I received the box you sent today and it was wonderful. I brought it into the section that I supervise and the box is about empty. Of course I grabbed a few goodies for myself. The soldiers in my section send their appreciation to Debbie and you. The box was a huge hit!
I have been in contact with the Church and Shannon gives me regular updates on the Boxes for Troops that you are spearheading. It is absolutely wonderful. The overwhelming support is incredible and is a huge morale booster for all the soldiers here. I am not sure how I can thank you but I will say that what you are doing will not go unappreciated. During this time of war, support from home is the greatest gift a soldier can receive.
Thank you so much and if there is anything I can do to assist you, do not hesitate to ask.
Stephen
Hello All,
My name is Steve Smith and I am the point of contact for the 41st AG HHD Oregon National Guard (Salem) assigned to Kuwait. I have been communicating with John Baker regarding the Boxes for Soldiers and I have had an absolute blast! The response to this project has been overwhelming. The soldiers here have been taken back by the generosity and compassion that the members of Morning Star and our community have shown during this deployment.
The boxes I receive and hand-out always bring a smile to their face. No matter if the soldier is 20 or 50 the excitement I see in their eyes makes me think of a young child on Christmas. Each solider is truly thankful and appreciates all that is being done back home to remind us that we are not forgotten.
Just today a young Sergeant came by and asked me if there were any boxes. It felt so great to be able to give her a box and a second box for her “battle buddy.” The boxes had just arrived minutes before. The smile on her face as she walked away with the boxes was absolutely priceless.
I have made sure that everyone gets to experience the cards and kind words that accompany each box. Before the soldier takes the box, I make sure to get any cards or notes from the box. I then display the cards in a binder in my area for everyone to enjoy. Each day soldiers come by and sit for a few minutes to read the inspiring words written by all of you.
My wife, Shannon, and I still are brought to the brink of tears when we think about all that is been done for the troops serving all in the Middle East. I want to ensure you that your efforts have had wonderful affects on the each soldier that receives a box and your kindness will not be forgotten!
Thank you again and God Bless!
SSmith
I just wanted to take a minute and thank you and your congregation so very much for all of your prayers and support, it has been pretty hard for me over here, I am married and have two boys they are 16 and 11yrs old, they are staying at home with my husband who is also in the Oregon Guard, he was actually called to active Duty in August and September to the Hurricanes in Louisiana and Texas so my boys stayed with my mother, thank the Lord for family. I have really enjoyed the gift boxes that we have been receiving, I just got some really great shampoo and lotion and I know that when your in a combat zone you shouldn’t worry about what your hair looks like but let me tell you that as a woman I really appreciate anything that can make me feel feminine. I also got some wonderful beef jerky from Tillamook and a Kenney Chesney DVD, I was feeling really homesick on the day I got a package and I have to tell you that it really lifted my spirit to know that there are people that do not even know who I am but care enough to take time and the money from their own pocket and send me something, please thank everyone for me and please keep the prayers coming.
Katherine