Posted on 12/14/2005 7:33:18 AM PST by Bloody Sam Roberts
Christmas greetings Freepers.
Yesterday, I and my family received a set of Christmas cards and letters. They are from a group of United States Marines stationed in Iraq. I thought I would share them with folks on Free Republic who would appreciate them as I know we all appreciate what these young folks are doing for us.
Last month, my family found out about a website called AnySoldier.com. It is a place where troops stationed overseas can place small bios and snippets of what they are doing, where they are stationed and what materials would be appreciated from home.
We decided to put together Christmas packeages of much needed items for two groups; one group of female Marines who requested "girlie" items and another group of male Marines who requested more utilitarian items. Both units are assigned to a CH-53 helicopter squadron.
Mrs. B. S. Roberts and my daughter went shopping and put together a huge box of junk/snack foods and more personal/hygeine type items for the women.
The letters we received are from the group of female Marines. The text of one follows.
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24 Nov 2005
Dear Friends,
Happy Thanksgiving and greetings from Iraq. Let me first apologize for this non-personalized letter. We would have liked to respond to each of you individually but with the mass amount of letters and care packages we have received, that would be impossible considering our work load here. Since we posted our needs on the AnyMarine website, the response has been overwhelming. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Each package and letter you sent was touching and comforting to know that you all care and support us. Today is 'Thanksgiving and we were fortunate enough to have a good meal and be with friends. We spent the evening sorting through our packages and separating each item to distribute them to the other lady Marines. We plan on putting together personafized gift bags from the items you sent to give the girls on Christmas morning. They will be so surprised as they have no idea of our little plan. Tonight we plan on decorating our work spaces with the decorations that you've sent as well. We are really getting into the Christmas spirit around here. We are fortunate enough to five and work in established buildings which make this possible. We even have a 'secret Santa" gift exchange planned to make Christmas more enjoyablable. Again, we thank you for opening your hearts to service people and recognizing our sacrifice during the holiday season and always. Your gifts have lifted our spirits and made the holiday season a happier time for us.
Thank you.
later read
Beautiful post and that poem always brings tears.
God bless you, 2111USMC! Are you the author of this beautiful poem? I want to send this on to my family and friends. Merry Christmas from a military mom. :)
I have sent an e-mail to all of our family and friends with the link to AnySoldier.com. God bless our military men and women, and their families & friends!
BTTT
I challenge anyone to read this poem without crying. My "Distinguised Marines" stamp sheet for my Christmas cards propped here in front of me suddenly got very bleary. The bad news, and the good news, is that they disappeared from our post office almost immediately. Unfortunately no more will be printed--the P.O. will be too busy printing out those .39 stamps. Our freedom is etched on the faces of these brave men.
May God bless and keep all our troops safe.
Thank you! The troops love that site. They have been bombarded with care packages from home and it has really lifted the spirits of many soldiers.
I get weepy EVERY TIME I read this poem. And, my Marine will be spending another Christmas in Iraq.
BTTT!
Please ping me whenever you post something like this. I love our military, and take every opportunity to do things for them, whether it is a letter or care package or money, or simply letting others know how they can support our wonderful troops.
I will add that site to my profile page, and will send it on.
Actually, I did think of you (like that's a surprise) and was going to ping you but I was so freepin' busy yesterday I sort of...forgot. Forgive me.
Anysoldier.com is such a great site. Very well run and maintained. The troops love it because it is easy for them and it works.
If/when I get anything back from the guys in the CH-53 squadron, I'll post it either here or on a new thread...depending on the content. I imagine they are a little busier less able to pop off a letter than the support group we just heard from.
Thank you for that special poem , my eyes are all teared up now. Let's all try and do a good job in doing whatever we can, to help all of our warriors, young and old, we love you!!!
Ping
Both poems were wonderful and touching. Had to run for the tissues! Bless them all!
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