Letters from soldiers receiving packages from OK Box and Troop Care Packs.

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14 Apr, 2014 - 19:47:55 PDT
From: edgar.r.contreras@afghan.swa.army.mil
Hello,
   Our company received a care package from you. We have limited facilities because of the redeployment drawdown, so thank you for everything.
   Our Soldiers appreciate your support.

Hoorah!
SFC Contreras, Edgar,
C Co. 3-101 TF Attack,“Widowmakers”



13 Apr 2014, 11:04:45 PDT
From: glenn.cruzcancel@gmail.com
   Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time and energy to send us a care pkg.
   We sincerely appreciate everything you do for us and thank you for your continued support. Your efforts really do make our work out here much easier.

Thank you!
Captain Glenn A. CruzCancel
Location or unit

13 Apr, 2014, 00:55:37 PDT
From: 1156660716@afghan.swa.army.mil
Sir,
   I received your care package today for my troops. It was definitely appreciated and of course they pillaged through it with smiles on their face.
   I would like to take a moment and thank you for your service. There were numerous letters from children within the box and would like to thank all of the children for their letters.
   We truly can't thank you enough for your service and continued service to the troops here.
   Thank you again for sending a small piece of heaven to us here in Afghanistan.

"Led by Love of Country", Steadfast and Loyal."
MSG Daniel Vaccaro,
4BCT CTF Mountain Warrior

12 Apr, 2014, 23:12:23 PDT
From: soulsrocker@yahoo.com
Mr. Tenenberg,
   I have received a few care packages from you and your group of dedicated and hardworking volunteers. I would like to have a flag flown over afghanistan for you.
   The certificate will show for whom it was flown. Would you like it to say "Si Tenenberg"? I'm not sure if your group of volunteers has an official name, but I could put that on the certificate instead.
   Please let me know what you would prefer, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lifelong dedicated service to this nation and to your fellow veterans. You are a hero and a fine example of an exemplary citizen.

Very Respectfully,
SPC Edward W Boone


11 Apr 2014, 14:51:59 PDT
From: ronald.buchanan@afghan.swa.army.mil
   Thank you for taking the time and effort to put together a care package for myself and my guys here.
   Each of the items were dispersed evenly across my unit and I ensured that each Airmen/Soldier had something to remind them of home.
   It truly warms the heart to know that people are still thinking of us as we serve proudly overseas.

Thank again and god bless!
TSgt R. Heath Buchanan

09 Apr 2014, 02:49:55 PDT
From: joshua.whittington@afg.usmc.mil
Dear Mr. Tenenberg,
   First off I want to thank you for your service during the Korean War.  Your dedication to us through your retirement is an inspiration to us all. Secondly, I want to thank you for the care package. All of my Marines have put everything to good use already.
   We've started coming into the summer months and my Marines work on the flightline for around 12 hours straight.
   Many of us find it hard to come by good American dip out here. Anything you can help us with would be greatly appreciated!

Semper Fidelis!
Sgt. Whittington, Joshua

      07 Apr 2014, 05:42:40 PDT
From: cmosqu@gmail.com
Hello Si,
   My name is Christopher Mosqueda Corporal of Marines and we received your package a few days ago.
   All the hygiene items were split up pretty good and guys go nuts over the ramen noodles/ snacks. You sent everything that people usually ask for so everyone is very appreciative.
   It is starting to get hot so we could use those green summer socks (L) and short sleeve green shirts (M) or (L), boot spray, fabreeze spray, bugs spray, and razors. The food like chef boyardee, macaroni, tuna, ramon noodles, jerky, canned fruit, cheese crackers and chips are always grabbed up pretty quick as well.
   It is a great thing what you and the volunteers do for the troops and open up eyes on how much people in the states care. We will all write back letters to everyone who helped send us these care packages and just want to say thank you very much again for your time and effort. Appreciate all the support and prayers

God bless and Semper Fi
Chris Mosqueda
Cpl, USMC

      
 05 Apr 2014, 05:13:18 PDT
From: lostsurfer39@gmail.com
Sir,
   Thank you very much for the Care Package we recieved it today. it was just what we needed.
   We are grateful for your contribution to all of us foward deployed. I hope everything is going well for you. the elections went well today and it was fairly quiet here so we are grateful for that as well.

04 Apr 2014, 03:59:29 PDT
From: usmcvandemark@gmail.com
Dear Si Tenenberg,
   Thank you so much for the care packages you send to marines in Afghanistan! we have received one of them today.
   God bless you and the people that help you, your blessings are heart warming and we appreicate it greatly, your support makes a huge difference.
   We are happy to fight for our countries freedom and are exited to come home to our families safely.

Semper Fidelis,
Lcpl Alexander VanDemark

02 Apr 2014, 13:15:10 PDT
From: ricahernandez102@gmail.com
Dear Si, (sonny),
   Well first let me say Thank You for serving your country during those times in Korea.
   I would also like to thank you for the care package I received, and appreciate the support. I used almost every single thing you and your helpers sent me or shared what I didn't need.
   I would like small green socks, you can never have enough of them. I would also like size small sports bra and underwear if possible I'm not picky so any medium size will do. personal hygiene items such as body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. I'd also like to thank the people that help you in the store like Janet and Donna.

