Honor Our Troops, El Dorado County, California

Testimonials

October 27, 2005

Below is the name of my Brother-In-Law who is currently serving in Iraq. I saw your ad and wanted to get his information to you. You are doing a wonderful thing for our Men and Women on the battlefield for the Holidays. Jared, my Brother-In-Law, and the guys in his unit told us after they returned from their first tour, that any and everything they received from home, no matter how small, enlightened their spirits and kept them going. Even a postcard just saying "Hi", made all the difference in the world. Jared and his unit are in the midst of the battles due to their area of expertise, but luckily none of them have been injured or worse. They said something from Stateside was greatly appreciated and needed. I thought I would share their appreciation and gratitude for people like you who take the time to do this for someone they don't know. I would also like to offer my assistance if you need any extra help.

PFC JG

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

AG


Wednesday, 21 June

First off, let me start by saying THANK YOU, I appreciate what you are doing for us, its nice to know some one cares. I'm sorry that my penmanship is lacking, hopefully you can still read this letter.

My name is Kyle and I am a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps over in Iraq. Its hot here but I should only be here for about 3 more months, Here's to Hoping. I grew up in Placerville and I love the area, I miss it.

Once again, I really appreciate all the things you sent and will be sure to share them with my buddies. The letters from the children were great. Children always seem to have a different view and appreciation for things than adults do. I guess that's part of what makes them children and so special.

Thank you again

KR, LCPL USMC


Monday, 20 September 2004

To all the great loyal & patriotic Americans on Main Street in Placerville "Ole Hangtown". You guys are super, thanks!

I received your generous CARE package today. That was quite a surprise!!

I guarantee that it will be put to good use. I took a lot of the candy and gave it to the Marine and International Police Trainers who instruct at our Iraqi Police Academy here. I am pretty good on hygiene items so I gave the ones that you sent to some Soldiers, Army Military Police (2/2 2nd Infantry Division) who live in the same courtyard as the academy staff. They just arrived here from Korea and will put it to good use. They were very thankful for the items that I gave them.

Most of the food I will consume. Whoever threw in the insulated coffee cup, thanks the one I brought with me in February is being held together by green duct tape. If you could have seen me digging through your box, you would have gotten a good laugh, I looked like a kid at Christmas

The patriotic 8½x11 page with the photos of you and the stars and stripes at attention in the breeze is super. I have it up on my "Home wall" in my room.

I had dinner in my room tonight, I had a few of the items that you sent. The tuna lunch snacks and box of candy bars was like whip cream & cherry on top of the other items.

All involved, you are great, thanks to everyone of you. Your support to all of us over here means more to us than you will probably ever imagine.

I wanted you all to know that I received it and it is much appreciated

God Bless AMERICA!

Semper Fidelis! (Marine Corps motto, Latin for "Always Faithful")

JS
1st Sgt. USMCR


Greetings,

Thank you for every thing you sent in the package. I really enjoyed reading the letters from the kids. As you know I am serving our country so our children will have a better world to live in when they get older. I am sending you a picture that was taken 11 November 2006 on FOB Warrior, Iraq. This is a picture of all the soldiers in my Battalion receiving there combat patch. What better day to present a soldier his or her combat patch then on Veterans Day. I am very proud of every soldier that is in my formation, and it is good to know that their fine Americans like all of you that understand that we are trying to make the world a better place to live in the future.

I thank you for all of your Support

CSM RV


Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! I am actually packing up getting ready for the return home! I can not wait. Those Neck Coolers where a big hit!! I gave alot of them to the incoming unit. It is hot out her and I know I appreciate them as well as everyone else. Please tell troop 1419 and 141P thank you as well. It makes me and the rest of the military feel honored by your support and it makes you realize why we are over here. I will use everything with good pleasure and Thank you so much again.

Sincerely,
BSH


Hello I hope things are well with you and your associates at El Dorado County Association of Realtors, I just wanted to thank you for the great care packages you have sent here to the Gulf Region North District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is always a treat to receive items from home. I don't know of any soldier's attitude that doesn't change a little when they get a package from home. I will tell you a little about myself and a lot about our organization

I am a resident of El Dorado County for 16 years. My wonderful wife TM, whom I miss tremendously.

I am a California Army National Guardsman of 37 years. I am the Command Sergeant Major for the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Engineer Brigade, 40th Infantry Division. I deployed with 39 other Engineers for the Brigade on March 23, 2006 to Ft Bliss and Camp McGregor for 6 weeks of training prior to deploying to Iraq. Upon arrival in Kuwait we separated to 14 locations in Iraq. Some of us will not see each other again until we meet in Kuwait to re-deploy home. I stay in touch with them all from time to time and all are doing well.

We are assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division, either North, Central or South Districts. Our work here is assisting the Iraqi Government to start the re-building/reconstruction process. We have built schools, fire stations, police stations, health care centers, roads, electrical power plants, fresh water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, repaired train stations and assisted with pipelines. I must tell you, each of my soldiers believes in what they are doing and knows they are making a difference.

the Corps of Engineers is primarily civilian the mix is about 30% military and 60% civilian. I am as proud of these civilians as I am of my soldiers, they are dedicated, hard working patriots and without them we could not accomplish our job. Some risk their lives daily as they must travel the roads and airways and they are away from their loved ones same as soldiers. They belong in the category of hero's.

In closing I will send a picture of the District Headquarters Personnel and all thank you for the Gift boxes.

RM
Command Sergeant Major