My name is Captain Tim Mitroka, I am an Engineer officer in the U.S.
Army, and I want to thank you very much for the care packages and letters you sent which arrived here in Afghanistan just the other day.
The troops over hear greatly appreciate your generosity and support. It means a lot to know that people back home are thinking of us, especially people we do not even know. It truly lifts the spirits of all the Soldiers here.
Your care package was sent to my location in the city of Qala-i-Naw, which is located in Afghanistan's Badghis Province. We're up in the mountains and share the base with a lot of Spanish military. My job is to work with the Afghan National Army here and help prepare them for taking ownership of all the buildings and facilities on their base camp.
I have three people on my team and every day we go over to the Afghan base and advise and assist the Facility Engineers. We're helping teach them important trade skills like how to be an electrician, plumber, carpenter, mason, welder, generator technician, as well as management.
These skills are necessary for them to be self-sufficient in the future when the Coalition Forces withdraw from Afghanistan and the Afghan Army is responsible for taking care of themselves. It's not too bad of a job, and my team and I have a good time interacting with the Afghanis every day.
All the items in the care packages arrived in great condition and were perfect for our living conditions out here. Please let the volunteers at the Marmion Academy and Batavia Cares know their support is greatly
appreciated. Thank you so much again, and take care.
V/R,
CPT Timothy
Mr. Gebes,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the 2 care packages I received yesterday, It was a neat surprise like a late Christmas present I hadn't received anything from anyone and shared it among my troops! I received the box with all the coffee in it and I spread the wealth around my little camp and believe me it made a lot of Sailors and Soldiers day especially since its very cold here in Afghanistan now yesterday it was 9 degrees. I also got the care package with the country CD's and the care items especially the MM's with peanuts they are my favorite. I really want to thank you for all the care packages you have sent while I have been deployed here in Afghanistan it has made the war a little more tolerable. I cant believe I have been deployed for 8 months now. I will be going home soon and want to thank your team for everything you do for the troops its a great motivational factor here in theatre. I will be home by mid February 2012. Once again thank you for all you have done and it will never be forgotten! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless you and your team.
I would like to mention maybe you can help troops or prepare them and their families for these deployments regarding Family and divorce about half of my troops are getting divorced or have split up from girlfriends they have had for years, including myself I'm in the process of divorce from my wife of 13 years and I know the war had a little to do with it. This is a subject that a lot of people don't talk about and that is happening.
Another issue is PTS.
6th Marines in Afghanistan
Will be back at Camp La June in mid January.
is us driving thru a busy market in Marjah
is us waiting for these camels to get off the road
(a good sign)
is one shop in the market – obviously sandals are big here
is my CO (in green) introducing a new platoon commander to 1st platoon
Coldsteel Families,
Happy holidays from a far and cold place. By now I’m sure the good word has trickled back so let me make it official: Your Coldsteel Marine or Sailor will be returning at least a month before the remainder of 1/6. Pending major changes, which I don’t foresee, Coldsteel will be home by January the 15th!
This is a direct result of the mens’ performance. Our battlespace, the once kinetic and volatile area of Kariz-y-Saydi and Badula Qulp is now approximately 15 months ahead of “schedule”. Your Marine or Sailor’s impact has literally changed the timeline regarding the systematic return of Marjah to Afghan forces. Because of this, the Commanding General has made the decision to include Coldsteel in the initial drawdown of forces occurring immediately.
The remainder of 1/6 will remain dedicated to their current mission in their current location. The original plan for us to join them for the month of January is no longer necessary.
So, great news, the boys will be back in town early…
Some business to attend to:
Mail has officially been cut off and any mail sent after 17 December will be directly routed to Camp Lejeune. Our last mail drop was 5 December when the plan was still to join the battalion. All mail that’s been received between the 5th and the 17th is being sorted and routed to our next location before we fly to Manas. We’re giving it our best attempt to get it into the men’s hands before we fly home. If this turns out to be unsupportable due to logistics, those packages will be returned as soon as able to Camp Lejeune as well. Bottom line, the mail will catch up.
Promotions:
LCpl Burris
LCpl Mcalister
Cpl Lopez
Cpl Pirkle
Sgt Moses
1stLt Duddy
Awards:
Navy Achievement – LCpl Wurster
Reenlistments:
LCpl Harris- Weapons Training Battalion Quantico
LCpl Ready- CBIRF, Indian Head Maryland
LCpl Reid- 2D BN 2D MAR
Be sure to congratulate these fine Marines when you see them in less than three weeks.
