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We have "adopted" various Companies, Squads, BTT & MiTT Units and a plethora of individual Marines serving in OIF & OEF some of whom , get little or no mail. We currently send out 80- 100 packages to Iraq & Afghanistan per month and would like to continue to do so for the duration. We need your help!!! These are men & women who are uncomfortable, fighting, and ..... dying in service to their country and our goal is to provide comfort & a piece of "home" during their deployments. For some of them, this may be the last act of kindness that they will ever see. As units rotate home, we adopt more and plan to continue doing so indefinitely. This is about SUPPORT not just STUFF. A letter from you, your children or the kids at church or school is THE BEST THING to send. A show of personal support is one of the most priceless items to a Marine serving in the Middle East.
Thanks to your inspiring support over the past 31 months we are closing in on our 3000th package to our 71st unit serving in Iraq & Afghanistan.
Please Continue to help us show “Our” Marines we care !!
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Our Units as Of 6/10 2nd LAR, D Co , 2/3 Golf Co, 2/3 Echo, 2/24 H&S, 3/4 Weaps, 3/4 H&S, 1/6 C , 1/6 HQSVC, MiTT 0110, MACS - 2 , 2nd AABN, B Co, 4th AABN, 1/9 , ETT 5-3, ETT 7-32/5
Winning Hearts & Minds
2/5 and their Homemade Bunks
Sgt Dooley Saving Lives By Finding IEDs Life
In The 1/6 Outlook Post
Life In Al Anbar for the 3rd LAR Heroes
Breakfast.. Deployment Style 
Christmas In Iraq for the 3/4
Some
Gave All, Heroes Of The 3/4
Weaps
It Takes A Special Hero To Re enlist In A War zon e 3/4 Weaps
The Life Of A Grunt
BTT2
Has A Little Fun In The Snow
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From Your Marines - 3/6 Weaps (back For Round 2) - 16 April O8 - My Company is from NC and recently arrived in Iraq for 7 months. We are an infantry company with only male Marines. My Marines are requesting items like white socks, foot spray, socap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, Gatorade, Kool-aid mix, microwavable goods and magazines. Thanks in advance for your support
ETT 5-3
-
04
April - I am currently deployed to ******. We
are broken into small teams to advise the National Army. I am
currently with a handful of other Marines. We have just finished
building our hut for us to live in so it's bare. We have electricity
that runs 110 but will probably need power strips. We do not have
showers so please send baby wipes. We do have chow but snacks
like chips, jerky and candy would be appreciated. We can
always use more socks, preferably socks that can be worn with boots.
I am not sure what you can provide for us but thank you for anything
and everything
Unit ETT 7-3 USMC - 24 Mar - My team of four Marines are supporting the National Army and will be in an extremely isolated location for the next 9 months. There is no exchange or laundry facilities but we do have field showers. We appreciate all the support and the little things go a long way even among the local village children. You would be amazed at how grateful they are for the smallest piece of candy. Again, thank you so much for all the support 1st Bn 9th Mar H&S Co - 02 April - I have a group of 7 Marines that have not and probably will not receive any kind of packages as they have not yet. Many of my Marines have requested to be a pen pal with students from an elementary school . If you know any students who would like to write to a service member, please send them this message. The only other things that they have requested are Foot powder, Mach 3's Magazines (sports), Granola Bars, Snacks
2nd AABN B. Co
- 28 Mar -
Hello, My name is Michael. I am a Marine stationed with the rest
of my unit. We are am trackers going to Iraq as grunts. I am
trying to help some of my Marines get mail and packages while we
are deployed. Some of my Marines will not get many things from
home and such so anything will be great to have, they will be
grateful.
Some of the things we will be needing will be foot powder, white socks, hygiene products, laundry soap and any type of snacks in packages, drink mixes. Letters from you guys would mean the world to us. We love mail from back home, pictures and anything else that is not contraband will be awesome. Thank You All
BLT 1/6 HQSVCO
COMM PLT (back for round
2)
16
Mar - I am supporting a small section of Marines that
are here in ************. We live in tents with normal
American power.
We have no cooking or food storage capabilities here. Chow goes twice a day here so we tend to get a little hungry in between. We have Marines in our section from all over the states, Florida, Tenn, Ohio and Texas just to name a few. Nothing specific has been requested as of yet, just non spoilable food and any type of magazine or reading material. Thanks for the support.
1/6 Charlie, 2nd Plt
(back for round 2)
We finally heard from our boy today. He is in the middle
of nowhere (what else is new) and living out of tents
so, baby wipes, white tube socks, T's and all the
normal stuff will be needed.
