Soldier Gifts for Those In Iraq....AWESOME pics!!!!

[Athena]

Went to Troy's in lieu of chow, and no more new boxes...

In the past few days, got 3boxes from Sandra, and I have only opened one. I am doing a major clean-up of the storeroom, to find holiday decorations, so, for a few days, I have had to put off opening any new boxes.

I started a wall montage in the reading room for all the cards I get from folks back home for the troops, and also many of the elementary schools have their classrooms write and color pictures for the troops as well.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

I will post the 3 pictures you sent me tonight when I have time to uplaod them into photobucket and post Athena! Have a great day and stay safe

 

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
Don't do this! They won't accept them.
Check Snopes if you don't believe me...

Do this instead:


Holiday Mail for Heroes
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.

The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.

Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.

Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the
country.

*All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
*Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes.
*Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
*Please ensure that all cards are signed.
*Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
*Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
*Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
*Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
*All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

Phone cards or gift cards will not be accepted with the holiday cards. Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to www.aafes.com, scroll down to "AAFES Community Connection" and click on "Help Our Troops Call Home" or "Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops" in order to send such items.

No 'Care Packages' will be accepted at this address. Those wishing to send care packages should go to www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under "Homefront Groups" to find out how to send care packages.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Quote:
those were the same pictures as the ones I posted above about the troops and the C17 boarding in the sunset....hope all is well with you Athena

 

[risurocket]

Here's another option for cards for heroes. Xerox is doing something pretty neat.
Check out their site.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

 

[sky165]

Hi Athena,
Glad you got everything!
I hope your decorating is done and your place looks a little Christmas-y.
My neighbors gave me their unopened bags of Halloween candy so I'll be sending those shortly. I'll try to stuff a blanket in...I go by the original list that was posted by Scrambled Egg so if anything changes or you need anything new please write! We (esp my kids) have way too much stuff so we are happy to share with those that need it.
Hope you are having a Happy Thanksgiving over there.
Thanks again for doing a great job.
Sandra

 

[karanleaf]

TO YOU ALL I hope this time next year all the troops are home having this day with Family and Friends.

Karan

 

[momofdrew]

Happy Thanksgiving to all... My son Andrew is having his first THanksgiving away from homw at his sgts home...it seems so strange not to have him here...


Athena hope you get a day off to enjoy a bit of Thanksgiving cheer...


XOXO Pam

 

[Athena]

Pam... You'll find that most married folks in the military will invite their younger single troops home for holiday meals. Bet Drew had a great time and ate plenty of turkey!

Thats what we military do.. we take care of our own!!

Speaking of holiday's, and turkey... Yesterday was a bittersweet day for us.. 27 Nov marked the two year anniversary of Troy's death. During our Inter-Faith Thanksgiving ecumenical services yesterday, I said a prayer for Troy's family, my family, and for all of us and our families..

Our Dining Facilities here at Balad put on a Thanksgiving spread that was unbelievable. All four DFAC's had everything from Turkey to Prime Rib, and all the fixings and sides you would expect from home. It was like going to a Ryan's buffet, only alot more special. I have lots and lots of photo's, which I will try and post later.

Darlene,.... I snuck Commander Fowl into the DFAC for lunch, and he had a blast.. Everyone wanted to pose with him!! He even posed with the big turkey!! Photos are coming....

Everyone,... Happy Thanksgiving and COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!!!

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Darlene,.... I snuck Commander Fowl into the DFAC for lunch, and he had a blast.. Everyone wanted to pose with him!! He even posed with the big turkey!! Photos are coming....

LOL!!! I bet that was a tension reliever!!!! You are so thoughtful!!! Really appreciate that!!!