Semper Fi,
Erica Hernandez,
B Co., 57th ESB,FOB Apache

02 Apr 2014, 02:15:51 PDT
From: nicholas.vargas@afghan.swa.army.mil
Si,
   I’m sure you don’t remember me. I was in Afghanistan a little over a year ago and I am back in this country again. I sure remember you!
   I received another package from you while here and wanted to write you an email saying that my soldiers and I loved digging through and seeing what goodies you put in there.
   It blows my mind that you do what you do. It really touches me that after over a year you’re still going strong and giving back to soldiers.
   Thank you again, I hope to never be back in this country, but if I am I look forward to the packages to come. You’re the man. Thank you to you and your team for everything you continue to do.

SGT Vargas, Nicholas G.

01 Apr 2014, 10:02:00 PDT
From: sam33_@hotmail.com
Sir,
   This is SPC Panthi writing to you from Afghanistan.
   I read your story on the article that came with the package and it is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you for all that you do for all the troops down here and beyond. I admire your dedication and selfless service that you have been providing. Yours is a great example of a soldier still living the Values.
   I know you sent a note asking if we needed anything and I wanted to ask you for them as well here. We have been doing pretty well but however things are closing down out here so we don't always get everything we need. One thing we could really use is noodles. We don't always get to go to the DFAC and we don't really like eating the MRE's so much, so its an easy fix when we have noodles. We can just get some hot water going and pour over it and enjoy it when we want and all our boys and girls here love noodles ramen noodles and shin ramen.
   Other things we could use here are some knives and small flashlights . I personally have a little Gerber knife but as its used a lot its about time to throw it out and I see others having the same issue. The flashligts that we are issued are barely working and use up a lot of battery fairly quick if they do work. I don't know whats wrong with them but at first I thought mine was a defective piece but I found out that others have the same issue and since we are working nights as well it could be of great help here.

Sincerely,
SPC Panthi

01 Apr 2014, 01:24:39 PDT
From: christian.n.diaz@afghan.swa.army.mil
Mr. Tenenberg,
   First of all, thank you for your service! I have been stationed in Korea and appreciate the sacrifice you have made for our great nation.
   Thank you for continuing to support our troops while away from our homes and families, enduring the harsh climates and conditions in Afghanistan.
   I am currently slotted as the supply sergeant for the best Combat Engineer company in the US Army, and proud to be supporting them! My guys are divided into 2 separate locations and spend countless hours performing route clearance on the roadways of Afghanistan.
   I know they would appreciate any donations you could send to assist in daily operations/living comforts...  Look forward to hearing from you in the future! Semper Fi!

Respectfully,
SGT Christian N. Diaz,
A Co. 2BSTB, 2BCT, 101ST ABN DIV (AASLT) FOB FENTY, AFGHANISTAN

         24 Mar 2014, 03:46:02 PDT
From: pamela.m.rubon@afghan.swa.army.mi
Dearest Mr Tenenberg, Aloha!!!
   First of all I want to thank God for a great person like you and your crew for your great support.
   I just received my 2 boxes from you and we shared the items among our Human Resources Office here where I work at. You put a smile on each and everyone of us today and thank you so much for that.
   Little bit about me, my name is SGT Rubon, Pamela, 31 yrs old and 9 years in the Army so far. Married with 2 girls 13 and 7. My family is in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA where am stationed out of. I and my family are originally from the Marshall Islands next to Hawaii and Guam but I grew up in Hawaii.
   We have a 1 year deployment. We got here December 2013. Good thing we are authorized a 2 weeks R&R back home!
   We are currently in Bagram Airfield here in Afghanistan and it was raining these past days and a little chilly but today the sun decided to come out so it’s pretty nice right now. Once again thank you so much for everything!!! God bless you and your crew that help makes this happen for us.

Very Respectfully;
SGT RUBON, PAMELA M., HHC
508th MP BN (I/R),CAMP SABALU-HARRISON/BAF

21 Mar 2014, 04:41:33 PDT
From: eric.currier@afg.usmc.mil
Mr. Tenenberg,
   I hope this note has found you all doing well and in good spirits back home.  On behalf of myself and my Marines I would like to extend our most sincere appreciation and gratitude for the package and for the time you spent in sending to us.
   It is gestures like yours that make being away from home so much easier to muddle through, especially coming from those back home.  Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, you have made us feel as though we aren't so far away.
   It's not all too different from Twentynine Palms here but we still miss home.
   Again thank you for everything you do and thank you for your service and continued faithfulness within our brotherhood.