(normal stuff being jock itch cream, foot spray,
travel size hygiene items like soap, shampoo, etc)
I am trying to reach out to as many as I can. It takes
them a long time to get to the base, and things are a
little hot right now, so they need all the essentials.
Jr will make sure to pass things along to others that do
not get mail (that sucks don't it? I remember those guys
that got nothing, I used to share all my boxes from home
with them) Anyway, hope you have a Great Easter!
God Bless,
2D BN, 3D MAR, H&S Co - (back for round 2)
15 Mar - The infantry platoon I am in
direct support of is from Oahu, I myself and deployed
from Okinawa Japan. I have to rely on them to watch my
back when I am doing my job in the area, and without
them I could not complete my mission.
We live in a building with 220 electricity and some of
and some of us have 110 converters. The entire group
shares four showers, four sinks and a laundry machine.
No drier.
A big need is toilet paper, we run out 2 days after
we're are supplied. With the hot weather coming
baby wipes are going to be needed quite often as
we have to limit the amount of water we use which means
some of us go anywhere from a couple of days to a full
week without showering. That being the case we could
use some air fresheners and cloths deodorizer spray.
Individual laundry soap packets are also needed
as well as some replacement boot socks.
Thank you for any support you can offer as I try and pay
these Marines back for all of their hard work.
3/4 WPNS CO. - (back for round 2) We live in tents on the ground and have 110 electricity. We have minimal laundry service.
We will all need
fresh socks and underwear
T shirts (tan or white)
Anything to keep us occupied, movies, games, etc. (MP3's electronic games)
Snacks, chips, candy,
sunflower seeds, top ramen, soup, chili, crackers, drink mixes
(individual)
Thank you in advance, we really appreciate all that you do for us!! More 3/4 Weaps - (back for round 2) We are an infantry unit and claim the distinct honor of being the only Marine Corps infantry Bn to have been deployed to Iraq 5 times. You have seen our picture in many now famous scenes on television. Remember the footage of the Marines pulling down the Saddam statue in Baghdad? That was us. Remember the fist battle of Fallujah? That was us. Our Situation has certainly changed since those early days and we now live in buildings and have the ability to receive 110 volt electricity. We have no laundry service but we do have a microwave and fridge. We don’t have a great need for food items but the Marines do enjoy receiving smaller items (we do a lot of walking so the smaller something is, the easier it is to carry. Examples of some of the things the Marines need are: AAA, AA batteries, finger nail clippers, small scissors, beef jerky, trail mix, socks, eye drops, Gold Bond foot powder, history and military themed books, DVD’s and anything that may be of practical military use (small flashlights, small camping items)
Golf
Co. 2D BN, 3RD MAR
The area where we are located
is unlike anything we were expecting and a lot of the things we
thought we would have we do not have so we did not bring a lot
of things we need. One example is laundry facilities . We were
only able to deploy with a limited number of socks and
undergarments. Green T shirts and dark colored underwear and
socks. We did this because we thought we would have the kind
of laundry facilities to wash our clothes. When a Marine wants
to do laundry he has to find a way to get to the laundry
facility just to drop it off and get it back the next day. This
is hard as we are very busy and the Marines are sure to get
sweatier and sweatier as the summer months continue.
Also, we did not think we would have a call center, so, many M marines did not bring phone cards to call home and the calling cards here are not worth the price so the Marines don't call home Of course, books, magazines, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, pens, pencils letter writing materials and movies are always welcome
**above used with permission by www.anymarine.com ****IF you prefer to donate via check. please make checks payable to "Support Our Marines, Inc" and mail to: Support Our Marines Inc * PO Box 46503* SPB Fl, 33741
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Your Marines (and their Families) Send Their Thanks ETT 7-3 Send Their Thanks 16 June 08 - Dianne, Well, we received mail…finally. I can't believe how hard you work to ensure we are taken care of…so awesome. You have really brightened this deployment and I don't know what we can ever do to repay you. Hopefully a big ol' Texas THANK YOU will get me by till I can do it person. Yep, still planning on taking the family to your area when, if ever, I make my way back to the states. We're currently stationed in Okinawa and when I return from this deployment I don't know if they'll extend me out there or what will happen. Either way, I would really enjoy meeting the person behind all these wonderful letters and priceless packages. Again, thanks so much for all the packages…in all I think we received about eight or nine from you! More than all other mail combined. You are so special to us and please keep up the pace for all our brothers in harms way. You know Marines, we always go towards the sound of the guns…that's why you have so many fans! Take care, Dianne… L-T-B 01 May 08 - Dianne, I was
very touched by your last package. I read your "great American
novel"...you truly are a patriot and a dear friend of mine. I am
terribly sorry for your loss, no one should have to endure something
like that. Between our efforts on this end and your support from the
rear, there will be no repeat of what happen to us on that ill-fated
September day. Again, I am sorry. Golf 2/3 Too !!
