Here are the thank you notes sent recently by two American service personnel stationed overseas after they received care packages from the Great Bend Military Moms organization. For security reasons, the names of the soldiers submitting them have been removed:
• I am currently serving in Afghanistan and I have received an outpouring of boxes from the Great Bend Military Moms c/o American Legion #180. I wanted to personally thank everyone for all of the care packages that were sent and the wonderful cards from the High School. We are using these care packages as stocking stuffers for everyone here and using the food for our “party”. Also, my fellow Sailors send a thousand thanks! Everyone have a wonderful holiday season, and thank you for your support.
• Thank you so much for the amazing packages.
We have received a few care packages out here, but nothing close to the quality that was put into yours! I had 9 Marines that have not received any kind of packages from back home, and I gave the first sets to them. The rest have all been pushed “forward”. Without saying too much, I have Marines in Iraq. Can’t tell you how many or where they are, but I can say that everything in your packages is needed, will be used, and is extremely appreciated. Thank you all so very much for the support you have given us.
The Great Bend Military Moms organization is getting ready to make another shipment of care packages to service personnel in February. They are seeking names of those stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern African or Western African (ebola areas), or elsewhere.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Leslie Barrett at 620-792-2838.
For 11 years, the Great Bend Military Moms organization has shipped care packages to American service personnel serving overseas, a mission sparked by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the War on Terror, and now to those serving in Africa fighting the ebola outbreak.
In that time, Military Mom volunteers have packaged and shipped more than 5,500 boxes. The latest shipment of 140 boxes was just recently delivered.
“I can’t even begin to say enough words of thank you, to all of you that continue to make it possible,” said Leslie Barrett, one of the project organizers. Donations come from clubs, service organizations, businesses and individuals.
“It is our hope that these boxes, loaded with food, snacks, toys, games, batteries, DVDs, CDs, books, drink mixes, personal care items and lots of love and support from all of us back home, will help them feel loved and appreciated,” she said.
Each box also contains a letter with the names of all who have contributed to the project. The first paragraph reads, “We Appreciate you. We want to thank you for your commitment to the United States of America. There are no words to express our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices you make every day, to protect the very freedoms we enjoy as American citizens. These gifts were made possible by the following people and organizations from Great Bend and surrounding central Kansas communities.”
Sometimes, Barrett said, the group gets mail back from those who receive the packages in the form of thank you letters. “Letters like these make every hour and every dollar spent so worthwhile.”
The last batch of boxes garnered notes along with the wonderful pictures. I had the honor of delivering joy through your gifts out here. That is something that I am personally grateful for. I wish all of you the very best this Christmas, and I hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Year.
Thank you again from all of my Marines (and your new friends) in the “sand box”!
“We are now planning another shipment for February, as we now have more addresses of those in need,” Barrett said. “If you know of someone who is currently serving in the Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern African or Western African (ebola areas), please get their military addresses to me ASAP.”
Barrett said all the addresses will be kept confidential.
“They all deserve to know they are loved an appreciated,” she said of those serving.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Barrett at 620-792-2838.