Very Respectfully,
Sgt Eric D. Currier, USMC

20 Mar 2014, 01:35:52 PDT
From: william.aycock2011@gmail.com
Si,
   My Soldiers and I would like to thank you for your packages that you've sent us over the last couple months. We've put the socks to good use, on our persons, and the toiletries and snacks are really needed out here.
   I see you served in Korea and spent some time in Iran. I'm, by trade, an Persian-Farsi linguist, so I find that any experience in Iran would be many sorts of interesting.
   We're pretty busy out here in FOB Wright, especially with the upcoming fighting season coming along. Have a good one!

thanks again!

          
 17 Mar 2014, 22:37:11 PDT
From: amazinmets07@yahoo.com
Hello SI Tenenberg,
   My name is Cpl Miguel Vazquez. I would like to thank you and everyone else for sending us the care packages.
   I started handing them out between my squad but now I also have the platoon asking for things they need. Every soldier here appreciates everything you and your crew do. Every package received is opened and placed in a common area in our tent so everyone has a chance to get what they need or want.
   After reading your letter, I asked everyone individually if there was anything they needed and showed them the list you provided. The feedback I got was, green boot socks, sunblock, fabreeze, body wash, deodorant (not the gel type, alot of soldiers get skin irritations from the gel type), shaving gel, flashlights, razors, cigarettes, and any snacks. The females pretty much said anything on the list for the ladies list will help. Thanks again for everything.

Miguel Vasquez

16 Mar 2014, 10:44:39 PDT
From: john.philip.murray@gmail.com
Dear Si,
   Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you, we've been swamped lately! First off thank you for your service, we all love you senior vets, cause they understand our plight. It's always nice to get support from people, but your packages are above and beyond the best ones!
   There's something for everyone, we share with each other of course, but we all get excited when one of yours comes! The service you do for us is awe inspiring, some guys have nobody to send them items and your packages truly make those grunts's days! All of us paratroopers appreciate everything you do!
   It's pretty terrible in Kabul right now weather wise, us gunners on the trucks are wet pretty much all the time and the handwarmers you send are such a help! Kabul is surrounded by snow capped peaks and it's literally freezing here right now. We're looking forward to the warm months.
   The elections are coming soon, so we're anticipating that day and running routine missions into the city daily.
   Please thank all of your helpers and supporters, we seriously didn't think your kind of generosity still existed! So from the boys of 2fury Charlie company 2-508 82nd airborne THANK YOU!!!

God bless!
John Murray

  16 Mar 2014, 00:27:16 PDT
From: christopher.kurka@afg.usmc.mil
Sir,
   The Marines of Marine Aircraft Group-Afghanistan S2 are very grateful for your generosity and the efforts of your crew.  The ladies and gentlemen that assist you with your mission are truly fine people and we wish that they could know how much their simple efforts and the gestures mean to us.
   We are not suffering.  We have all we need, but the simple kindness of selfless generosity is heartening and me make sure all your items find good homes.
   Being here and not forgotten, despite the impression that we get from the media, helps to keep our morale high.
   Sir, please know that we are glad to do our part for citizens of your caliber.

Captain Christopher A. Kurka,
MAG-A S2


                               14 Mar 2014, 19:46:28 PDT
From: michael.scheider@afg.usmc.mil
Dear Si Tenenberg,
   Please accept our sincere "Thank you" for the care package and your kind
wishes.
   We are definitely one of the more fortunate units here in Central Helmand. We have a fairly strong position and we work in a rather secure environment. Despite all the blessings we have, your generosity and selfless gift serves to remind all of us to appreciate all the gifts we have; our families, our health, and our beloved country.
   We are honored to be here and we are blessed to have your support. Thank you again from the Marines of the Marine Aircraft Group-Afghanistan Intelligence shop.

May 2014 be a year of peace and prosperity for you all.
SSgt Michael D Schneider

      
 13 Mar 2014, 01:49:33 PDT
From: matthew.d.sanders.mil@mail.mil
SEMPER FIDELIS (Si Tenenberg),
   Just wanted to say first hand - thank you for taking the time to write and send care packages to soldiers and myself here at a time where it's much needed.
   I am a veteran and have been in the military for more than 20 plus years and still to this day I don't get used to being deployed. It's the not knowing what's going to happen that makes it harder for some soldiers. Caring people as yourself make it easier to deal with in our time away from our love ones.
   I would like to keep in touch as my deployment develops, I will let you know a little bit about what I do (/secret/007 type stuff) when I can.
   Well I will end this little letter of thank you. Take care and God Bless... When I get to another permanent site I will email you once again to keep in touch.

My soldiers wish you a very wonderful day.
Matthew D Sanders, SFC,
USARCENT G1 COIC

      13 Mar 2014, 05:43:06 PDT
From: coltsouthon@rocketmail.com
Si,
   I received your letter in a care package the other day. I am writing to thank you for your support and for your service.
   It is not possible to be where we are without acknowledging where we came from. We have decided on different branches of service, but even brothers look a little different than each other.
   We are deployed out here right now with a platoon sized element. This is number three and I have to say the conditions are not as bad as the last two. I signed my guys up for as many things as I could to help show them how much America values her Soldiers.
   I am not really good at specifying anything from the large list you have, but I can say that I am with a group of tobacco spitting, coffee drinking, beef jerky feed Soldiers. Most of my guys enjoy a good cigar now a days. If you send anything from the Snacks/food, for the summer time, and general use I can assure you nothing you send would go to waste.
   I hope all is well on your side of the world.

