Thank You Messages From Our Troops
February 25, 2010
Sir/Ma'am,
Just wanted to say thank you for the large amount of goodies!
I will ensure they find their way to the hands of many troops.
I especially like the "Jarhead Jerky!" Tell Jim Ewen (Sgt of most likely the Marines if I were to guess) Thank You and the jerky is still fresh!
Again thank you all for what you do.
Very Respectfully,
JOEY S. CROWELL, TSgt, USAF
NTM-A/CSTC-A/SJA
Chief Paralegal NCO
February 25, 2010
To Leslie and everyone at the Yellow Ribbon Club in Marlton, NJ:
We received two wonderful boxes from the Yellow Ribbon Club last night.
I have been here for approximately 7 months and these are some of the
most thoughtful care packages I have ever received! I immediately
shared them with my US ARMY colleagues, the ESPN shirts were scooped up
in under 5 seconds, the towels and socks followed suit shortly
thereafter. As for the snacks, the toiletries, hand warmers, Pearl Jam
CDs, and games - absolutely nothing will go to waste. You made our day!
Thank you thank you thank you!
Mairead C. McKendry
ISR Task Force
February 24, 2010
Leslie M Drummond/Bob Friedman;
c/o Yellow Ribbon Club & Renaissance at Monroe Veteran's Club
On behalf of the service members here at the United States Forces-Iraq J4 Joint Plans Integration Cell (JPIC), I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your patriotic and extraordinary support.
Know that we and our families back home sincerely appreciate all that you and your organization do in support of our fighting men and women of the military.
These boxes of joy really light up our office as we jockey access to the special treats that are inside.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and look forward to continued contact when we leave from this tour.
We especially would like to send a shout out Mr Jim Ewen for the awesome "Jarhead Jerky".
I am enclosing some photos of the JPIC group for your FYI/SA and use on your walls.
Capt Griner is the USMC and I am the tall bald smiling guy off to his left.
God's Blessing on You and Yours;
Sammie L. Davis Jr.
LTC, LG
Deputy Director - J4 Joint Plans & Integration Ctr USF-I J4 Victory Base, Iraq
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January 29, 2010
Good morning MRS Drummond,
What a blessing you are to our team and the mission in Baghdad.
There is nothing more enjoyable then to receive packages and warm thoughts from home.
Our mission ends in June 2010, so we will be able to receive packages and letters until mid May 2010.
Thank you again for you and your foundation in supporting our mission in Baghdad this year and last.
You are a blessing to us all.
LTC Gerhard Esson
PRT-Baghdad
January 29, 2010
Dear Sirs/Maams,
My name is Chris Prombo and I work for the Science Applications International Corporation as a computer programmer.
I deployed from St. Louis to Iraq, arriving on 25 Jan. Upon arrival I found out that none of my personal items had arrived yet, even though I had sent them on 09 Jan from my hometown post office. The only personal items I arrived with were in a single backpack. When I saw that the care package that you had sent contained a 3-pack of socks, I thought "what a godsend".
Thank you for being so thoughtful and may God bless you!
Christopher B. Prombo
GIS Specialist
Science Applications International Corporation
January 29, 2010
Mrs. Drummond - once again y'all have outdone yourselves!
My colleagues now gather round when I receive one of your care packages, anxious to see what treasures are inside!
I won't be in NJ until sometime this summer, but, I'd love the opportunity to meet you and to say "Thanks!" in person.
Mrs. Drummond - your kindness and generosity make long dreary days a whole lot brighter,
Thank you!
Ray Kimbro
January 29, 2010
Leslie,
I wanted to give you and the members of the Yellow Ribbon Club my sincere thanks. TSgt Gaspar shares the care boxes sent by your organization with as many military members as possible. I can't begin to tell you the amount of good cheer your organization contributes to our happiness.
Again thank you,
V/R
Clark D. Tyler
Capt, USAF
Battle Captain (Day Shift)
CJ2 Operations Cell
SAC, HQ ISAF
January 16, 2010
Hi.
I wanted to take some time to take you on behalf of my PLT.