09 June 08 -
Dearest Dianne, I know
this message is pretty late considering the wonderful support you
and your people have shown Golf 2/3 but we just recently took over
an area that had email. While I always try to impress upon Your
Marines that email is a "lazy" form of communication and that
writing a letter and mailing it is always preferred when connecting
with family and friends back home, I have found that I myself have
just got to use email to ensure that folks back home know what is
going on.
Also, I am not sure if you are aware, but due to our
lack of email and internet, I failed to keep up with the Any Marine
program so you are actually our sole supporter at this time. I am
not sure how your organization works but if you can no longer
support us I understand. We getting to the end of our deployment
and they will actually be sending our mail to Hawaii beginning in
Mid-July.
I wanted to take an opportunity to let you know
how important your contribution has been to the Golf Company. I am
sure you are following developments in the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan but I wanted to let you know how important the donations
have been to our little part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the best
way to do it is to tell you about something that happened very
recently.
At about 6 AM one day I got a call in my office that
something had happened.
By 9 AM I was standing in a home and was listening to
more than a few angry villagers. All I could do was apologize. I
had nothing to give these people except for my time. I don't carry
money with me and whatever money I would be able to give them would
really not be enough. There are only so many ways to say "I am
sorry" in Arabic but, there are plenty of ways to express how upset
the Iraqis were at us at the time.
After a few more hours a number of children entered
the home and the situation became more uncomfortable. I don't like
getting yelled at in front of children. I really don't like any
yelling or confrontation in front of these kids...they have seen
enough.
After standing there a little while longer, I had an
idea. These people need water. I had bottle water in my Humvee. I
ordered my men to give them our water. That helped a little. I
asked my Marines if there was anything else we could give the
families. All we had left was our mail.
I went to my vehicles to look at the mail,
instinctively looking/hoping to see if there was a package from our
friend Dianne Villano. Behold, there were three packages! Two were
for kids and another had writing pads and pens!
Seeing this, I took the notepads outside and asked
the kids to follow me. The yelling continued inside, but I ignored
it. Waiting for all the kids to follow me I sat down on the patio
and began writing the ABCs on the pads. All Iraqi kids begin to
take English Lessons at a relatively early age so all of them either
need practice on their ABCs but if you can imagine even pens and
paper are very hard to come by in the rural areas in which we work.
To make a long story, short, a simple thing like
pens and paper helped me to diffuse a very tense situation. By
the end of the day, all was fine in this little village because of
three packages we received from Tampa Bay.
Your packages really helped the Marines look good
on a very bad day in Iraq.
hank you very much! Semper Fidelis,
Golf 6
03 June 08 - Dear Dianne, First of all, let me start off by telling you how grateful we are for your support. This is is my second deployment to Iraq. I served with First Sergeant B last deployment . All five platoons within the company are all thankful for your support. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put toward the support of the war. You may or may not know this, but when you send a package for a Marine, it really brightens their day. The items in the packages such as toys and snacks are usually given to the local Iraqi kids. By sending these items, you help strengthen our relations with the Iraqi people allowing them to feel more comfortable with coalition forces working with them. Without your support we couldn’t possibly reach out to the people of Iraq and help them as much. Packages that we receive from you maintain troop morale, keep our spirits high, and remind us that we are supported by the people of America. That reason alone allows us to continue our fight with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. As I close this letter, let me once again thank you for the support and thought that you had put into each of these packages. We hope to hear from you again soon. Sincerely, Corporal S 19 May 08
- Dianne, Awesome setup you got there. Ironically the guy
standing to your left in the picture looked very familiar to
me. The Marine Corps' a small place. I probably met him
somewhere along the way. Gary was telling me that you gave him
tons of support last year. That makes a big difference to the
boys over here. It makes them feel good to know that they're
appreciated. 1st Sgt
The Walking Dead Check In With Their Thanks ... Twice 18 Apr 08 - Ms Villano, I am a Company Commander with 1/9 and want to thank you on behalf of my Marines and Sailors for “adopting” our unit. We are extremely grateful for the things that proud Americans like you do for us while we are forward deployed. Receiving mail is a monumental occasion for anyone who has spent time away from home for an extended period of time. You and your associates are bringing a little bit of home to us here. That is huge for several reasons: first, you provide Marines and Sailors with some comfort items and nice to haves that they are unable to procure on their own; second, it shows these young men that they are appreciated and supported by people back home, regardless what they may see or hear via television, radio or newspapers. So, because of those reasons we thank you for taking care of us while we are away. If there is anything that we could do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Semper Fidelis 14 Apr 08 - Good morning Ms. Villano, I am Sgt S who signed my boys up for this service. I am writing to tell you thank you and all of your fellow supporters for what you guys are doing. A lot of my Marines have yet to even receive a letter and believe me when I say that when they read your letter they could not believe what they were reading and looking at when they saw the pictures you included. I again want to say thank you for your support, though a deployment can be tough for us, the fact that we know and see that we do have support from our countries citizens makes time a little bit easier. I have included some pics of the guys that work for me and they send their thank you and love and wanted to give you your SEMPER FI. Thank you again. Semper Fi
05 Mar 08 - Mrs. Villano, It is
our sincerest hope that this email reaches you and yours in good
health and happy spirits.