God Bless,
SSG Southon, Colt, A.
BTRY 1-320 FAR,Fort Campbell, KY (FWD AFGHN)

11 Mar 2014, 15:11:29 PDT
From: ronald.buchanan@afghan.swa.army.mil
Hello,
   I just wanted to extend a HUGE thank you from myself and my fellow Airmen here in Afghanistan.  Your donations in the care package were greatly appreciated and put a smile on each of our faces.
   We were able to pick out our favorite/needed items and share the rest with the soldiers here we're working with everyday. It’s always nice to receive a package, it truly brightens up our day.
   Your thoughtfulness is commendable and we appreciate the love and support that you are sending our way.

Thanks again!!
TSgt R. Heath Buchanan,
TF Wings SWO, NCOIC

10 Mar 2014, 21:37:45 PDT
From: michael.tadlock@afg.usmc.mil
Hello!
   I am RP2 Michael Tadlock, the Chapel Manager for the Leatherneck Chapel here in Afghanistan. I recently received the care package you sent. Thank you so very much for your generosity and thoughtfulness. The items that you sent were distributed among the many service members here at my location.
   Words cannot begin to express the gratitude that my fellow service members and I have for you and others who take the time to let us
know how much we are appreciated.  The joy and happiness I see on the faces when they receive a little "piece of home" is indescribable.
   Again, thank you so much for all that you do for the troops.

Very Respectfully,
RP2(FMF) Michael J. Tadlock,
Camp Leatherneck Chapel Manager

      09 Mar 2014, 05:34:20 PDT
From: mark.kwast@afg.usmc.mil
Good afternoon,
   I received your care package today and wanted to take a moment to express my thanks.  My Marines are all very thankful for the items you sent, it's a great feeling to have a "piece of home" arrive in a care package.
   All of the items you sent are already being put to use, your list of available items is truly amazing.  Boot socks are always welcome, as well as green shirts (most of our Marines wear a Medium).

Once again, we all appreciate the time and effort you took to make the care package you mailed us; thank you for your service in the past and for what you're doing today.
Mark, Sergeant (E-5) Mark D. Kwast

    
 06 Mar 2014, 22:28:39 PDT
From: vdog80@hotmail.com
Dear SI, Marilyn, and Charley,
   Thank you for thinking of me and sending me a package.
   It’s good to know that there are people still thinking of us over here. This is my fifth tour over here and the days are long and filled with thoughts of home. I can't wait to go home and be with my family and friends.
   I am currently stationed out of Fort Drum, NY. I am on a small FOB but the conditions are good, we actually have porcelain toilets, never had that down here before. The food is the same as usual though, crappy, but it keeps the stomach filled.
   I am about half way through my tour and starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Its people like you that keep the moral high down here by sending letters and boxes from home. We get mail once a week down here and on that day everyone’s spirit is high and in good standards.
   Last I want to thank you again for all you do for us and want you to know that you are the true reason for keeping the military going. You give us a reason to fight for the rights and freedoms of people you can’t

Sincerely,
Adam Vettel


 
 06 Mar 2014, 20:57:45 PDT
From: lostsurfer39@gmail.com
Sir,
   This is Cpl Raines I just wanted to thank you for your care package on behalf of all the Marines here. We are very grateful for all that you have sent us and that you are thinking of us.
   We also want to thank you for your service and all that you have done for our country.
   I also saw your address is in San Luis Obispo, CA one of my favorite places by the way it is very beautiful there and hope to visit there when i return home to soak in the sulfur springs again. Thank you for all you have given us and Semper Fi.

Respectfully,
Cpl Raines,
and the Rest of the Marines from the section.

95 Mar 2014, 01:30:16 PDT
From: gfinpin@yahoo.com
Greetings from Afghanistan,
   I just want to thank you so much for the care package. We were all so excited when we received one. The one thing we look forward to out here is mail and you just brought a big smile to our faces that day.
   I am very grateful for all the encouragements and prayers you've sent our way. Once again, thank you and I hope you have a very pleasant day.

Gloria Goomtam,
125th FMSU ,FOB FENTY

  04 Mar 2014, 02:57:06 PDT
From: jane.oren@afg.usmc.mil
Greetings from Afghanistan, Mr. Tenenberg!
   First of all, thank you so much for the time, energy, generosity, and kindness you put into each care package!  The efforts of all the individuals that help you are very much appreciated!
   While this email doesn't seem like much of a thank you, it is heartfelt!  The care packages you sent out went to the junior Marines, and there were huge grins and excited chatter as they dug into the boxes!  Quite the morale booster!  So two thumbs up on a job well done!
   You all hit the nail on the head with socks!  As kids I think we likely all scoffed at socks as Christmas presents, but boy there's a change in reaction now!  Someone pulls socks out of a care package and there is as much "oohing" and "ahhhing" about the socks.
   The weather is starting to warm up which has given us a reprieve from the mud and snow from January.  We're enjoying it while we can before the heat of summer is upon us.
   I hope things are going well for you and the family, and please pass on our gratitude to all those that help you in your cause!