Your foundation sent us care packages on behalf of a soldier under me STEVE MILLER.
Being the soldier he has always been, he shares his wealth and we split up all the goodies that were sent. Thank you. All of them were used and someone was always in need of at least something in those boxes.
A lot of my guys don't always have the time to write back or the access, but as the motor Sergeant I'm taking my time to thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.
Receiving anything to us is a big deal and we greatly appreciate it.
ONCE AGAIN, ON BEHALF OF THE WHOLE "HEAVY METAL" MAIN SECTION FROM THE 716TH QM, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. IT’S NICE TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE STILL LOOK OUT FOR US.
SGT.RODRIGUEZ ANTHONY
716TH QM
JOINT BASE BALAD IRAQ
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December 29, 2009
Leslie,
Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication.
Your stockings arrived to B Company, 1stBn 3d Marines on Christmas Eve!
The Marines have a had a rough go for the past month and it was a welcome break to get something from home.
Myself and 1stSgt played Santa on Christmas and distributed the remainder of the stockings to the remote outposts.
Your efforts have made an impact on EVERYONE here!!
They were particularly special to me b/c I am from South Jersey!
I am from Cherry Hill and my family all still live in the area. I have been around the world but South Jersey is still the best place in the world!
Semper Fi
Tom Grace
http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/3mar/1dbn/1-3bravo.htm
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December 17, 2009
Mrs. Drummond,
I would like to say thank you on behalf of myself and the members of my squadron! We have received two packages from your organization in the past month or so and they have been thoroughly appreciated by everyone here. The work of your organization and all of it's members has made the holidays onboard our ship feel a little bit closer to home.
Keep up the great work and thanks again!
LTJG Dorian Belz
HS-6 Screamin' Indians
December 5, 2009
Hello Leslie,
My name is Jason Gall and I wanted to email you and thank you for everything you have sent me and my platoon throughout the deployment.
All the cookies were delicious as well as all the other treats that came with them.
I would also like you to thank everyone else if possible, who helped out in sending all the treats, as I know it was a lot and required a lot of time and dedication.
We are winding down in operations in Iraq but unfortunately will not be home for the holiday season.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and hope to meet you and thank you personally upon my arrival back to New Jersey.
On behalf of me and my entire unit I'd like to say thanks again for all your support throughout the deployment.
Best wishes,
Jason Gall
P.S. attached is a picture we took after opening some of the packages, and an Iraq flag we all signed just recently :)
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December 2, 2009
Hello:
Just wanted to thank you on behalf of my son-in-law, Lt. Col. Joseph Veit, in Camp Sather, Baghdad. He has received many cookies from the Yellow Ribbon Club and shared everything with his command. He also has just received pink packages for the ladies. Everyone is so appreciative. Thank you so much.
Since Joe will be leaving this month, he would appreciate it if there are more packages to be sent, to please forward them on to other groups. Camp Sather is an area that has items more available than others who might be not be able to readily obtain them.
Thank you again to all at the Yellow Ribbon Club who has put forth their time, effort and money. Everything is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
The Keenan/Veit Family
November 27, 2009
Leslie et all,
Thank you for the support.
Your generosity and caring for us deployed is truly appreciated.
Three of your packages have arrived at Headquarters, International Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan.
They have been extremely well received and used by both U.S. Military personnel and ISAF/NATO military partners from Great Britain, German, The Netherlands, Belgium and Norway.
We appreciate that there are individuals back home who are willing to donate their time and money to give us the simple things that are, at times, impossible to get here.
Please extend our appreciation to the children of Richard Rice Elementary School for their time and letters, since I know they had to miss class for assist.
I know in the case of my daughter, she was "mad" she had to skip math so she could help pack the boxes, but I think she got over it.
Thank you again and Happy Holidays,
Respectfully,
Dave
TSgt, USAF
on behalf of all assigned in the ISAF HQ, CJOC.
November 25, 2009
Mrs. Drummond (and everyone else involved in the Yellow Ribbon Club),
Thank you so much for everything that you have sent out.
The holiday greetings from the Githens School, the homemade cookies, even some sweats for the cold weather that recently arrived, everything was such a great treat for all of us over here.
