Dear Jen,
My name is CH (CPT) Paul Lynn from the 2-505 PIR located in Southeast Baghdad, Iraq. I’m writing to let you know that our unit has received the care packages that were put together from the Vacation Bible School at St. Marks. Not only do we appreciate the the special little treats and items, but the prayer for us as well.
Prior to me stepping into our computer center I had a Trooper ask me if I had put a care package on his bed. My Chaplain Assistant had distributed this particular one, which I believe had foot powder in it. It was exactly what this Trooper needed, and he was thanking me. I want to let you know that he thanks you, and there are several dozen others silently standing behind his comments that are as greatly appreciative of your caring touch that brightened our day and met some felt needs.
May the Lord Bless You All,
CH (CPT) Paul Lynn
Joint Security Station (JSS) Beladiyat, Iraq
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Jen,
Thank you very much for the care package the kids at Vacation bible school put together for us Paratroopers over here in Iraq. Your selfless service will never go unnoticed and support for us Troopers over here either.
We really appreciate all you have done and the long hours and time you put into this care package, the Troopers really appreciated this. We would like to send you a poster of this evenings event when we opened the care package to share with the kids if this is all right.
I’m the Command Sergeant Major for this Battalion here and the select Troopers that were in attendance really enjoyed this.
Again thank you so much for the many prayers and blessings you have given us to return to home station back at Bragg and to our families.
God Bless You All!
Natividad Lopez Jr
82nd BSB, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div
FOB Hammer, Iraq
APO AE09308
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Ms. Bauldree & St. Mark’s UMC Congregation,
Let me express deepest gratitude from myself and my organization, the 82nd Airborne Division Band, to you, the congregation of St. Mark’s UMC, for the boxes of ‘goodies’ you collectively sent. Grown men and women let out their “inner kids” and relaxed for a couple minutes; there were lots of smiles and chatter and good social interaction as my Soldiers opened the boxes and the inner contents and shared what was in their bag. The physical gifts were wonderful but it was your act of goodwill and generosity which was the real gift and which says so much about you as a congregation. I wish I could quantify the smiles and capture some coefficient of emotional respite to relay but I cannot: however, your intended goal to brighten someone’s day has very convincingly been achieved. Thank you again.
The members of the 82nd Airborne Division Band, and our mission to provide musical outreach to all coalition forces in Afghanistan, continue forward. Judging missions either successful or needing improvement is secondary to the fact that each mission has been completed safely. Praise God!
My small group touches many hearts and souls at one time through a very unique gift of shaping sound. There are many Soldiers with missions more dangerous than ours but our unique task of bringing dignity or entertainment as the event dictates is one that reminds them (and us) ultimately of our own humanity and frailty despite extreme circumstances.
Preparing for art and war was challenging; realizing it daily is at times mind-boggling. As we enter the middle months of this deployment I ask that you remember my Soldiers in your prayers. The perspective of the beauty of life itself and serving our country through musical endeavor are ideas that are not immediately obvious and these can be misunderstood or forgotten by the impatient and restless. Please ask the Lord to bless my Soldiers and me with safety, patience, continued dedication to each individual craft and understanding. Also please pray for the traveling safety of my Soldiers during both missions and their return to the US for mid-deployment leave.
I am, again, humbled and grateful that my organization is the recipient of such goodwill by you as a congregation. Thank you and may your congregation continue to grow, thrive and be an example.
Humbly,
Russell J. Houser
Commander, 82nd Airborne Division Band
Bagram, Afghanistan
Et in terra pax
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Dear Ms. Bauldree,
On behalf of the entire command, I want to personally thank you for the package you sent to the soldiers. I cannot express to you the look of joy the troops have when they receive packages from home. Your support of our battalion while deployed is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Louis A. Zeisman
Lieutenant Colonel
Commander, 2nd Bn, 505th PIR