Lt R informed me that you were the
benefactor of many of the recent care packages we received. On
behalf of the Marines of 1st Truck Co and 2/8 Motor Transport,
many thanks to you and everyone down in the Sunshine State for the
support. It's always good to have solid people in your corner.
Please pass along our gratitude to everyone involved in
boosting the morale out here. Take good care of you and
yours and enjoy the weather!
Sincerely, M 1stLt USMC
BTT 2 As Well !!
04
Mar 08 - I Hope this finds you
and our supporters well. Thank you so much for the socks and
hand warmers. We really appreciated the steady stream of them. I
would never have thought I would wear a turban but, believe it
or not they keep us pretty warm out here. Now, we are all
getting used to wearing them. Thanks again for your tireless
efforts to Support my Marines during our deployment. We
really love the pictures of everyone, it really keeps the cheer
going Thanks Capt R
25 Feb 08 -
Dear Dianne, On behalf of
the Marines of Task Force 3/5, I would like to personally
thank you and your group for your tokens of appreciation.
It means a lot to me and especially to the Marines that
receive your appreciation for what they do on a daily basis.
For the Battalion it has been an interesting
deployment and these young Men that
America has given to serve their country have stepped up in
every way.
In just a few months they will
join their family and friends and, thanks to you, they have
had some things that have kept them close to home. I know,
for me, it has been a blessing in disguise. The warm hearts
and the time it takes to put the care packages together
means a lot and I appreciate it all.
I will leave you all for now
and I hope to hear from you soon and feel free to e mail me.
The Marines of TF 3/5 send their thanks and appreciation and
reminded me to tell you that your FREEDOM is safely guarded
by us!
Semper Fi !!!!!!!!
And, Some Of Our Marines Took The Time To Send FOX 13 Their Thanks For A Great Piece To Steve Geiger and Lloyd Sowers; Here is a little information about who we are: Living with the IA is a bit primitive at best. Heck, even modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing are non-existent. We also do not have a chow hall here to feed the American troops. Instead, we have one hot meal a day brought in by armored convoy. The "food" is institutional style, just like you would get in prison, only there, the chances of being shot are significantly less. There aren't any exchanges in our immediate area either, so things such as soap, toothpaste, etc. which are provided by the caring people who donate meet a need. We also use the local water, which is substandard by any coalition force. Fortunately, we are provided bottled drinking water, so it is only used for bathing. There is also another impact that is less noticed than the food, entertainment, and toiletries. That is the psychological impact of knowing that Americans still support us on a daily basis. There are those media outlets who would have you believe, due to their reporting styles, that nothing good is happening over here and that nobody in the states cares anymore. Every time a package arrives from Dianne, you can see the change in morale that takes place. It is almost tangible it is that profound. Again, I thank you for highlighting the efforts of
Dianne and reporting in a responsible manner. It means a lot to us to
hear that she has received some well deserved recognition. I would like to thank you for taking the time to recognize a wonderful woman and her team of supporters. The work that they continue to do is amazing. Dianne and her team makes our deployments to Iraq much easier. They provide us with the necessary motivation to complete our daily missions. The items that they send us provide the comforts of home that we would otherwise have to make special trips to try and obtain. My Marines and I will always be eternally grateful for all that they did for us. Words cannot express how wonderful and heaven sent they were to us. I know the true story is that there are angels among us. Thank you again for making the time to recognize someone that truly deserves it. Semper Fidelis, 1st Battalion 1st Marines C Co To all who helped this wonderful woman get her message out ,I thank you!!! She has been a blessing to me and my whole team
sending not only wants but necessary items we can't do without!!!