We appreciate all the work that you are doing at home to show us your support.
You may be thanking us for our service, but thank you for all of the support that you give to all of the military, some may not think it but it means a lot.
I set all of the cookies out for our entire company to pick at and enjoy and so far I've heard nothing but good things.
Thank you again for all that you are doing for us back in the states.
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.
Thank you again and God Bless you all.
Timothy Missel - CPL USMC
Iraq
November 17, 2009
Dear Ms. Drummond,
Thank you for the 35 pound box of homemade cookies that I received today.
I made sure that all the Marines in the area had some delivered to their work areas. There were a lot of cookies to go around.
I am located near the Air Terminal where troops fly in and out of Al Asad as they travel to the different bases here in Iraq, and I put plenty of cookies at the waiting area this afternoon.
The cookies were consumed in record time by personnel heading
out to the Forward Operating Bases.
If you have contact with the Girl Scout Troops that worked hard to bake the
cookies, please extend to them our sincere thanks, as well as the other fine
folks who spent so much time to bake for us.
Please let your staff know that the kindness your organization displays is
very much appreciated and goes a long way toward maintaining morale during a
long deployment.
Again, thank you for your support.
Yours truly,
RMorrell
MSgt. Robert M. Morrell
MWSS-472 HQ/CAMP COMMANDANT
Al Asad AB, Iraq
"Freedom isn't free"
November 16, 2009
Dear Mrs Drummond,
May I take the opportunity to say thank you from my team and that of the Iraqi Firemen who enjoyed the cookies.
The gift was very uplifting and it was the talk at the dinner table as we talked about the Yellow Ribbon Program and how it works.
I had mailed an official thank you letter to the Evesham Fire Service. Thank you so very much for the coloring books.
We are planning a fire demonstration at the grade schools in the future.
I have attached a team photo of us.
Once again, thank you the gift,
Respectfully,
LTC Esson
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November 16, 2009
Hello,
My name is SSgt Catrell Wilson and we received your cookies today.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there was such a wide variety and so delicious!!.
It feels good to know that we are being thought about back home, the taste of homemade cookies can go a long way over here and soothes the soul (smile).
Just know that it was greatly appreciated, you can feel the love in every bite.
God Bless!!
Very Respectfully,
Catrell D. Wilson, SSgt, USAF
Materiel Control
Sather AB, Baghdad, Iraq
November 16, 2009
Yellow Ribbon Club Volunteers,
We just wanted to say thank you for thinking of us and for coordinating the
cookie project.
We will have to work out harder at the gym, but it will be worth it.
Thank you, happy holidays & a happy new year.
V/r,
TSgt Ferguson
THOMAS W. FERGUSON, TSgt, USAF
447th ECS/Voice Network Systems
Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq
November 16, 2009
Greetings,
I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent cookies you sent over to us.
I will have to run a few more laps but, it’s worth it.
Thank you for supporting the troops here at Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq.
RUSSELL HAFFNER, TSgt, USAF
Communications Focal Point & Unit Deployment Manager
447 ECS/SCOS
Sather AB, Iraq
November 10, 2009
Leslie,
I just wanted to thank the Club for adopting my husband's unit in Iraq.
They received the box today, which is also the Marine Corps birthday.
My husband is MSgt. Morrell with MWSS 472 .
He said the box was big and filled with a lot of very nice things.
Thank you so much for putting a smile on our Marines faces.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Morrell
November 10, 2009
Leslie,
We did, it was an awesome package, have been wanting to send a thank you, but have been extremely busy. So let me apologize for the lack of communication on my side, it went to my platoon we loved it. Yes my mailing address is still the same, should be until March when we start to come home. Another box, cant wait!
Thanks again
V/R
PFC Hamblin, Courtney
HHC 121 BSB Supply
Supply Clerk
July 23, 2009
Leslie,
Just a note from my personal email to say THANK YOU for the boxes of foam pads. Yes, we got ALL of them. My Soldiers were very excited and grateful! They have made a big difference, especially for some of the 'older' troopers, and the one's in the 'field'
The mission is going well here, and we are humbled by the love and support from back home, and from good folks like you and the Yellow Ribbon Club.
