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GRATITUDE
Thank You to those who Contributed to the Tribute to the TroopsCELGENE
RIEGEL PRINTING, INC.SALERNO DUANE AUTOMOBILES
PINE GROVE ASSOCIATES
BASSETT ASSOCIATES
Thacher Proffitt & Wood
The VanHorne Family
May 8, 2007
SSOT,Wow! You have outdone yourselves, our team received the five packages today and everyone was thrilled. We really appreciate the support especially in our situation living with the Iraqis on their base. The "urinal mints" were a great touch although it took us 30 minutes to explain to our local interpreters why we put candy in the bathroom if you can't eat it. I'm having a great time attempting to learn their language and culture, we can't make them American so our team chief told us to become Iraqi. The Iraqis we work with are extremely warm and giving. My buddy and I decided to play soccer with our Iraqi counter-parts in a "friendly game," we knew we were in trouble when they had a referee, two side judges, and about 200 Iraqi soldiers watching. Needless to say we were destroyed by the barefoot Iraqi Scout team, but it built some bridges. I hope all is well in Summit, take care and thanks again.Greg Edgreen
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to you in regards to the boxes of cookies you’ve sent. I wanted to thank you very much for sending them. They definitely put a smile on the Marines faces here and your graciousness is greatly appreciated. Again thank you.
Lcpl Rodgers, April
Al Asad
Semper Fi
SSOT,
I just got a very unexpected but welcome package in the mail. I went up to the CMR this afternoon during lunch to get some expected birthday cards. Today is my birthday! I noticed I had a pretty large package ready for pickup. I brought it back and opened it up and couldn't believe my eyes. I have never seen that many Girl Scout cookies in my life! I ran down the hall of my barracks and told some of the Specialists and they ran back to my room and they each grabbed a couple boxes. I took a couple boxes for myself and put the rest of the box by the CQ desk for anybody who wanted some. The soldiers of this Platoon are very grateful for the package you and the Girl Scouts have sent over. Thank you!
Yours truly,
PV2 Jacobs, Justin P
As a hospital corpsman, my job is to take care of those who are wounded on the front lines. At times we are the first and sometimes last face they see before going back to the rear. I was deployed for 18 months with the 31st MEU and during that time we participated in many operations for Operation Enduring Freedom, to better our relations with host countries. I along with four other corpsman were able to treat over 12, 000 needy people during a 2 week deployment…That is 12,000 patients in 7 days!
The reason why I write this to you is while I was deployed I received a letter from your organization that has made me smile every time I look at it. You see it is from a young girl who said what meant the world to me and that was " Thank you for allowing me to go to school"… I am not sure why it affected me so much, but I took it to heart as I sat and watched hundreds of children who have never seen the inside of a school house, or learn to read or write, and right then I knew what she meant… That deployment was by far the best ever thanks to her!
Thank you all so much for your support, and for all you do to bring smiles to our faces.HM1 (FMF) James Hill
US Navy, ActiveDear Summit-Christine Truhe, Terry Blagdon, Richard VanHorne, Sandy Lizza, Rob Siebelts and Jordan Glatt,
On behalf of the Marines out here with me, I would like to thank you for your generosity in sending so many care packages complete with the American flag! I can’t tell you how nice it is to know that we are supported in our efforts to maintain our country’s freedom!
We are in the ACE-the Air Combat Element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). My job as the Wing Supply Officer is to ensure ground readiness for our Marines at Al Asad and throughout the AC (Arch of Operations). We focus a lot on anti-terrorism force protection and protecting our assets from the enemy. We have a big job and all the Marines over here are grateful for your support!
Very respectfully,
Capt. Hilary A. Khan
MWHS 2 Det A, Unit 78092Dear Members of Summit Supports Our Troops,
My Marines and I arrived here in Iraq shortly after several care packages from your organization arrived. It was a very nice welcome to my Marines as all but one were going through the initial shock of coming to Iraq for the first time. This is my second time here as well as two others of my twelve Marines for my section. It is quite an adjustment for them as most are very young. Even with all the briefs and training they receive, there is still the fear of the unkown.
Things like you sent make it much easier for them to feel comfortable, at ease, and appreciated. Your support and kind gestures do not go unnoticed as many Marines have their little flags and notes displayed in their work centers or living areas. It makes them really feel special and gives them a sense of purpose and pride. Again, I want to personally thank you all for taking time and dedicating your efforts to show us your support.
God bless each and everyone of you.
