Greetings! I wanted to let you know that I got the package you sent that included the cigars, coffee, cookies, and other snacks. As before, it is hard to describe how uplifting it is to get a package from people you’ve never met, but appreciate what you do. I’ll tell ya, I loved those plantain chips (Goya Foods). I opened one of those bags intending to eat just a few, and I think I ate the whole bag in one sitting. So between those and the Girl Scout cookies (which you can also eat more of than you realize), there are some dangerous snacks in there. Fortunately, there was also a set of workout bands (TRX) in that package too, so I have no excuse to burn off those calories. Now that is worth its weight in gold. Just about everyone uses deployment to get in better shape, so a set of exercise equipment that you can pack up and take with you to some of these outstations that don’t have much is great. That will definitely get passed around.

I’m also sincerely grateful for the Peeps you sent (his wife – name redacted). She was very pleasantly surprised and she ate about half a package during our periodic Impractical Jokers watch party. Our families have it much tougher than we do. For example, our pet cockatiel passed away recently, and I hate that she had to deal with that on her own. The challenges of homelife don’t change, the families just have more of the burden to bear without us there. But random acts of kindness, like your package, can turn a hard day around. Thank you so much for looking out for her. She’s my world, and I am extremely grateful that I got to see her smile when you sent her that package.

I’m pretty good about sharing packages with the others, but I will need to do better sharing those Plantain chips in the future. 😊 v/r. David

On behalf of all our soldiers and staff, THANK YOU so very much for the care package containing the Keurig, coffee and cotton candy Peeps that you sent. On the personal end, I’ll share that my wife LOVES Peeps, and she particularly loves the cotton candy Peeps. I bragged recently that I finally got a package of Peeps that I could call my own and I wouldn’t have to share with anyone! Of course, I ultimately shared with the others, but it was a great surprise to see them, and gave me an opportunity to tease my wife a little during a call home.

As for the coffee and Keurig, thank you! Particularly from a Task Force Surgeon, who is responsible for the health and well-being of the soldiers, thank you! You’ve definitely helped with the well-being part. I tell med students and doctors that blood is often presented in text books as being made up of 55% plasma (fluid) and 45% formed elements (i.e. cells). That said, I am increasingly convinced that in certain professions, such as medicine and/or the military for example, that there is also a small percentage of coffee in there somewhere. Nothing starts the day, or sustains during a late night like coffee, and there are plenty of those. You can never have enough, so we were thrilled when you sent the Keurig and the cups. No question that it is absolutely useful to us, and will be used and shared by everyone here.

There were several people and organizations listed on the accompanying letter who made this gift possible. Thank you to all of you! And if I left anyone off who deserves thanks, I apologize and ask that you please extend our gratitude as well. From the people that had the idea to send a gift overseas, to the ones that donated the coffee and Keurig, and to those who packaged and sent the box out the door to the plane over here, we appreciate all of you. Care packages are amazing things. Especially when they come from people who we don’t necessarily know, but who clearly care enough about what we’re doing to send some love. Packages from family and friends are great! We love getting them. But there’s something about receiving a package from someone you’ve never met that just inspires and encourages. They tend to show up at those times when we’re tired, frustrated, and missing home, and no matter what is in them, the morale boost that comes along with the knowledge that our fellow citizens are thinking about us and sending us little pieces of home has an this amazingly uplifting effect.

Thank you to all of you from all us out here in (location redacted). It’s a wonderful feeling knowing those at home are thinking about us and that what we do matters and is appreciated. THANK YOU! Very Respectfully, LTC David V.

(A card from one of our units) –
“I would like to thank you for all the care packages that you sent to us. We were very glad to receive them. As you know, it is not only the Soldiers that benefitted from these items. As fellow Americans that are here also benefit from these items. Words might be inadequate to express out thanks to you for your generous support. May God bless you richly. Stay blessed, Chaplain A.”

An African proverb says: “ ‘Thank you’ is a modest little phrase indeed, but it is spoken only by lips that desire to express gratitude.” I’m saying this to express my deep and sincere gratitude toward the kindness you displayed toward me. I truly love and appreciate all your donations, and I’ve started to put them to good use. Thank you once again. Respectfully, KSK, CPT

Good Morning/Afternoon everyone!
I have received your packages and a bunch of cookies and peeps! I would love to first and foremost thank you everyone for shipping these goodies to us on behalf of (unit redacted) personnel it was an honor of me to send this email to you guys. I am proud to have received such amazing packages and having seen these kind letters and goodies, it really is an amazing mood booster for myself and the team. Thank you so much for what you all do, for serving those who protect. On behalf of the team we deeply appreciate it. I hope you all have a safe, and wonderful rest of your day! Semper Fidelis, Corporal Lervin D, USMC

(From an SF unit Commander to one of our Benefactors)

“I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your recent donation to our service members. We are so grateful for your generosity and patriotism! The Arturo-Fuente cigars are outstanding and have been well received! Your generosity means more than you know. I hope you and your family are well. Please know that we will continue to represent you and the Country in a positive way, while protecting all against those who would do us harm. Again, thank you! V/R Tony

Thank you for the wonderful care package you sent. It was filled with care, generosity, and coffee – Yum!
It is tremendously helpful for our Deployed Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. It was so very kind especially when there are times it feels we are alone – Your package reminded us – we are not.
Thank You! Marcus

Hello sir! As my time here at (redacted) is coming to an end I would like to thank you guys for helping us out so much. It has meant a lot to me and my battles to receive such wonderful items! We definitely use it all! This is (name redacted). His unit has been here for a few months now. I wish to “pass on the torch” to him as it was passed to me! Again, My roommates and I greatly appreciate every package We have received! Thank you guys so much!