Kind regards,
Captain Jane Oren,
Executive Officer/Intelligence Fusion Officer, 1st Intel Bn Det 1, I MEF (Fwd)

02 Mar 2014, 13:45:00 PDT
From: XXXXX
Sonny, hello.
   I just wanted to let you know that we received your care package. Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot to us. Later I will send you a photo, so you have an idea of the Soldier you supported. Have a great day!

SFC Contreras, Edgar,
C Co.  3-101 TF Attack,“Widowmakers”

    
 XX Mar 2014, 09:53:23X PDT
From: jmartin8152@hotmail.com
Hi,
   I wanted to let you know that we have recieved your package here at FOB Gamberi. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you.
   I have never seen anyone get more excited about mail then when we opened a box full of goodies. It was like Christmas in Afghanistan. You truely lifted our spirits for the day. Thank you again.
   Everything is doing well here. We are working with the Afghan National Army in preparation for the upcoming presidential elections. Wish us well in the upcoming months as we wish the same to you and yours.
   I enjoyed reading the article about how much you have done for us soldiers.  I want to let you know that you inspire me.
   If you are able to send another package, based on the list of items you gave me I request febreeze spray, fly tape, neck coolers and items for my female soldiers.

Thank you again,
SGT Martin, Joseph
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Air Borne Division (Air Assault)

26 Feb 2014, 13:08:37 PST
From: aaron.king@afghan.swa.army.mil
Sonny,
   Thank you so much for the letter and the package. I shared it with my troops (12 Soldiers) here.
   My name is Aaron King, I am a SSG currently deployed to Afghanistan and am 28 years old. I have a wife and six kids.
   I just wanted to email you and let you know how much it meant to me and my soldiers to receive the care package that was sent.

Aaron King
Location or unit

    

 26 Feb 2014, 03:39:34 PST
From: desirae.faasavalu@bgab.afcent.af.mil
Mr. Tenenberg, Mrs. Ducasse & Miss Janet,
   Good Morning! We (455 EFSS/PERSCO) have received the two care packages you mailed out to us.
   These are two of the best care packages we have ever received since being here. You should have seen how eager everyone was to open the boxes and sort through the contents. Needless to say, all you hear throughout the sorting period is "Ooooooh" or "Wow".
   We would like to express our sincere gratitude to you and everyone who helps out with the care packages. Thank you so very much for your support. Please know that our job is made easier because of supporters like you. Take Care and God Bless!

Have a good day!
DESIRAE T. FAASAVALU,
A1C, USAF
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

20 Feb 2014, X PST
   My name is Pfc John Murry. Me and my guys have received many packages, thank you to everyone who cared enough to send.
   We are good on snacks and hygiene stuff, no px at our base so all we "need/want" is whey protien, pre workout, which helps us maintain at the gym. And tobacco products. Many of you might not want to support that habit but it helps us stay awake, stay safe, and do our jobs. Grizzly Wintergreen longcut dip, Marlboro reds are all appreciated.
   your support is invaluable.

Pfc John Murry


   
 
 16 Feb 2014, 04:28:44 PST
From: gary.ollar@afg.usmc.mil
Good day Mr. Tenenberg,
   I had received the care package that you had sent. Let me say first, thank you very much for your service to our country.  Both in past years in the Marine Corps and what you continue to do to support us while deployed. What you and other Marines have done throughout history have enable us to be the best we possibly can be.
   Thank you for sending the care package.   We were able to pass the socks out to the Marines that needed them.
   Everything else was passed out to my section. Mainly hygiene items, snacks/food are always nice to receive.  The weather is starting to warm up a little so cold weather item aren't needed as much.

Thanks again for all you have done,
Gunnery Sergeant Gary David Ollar,
Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

15 Feb 2014, 10:28:14 PST
From: scott.a.wiegel@afghan.swa.army.mil
Mr. Si,
   We are so grateful for what you and your team are doing for the soldiers. We’re always appreciative of those back home who have a good understanding of what we do. Heck, I’ve asked my wife to send me some things and she hasn’t.
   Of course she’s got her hands full with teenage twin boys age 16; So I have to cut her some slack.
   We were thinking about a couple of things that we would like to have. Thinking about food mainly and some of things that we miss and can’t get a hold of. It’s like going to the grocery store when you’re hungry, you crave everything. I hope it’s not too much trouble and if you can’t get a particular item we appreciate getting what you can. Again we appreciate everything y'all do.