Katrina Supresant, MSGT USMC
Chris -
I received the flag on Friday - what a thoughtful gift. The box is one of the finest I've seen and I am overwhelmed, again, at the extent you all go to supporting us. To be honest, I feel inadequate in receiving the gifts as I don't see my work as anything spectacular - just a course in life I happened to choose - but am very grateful for all that has been and continues to be done.
Your son as he goes to Baghdad will be a part of the very people you so strongly support. You must be very proud and very hesitant at the same time. I don't think anyone truly understands the concern that a mother feels for her child in such situations. I would go so far to say that it is tougher on them than the child that goes to war! Know that he is and will continue to be in my prayers and have no doubt that the Lord will take care of him.
I want to thank the Boy and Girl Scout troops that raised the flag as well as the Jr High class that sent me the fantastic poster of support.
Thank you again for all you and your crew are doing.
Blessings,
Dan Shipley
Dear Dr. Truhe and Summit Support Our Troops,
Thank you so much for all you have done for our family. We are greatly appreciative for all of your kindness and generosity. It is such a blessing to have an organization that cares so much for our soldiers. Your support makes us proud of what we do and always makes us look forward to visiting our lovely community. They were such wonderful gifts and just showed Summit's utter appreciation and kind heart.
Sincerely,
Ian, Brandi, and Natalie Rush
Dear Citizens of Summit,
Thank you for all your kindness! The movies were an excellent idea. America needs more cities like yours. I can only imagine how great it would be. Thank you for your hardwork and dedication to our Military. People like you are what makes America so great!!
Thank you and God Bless!
SSG Stewart
Ms. Truhe,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to prepare some things for the men of India Company. It is always great to receive things from back home and your continued support with the Summit Supports Our Troops organization says a lot about you as an American. It is often the case where people forget what the purpose of our mission is and you keeping it in the forefront of everyone's mind go a long way towards galvanizing our efforts.
I will tell LCpl Melcon that we spoke through e-mail and let him know that his community back home supports him immensely.
With regards to future packages and their contents - anything that reminds the men of back home is a good thing. We have had all kinds of Christmas decorations and goodies sent from back home, so the men are feeling as good as they can about the holiday season.
Thanks again for your dedicated support and your unselfish devotion to our country. Tell everyone back home in Summit Happy Holidays from the Marines of India Company.
Regards,
Joe Burke
Dear Christine (and everyone else!),
I want to thank you SO MUCH for not only the cookies but for the support that you give to ALL the troops over here. I know I speak for everybody, even those who never say it, when I tell you that we greatly appreciate everything you do for us. I'll ensure the cookies are distributed throughout our building and shared with anybody who wants some of them. Again, THANK YOU ALL!!!
V/R
Mark P. Trepanier
CW2, AG
Brigade Human Resources Technician, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
Dear Christine Truhe and Friends,
I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for all you have been doing for the military personnel from Summit. Your recent gift was completely unexpected and very thoughtful. I know this gift will be of great use to those of us currently serving overseas as any form of "getaway" is greatly appreciated.
I am a 1989 graduate of SHS and have had the privilege to serve our country on two different occasions. As a Marine who flies FA-18s, I served in both Kosovo (1999) and during our initial invasion and major combat operations phases of Iraq (2003). I've seen the support for our military continue to grow incredibly strong, but never thought my home town would lead the way. Your efforts have a greater impact than one could express or imagine and I thank you sincerely for your grace and care. My fight is now in the Pentagon as I work to provide the best equipment and systems to those who are doing the real fighting. On their behalf, I can honestly say that you make a world of difference on those occasions when the burden seems too strong to bear.If I can support your efforts while stationed in the DC area, please don't hesitate to contact me.Best Regards and Semper Fidelis,Dan Shipley
Please tell everyone thank you for their generosity, Faith and I truly appreciate it. The Troops of Summit are taken care of. Life in the military is lonely but Troops from Summit have support that can be felt no matter where in the world they get stationed.Thank you so very much for the care packages. Gestures like that made the extra hours and distance away from home worth it. We appreciate it. MWHS-2 2DMAW sincerely says thank you. Semper Fi!
Repsepctfully,
Cpl Behnke
CPL Behnke SSET Arnold CPL Bolden GYS LT Voss GY SGT Gustafson PVT Moon 1st LT Connelly SGT Mung LCPL Colyer CPL Windhorst
Good afternoon,It's great to know that the people of Summit care about the troops that are sent into harms way. I can tell you this; this ship and crew aboard are one of the greatest I’ve ever served with. I’m currently serving onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and transferring to the next super carrier the USS George H. W. Bush this summer. I am very grateful that you’ve taken the time to contact me.