A special thanks to our many sponsors as well. The impacts of your support throughout this deployment cannot be understated. I must specifically thank Prof. Robert Connolly from the UNC for the multitude of gifts. Because of you the men standing all of our posts have thermoses to keep coffee hot during these frigid days and night, they have washers and hot water heaters at all of our positions; incredible. A written thank you does not suffice, 1stSgt Bodisch and I will thank you in person.
I’d be remiss if I closed before bragging a little. Statistics are for sports, but sometimes due to operational security reasons the details can’t be explained enough to do the men justice, so I’ll give you some of our accomplishments this deployment. Your men have conducted over 1800 mounted and dismounted combat patrols with most Marines patrolling at least once daily. They’ve been in scores of gunfights resulting the killing or wounding of dozens of enemy and the detainment at least twice as many more. We’ve found or struck our share of IEDs, the majority finds. Your men’s discipline and patience has resulted in zero civilian casualties, yet we’ve managed to evacuated at least 8 civilians for wounds caused by the enemy. Two schools have been opened in our area and on a daily basis at least 110 boys and girls receive an education.
Grown men stop me on the streets and shake my hand to tell me that these last two months have been the happiest months of their lives, that their children can play wherever they want, that they have access to food and health care and can drive their roads without of fear of hitting a “bomb”. These are just some of the tangible results of both you and your men’s sacrifices.
Thank you again for all you do for the men, I’ll see you soon. In three short weeks… Best regards, Captain Dave Hagner
Capt David B. Hagner
USMC
Commanding Officer
Charlie 1/6
Hello Ralph,
We could definitely use some school supplies. Our Headquarters Company has some Military Police that have began a project helping one of the local village Mayors begin both some grade schools and Junior High Schools. They are in desperate need of supplies. We are giving them what we have as a goodwill effort. Actions like this help keep the violence down as we help the Afghan people build their infrustructure. Thanks for anything that you can do Ralph. God bless,
Chaplain Rod Gilliam
2-4BSTB, (CHAPEL)
FOB FARAH, AFGHANISTAN
APO AE 09382
Dear Ralph and Batavia Cares,
I am writing to update you as to the overall well being of our unit here in Afghanistan. Overall, I would say that our unit is doing well. God has been good and has held His hand of protection on us. We got through the Muslim period of Ramadan that mirrors pretty close to our Solar calendar in August. Ramadan is a period wherein Muslims fast during the day, pray and read the Quaran. In a modern western reference, imagine an old fashioned Christian Revival service. Ramadan is a period of time where the Muslim re-evaluates his life and spiritual commitment to Allah. The most dangerous time for coalition forces in the muslim world is near the end of the month long celebration. The celebrants are physically exhausted from a month of fasting but recommitted with new spiritual zeal and fervor for their belief.
The last night of Ramadan is called "Ein El Fidr" which means "The Night of Power" This was the night that Muhammad allegedly was swept up into heaven by Allah. A muslim that Martyrs himself in a Fatwa (holy decree) as a Jihadist (Muslim Warrior) is guaranteed a free pass to heaven with 72 virgins in tow. For many Muslims, Ramadan is simply a time of recommitment to their faith. But for the extremist it can be very dangerous for coalition forces. We are not fighting a country or an Army - but an idealism of extremism. That's what makes it dangerous. Through Ramadan we have had five combat related injuries. Two of them were Soldiers who hit an IED with their vehicle and three of them were in a local village working on the community's generator system when someone from the crowd threw a grenade at them. All five of these Soldiers injuries were superficial and they will all be returned to duty. We had some fellow Afghan National Police working alongside of us that weren't so fortunate. One of their vehicles hit an IED and they were killed. As the unit chaplain I had to provide what is known as a "Critical Incident Debrief" for the American Soldiers that were there and lived through it. They were pretty shaken up.
Today my assistant and I are finishing up our work at one of the Joint Combat Outposts where some of our Infantry Soldiers reside. We offered a christian field service and pastoral counseling. My assistant, as always did a wonderful job leading the worship on his guitar and I performed the Sacraments at the conclusion. The guys really seem to enjoy having us come out. They tell us "we are always welcome" and they always want to know when we are returning. I really enjoy the mission of the chaplaincy "bringing God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God. Tonight we are headed to a check point where a Plattoon of our Soldiers are working. We will provide for them a service under the canopy of the hot desert sun. I have then been asked to returned to one of the Outposts where a command group will hold a meeting.