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the doing and performing we forget all
the people who helped us along the way!! Dianne has been a Godsend and
will continue to help others as they fight the War!!
With her support, and the support from all the other citizens of the Tampa Bay area we can fight this war with a smile. It is so much easier to do what we have to do when we hear thanks and praise from specific people, not just the "American People". I have 22 marines in my platoon, some of them have never been told thanks or good job in their lives to due rough childhoods, tough neighborhoods, and all other circumstances that some American children endure. The look on their faces when random Americans, from random towns and cities from across the nation send cards and packages is indescribable. These simple thanks motivate them to get out there and do there job 120%. I want to thank you specifically for taking your time to report some "useful news". It is sometimes aggravating to be over here fighting a war, and see some news about some actor or music star getting arrested, or killed due to drugs or alcohol. The American public has been giving up hope on this
war, and when watching the news we see no good things about what we are
doing. The American pubic can't be proud of
25 Mar 08 - Actually,
Miss Villano, we need nothing more than to thank you and your
supporters for your generosity. We sincerely appreciate those who
appreciate us and our cause.
If you wish to continue supporting us, all I can think of is encouragement. Being away from home makes you really lonely and it's nice to hear some encouraging words every now and again - L
Mgysgt is spreading the wealth and taking good
care of us. Thank you and your supporters from Me and all of
the boys. You have no idea good it feels to hear from you all!!
Sgt K
11 Feb 08 Thank you Dianne, First off, I apologize for not writing sooner! I have been out on a Operation for the last month. Secondly, from me and my Marines, we are very grateful for your packages that you send. I admire your patriotism and support that you provide to the many service men and women out here in Iraq. I always enjoy reading your letter’s and wish many other Americans could work as hard as you do. You have accomplished a great deal and your effort will never go unnoticed or acknowledged! Here is a bit of info about me and my Marines, here in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. We occupy the largest Area of Operation here in Iraq. The winter has been hard but we are enduring it. Thank you for the warmers! I think we are on the down slide of the worst now. Most of our Marines operate out of very isolated combat outpost and under some of the harshest conditions. No hot water, we use things like WAG bag’s for our waste, we use plywood built outhouse and sleep in some of the worst buildings and conditions. But on the other hand (some) of our Marines live and operate in conditions that are better than some but worse than most. Overall though, we are determined and committed to accomplishing our missions out here. No matter what the conditions are we will do our jobs as Marines! It is people like you that help keep us focused on our mission’s everyday. Your generosity and willingness to support us thousands of miles away, is a reflection of your patriotism and love for our Corps. I have been a U.S. Marine for over 28 years and plan to retire in 2009. For me this will be my last combat tour as I will soon step to the side and allow those behind me to carry on the legacies of all those that went before me. As you can tell I am a very proud Marine too, and love working alongside all these young Marines out here. They are my inspiration. Thank you for doing what you all do and it is a pleasure to know you. My Marines say thank you!! And I say thank you, and you’re a wonderful woman! I hope you don’t mind the email; I have very little time to write letters. Email seems to be the best for me at times I can get on. Iraq ;). Semper Fi, TF 3/2 And... Another MTT Unit Sends Their Thanks
Dear Dianne! I am a US
Marine currently stationed in Iraq...but you should already know
that because you have sent so many wonderful things to my
Marines and I! I'm sorry its taken me so long to get back to
you but we have been out with our Iraqi Battalion and away from
mail and EMAIL if you can believe that!! Who ever heard of such
a thing! LOL
I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for all you do for not only my unit but all the others! The things you do are just amazing!! I love the pics you send too! I'll see if I can get all my guys together and get a pic taken for you. Thanks again for all you do! You are amazing! Sincerely, Clark , GySgt, USMC Thanks From The Marines at FOB Falcon
08 Mar 08 - Dear Dianne, I just
want to say thank you so very much for everything that you have sent
to us here at FOB FALCON! You by far have been the BIGGEST supporter
and your friend is very close second:)
The reason that I am writing you is
because I have had my dates changes and will be leaving FALCON soon,
so, if you were to send packages after
the 20 of this month we probably won't get them. With you and Joice
being the BIGGEST supporters, I figured I would let you know first.
Again, everything that you have sent
has been perfect and well used! You are a great person for the
support you give. Thank you so much for choosing me as a contact!
You are the best!! Thank you again for everything and next time I'm
out here I will be sure to let you know.