ETCS(SW/AW) Christopher Miles
Dear Summit Supports Our Troops,
I would like to thank you for your generosity and hard work to support the personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States. I am sure the programs you have put in place to support the troops will benefit them during their times in need and make the hardest times a little more bearable.
It is a wonderful thing to be supported by your hometown. It helps us remember what we are fighting for.
Sincerely,
Jeff Kendellen, LT USN
Thanks for the package, received today. Letters were cute. My young son’s classes have sent me stuff on a couple of occasions and that is always fun. Looks like we will be out at the beginning of Feb. Definitely ready to move on home. Still busy. Over 950 missions completed. Heading to over 1,000 before we leave.
Take care and thanks,
A. Bischoff, MAJ/USAFDear Christine Truhe & SSOT,I am writing you regarding your recent gift card. Thank you and SSOT for all you do for us, it is greatly appreciated. After an early morning for the Marines, consisting of zeroing weapons then a conditioning hike, they were unable to eat breakfast or lunch. Your gift card supplied pizza for the entire platoon. They were quite pleased when ten pizzas awaited their return from training. Morale was definitely boosted and they were moved that an organization such as yours “hooked them up” as we say. So, thank you very much. We love what you do and please continue the good work. Semper Fi!Most Respectfully,David Samuel, 2LT/USMC
PFC MN PFC DE PFC M SGT JR PFC PA PFC JM CPL EJ PFC NW PFC PG PFC CP PFC RM PFC EB CPL MN CPL RS HN CL PFC MP PFC CH PFC ML PFC LW CPL RR PFC HH LCPL CA SGT K PFC M SSGT JT LCPL R PFC GW
Erica Behnke, CPL/USMCDear SSOT Board,I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for the great breakfast and the wonderful company this past Saturday. It is people like all of you that keep the drive going for those young men and women serving our country both at home and abroad.Robert Siebelts, CPT/USAF RESHi Dr. Truhe,Thank you very much for all the support and gifts while we were deployed overseas. It is so nice to know that people care so much about the troops overseas. Thank you again for all the packages and support while we were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom V.Sincerely,
Ian Rush, SGT/USA
Dear Dr. Truhe,
I wanted to write a quick note to thank you for the donation of the great shower curtains we received in your care package that arrived yesterday. MSG Rubio was kind enough to pass along your generous donation to the camp theater (where I work) where the maximum number of soldiers would have access to the items while she is away on vacation. Your timing was perfect. We were completely out of such items on our give-away table that I keep in the lobby of our theater.
Since the weather has gotten extremely (130+), our theater is a favorite spot for the soldiers to come to cool off and relax. Sometimes they watch a movie and sometimes they just stop in to get a snack and a cold drink before they go out on patrol or to escort a convoy or guard duty at the bridge or tower. We try to supply items that don't melt, spoil or make a mess. Popcorn (microwave), snack bars, etc. are great for this and the guys and girls like them. Everything is complimentary.
On their behalf, we say a sincere thank you. Your kind donation will help us do a better job of supporting the personnel that operate out of this camp...and those who visit too (convoys, etc). I put a -point star with your name on it on the wall of our lobby with others who ere nice enough to send items to us. You are all "stars"-no the celebrities who appear on the big screen.
All the best, D. B.
