11 Aug 2007

Ref:  Section 36

SSG Settles,

I wanted to let you know how much I admire the work you have done during your tour in Iraq.   You have planted some wonderful seeds of friendship on behalf of our country, brightened the lives of children and their families and at the same time provided outstanding medical services for everyone who comes to your hospital.   What a wonderful legacy you will leave behind there and what big shoes for someone else to fill!

You have personally inspired me.   I work for the Department of the Army and in September will voluntarily deploy to Kuwait for six months.   I have always wanted to do something with a direct impact like this.  I was too young to be a Donut Dollie in Vietnam and had no skills to offer the Peace Corps, but time and experience has now prepared me to do my part.

My children are grown and my husband is supportative (he says that I supported him through a 32 year military career so now it's my turn to follow my dream).   At the age of 60 I will be putting on combat boots and fatigues and doing my best to take care of all the sons and daughters that have allowed me to live such a wonderful life.   If you out-process in Kuwait, I hope I'm able to meet you and speed you on your way home.

Sincerely,

Susan Smith...... msmith5468@aol.com         

20 Aug 2007

Ref:   David A. Whitten.
          Chairman of the Board.
          Director of Marketing and Media Relations.
          Operation Homefront of Arizona.
          Phone (602) 763-7865
          Email dawhitten@cox.net
          Web www.operationhomefront.net/arizona

To all that read this message,

Greetings!

I first met Dave through the mail while my Battalion and I was deployed to Iraq.   Dave told me about himself and his organization and asked if there was anything he could do for me and my Marines.

The rest is history.  His group of loving and caring personnel went out of their way to support some 1100 Marines and Sailors they never met.   Over the next 6 months they sent us everything that they could to make our lives comfortable.   He and his volunteers are angels.

God bless all the angels from Packages from Home!

Semper Fi!
SgtMaj Ernest K. Hoopii
VMM-162
(910) 449-6369
DSN 752-6369