They asked me as their chaplain to lead a devotional thought and open up with a prayer before the commanders began their buisness. One of the things that I like about being a chaplain is that I have the priveledge of interacting on a spiritual plane with all levels and ranks. Tomorrow we will head to another outpost and do the same all over again. We will stay with that group until Saturday then return on a large convoy back to our FOB before Sunday (where I will conduct a large service at our chapel). I ask for your prayers next week as I am to meet with some local Mullahs and Religious Clerics. Please pray that the meeting goes well and without incident.
At the beginning of our deployment we did experience the death of one of our Soldiers and the death of a Soldier of the unit that we were replacing.
It was tough on everyone but the Soldiers were able to work through it and are now doing great things. Please remember to pray for us more than anything else. We value those prayers on our behalf and know that they really do make a difference.
If your organization is interested in sending our Soldiers care gifts (especially for the holidays) it would be deeply appreciated (especially during the holidays when folks are away from their families.Our unit has been very blessed in the last 3 months that we have been here. People all over the country have been contacting us and letting us know that we are in their thoughts and prayers and we are very thankful. I'll go ahead and share with you the list that I have thus far:
For Christmas we are looking for:
A tree for our chapel and some of our Combat Outposts Christmas Ornaments for the Trees Large Religious Banners for the chapel (both for the holidays and throughout the year) A Candle Advent Stand for the communion Table Christmas Lights Christmas Stockings (perhaps filled with some of the suggested items below) Christmas cookies, fudge etc Specialty meats, cheeses and crackers
If anyone would like to send picture on the internet from home holding a sign or banner wishing Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah or season's greetings to the Troops please send it to me and I will put them all on a disk and continually show them on our large screen TV in the chapel with holiday music playing in the background. If you no of anyone in the 2BSTB TASKFORCE LONESTAR, and you would like to send that Soldier a personalized photo greeting it would mean a lot to them. I did this when I was deployed as a chaplain to Iraq with my unit in the 82nd and it went wonderful. If you should decide to do this please send the photo to my yahoo account so my army account doesn't get bogged down. My yahoo account is gilliam56a@yahoo.com
Toiletries:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Floss Picks
Mouthwash
Shampoos, deodorants, lotions
Bar soap (large or small)
Shaving Cream
Disposable razors
Aftershave
Eye glass wipes
Personal Care items:
Corn protectors (stretchable/nonadhesive gel pads) Deep heating rub Sun block with aloe Throat lozenges/ cough drops Gum/ mints Eye drops Aspirin, Motrin, Tylenol Cough medicine Q-Tips Jock itch spray boot liners, insoles Lotrimin AF for athlete's foot Foot powder Baby powder Pillows Blankets Bath towel Alarm clocks Weight lifting gloves IPods or MP3 players
School supplies for giving to Afghan children on Patrols:
Paper, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, markers, crayons, glue sticks, small school scissors
Other needs:
Batteries, AA, AAA, D, C and 9 volt
Duct tape (Green, tan, black or brown)
Small flashlights
Bungee cords
Clothing
Socks - White athletic or green/black boot socks Underwear (boxers - all
sizes) Tan army T shirts Tan shoe laces (long - for boots) Any white or embossed t shirts all sizes Flip flop shower shoes
Drink items:
Coffee / Tea
Hot cocoa mix
Pre sweetened drink mixed
Gatorade powder mixes
Candy / goodies/ sweets
Homemade cookies
Oatmeal
Peanut butter
Fudge
Brownies
Store bought cookies (Favorites are Oreos, peanut butter nutter butters, Mrs. Fields, Nabisco) Candy bars and M&M's and reeces pieces Rice Crispy treats Puddings Nuts Trail mix, granola, cashews, breakfast bars, pop tarts, and chips Velveeta cheese (large bar) Canned/ jars dips and salsa Crackers Jams and jellies in plastic jars Cup soups Microwave soups with a pop lid Beef Jerky, slim Jims, summer sausage Canned ravioli, spaghetti Tuna, packaged sardines, oysters, shrimp, salmon Fruit cups
That is about all that I can think of for now. If you are thinking specifically for Christmas items I know that blankets would also be a huge help. Words will never adequately convey how much we appreciate your efforts.