Thank You,
SGT. Wiegel,Bco,
563D ASB,159th CAB TF Fighting

14 Feb 2014, 23:38:04 PST
From: bryan.vera.usmc@gmail.com
Hello,
   I am Bryan Vera and I am the one you sent the care package too. I would just like to say thank you so much for everything and for sending care packages to so many other troops and soldiers.
   Also thanks for setting the example and the path for us Marines, its becuase of the legacy you guys set that makes us feel inspired and keep kicking ass and taking names. Actually, we don't need the names so much.
   Feel free to send whatever you want as we use all of it and if we dont use it we pass it on to other troops that will. You have a good feel for what's needed here, your intel is golden.
   It's people like you who appreciate the military that make us do what we do and fight for the things we fight for.
   I have been here for about two months already and the temperature has ranged from 6 degrees farenheit and snowing to about 90 degrees farenheit and baking. It has been pretty quiet around here besides the last attack we had about a month ago where the Taliban bombed the base at about midnight but luckily they did not hit anyone. I was asleep and had to get woken up by my roommates and told to grab all my gear and head to the bunkers.
   I really dont have anyone to send me things I need from back home so once again I would like to thank you guys for everything you sent us and I have shared it with all the other troops over here.

ORAHHH!
Cpl Vera, Bryan A.
USMC

12 Feb 2014, 02:54:18 PST
From: guadalupe.cazares@afg.usmc.mil
Good morning sir,
   My name is Lupe (Cpl Cazares) and I am reaching out to you on behalf of my Marines including myself.  It's a pleasure to express our sincere gratitude for the care packages we received from you.
   Every item received from the kindness of your heart is distributed among our Marines and put to good use. We are overwhelmed with joy upon receiving anything that brings us a little piece of home including California, our duty station. We truly appreciate your dedication to helping out those who are currently serving overseas.
   It's an honor to be following in your footsteps. We are utterly amazed to know you've served in the Korean war and thank you for your service. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.
   Thankfully, we are blessed to have caring and loving support from people like you who provide us with day-to-day necessities. We would be ever so thankful if you could possibly provide items like coffee, sports bras (size small), hair gel/spray/ties and nail polish remover as described in your letter. All items are greatly appreciated but due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, certain items are scarce especially for females.
   Thank you sir for everything you do and have a blessed day. Semper Fidelis!!

Respectfully Submitted,
Cpl Cazares, G.

     11 Feb 2014, 13:18:21 PST
From: savolskiscasey@yahoo.com
Dear Si Tenenberg,
   My name is PFC Casey Savoloskis and I am currently deployed to Afghanistan.
   I received a care package from someone in San Luis Obispo and in the box was a news letter about the charity you are running. I thought it was a great news letter and thought I should write you since I and my squad mates are in dire need of supplies.
   We are running security running at a small base called Camp Eggars and it is currently in the process of shutting down. The PX and other amenities are gone now so we don't have the supplies we need readily available. We get care packages from other sources but all people ever send us is snacks and energy drinks.
   There are eight of us total and we are in need of Grizzley Winter Green Long Cut, cigarettes, white and green socks, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, beanies, long sleeve t-shirts, underwear, and if you can send cigars that would be a huge bonus as well.
   Our mailing address is TF 2 Fury
C co. 2/508 Camp Phoenix APO AE 09320. We thank you so much for helping the soldiers here in Afghanistan and for taking the time to read our email.

Casey

07 Feb 2014, 17:34:08 PST
From: joycarney@yahoo.com
   I am SGT Joy Carney, I am assigned to 2-87 Infantry Battalion, Task Force Catamount, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum New York.
   We are currently deployed to Forward Operation Base Shank, Regional Command Afghanistan. I am a Combat Medic and a Treatment Non-Commissioned Officer.
   I just want to say thanks for your kind support.

Close
Joy Carney,
Serving to Heal, Honored to Serve.

  07 Feb 2014, 11:25:34 PST
From: sergio.montes5.mil@mail.mil
Hello Sonny
   My name is Sergio Montes, I received a box from y'all today, it was great. Everything in the box was necessary and greatly appreciated.
   Thank you for everything you do for the troops, and thank you for your service, you are the true hero.
   I am not the kind of person who like to ask for an exact item, but tan t shirts XL and socks would be much appreciated, you can never have enough of those items. Thats about it.
   And once again, thank you for your service and you thank you for everything you do for your country. Your efforts are very appreciated.

Sergio


06 Feb 2014, 03:17:21 PST
From: Guadalupe.silva@afghan.swa.army.mil
   I wanted to write to you just to say hello! I want you to know that we truly appreciate you and what you are doing for us! I think you are a wonderful person with a very kind heart, god bless you! Once again, Thank You!

You are a true hero!!!
Spc Silva Guadalupe,
Eagle Express

04 Feb 2014, 21:36:27 PST
From: herby.black@afghan.swa.army.mil
Si & all Volunteers,
   I received your box today, and it was packed with so many great things we can definitely use on a daily basis, I want to extend a heartfelt Thank You for it.
   I am here with about 60 Air Force and Coalition members trying to teach the Afghan's to fly and maintain MI-17 helicopters. It is not an easy task at any point but receiving boxes is a bright point of our day.
   Thanks again and keep up the great work knowing that all military members applaud you for taking care of us.