I'll write another letter to the Yellow Ribbon Club at a later date, but I wanted to let you know the boxes arrived, and the pads have been distributed
Reg Neal
Lt. Col, Field Artillery
Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan
July 21, 2009
Dear Leslie,
I would like to thank you so much for all you do for the families and returning soldiers. The welcome home for my daughter, Deanna was without a doubt more than I ever imagined. She was overwhelmed to say the least. As were we all.
Your network is like a well-oiled machine. It is amazing how so many people came together for this day. I am eternally grateful to you and the entire Yellow Ribbon Club, and the Warrior Watch. Please pass on my feelings and gratitude to all who helped make her homecoming the great time it was.
Please let me know how I may become part of this wonderful organization. You truly have provided a vehicle for our community to come together at a time of uncertainty and hardship. It was heartwarming to see how many people turned out and the feelings of camaraderie expressed that day proved we are still a great nation. It would do our country and people good to carry this unity throughout our government.
Again, thank you for you and everyone involved who shows tireless efforts supporting our soldiers, and recognizing the sacrifice families make for this great country.
Susan M. DiAmbrosio
Marlton, NJ
July 7, 2009
Hello,
My name is MA1 Sean Stull. I am a Military Working Dog handler originally stationed in Lakehurst, New Jersey but currently deployed to Iraq. I just received your package in the mail today. I just wanted to say thank-you for your support. I know this part of the war on terror is drawing to a close and a new part is beginning. It is nice to still be remembered while you are deployed. Again, thank-you very much.
MA1 Sean Stull
Military Working Dog Handler
COB Adder, Iraq
May 28, 2009
Leslie,
I have just received two boxes from you and I just wanted to write back and let you know how much we appreciate the support.
Everything in the boxes will be put to good use and was much needed when it arrived.
Again, I cannot
thank you enough for the support, and wanted to let you know your boxes were
received and appreciated.
Harmon, John
SFC, USA
Kennel Master
RC South Program Manager
March 13, 2009
Hello Ms Leslie,
Thank you for sending the package and thinking about us. My team and I enjoyed using the content that was in the package. I am scheduled to leave here in October 2009. My team mission while we are here is to train the Iraqi Army whom we support to better organize themselves, and to successfully conduct their own operation to secure their own land. In order for us to do this we have to live on their compound. Once again thank you and your supporting cast.
Very graceful,
MIlton Pate, Jr
December 16, 2008
To my friends from New Jersey:
I am very happy to hear from you....
I was involved a couple of years back when you guys did a small rally in
Marlton...the Mayor came out along with COL Devery from the NJARNG...We
brought out some equipment so people could see the stuff we have in the
National Guard...
I am on second deployment and my third and fourth tour and it is going
very well...I appreciate everything that you guys do back home and I
wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the "Boys at
Bucca, Iraq."
Thanks again and have a great New Year.
Sincerely,
Mark Rizzo
1SG A Troop 1-102nd Cavalry
Camp Bucca, Iraq
APO AE 09375-0500
November 28, 2008
Ms. Drummond,
My name is Stephen Pecorelli and I am the company commander for Company C 1-114th Infantry and I would like to take the time to thank you for the package you send with. It is a combat multiplier for the men of the company when receive packages from our friends back home in New Jersey. It puts purpose in our mission and a sense of pride.
God Bless,
Stephen Pecorelli
CPT, IN
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November 23, 2008
Ms. Drummond,
I am writing to let you know that our unit received 2 boxes of cookies from the Yellow Ribbon Club. As a former enlisted Soldier and now an officer, I know how much packages from home like this mean to our service members.
We have already distributed many of the bags of cookies to the Soldiers here in Baghdad and to our interagency partners from the State Department. They are being scarfed-up at a rapid pace! We are so thankful for citizens like you and the organizations that you foster to take care of us.