I also want to thank everyone for all the help that has already been
given: The sheets for 800 Soldiers, the musical instruments, the crosses for the chapel, the stage lights, the toiletries and necessities, the snacks and comfort foods, the cards, the Psalm 91 Bandannas, The huge shipment of pancake mix the various literature, the prayers. I'm afraid to get to specific because I'll forget and leave something out. The bottom line is that there are a whole bunch of you as Americans that have lifted us up in your prayers and actions and we are greatful. I will continue to keep you on my newsletter list and keep you up to date, unless you instruct me differently. Feel free to pass this information on to any individuals, churches or organizations that would like to help our Troops. May God richly bless each and every one of you,
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT ACE HARDWARE, BERKELEY'S FINER FOODS AND BATAVIA CARES WILL SHIP
170th IBCT Chaplain(MAJ) Steve Dunn and his team has replaced the 1BCT, 10th MTN Div. Chaplain team at Camp Spann Freedom Chapel. Please continue to send care items to Camp Spann at:
BAYONET PANTRY
Freedom Chapel
Camp Spann
APO AE 09368
P.S. The new BAYONET PANTRY email contact address is the new 170th IBCT Chaplain Assistant; SSG Simon Williams at:
My name is 1LT Jackson. I am currently deployed to Afghanistan
in support of the Nations defense until Feb 2012. I found out about
your group from one of my battle buddies who gave me this website and
told me to sign up because I have little family back home and receive
very little letters and gifts. After surfing the website, I'm amazed at
all the interesting and beautiful things you all do for soldiers. I am
stationed at a forward operation base(FOB) named Salerno. This FOB is
ok, but it is not home. This is my first time being deployed and I am a
little nervous, but I have to be strong for my troops. I tell them that
we are going to be ok and to keep their motivation high. I tell them
that we are doing a good thing for these people here, and we are making
sure our country is safe from the people who would do us harm. I
promised them that I would protect them and I would bring them back
home, but sometimes I wonder if I can keep that promise. We get attacked
a lot here, so much they call this place "Rocket City." I am writing so
I can get some support for myself and my troops, to prove to them that
people really care about us. That we are doing this for a good reason.
The items we could use here are: CD/DVDs, candy, chocolate,
health and beauty aids, Sweets of any kind, lotions for dry skin, soaps,
microwave goods, movies, music, small TVs/monitors, food storage
containers, socks, peanut butter & jelly, Honey buns, ETC.
I just want to say thank you for your support and what you are
doing for all of us over here really means a lot to us. It's great to
know that there are people back in the rear who are willing to take time
out of their busy lives to do this for us. Thank you for taking the
time out to read my letter. My address follows just in case we are able
to get on your mailing list. I consider anyone who is in support of the
troops as part of the family. So every time we prepare to leave each
other's company, we have a fair-well saying" Duty First, Victory" from
the Big Red One!
V/r
1LT SHERICA JACKSON
HHC BDE,3BCT 1ST IN DIV
TF DUKE, FOB Salerno
APO AE 09314
"DUTY FIRST, MISSION ALWAYS"
My name is Maj Rob Wyatt. I took over for LtCol Geeslin as the OIC for the Taji Combat Stress Control Unit when he was reassigned. LtCol Geeslin provided me with your email address.
I'm writing to thank you for the items you have sent to us in the past. They are much appreciated by both the staff and the troops we serve. Toward that end, I was curious if it would be possible to request some additional items? The cigars are very popular among the soldiers and if you have any candy/snack food type items that would be very helpful. We try to keep our waiting room stocked with things to make our soldiers more comfortable and put them at ease.
The service you have provided in the past is very much appreciated by both myself and the soldiers we serve.