Sincerely, Tim Cpl/USMC
26 Dec 07
- Dear
Dianne, I can't begin to tell you how special of a person you
are!! You put such an effort into making our lives just a little easier
while we are over here and I can't say thank you enough. All the guys
love to read what you have going on in your "what sounds like a busy
nonstop life" to have enough time to get all these packages together.
Let me say that the packages definitely help and make the guys happy.
They just like knowing that they have a box to open with stuff they need
inside. 1/8 ISF Cell Sends Their Thanks!! 18 Dec 07 - OORAH Motivator! Well, Dianne, first, let’s start by thanking you and every one who helped you support the Marines out here in hell. Forget about what we trained and get paid to do, let’s talk about the outstanding work that you have done for us. These care packages and letters that you are sending out have put smiles on the faces of my war torn and weary marines that I didn’t think I would ever see again. Dianne, I cannot possibly think of anything else you could do to support us, not saying it cannot be done, but rather I lack the imagination. With the support that we received, I can hardly jump in the rack to get some zzz’s. We are seriously out numbered by the amount of people sending packages to the number of jarheads I have. If there is anyone else out there that ever needed anything I will find them and hook them up for sure. Dianne, I could not possibly accept another gift from you while there are still leathernecks who could use the overwhelming support. All we guys over here in the sandbox say we love you so much and everyone else for all that YOU do for us and we would honorably defend the great country that we live. For as long as there are citizens like you all, there will always be a Devil dog ready to serve. Semper Fidelis, Thank you too much - Brandon
1/8 Alpha Co HQ Plt Too!! 8 Dec 07 - Dianne, I am a Marine in A co 1/8 and received one of your packages from my buddy and I wanted to personally thank you for the things you do for us over here in the sandbox. In the package I received allot of letters from students at the Deer Park Elementary School. I would like to write them back and tell them all thanks personally, even if it is in one latter addressed to them all. I was touched the most by the fact that these kids knew that we aren't soldiers, but Marines and it just made me want to say thanks. Looking at your (myspace) profile i see that you have a special place in your heart for us Marines, especially us grunts. I want to say thank you to no end from the bottom of my heart and I am sure you will hear from me again. LCpl Brown 0341
01 April 08 -Howdy!! It is Cpl
K from 3/23 JUMP. I just wanted to say thanks again to the 15th
power for everything you and your group do and will continue to do
to support the Marines. You all are truly outstanding citizens. May
god bless you all for your work.
PS. I am close to going home.. very exciting!! I will write when I get home cuz I know you will sleep better knowing I am safe and sound.. LOL Thanks, Ms Villano
Semper Fi -
19 Nov 07
- Howdy Dianne, My name is Michael and I am a Cpl in the Marines My job
is carrying the radio around on patrols. Right now I am a driver for the
JUMP team, we take the Battalion Commander everywhere he needs to go and
provide security for him as well. It's been tough and I have had some of the best times and some of the worst times in my life but in the end I am better for it. So, thanks again to your group and to you for all of your hard work and the great pictures. Please tell all of those who helped you along the way we appreciate all of their hard work as well. As for things we need, we don't need much. Maybe some laundry detergent, some small pots (8"), some workout gloves, protein bars and maybe some little metal tea kettles or electric water boilers I am the only guy in the platoon who has a CD players so maybe a few mixed CD's would be great Also those things for back pain are very helpful. Oh, and maybe some more pictures, please. Happy Thanksgiving Semper Fidelis
My name is Gunnery Sergeant O'Connell with India Co 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines. . I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you have done for the Marines. Everything that has been sent has been put to good use and the Marines are truly appreciative of your efforts. It's always nice to receive something from "home". If there's anything you want to know or have questions feel free to drop me a line. Thank you again. 10 Nov 07 Dear Ms. Villano, I wanted to write to you and express my appreciation for your care packages. The Marines thoroughly enjoyed all of the goodies, letters and pictures that you sent us. I put your pictures on our office hallway wall. We are truly blessed to have the support of Americans back home like you and your group. Things
are going extremely well here. We have not had anyone seriously injured
and the enemy in our area has been routed. Regardless of what you hear
on the news, we are winning this war and the final victory is
truly within sight. My company is currently tasked with counter
insurgency operations and with training and developing Iraqi Security
forces. They have attacked these tasks with gusto and their indomitable
spirits carrying the day. The insurgents are cleared out of our area and
the Iraqi Police are assuming more and more responsibility for the
security in their area. My Marines and I have greatly enjoyed all of your packages and we appreciate your generosity and that of your group.