I grew up in Marlton (Woodstream - first 18 years of my life), so it's nice to see that something good for the Soldiers came out of my hometown. I have 2 sisters and a brother who still live there with their families. My other brother lives in South Philly as well as my in-laws who all live in NE Philly, so we're a real local crew. I've attached a couple of pictures, so you can put a face with a name.
Thanks again,
Rob Young
LTC Robert J. Young
US Army, AVN
Plans Officer
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November 23, 2008
Ma'am,
My name is SFC Jamie M. Sisler. I am an MP with the 11th MP BDE
stationed at Camp Cropper, Iraq.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you, and all that helped, for the package that you sent to us here.
We will post the Yellow Ribbon here in our TOC and the goodies were consumed by the group with smiles and enthusiasm.
Our unit is an Army Reserve Unit headquartered in PA but there are soldiers from 11 different states represented.
Again, thank you for all of your support, it really helps us all feel less disconnected.
SFC Jamie M. Sisler
11th MP BDE
Plans and Operations NCO
Camp Cropper, Iraq
October 30, 2008
Dear Yellow Ribbon Club,
I wanted to send this email to thank you for the gift packages that I
received a few weeks back. I greatly appreciate the support and
donations from everyone back home. It means a lot to us over here. I
think it's great what you guys are doing and it really does go a long
way.
Thank you again.
SPC Phillips, Joseph
25th ID
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October 23, 2008
Dear Ms. Drummond,
Thank you for the wonderful care package! The men and women of my unit, myself included, certainly enjoyed receiving it.
I thank you for supporting the troops stationed overseas and please know that we appreciate everything you are doing back on the home front.
Please send my thanks to your son for his service to our country.
Take care and know that we are doing our best to make everyone back home proud.
Sincerely,
Drew Greenlees
LT USN
Executive Officer
NPDB RAMADI II
p.s. (Thanks for making NJ look good! I grew up in Parsippany (Morris County) and got a kick out of seeing a package from "Jersey")
October 22, 2008
Yellow Ribbon Club:
On behalf of Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion Ramadi Two, we would
like to send our sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful box,
The Yellow Ribbon Club did a fantastic job at gathering the many things
we use on a daily basis.
Thank you and the Yellow Ribbon Club members
for supporting the military men and women around the world.
V/R
CS1(SW) A. Throm
Navy Provisional Detainee Batallion/R-2
Camp Bucca, Iraq.
# 853-6162
September 26, 2008
I just wanted to send my most heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful donations you have sent to us in Iraq.
I received several boxes from my Niece today and it was wonderful what your organization does.
I am a reservist and will be here through the Holidays, but today thanks to you it was Christmas for a lot of the troops.
I opened all the boxes and let all the troops I work with have whatever they wanted and they send their thanks also.
The items you sent were well thought out and well appreciated.
I will put the remainder of the items in the inbound side of the passenger terminal so anyone just getting here has a chance to get some items they may have forgotten.
We all thank you for your support.
Please send me more information about your organization so I can forward it to my Wife, perhaps we can help in some way when I get back.
Kevin A. Ward, TSgt, USAF
Passenger Service Dispatcher
Passenger Service Representative
Joint Base Balad, Iraq
September 17, 2008
Leslie,
Once again your organization has provided wonderfully uplifting goody boxes on behalf of your club. It is truly a welcome site when these boxes arrive and my team greatly enjoys our free moments of checking out what was sent from home.
Beyond the goodies and home grown love that comes in the boxed, the notes and letters that come with the boxes are heart filled and warming as I read each and everyone of them and share them with the soldiers in my team.
Please pass our sincerest appreciation to all whom take part in this wonderful organization. Our tour here in Iraq has been much easier thanks to your efforts.
Please pass our regards to the following patriots:
Pat Buongronanni and the Voorhees Summer camp, Melounie, Jenna, Madeline, Laini, Molly, Faith, Stella, Ameera, Bryce, Hannah Mullin, Caitlin Joy, Jordan and Dave, Kristy, Heather, Marcie, Zoe, Katie and Stacie, Cheryl Ann Programs, V/R.
Donald L. Green
MAJ, AV
NPPT Asst Tm Chief
Brassfield-Mora