KBR-MWR, IraqI’d like to thank you and the people of Summit for taking time to support us service members during our deployment here in Iraq. We all really appreciate your efforts. As time comes closer for our departure back to the states a few of us Marines wanted to ensure you received credit where it was due. The local community has been such a help bringing comfort items and necessities to our part of the world. I am looking forward to returning to such a great and supportive community. Thanks Again.Sincerely,Jesse Nelson, CPL/USMCSSOT,I graduated Summit High School, class of 2003, and enlisted shortly after. I have always considered Summit my home, but I have never been so proud or so grateful to call it such as I have been these last few weeks. Every single package, every letter, every update makes me the envy of all on board my home away from home, the USS xx stationed in xx. Each time I explain that my hometown is the greatest and that whenever I decide to finish my time here in the military, I’ll be coming home. The letters, the care packages mean so very much when you’re so far away. … We spend x months of the year out to sea on average, and mail is very hard to come by. It usually takes about 3 weeks, and anytime you here "mail call" over the 1MC, there is a small stirring on board, a little hope and expectation. Having received so much from this organization, I feel so fortunate to be a child of Summit, and will do my best to make all of you proud. It was especially touching on that one bulletin to see both my name and that of my fiancé. Hopefully the two of us will be coming home for Christmas to thank you all in person. … I signed up for classes after working hours. In addition to those studies, I’m also currently studying for my advancement exam coming up this September. …The competition is rough, so studying is very necessary.Thank you all again for the time, effort and care you put into every project you do. Its not just a morale boost for me, but for my shipmates as well, who send their thanks and offer up plenty of suggestions for the next few care packages.Love,Yajaida Pacheco, PO/USNI’d like to thank everyone who took the time to put together the packages that were sent. They were more than generous. I passed out the movie boxes along with the grab bags and the Marines enjoyed them. As a squad leader I am responsible for 17 Marines and to be able to take care of them in that aspect makes my job fulfilling. So on behalf of the entire squad, thanks again. It is truly overwhelming to receive such support from the local community.The weather is hot to say the least. It averages about 120 however we have adjusted to the climate so it’s not as bad as it sounds. The camp is improving daily. We just got a new gym as well as a new PX which is supplied with all our hygiene needs and a few luxuries. I have been in-country for over five months now with less than two to go. Moral is up looking forward to going home. It’s funny how you can ask anyone and they can tell you exactly how many days are left. It’s hard not to. Anyway, I have to get going now. Thanks again for your support and prayers. They are both greatly appreciated.Sincerely,Jesse Nelson, CPL/USMCDear Christine, Helena, Annie, Virginia, & Chris,I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the packages that were sent. It was extremely thoughtful of you to look out for us over here. The products included will be very handy, especially the lotion with SPF. However, I can guarantee you that all the products are much appreciated by all the female soldiers who received a package. It is wonderful to know that we are being thought of. Please extend my personal thanks to all companies and personnel involved in the Summit Supports Our Troops package drive. And thanks again for your thoughtfulness.L. SGT/ USA
TO SSOT in Summit, NJ:
I am sending this email on behalf of the women at our location to say thank you for the shoe boxes of women’s items that were sent. Someone in the unit received the mail boxes and put them in the female latrine so that all females had a chance to grab something from all the shoe boxes. This was a great idea because we have several small units at our location and all the boxes were spread and available to everyone not just going to one unit.Again a big thanks for all your support. Please pass on the word to all your volunteers that we said thanks.
MSG Barbara Rubio
3rd BCT, 3rd ID
FOB WarhorseHey Chris! So we finally got those packages and boy were we awed by the number of boxes. I cannot tell you how much the team and I appreciate what you and the town have been doing to support the troops. The DVDs were a big hit. We’re so excited about having new movies to watch. When the boxes showed up everyone on the team was like whoa somebody must really love you. It’s great to know that MY town is doing so much in support of the war effort. Quoting my team leader he stated, “Wow your town really kicks ass!” So again we here are truly grateful for what you guys are doing and I’m damn proud of my town.Yuchen Chao, SPC/USA
February 16, 2005
Hi I'm SSG Williams with A 1/38FA here at Camp Stanley Korea (with Greg Edgreen) and I just wanted to say thank you from my self and the whole LIGHTING MAINTENANCETEAM we appreciate your support and all you do for us.
I wanted to thank you and SSOT for your very thoughtful gift of the savings bond. I must say, I’m incredibly impressed by your group’s continuing energy and dedication, especially now that the war isn’t quite as much a front page phenomenon. Please do let me know if there’s anything I can do to be helpful. I hope your son’s tour is going well and (at least for his family’s sake) nearing its end.Again, thanks so much,Moses Bloom, PVT/USMC
Dear Mrs. Truhe,
Thank you for your card, kind words, and for your efforts on behalf of Summit Supports Our Troops. It is great to know that my hometown is able to rally around the service members, despite differing views on the course of events that has gotten us to this point. I take pride in knowing Summit is able to show so much gratitude to people in uniform, whether they are Summit residents, sons and daughters of residents, or just folks in need of a pick-me-up and a pat on the back.You truly went beyond yourself with the savings bond. I appreciate the thoughts and will ensure it is used to support the morale efforts on board my ship. I have been stationed on the ship for a bit over a year now and we are currently entering the fourth month of our maiden deployment. It has been quite an experience, seeing the source of the articles I used to read about in newspapers and magazines. We have been involved in a wide range of missions, from maritime security of oil platforms, to patrols of liquefied natural gas fields, to training exercises with foreign navies. Every day is a new challenge. My parents enjoyed the breakfast last weekend and I look forward to hearing how the organization grows. If you ever need anything from me, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you again and know that SSOT has my continued gratitude.Regards,George Messner, LJG/USN
Dr. Truhe,I would like to send a message to the great Americans in Summit who are interested in supporting our soldiers... On behalf of Lieutenant Colonel S., the commander of the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA, we all greatly appreciate your interest in supporting our soldiers. Even for those of us who are combat veterans, or have otherwise been separated from our homes and families before, the challenges and hardships are still there. We are proud to be serving you, and just to know that your thoughts and prayers are with us and others who are serving our nation is a great motivator. Thanks again for offering your time and resources to support the Army's best Soldiers!Sincerely,Captain Amy Bateman, Battalion Adjutant
The Families Express Their Appreciation
To Whom It May Concern (and I have suspicions!):
I was delighted to receive in the mail the wonderful flag which had been flown over Falluja, along with the certificate. I must say I am embarrassed to receive it, in that I inadvertently made it all-too-well known how much I liked the flag presented to my son-in-law, Todd Vosper, via Sandra and me at the December 9, 2006 breakfast at Beacon Hill Club. (The other reason for embarrassment being that I don’t deserve it.) Just for the record, I did send the first flag to Todd, overcoming my initial thought of holding the flag in “safekeeping” for a few years before turning it over to him.