24 Nov 07
-
Happy Thanksgiving!!! I know it's late but its the first time I have
been on the computer in a while so I just want to let you know I am
very thankful of you and every one else that supports us over here!! 16 Nov 07 - You are very welcome!! We do our jobs not because we are forced to but because we choose to, that is was I think i very special about the troops of overseas. Again I'm just so thankful there are people like your self and everyone that wrote a quick thank you below that love to show their support!!! I got your package, it was awesome, I know you are thinking it wasn’t a lot but anything counts and my guys loved everything and nothing when to waste. I can’t wait till the T-shirts arrive!!! 31 Oct 07 – Hi Dianne, My name is Cogen and I one of Cpt ’s squad leaders. I noticed all the pictures you sent and they were quite awesome. I am from Florida, up in Lake County so its cool when I see pictures and stuff from back home. I just wanted to say thank you for the little bit of home!!! I was also wondering if you could see if some of the police departments could donate some shirts for me and my guys? Its nice to get out of the everyday shirts that we wear. We could take some pictures in them and send them back to you. Just a thought. Thank you again for everything you have sent to us over here.
Thanks From The Heroes Of
the 1/10 HQ Btry
Yes, they are the same 1/1 Bravo who we Supported Last Year -Different contact, same heroes 19 Nov 07 - Mrs. Dianne, I'm the company 1stSgt for Bravo 1/1. We just received some of your letters and boxes that you have send out to Marines out here in Iraq. I just wanted to give you my personal thanks for all you do and to the rest of the community. Marines in my company appreciate that we still have people back home who care for them. Thanks, C.A. Bravo Co 1/1 16 Nov 07 - HEY, Dianne - Just wanted to say thank you on behalf of 3rd platoon Bravo Company 1/1. We are one of the beneficiaries of your thoughtful packages. Just so you know it means a lot people care about us out here, especially those who don't receive as much support as they should. Anyway thanks again. The Marines read your letter and were interested in telling you thank you themselves. We have pictures up (those that don't violate OPSEC) on myspace accounts as it is how must of the guys communicate. I'm going to give them your email and try to pass on theirs to you as all you have to do is "search" on the myspace page and put in their email address and it will take you to their page. it has pictures and is a little more "get to know you" The op tempo for my platoon is demanding so I'm not sure when that might be, but at least wanted to get the thank you out. Take Care. SEMPER FI - C USMC, 1/1 Bravo
15 Oct 07 - Dianne, Hello there. Thank you so much for the show of support from you and your friends. My Marines and I really appreciate the kindness you showed us. I received two boxes from you and an envelope. I hope you and all the others that gave to us are doing well. We are doing fine out here. e will continue to do, what we do, because of people like you and your team of supporters. We are proud to fight for the likes of you. Thank you once again for what you do. Take care. Semper Fidelis, 1stSgt A 18 Dec 07 -
18 Oct 07 - Al Anbar Province, Iraq - Dear Dianne, Hello from the Sandbox. I wanted to write and thank you for your overwhelming support for my men over here. I am a platoon commander for Charlie Co 1/1 and received your goodies via 1st Sgt Artalejo. My boys and I are currently living with a group of Iraqi Police at their station and really appreciate the taste of home you sent. I've trained my guys to be humble and appreciate what they have so anything outside the norm of MREs and water is always a welcome bonus. We all liked the pictures too! Looks like you've been busy keeping morale up. Nice Oorah shorts. Oorah back atcha. I've been in this "gunclub" for 12 years (I was enlisted before) and it does my heart good to know that their are patriots such as you and your group so selflessly dedicated to our cause. I appreciate you and your group immensely as you make my job easier by making our lives better Sincerely, J 14 Dec 07 - Dianne, Again, I want to thank you for your tireless dedication, and for all that you've done for me and the boys over these past few months. I got your package with the kids clothes also. When we were living with the Iraqi Police, there was a house nearby that had a little girl that lived there that would come out and greet me with a hug and a kiss every time I patrolled by there. Part of my job now is instead of working with one station, I am in charge of going around to all of the police stations in our AO and conducting training and making sure they get the logistical support they need. So every day or so I pass by that little girl's house, and she still remembers me, and welcomes me every time. I couldn't think of a better person that I wanted to give the stuff you sent to, so I did. And believe me, she and her family was very grateful. You make me look good!! I have enclosed some pictures for you as well. Hope you enjoy them, and again, thank you for all you've done. You are a magnificent human being and true patriot. I salute you. Semper Fi, And .... MiTT Team 9
Dianne,
Just wanted to drop you a line and say
that I received your package complete with photos. I also received
the two accompanying boxes from St Pete Beach. Thank You so much.
