 2011

WE are having all 40 school districts collect all letters, cards and banners for Christmas for our Utah soldiers by Oct. 1st and then call us to pick all schools' cards and letters then. Please let your entire school, other schools and district office know you are participating to put 1000s of cards in over 1,000 Utah soldiers' boxes we will be sending end of Oct. Thanks for contacting us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

......... for pick up by volunteer. Thanks DAV Commander Steven Duke for covering Washington County, Chet Ret. Marine for Iron County, Teacher Sheresse Merril for Cache and Logan County, Karen parent for Jordan County.

We wish to thank this wonderful new volunteer that is going to help with our website:

"Good morning Denise,

My you are a busy woman, I commend you for your efforts with both organizations you run. I am both an animal lover and an Army Mom so I have a great appreciation for what you are doing. My oldest daughter is in the Army stationed in Ft. Hood, TX., her husband is currently deployed and I know how much he likes hearing from home.

Now, so that I am clear, we are dealing with two separate organizations. One for animal rescue and one for our troops, is that correct?  You try not to stress too much and I will talk to you soon."

Diana

Congrats. It's great that the media is giving you and your organization the recognition you deserve. Good luck with the New Years Eve celebration!

V/R"

MAJ Drew Jones

405th Civil Affairs

7/21/2011          

To whom it may concern,

     My name is Rick Parker and I am a Board of Director s member of Huntington gardens in Huntington Beach California. This is a Condominium complex of 144 separate units.

I am heading a committee to support our troops around the world through Holiday Packages, Pen Pal letters, etc… Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as this will be coming from children who can write letters up to adults and families who can send complete packages to a service man or woman.

Assistance in types of things to send, how and when to send and cost would be most helpful. Any cost savings tips you can provide will allow us to do more for our brave men and women who are doing so much for us.

Can we have a two way letter writing campaign as many children are very interested in this? Please get back to me ASAP as we must prepare on our end and I’m sure it takes some time to get the packages to our troops.

Sincerely

Rick Parker

12/24/11 From a very dear friend of our soldliers who served them in Iraq for 4 yrs, met General Patreous, loved serving our soldiers though his life was threatened 4 times and then our US government brought him here.  He volunteered to support the soldiers with Letters to Soldiers while here, and here is his sincere appreciation of our brave US heroes: (He spent his first 4th of July here 2 summers ago and worked all night to make his speech just right for 100s of Orem, Utah families and expressed how much it meant to him to be safe here in the United States)

"Dear Brothers and Sisters

I just want to thank you for what you did to my country Iraq I know it was hard for you but u did great job and you have to raise your heads and make this country proud of you I know how its hard and how is difficult and what kind of challenges because I was working with you as Interpreter I try to be like you ...many times you taken care of my people ... that's why the United States of America is No. one of the world because of you so god bless you and your family

Yours "

Hussein (Jake) Kadhim

"Denise
The packages were truly amazing! I can honestly say I have not been concerned with receiving anything from anyone , not wanting to be a burden or impose.. I cannot thank you enough for the time and energy that it took for all of us to have something this special from home that reflects your thoughts and support.

The packages could not have come at a better time during this deployment. We all needed a reminder a pick-me-up  of what is waiting for us all at home. The selflessness and the dedication required for sending these care packages is a true reflection of the character of you and those at home taking the time to think of us. Thank you again, this thought /moment will not be forgotten thanks to all of you.

Sincerely"
LTC. Brad

“YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!!

Thank you for your daily selfless support through prayers and watching over our families. You all are truly amazing! We could not ask for better support from the Communities , families and friends and the selfless service that is provided by all of you...I cannot thank you all enough for the love felt support from across the state. ... I could not be more honored to serve with your soldiers, they are doing an Outstanding Job!

Sincerely

V/R"

LTC Brad

"OK, I have finality on the mailing addresses for all of the 2-222 FA.

Remember that these need to be used for all packages that will not be received by the New Jersey/New York receiving yard by 7 OCT 2011. My best guess is anything that is not mailed by 5 OCT needs to be mailed using the new addresses below.

Again, I apologize for the shift in mail addresses and I hope this does not cause any issues.  Hi Denise,

I should be able to get one.  I have relocated to Kuwait to help redeployment of all of our Soldiers but I have our SOldiers watching for the packages to send to the 7 of us here with LTC F...

Thank you so much for all your efforts.  My wife and kids were at the packaging party and were extremely impressed with the effort you have put into this.

I can't thank you enough"

Maj. A....."

