Dear West Texas Troop Salute, I am Lt Col C. Todd Prejean, Commander of the 441st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron and Texas resident. I just wanted to take the time to write a quick thank you note for the care packages that we received from your organization. I am unable to put into words the gratitude that we feel as a result of your selfless and patriotic gesture of goodwill. This is especially true during the holiday season where all my troops are far away from their loved ones. Unfortunately I was unable to get any pictures of my guys/gals with your boxes because the Operations tempo is so high. As you might imagine that are many needs to be filled in Afghanistan.

Because we fly re-supply helicopters and the unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan, we are the only link to food supplies for many people. I would also like to tell you that some of the things you guys sent are being given to the Afghan children. Few Americans can comprehend the hardships and poverty some of these children in remote areas face. I did not think you would mind considering there is nothing more American than helping less fortunate people out. I wish I could explain to you the impact you have had on my unit as well as many Afghan locals. It is people like you that make America great. God Bless and Merry Christmas!

C. Todd Prejean
Lt Col, USAF
Commander
441st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron

I just returned from R&R (rest and recuperation) after spending 8 months in Afghanistan and I had about 30 packages waiting for me when I got back out to my team! I am constantly surprised and grateful at every ones generosity in supporting my team and I. Thank you all so much for everything, I am sending a mass email out to everyone who send packages due to a lack of time but I will respond to any replies I get to this email for a more personal thank you. I cant tell you how much the things you send us mean to my guys. We literally live off of the packages we get and are so grateful for the support. Thank you again from myself (Cpl Manning, Michael) and my team for everything.

Michael Manning
Team Leader
Helmand Province Afghanistan

Thanks for your effort in signing up our unit for the CFOT Company Christmas boxes. About half have arrived over ground convoy (much to everyone’s surprise that we are still getting mail). The packages were awesome with well timed coffee mugs with spill proof lids, and most boxes also had well crafted Smith and Wesson Knives that were the stamped as “first production” run on the blades. That is really awesome that someone managed to get the first blades off the manufacturing line shipped out to the Marines. I will write a thank you letter, but please be sure to express our appreciation.

Maj Damon K Burrows
Communications Officer, RCT-7
Afghanistan

To whom it may concern:

I along with the 920th Maintenance section of my unit would like to say "THANK YOU!" for all of your support and thoughtfulness for the care packages we have received. We really appreciate all the goodies, hygiene and movies, along with your prayers for us. It is very meaningful to receive this gifts especially during the Holiday Season as we are away from our families and loved ones. These packages we have received from you have really hit home since we are from New Mexico. Our neighbors from Midland, Texas have really touched our lives. Our unit is mixed from Soldiers from New Mexico and a majority of us are from Southeast New Mexico. Thanks again for all your prayers, from Sergeant First Class Botello, and the 920th Maintenance section of the New Mexico Army National Guard.

Antonio De La Fuente
SGT, 920th En Co
FOB Orgun E, Afghanistan

Hello, I am SGT James Greeson serving with the Georgia's 48th IBCT (but I'm from Midland) in Northern Afghanistan. I received one of your "Christmas for our troops" boxes today and I would like to thank you and all of the people who put it together. It means a great deal to all of us here to know that the people back home really do care and that is manifested by the time and effort that goes into building care packages. So for myself and everyone here who will benefit from your generosity, Thank you again.

SGT. James Greeson
FOB Effects, TF-N, Afghanistan

All, I'm not sure how you got my info, but I received a care package today from "Christmas For OUR Troops". Just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks for the goodies. It truly made my day. I've received a couple of care packages since I've been here from different organizations, but the one ya'll did was top notch. Lots of great stuff inside that will be enjoyed. If you can, please pass on my thanks to Mack, Cheryl and Kate Sellars. Let them know they made my day.

Scott D. DeLoera, SSgt, USAF
Kabul, Afghanistan

 To all, I have just recieved several packages from your orginazation and want to thank you for all that you have done for the Troops. There are some very nice things included and was very suprised to recieve such nice things for the soldiers. We as a troop will be giving these gifts on Christmas morning to the soldiers and we will be snapping photos of the event and will be sending you a few through this Email. Again I want to thank you for the support that you have given to the soldiers in the past, now, and in the future. May God bless you all and have a very Merry Christmas!