Firstly, it means a lot to get mail, and it doesn't hurt that
the mail is fleshed out with goodies. A taste of home brings a
measure of familiarity that sometimes is lost in these unfamiliar
places. GySgt L Sends His Thanks (again) This Time from the 2/9 , MSF A
Dianne, Good to hear
that you got the flags. You have been a dedicated supporter of us and
many other units throughout this war. Hope all is going well for you
back on the home front in sunny Florida; I look forward to heading home
next month. I enjoy it though; half percent of one percent
of our population of 300 plus million actually do what we do.
So I enjoy being part of that percentage that helps preserve what is
rightfully ours, our freedoms. Again I thank you for all that
you do; it does make a difference I assure you. Semper
Fi, 1/3 H & S Co Sends Their Thanks.... Dianne, You have all been absolutely amazing in your support of Task Force 1/3. I really do not know how to thank you. Your generosity has truly made life better for all the Marines in this unit.
It
means a lot to all of us to know that you feel strongly enough about our
cause to go to the lengths that you do to support us with such wonderful
packages. 15
August 07 - Dianne, Thank you so much for your patriotism and
overwhelming generosity. Your care packages were so special and
obviously very much from the heart. The Marines loved everything.
They tell us when Al Qaeda is in town and we take care of things .
The trouble right now is deep in the desert where there are no people to
tell us where the bad guys are hiding. We will get them though. 10 July 07 - Dianne, Thank you for all of your support. The letter and pictures were nice for us to see. It is sometimes hard to remember our world still exists. Thank you for the reminder. I like the post card as well. St Pete Beach looks and sounds like a lot of fun but I don't know if it would handle a squad full of Marines on a Friday night.. Just kidding. We're "good boys". I am here in Haditha, Iraq. I don't know if you know the place or not. Right now, I am working with both the IA and IP. I am living here in the city with 2 other Marines. We live in a house about 7 blocks from the FOB and down the road from the IP Station. We have a lot of contact with the Iraqis and the IA & IP so your packages are going a long way. I hope you understand how great a thing you and your friends are doing. These people here have nothing especially the children so any little gift or generosity is very special to them (and to us). Okay, anyway, I can go on all day. I don't want to talk your ears off. I just don't want to let you know that you are a real sweetheart, it's not every day someone you don't know know writes you letters, sends great pictures and tries to give you things like you and your friends are doing. If you have any question about us, just let me know. It's nice to just step back from here and read or write a letter. Thank you again, M
Miss Villano, I am very excited that such a patriotic group of
people have chosen to adopt my group of Marines. It feels good to
know that others share our love for our country. It helps keep
morale high just knowing that our country men and women are
supporting us. As a Sgt in the Marines, my most important job is to care for and look out for the welfare of my Marines. With help from you and your group, you help make this huge responsibility easier. There are about 10 of us here that came with me and another 10 or 15 of us are only here for 8 months. In a nutshell we are helicopter mechanics - We also do a lot of work with composites. Well, I won't bother you any longer, thank you for your letter, pictures and packages -
Ms. Villano, Thank you for the kind words of hope and inspiration. There are many people who said they would stand by us, but failed to come through. You and and a select few have been with us all the way. Thank you for your full support. A little about us. We are a group of ten Marines and one navy corps man working in Tikrit. Our Border Transition Team (BTT) was composed in Camp Lejeune, NC. We were tasked to train and advice a brigade of Iraqi Border Police (IBP). We work with Region 2 IBP, who is in charge of all eastern border forts, or points of entry. Our support is limited as we stand out of the Marine area of operation. The army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade helps us a little, but we're like the adopted children. Supplies and gear are hard to come by, and we do with what we have without complains. I know you said that you have some packages coming our way, and I want to personally thank you for your kindness and for thinking about a small group of Marines in Tikrit. I included a picture. I think it helps put a face behind the name. I hope you find time to send one also so I can put it on our "Great Americans Wall". May God bless you. Jose |
06
3/4
Weaps Send Their Thanks
2/8
Motor Transport Sends Their Thanks From Iraq
Gentlemen,
Mr. Steve Geiger and Mr Lloyd Sowers, 
Mr. Sowers,
T F 3/2 Sends
Their Thanks! 
The 3/23 Too!
Thanks From The Heroes Of The 3/3 India Co
Thanks From 1/1 Bravo
And... The 1/1….
Charlie Co (they are an awfully polite unit, no?)
MALS 29 PP 440 Sending
Thanks 
Region 2 BTT As Well
..