Best Regards, Rob Wyatt MAJ, USAF, MC, 785 MC (CSC) Camp Taji
Our mailing address is
785th Med Co (CSC)
Unit 46031
APO, AE 09378
My name is Darren Griffin and we met the second Saturday in December
when my church (Grace Family Church) was there volunteering. As we
talked about in December, I am here in Afghanistan supporting our men
and women as a Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Analyst working in the
Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) group. One of my tasks is to
analyze the atmospherics and human terrain of the populace in our area
of responsibility and translate that into a course of action that
promotes added safety for our troops. In the areas of Information
Operations and rapport building with the locals I would like to ask for
your assistance. One of the biggest threats to our troops as you know
are IED's, and building relationships with the locals can help keep our
troops safer and get them back home to their love ones. History has
shown that when we build rapport with the locals they will in turn look
out for our safety by warning us of an ambush, personnel mines and now
pressure plates in the area of operation. A lot of those warnings have
come from children that live in the area. As you know there is not a
lot of activities for children here beside working and we feel if we can
get these children candy, simple toys, soccer balls, beanie animals
and/or pencils and paper we can begin the rapport building process.
Having the soldiers pass these items out will directly affect the
relationships and safety in their area of responsibility. I know you
primarily support the Warfighter but with this request I ask you aid in
the Warfighters safety.
On the last Humanitarian mission they did in a few of the villages the
highlighted items were personal hygiene kits and shoes. If you have any
of these items they will be greatly appreciated also.
As for direct support/request from the soldiers they do not have a
organization that is taking care of them. They do receive Operation
Interdependent and Any Soldier boxes, which they are very grateful for,
but there are a few specific needs/request they have on their "wish
list." I know that you are absolutely the right team to ask so here are
those request;
Reading Material - Motorcycle mags, Car mags
Body wash
Hand Sanitizer
Drink Mix
Pocket/bench made knives
Toilet paper
Baby wipes
If you know of any other organizations that deal in any specific request
that cannot be filled by your team, please forward that information to
me via this email.
Here are two POC's that by all means you can contact for more
information.
CPT Charles Huey
1LT Joshua Heifetz
The address:
HHC 1-22 INF, 1BCT,4ID
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD (ANCOP)
APO AE 09355
This company will be on site until June/July time frame, at that time we
will get an new unit with new request and needs.
I would like to take this opportunity to again thank you for all that
you and your team do to take care of our men and women in uniform. I see
them receive mail and boxes from home and it warms my heart to see the
joy in their faces for an instant. Know firsthand that they are
performing their duties with honor and gallantry and the work your team
does directly affects the way they perform. Knowing people care and have
not forgotten helps fuel these men and women. In advance, from myself
and most importantly from the men and women on the frontline, we Salute
You and Thank You!
Very Respectfully,
Darren L. Griffin
Ralph,
Thanks to you and Batavia Cares, and especially the great Marmion cadets.
I will be up there at some point when this deployment wraps up. My entire family (less me) still lives near Chicago.
First Team!
Dan Bolger
Major General, U.S. Army
Dear friends and family,
I would like to take this opportunity to again thank you all for the
extreme care and support that you have given to the 1-32 CAV Soldiers
during our deployment.
Our time here has had a great many successes, as well as its'
heartaches.
We have been able to bring a greater level of security to the area, as
well as help in the daily lives of the people. When flooding came
through and hit some of the area villages hard, we and our international
partners were able to help care for the villagers in large part because
you all came alongside us.
We continue to care for our injured and wounded, as well as remember PFC
Zachary Salmon and his family, and his gift to us all of the ultimate
sacrifice.
Your prayers have made a massive difference in our time here, as well as
the encouragement that you sent to us in each care package and letter.
I would like to introduce you to the unit that is following us. The
2-27 Infantry is moving into our space and will seek to build upon the
foundation that we have tried to establish.
Their chaplain is CPT John P. Smith. He is a great guy serving with
some excellent Soldiers. If you would like to continue your support
with his unit his email address is: John.p.smith1@us.army.mil
His mailing address here will be the same as mine, just with his info:
CH (CPT) John Smith
HHC, 2-27 IN
FOB Bostick
APO, AE 09310
One humble request that I can make on his behalf is, when you send care
packages to him, if you could send boxes that have mostly the same item
in each box that would really help. For example, if he receives a box
of shaving cream, a separate box of razors, and then a box of bar soap,
that is much easier for him to distribute rather than boxes with lots of
different items because he will know what the different Soldiers need.
I also know that their initial needs will be for baby wipes, shaving
cream, quality razors, bar soap, shampoo, body wash, beef jerky or beef
sticks, and nuts.
Thank you again for all of your care and support during the course of
this year. Please keep us all in your prayers as we seek to
re-integrate with our families and life in the States.
