"I want to express a heartfelt "Thank you" for all the work you are doing in support of what we, the soldiers are doing over here so far from home. I, along with several of my soldiers, have nobody at home to support us during our deployment, and the receipt of your packages was a marvelous boost to our spirits.Imagine a young private, orphaned at the age of 4 away from home for the first time in 20 years. He isn't expecting anything from the foster parents who raised him, and his expectations are met. Suddenly, the Platoon Sergeant calls out his name .... "You've got a box!" The soldier's eyes light up as he rushes over to get his box.
Inside he finds new socks.... he needs them because the laundry has lost two pairs already. He also finds sunblock "Thank God," he laughs (the PX is sold out) "It's hot out there on guard duty." Also he spies AA batteries. "Now I can listen to my walkman before I go to bed tonight." (Try finding AA batteries at the PX!)
This is just a small look into the joy that Operation Gratitude brings. Hundreds, if not thousands, of soldiers are feeling the same way right now because of your work. Along with my thanks, I salute you. SSG S.G."