SFC Jonathan G Hill
B Troop 3-61 CAV
FOB Bostic Afghanistan

Hello, My name is Hector and I'm in Camp Taji, Iraq. I just wanted to thank you and all the others who help full the box with snacks, books, magazines, and of course the candy. The best part of the box was knowing that the people who filled it support what the soldiers and I do over here in Iraq. This will be my third Christmas over here in Iraq and it will be the last. I will be getting out of the Army on 31 OCT 09 and heading back to Texas. I am a native of Texas, born and raised in San Antonio. So, thats why it felt good to get some big Texas love. You know everything is Bigger In Texas. Thanks again for the support. Mahalo,

SGT Hector Marquez
Camp Taji, Iraq APO,
AE 09378

Dear Friends,
It is hard to describe the feeling of warmth I have felt the whole day from deep inside. Your packages arrived here at our Medical Facility today. As our Soldiers started coming in, our Mail detail urged everyone to pick up their boxes. You should have seen the look of sheer pleasure in our kid's eyes when they saw the big boxes with their names on them. Their broad smiles, the way they wrapped their arms around the packages and showed to each other in amazement the good things you sent us made me realize how young and impressionable they still are. I want you to know that your extraordinary act of kindness to our brave kids was well received and cannot be thanked enough.

People like you are the reason why we fight with pride. We fight for patriots like you. We fight for those who love and remember their young Troops who serve all around the world. It has been a good busy day of work in this strange, troubled land. Seeing the progress made by those who go outside the wire risking their lives for a better Iraq and peace in America gives me hope for the future. In many ways you have been here side by side with us. You have reached out and touched our hearts. My prayers tonight will be for you and your loved ones to receive all the blessings you deserve. May God keep you and your families in his loving hands. Thank you, dear friends. Thank you for giving our Troops a very merry Christmas. v/r,

CPT. Benzor-Anaya
Medical Service Corps
Iraq

Hello, I would first like to thank you for all of the care packages that you have sent my Soldiers here in Iraq. This is especially important for the Soldiers that do not receive mail on a consistent basis. We are a Field Artillery unit deployed from 1-25 SBCT Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

We are currently in Baqubah, Iraq which is close to the Iranian border. We have been here since Sept 08. We will do a year long here then return to our families. We are from all over the United States to include Texas. I am from San Antonio. I just wanted send you a quick email to let you know that your packages made it here and that we do appreciate you. Thank you again and God Bless.

JAMES H. ASKEW JR. 1SG,
USA FOB WARHORSE, IRAQ

I would like to thank you very much for the care package that I received from you. It is amazing how simple items can mean so much for a deployed soldier away from home during the holidays. Your actions are what make this country great. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

V/r
TF 2-142 IN Battle Captain
1LT COREY BEASLEY
Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

Dear Christmas for our Troops in Midland, Texas,
Thank you so much for your wonderful Holiday Package. I really appreciated the assortment of gifts. Being from Texas, I enjoy getting gifts from people in Texas because I know how much our state appreciates what people in the military do for our Country. I am currently deployed with the 41st Fires Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas. We are located South of Baghdad. We are one of the last units to get deployed under a 15 month rotation. We are just about to completele our 7th month here. I am going home for leave in February and I am really looking forward to it. My wife and I are going skiing in Colorado for a few days and then relaxing the rest of the time. I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Thank you once again for your thoughts, prayers, support, and your package.

Sincerely,
1LT Eric Robertson

To Whom It May Concern:
I just wanted to say thank you to the people who got the boxes together for all the troops here in my company. I don't know how much you know about who got them, but my unit is 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division Brigade Support Battalion Charlie Company. In short, C Co 325 BSB. We are a medical company operating a clinic in Iraq. Also, I would like to say thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to do this for so many people. It's people like you who inspire us to what we do every day.