"Hello Denise! I hope you remember me, I helped you in Cedar city and have been meaning to contact you. I wanted to let you know that you are an amazing person! The world is much better because of you and all of your hardwork. The experience I had with you was so wonderful and filled my soul with so much happiness. My son is home safe and sound now! It was wonderful to hear him tell me about his package and how much it meant to him.
 
I am in St. G... and would LOVE to help you in any way that I can. I hope that you will feel you can contact me and let me know what you may need from me. I truly hope to get to know you better and be here to support you.  
I hope you have an amazing holiday my dear! You certainly deserve it! Peace, Love and Happiness Denise!
                                                                                              
                                                                                                           All my love, Frankie"

"Denise,
A very nice lady named Jackie Lalor with Qwest contacted me several weeks ago.  They have a group of employees in the Southern Utah area who are willing to help in the Southern Utah area.  I told her about Letters To Soldiers and the October project, she thought it was a great idea and wanted to know how they could help.  Her contact information is as follows.  Jackie Lalor   her email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Thanks,Denise,
Let me know when you would like us to put this information out to families.
Have a good day,
Gia"

"""....., I would hate to have all that hard work go into these care packages and not have them get to soldiers.  This is my suggestion, send them to the 1st Sergeants of each of the Batteries and have them get them to their soldiers.  In the case of A and C Battery, have them get the number of packages they need at each APO address for each of their soldiers, sinse the soldiers are located in different areas.  I'm sure that Major A... and get that information for you. 

Thanks for all you do for us"

Chaplain Springer

"D...

I wanted to send you a Thank You Card.  I received your letters to our soldiers yesterday the 1st of July.  I was able to get them to each of the Battery's Leadership and they got them to our soldiers before the 4th of July.  Your timing could not have been better.  Its a wonderful service that your group does.  Many of the letters were sincere and touching.

Although I haven't heard much from our soldiers, I'm sure they appreciated the kind words they received."

Thanks Chaplain S.

"Denise,
Yes ALL of the 222 & 213 Soldier Families have been invited Oct. 8.  North, South and everything in between.  (And will be reminded again:)
You asked in an email if we knew of anyone to sing the National Anthem.  One of our 222 soldiers has a son in elementary school that sings very well and is cute as a button.  His mom is K...  her phone number ....  Yes I will work on putting together a list of families in need.
Thank you,
GiaThank you!"
Gia

"I can help drive ariund to pick things up in parts of slc and parts in utah county give me alis and I can see what I can do

Suzanne ...405th CABN HHC FRG Leader"

"We had such a great time working with you all on your flowers for the dinner last week.  Thank you so much for the opportunity! I hope it went well!

 I have attached our logo per your request. Thanks so much! We look forward to working with you all!

Happy Holidays!

 Warmly,"

 Tracie

Brown Floral

"Hey Denise, Mom of SPC M. recently home from Afghanistan with the 118th Sappers.  (Thanks for all you did for them.)  I am part of a card exchange club and have tons of extra homemade cards.  Would you like to have them or do you only take specific thanks you to troops cards?  If not, do you know the name of an organization that gives random cards to troop to send home for special occasions? 
Thanks again, your efforts are amazing!"
Becky

"Hi Denise,

My name is Jan... and I am the FRG Leader for the 144th ASMC unit and Kassie has let me know you.......  We so much appreciate everything you have done for our unit and all that you do for others in the military.  I would love to hear what you have or if you could use our help in anyway. 

Have a great day!!

Thank you,"
Jana

"D...

Just wanted to let you know that my soldiers and I received a package and letters from "Letters to Soldiers".  We are very grateful for what you do for us.  I made a support board and it is getting pretty full, for only being here for only a little over a month.  It is people like yourself that keeps our morale high and willing to accomplish the missions.  I want to personally thank you myself for what you do for me and my soldiers.  Take care,"

ISG J. F.

"you are awesome Denise, the packages you sent us meant a lot to the Marines that had nothing come at Christmas especially"  Marine Jeremy

Letters To Soldiers: Charity Shakespeare for Soldiers

"The show was fantastic.  We had around 400 people, give or take, come to the show over all four days. We pretty much only got positive reviews from everyone that I talked to. It was my pleasure to work for a noble cause such as Letters to Soldiers. You can actually thank Marine Brad Garner for referring us to you. He's a co worker of mine and said that he believed in your cause.

The money order will hopefully be sent by the end of the week. We actually ended up losing money on this show, but I promised that we would donate and I've been able to set out out an acceptable amount for donation to your charity. It's roughly $115 if I remember correctly, I just have to check the paper work one last time.

Thank you",

Kent Lloyd
Producer