Herby W. Black, MSgt, USAF,
MI-17 Advisor, 442 AEAS, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan

04 Feb 2014, 16:55:53 PST
From: brittany.n.peoples.mil@mail.mil
Hello Si,
   I wanted to email you and let you know that your care package arrived in great condition and was a big hit with the Soldiers!!!!
   I have also sent you a personal letter to thank you but this was the quickest way to get a hold of you until that letter arrives! Thank you again!!!
   I let the Soldiers read your letter and make some recommendations for things they need/want: Shirts/sweat shirts! - Both long and short sleeved - sizes range from small-xl. Socks:  (The Soldiers read your description about them and starting debating on who should get them if they arrive in a carepackage, it was one great description)
   I have a sort of personal request...  I have been pushing my female Soldiers into the gym... but there are no weights that are less than 20lbs and most of my girls just cant lift that consistently enough to get a good workout...  we are trying to get a set of weights between 3 - 10 lbs. That's a lot of weight to mail.
   We have over 20 Soldiers in our shop. This is how it works, whenever I get mail addressed to 'Any Soldier' I allow the lower ranking Soldiers to open it and pass it around.  Once the Soldiers have what they want/need, I look and see if there is anything for me, organize the box and place it in our office walk through for the various other Soldiers that come through our office.
   I thank you again for everything you have done and will continue to do!!!  You are more than an inspiration and a breath of fresh air!!!!!!! (That's a 7 exclamation point salute)

Brittany Peoples, SSG, USA

04 Feb 2014, 12:29:28 PST
From: 1250465102@afghan.swa.army.mil
Sir,
   I just wanted to let you know that we received your packages. All the guys were very grateful for the items sent. I am in charge of 33 soldiers here in Afghanistan and to see their eyes light up when they receive packages from people like you and your supporters it makes my job seem worthwhile.
   It seems this time out we have a lot of first-time young soldiers that have never really been away from home. So anything they get, it just shows them that people do really care about them.
   Well enough about us. I hope this finds you well and you enjoy hearing from us when I get to a computer again I will try and send some pics of the guys opening the packages. Thanks again and I will continue to update you as much as I can.

      03 Feb 2014, 20:00:58 PST
From: douglas.lockard@afg.usmc.mil
Good Morning Sir,
   I am a SGT of Marines who is lucky enough to have 30 of those warriors here with me and under my charge.  I wish to tell you that the each and every one of us here are grateful for your service to our country and to OUR brothers, past and present.
   I don't know how to say it but, it's a sobering experience knowing that there are individuals like you and your team who care for us  with great concern and  overwhelming support. We can't say it enough, but with all our hearts we really do appreciate these gifts. Thank You so very much.
   We will include a photo the next time we get the chance to get on a computer, that way you can see some of your boys making you proud.

SEMPER FIDELI
S
Sgt Lockard, Douglas K,
Bastion A/DACG SNCOIC

  02 Feb 2014, 10:41:19 PST
From: scott.a.wiegel@afghan.swa.army.mil
Si,
   My name is Sgt Wiegel. You can call me Scott. Just want to let you know that we received your package of goods.
   I work in a Flight Line Shop as an Aviation Maintenance Technician and Team Leader. We repair UH-60 Blackhawks and CH-47 Chinooks. And the work is always steady here at Bagram Airfield.
   I know you're retired military so thank you for all that you are doing to support the troops. We greatly appreciate it. We have 12 soldiers in our shop and 33 in our platoon.

Sincerely,
Scott

02 Feb 2014, 02:54:05 PST
From: glenn.cruzcancel@gmail.com
Hello!
   My name is Capt Cruz Cancel and I am part of the team that has received your care package.
   I got the honor for this moment to say thank you for your time and dedication to service members. We sincerely appreciate all your efforts and feel very much like we have the support of the American people.
   I have read over the list of items you sent and just wanted to say thank you for the options. We do not feel particularly comfortable with requesting items as we feel that your generosity is far more than we could ever hope for. We are extremely greatful for the time and energy you have spent.

Thank you very much

26 Feb 2014, 08:46:35 PST
From: manniegonzo@hotmail.com
Mr. Tenenberg,
   Thank you for the care packages. My soldiers and myself are extremely grateful for fine citizens as yourself.
   We absolutely cherish every package we receive and things we are not able to use we provide to the MWR [morale, welfare and recreation support services] on our compound. Although we do not have the necessities as others may have in Afghanistan, the small things are what keeps our spirits up!
   From food to toiletries, everything is taken advantage of. At times mail takes a while to arrive and other days it takes a week at most.
   I hope all is well back home with yourself, your family, and your friends. Thank you again!!