Thanks again,
PFC Weiland
Iraq

Dear Scott, Wallace and Gail and all others at West Texas Troop Salute,

I am completely in awe with the generous package I just received from your organization! WOW! I shared with everyone and I can't express how truly impressive this box really was. A camera, batteries, a phone card, not to mention the Cheezits, which are my personal favorite, and so much more that I cannot mention them all. I am so grateful for people who rally to support the Soldiers.

This is a 15-month tour and frankly, it is miserable. Not simply the conditions, but also the workload. Sometimes I really cannot imagine getting through another 6 months working 17 hours a day, every day (and the war-fighting troops are working much harder to make our area safer for the Iraqi people), so it is critical at times that other people are putting in time, too, to show us that our work and sacrifices mean something to other who are home. You choose to sacrifice time, effort, and money to show us your support and that is encouraging and inspires more greatness from us. Personally, I am proud to share these times with people like yourselves who want to accept some of the burden in bringing some love and support to the Soldiers out here.

You are doing a tremendous service for your country and for that, I will always be grateful for your time and efforts - this one package means more than you know. I am from El Paso and I am not sure how you got my info, but I am so pleased, once again to be from the best State in the Union! Thank you with all of my heart.

Sincerely,

Captain Preston
Engineer Branch
FOB HAMMER, Iraq

Hello, My name is SSG Jackson. I didn’t know who to respond to, so I went to your web site and looked under contacts. I would just like to take the time to thank you for the care package that you sent me. It really means a lot that there are still people who support us troops overseas. Just want you to know that I distributed your gifts amongst my Soldiers, and they greatly appreciated them. Is there is a mailing address, so that we may send the kids that made the cards something in return. Once again thanks for your support and God bless.

Out here,

SSG Jackson

Dear Christmas for OUR Troops,

I want to thank you for myself and all my soldiers for your kindness! We have really enjoyed your packages escecially since there is something for everyone in your excellent packages. My gunners especially liked the bore snakes for the .50 cals. I believe that my junior enlisted are the biggest winners, not only were you kind enough to send candy but also all the little comfort items that many of us miss

As a native Texan, who has family in Midland, I want to thank you again for myself and on behalf of my soldiers. Your support is critical to the troops morale, especially during the holiday season. You are all great Americans and I salute you!

Kind regards,

Major Montgomery

Hello and I hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful day. My name is Sgt Thomas Moses [top left in photo] and yesterday I received a package from you. First off I wanted to say thank you; I have shared many of the items with the soldiers under my care. Our unit has many responsibilities however my guys are pretty specific. We run a route security team thru Iraq ensuring the safety for anyone going anywhere at anytime. My guys and I are from all over Texas most of them are from the Dallas area, I am from Midland.

During this time in our lives for many of my soldiers this is their first time not only out of Texas but their first time out of country and for many of them their first time away from their families and friends. Your boxes have helped them all; I always ensure that we share them. My background, I have spent 33.3% of my life serving in the Army Infantry and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I have found that teaching those around me and helping guide young soldiers thru their lives is my calling. My family supports me more than I could have ever hoped and they have packed up and moved from country to country and city to city to ensure I have the support I need to carry out my missions. During this time I ask that everyone take some time and realize what is really important in their lives. It's not the game systems nor the cars we drive, it’s the people around us everyday.

Having been in Iraq for 3 out of the past 5 years I can truly say we are making a difference every day, one person at a time, and although I don’t believe Iraq will ever be a total democracy like what we have I do believe the people here will grasp and embrace their new freedom and understand that they hold their future within their hands. Once again I thank you all and I would also like to thank Cathy Gilleland, Mo and Cheryl Gaddis; I received your packages as well and I would like to apologize for not writing sooner but in my defense we have been quite busy with missions and I have 21 young and older soldiers (age 18 to 47)to tend to everyday being a parent isn’t ever as easy as it looks. God bless everyone and take time to smell the flowers. Husbands take time to hug your wife and kids and share a sunset, buy someone something just because life is to short and embrace it with everything you have and you will never regret it. Thank you all again and have a wonderful new year. Sgt Thomas Moses 11B20 Infantry leader Iraq Delta RST/ACC P.S. Who ever thought to put the bore snake in the package thank you very very much.

Sgt. Moses
Iraq