Thank You

Two thank yous need to be said:

(This is a good example of what we receive in care packages each and every week. Sometimes twice a week.)

First, I haven't said this in a large public manner yet. Many of you who send us care packages get emails expressing our gratitude as I get the information and time to sit down and write. We get anywhere from 15-50 packages a week and it keeps RP quite busy sorting through the packages so we can get the stuff out to the companies as well as keeping track of who is sending us stuff so we know who to write emails to. I mostly write emails back as it takes about 6 weeks for mail to make it back to the states. Some of you I don't have addresses for, so I wanted to take a moment and thank you for everything you provide the Marines and sailors of 1/9. They are never short of toiletries (though not always getting the brands they prefer) or snack food. While we rarely are there when the care package items arrive at the locations, we do know the stuff goes quickly as the large boxes we send (hold about 40-50 large flat rate boxes) are empty by the time we get to the company positions. Please keep the love coming and know that the guys and gals (we have some females attached to us at times) appreciate all you send.

The second thank you is another one to the USO. They do a great job bringing out people to entertain the Marines and sailors. While not every position can benefit from the visits, the fact they are aggressive in getting people out here speaks volumes to their dedication to those deployed out here. This is my fourth deployment (first in a combat zone) and I had not experienced the USO until this one. The first show wasn't really up my alley, but the second trip wasn't even a show. It was John Stewart, David Blaine and Karl Malone showing up to talk with the guys and sign autographs, etc. I was amazed at how attentive each of these individuals were in just sitting down and talking with the guys. Those conversations with people who just two days prior had been in the States made a huge positive impact on the morale of those they met. David Blaine even freaked everyone out with some card tricks and had John Stewart jumping up out of his chair a few times. I am forever grateful for those who support the USO and those celebrities that take of their time to fly out here and just talk with those who are deployed. A special thanks to John Stewart who flew out on a Thursday night/Friday morning, flew back to the States on Sunday and was back at work on Monday. And he gave FOB Geronimo a shout out on the show.