Regards,
SSG Manuel Gonzalez

    18 Jan 2014, 12:35:50 PST
From: andrewbenjaminquinn@gmail.com
Dear Mr. Tenenberg,
   I would first like to thank you for your previous service to our great nation.  I am proud to follow in the footsteps of great veterans such as yourself.
   Secondly I would like to thank you for the care package I recently received.  I shared this care package and your notes inside with my platoon and they loved the enthusiasm and care that went into this package.  It means a great deal to us that you spent the time and thoughts thinking of us down range.
   I hope to hear from you and thanks again for supporting the troops

HOOAH!
SPC Andrew Quinn

15 Jan 2014
Dear Si, Marilyn, and Charlie, and I can't forget all the volunteers that helped and continue to help us.
   Little things in life go a long way and being deployed away from family gets tough, but your package brought smiles to us. We are a great nation due to friends just like you.
   I have been deployed 6 times and it never seems to get any easier, but when i get a package that says thanks for my service, it makes it all worthwhile.
   My time is almost up out here so I am looking forward to coming back to sunny California. I am out of Vandenberg AFB.

Happy new year & god bless
Major Carla Lugo,
455 EARS/ATOC

13 Jan 2014, 0 PST
Hello everyone,
   We are about a month out from redeployment. I would like to thank all of the people, whether as an individual or as part of a group, that sent my soldiers and me care packages and letters while we have been deployed.
   The support was incedible and very moving. I have made some great friends through this experience!
   I tried to send each and everyone whom sent some thing a thank you letter, email, or quick note to let you kow your stuff made it to us.

Thank you all once again and God Bless!
SFC Walter Mausteller
TF Lifeliner,Bagram Airfield

13 Jan 2014
   Living conditions are not favorable. Living in over-crowded rooms (when actually in them), or in vehicles. When we do have access to a PX or chow hall we walk long distances to get there.
   At times we go long periods of time without real, good, food or proper hygiene time. Entertainment is scarce to come by at times.

Cpl David J. Basom USMC

09 Jan 2014, 11:05:00 PST
From: facebook post
Hello Mr Tenenberg,
   My name is Sgt Lindroth. I just wanted to thank you for the care package that you sent.
   It really made my Marines' day a better one. They all appreciate everything you have been doing and enjoyed everything you sent. Again I want to say thank you and we appreciate the support.

08 Jan 2014, 01:48:13 PST
From: qballsster@gmail.com
   To everyone who has supported us through letters, care packages, cards, books, games, thoughts and prayers, I want to personally thank you for the support of me and my brigade.
   The Soldiers thank you, as well as the command teams.  You all have been a wonderful and caring during our deployment and we couldn't have made it through without you.
   Good news has come our way.  Our tour is being shortened.  This is great news for us as we now prepare to return to our family and friends.
   I want each and everyone of you to know that I feel so blessed as to have met you and kept in touch this long.  I pray we can continue to stay in touch, and if I am ever in your part of town with my family would love to come by and say hi.  Please feel free to email me.
   Thank you for all the years and two deployments of support.  Once again, thank you all!

Merry Chirstmas, Happy Holdiays, and a very Happy New Year!!!!!

06 Jan 2014, 05:28:16 PST
From: joshjpearl91@gmail.com
Hello Mr. Tenenberg!
   I received your care package today and I really appreciate it. You sure know how to send a good care package!
   I shared some of the things amongst my squad and they appreciate it too.

I hope you had a good holiday season and I hope all is well
Josh Pearl

    05 Jan 2014, 03:01:32 PST
From: brandon.g.wagoner@afghan.swa.army.mil
   Thanks Si for your support and time spent sending some goodies our way.
   We look forward to hearing from people like you guys back home and opening those care packages is the highlight of our days.
   We are a small team of approximately 10-15 people working hard so we can come home safely.
   Many people ask us what it is we like to have sent to us.  Our group here is easy to please... in our spare time we normally just relax and snack on some meat and cheese trays we cut up from people sending summer sausage/other meats and cheese blocks.  Those are what we go through the quickest.
   Specifically from the list you sent, some of our guys ask for flashlights, dried fruit snacks, and the Afghan Army is actually requesting cold weather gear (various sizes).
   Any help you are able to send out way is greatly appreciated.  But anyway, thank you for your support and from our team of veterans in Afghanistan to another veteran like yourself...

Wishing you the best,
Brandon Wagoner

      04 Jan 2014, 22:23:29 PST
From: roy.teague@afg.usmc
Good Morning and Happy Holidays!
   Please accept our sincerest and most humble appreciation for taking time out of your day to send these care packages and letters.
   It truly means more than words can express and my junior Sailors can't begin to put into words their true gratitude! God Bless you and your family during this holiday season. Thank you!

Very Respectfully,
HM1 (SW) Roy Teague

        . 03 Jan 2014, 13:35:49 PST
From: maida.puente@gmail.com
Hello,
   Got your earlier packages, just haven't gotten the time to email or write you back, but know that your efforts are greatly appreciated.
   Here is a list of what some of my junior Marines and myself have talked about that we still need while we are still out here. Green boot socks anywhere between sizes 4-12, Black/Tan Beanies, Black insulated gloves, 50x60 blankets, thermal underwear sweatshirts - size small, hand warmers,sport bras - size large or 36c.
   There is a total of us 19 here but 10 of us are on night crew and it is chilly outside. Anything is really appreciated.

Sgt Puente