I can’t express how honored and how happy I am to receive the flag, which I will display in my office.
With thanks and best wishes, for the flag and all the good work.
Sincerely,
Art Williams
Hi Christine!
I am writing on behalf of my fiancé, Major T. Last month you sent T. that cool package, with the AMEX gift card. Needless to say, we were speechless. That was above and beyond anything we expected, and very, very generous. T. actually gave the gift card to a deploying friend... thinking that C. was more deserving of the gift. The back story there is that Doc C. returned from Christmas vacation to find that he was deploying in five days. So it was a fire drill to get ready to leave on a ship for 6-8 months, with very little time to prepare! Doc C. hails from Fair Lawn, NJ, so we hope it's okay that he gave the gift to a fellow New Jerseyan. Personally it was neat for me to see T. give this away so fast -- he didn't have the card for 24 hours before giving it to Doc C. That's a Marine for you -- putting a squadron-mate's needs in front of your own.
We are honored by your invitation to present T. with a token from the Common Council. T. has been back from Qatar since July, and he will retire from the Marine Corps in June. Christine, thanks again for your support of our troops, and especially of T. It's pretty neat the people from my home town have formed an organization like this, and are so generous to us. It sure is easy to forget that we are at war, and that so many men and women are overseas in miserable living conditions, protecting our freedom.
Mindy Williams, Fiancé of Major T./USMC
SHS '83.Chris,Please know how truly grateful we are that you are out there promoting the real stories and good works that are going on in Iraq. We need more people like you!! Our soldiers are making history and working so hard to bring a democracy to a region that is surrounded by evil governments and fanatics. Fortunately, the majority of people want a better life. I know when I see stories and photos of the smiling children we are making a huge impact on anentire generation and it is a positive one. It will take some time, but it will work.Sharise, Wife of Lt. Col. Spellmon/USADear Chris,It is so very nice to hear that our military has such wonderful people like your organization supporting them and their families.Thank youAnne Oxner* KVC BN/USMC* KVC (Key Volunteer Coordinator) is an official Marine position, staffed by volunteers who are wives of Marines, and appointed by the Battalion commander. The KVA (Key Volunteer Advisor) is generally a commanding officer’s wife. These position along with Company Representatives comprise the KVN (Key Volunteer Network) which is a support network for wives of deployed Marines.My daughter and her fiancé just got the gift card from SSOT. They were flabbergasted as was I. Your group is fantastic!Art WilliamsDear Chris,We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Summit Supports Our Troops family breakfast at Beacon Hill. It is evident to the community how very important your work is to our troops, but as parents of a recently deployed Marine, your support and efforts to connect each military family has been invaluable to us at home.
Bob and I were delighted and honored to attend the family breakfast, it was truly wonderful having our son, (recently promoted) Sergeant honored, along with other servicemen and women. In addition to sharing that privilege, it was truly an honor to meet other families who have either already shared the heartache, fear, and pride of having a loved one deployed, or those who are about to share in that difficult experience. It was our pleasure to be able to offer advice and support to families who are about to face the arduous task of waiting for their child to return home. Thank you for hosting these events which connect military families, we share a bond and need one another.Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the beautiful flag and Marine emblem scrapbook, we were so touched when we opened our gifts! As difficult as this past year has been, the support and friendship we have received from family and friends, new and old, has given us much joy and needed strength. Thank you.
