Musings From Momma Marine - Supporting Our Heroes with Care Packages

Letter from HMLA-169

Fri, Jul 3 2009 06:24 | DOD, USMC, supporting our heroes, OEF, HMLA-169, Beanie Babies, Afghanistan, The Vipers, Operation Enduring Freedom, AH-1W, UH-1N | Permalink

(rec'd 29 June)

03 June, 2009

Momma Jodi and Company,

My name is 1stLt Scott Destafney. I'm a Pilot and Operations Officer with HMLA-169, the "World Famous Vipers." We are currently located in beautiful (sometimes) Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where we are supporting the Marines doing the majority of the 'grunt' work on the ground.

First off, the entire squadron wishes to thank you for your wonderful care packages and letters! I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that almost every desk and work station in our camp is now home to a Beanie Baby of some sort. It really is incredible how much those little guys serve to lighten up the atmosphere around here! Don't tell anyone, but I now have what appears to be a golden retriever sitting next to my San Francisco Giants hat. . . It's definitely the little things that make this place more pleasant!

...We are HMLA-169, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA. The squadron flies AH-1W and UH-1N Attack/Utility helicopters and our primary mission is to provide armed response should our brothers on the ground get into trouble. It is very gratifying to be able to give those guys assistance, especially since they are the ones really in harms way. Half of us are here in Bastion, while the remaining folks are deployed to Iraq helping out with the troop reduction and stabilization mission...

Anyway, I just wanted to let you and your family/organization know that we are incredibly grateful for your thoughts and generosity! The Marines know that people back home are keeping them in their thoughts and prayers, and people like you mean the world to us. I'll do my best to keep you updated on significant happenings around here, as well as trying to get some pictures sent out. Please pass thanks along to Mr. O'Bryant as well, as his Beanie Babies were a huge hit! Thanks again for everything!

Very Sincerely,

Scott

Momma Marine

Comments

From HMLA-169 Afghanistan

Fri, Jun 19 2009 06:18 | Afghanistan Updates, support, Marines in Afghanistan, 1stLt, supporting our heroes, Afghanistan, The Vipers | Permalink

Living conditions are at a FOB (Forward Operating Base). We live in tents and have electricity. We have the ability to do laundry. Currently eating MRE's. I am representing my squadron of 200 men and 20 women. We are stationed at MCAS Camp Pendleton as our home station. We are a Helicopter Squadron that flies the Supecobra Attack Helicopter and the Huey Utility Helicopter in support of the troops on the ground. Our mission is to provide close air support and escort of casualties that are being evacuated to medical facilities. We are HMLA-169, "the World Famous Vipers", and we throughly appreciate your support.

1stLt Von Rembow

HMLA-169 "The Vipers"

15 June 2009

Coming up on three months into the deployment and the squadron is continuing ongoing support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Recent, as many news outlets have reported, Task Force Leatherneck has arrived and we have fallen under their command. There have been some growing pains but we are bringing the fight to the enemy and ensuring the local nationals feel that, with the help of the USA, their own government forces are establishing a greater presence in the Province.

The Squadron would like to thank all those that have sent packages. The moral boost that getting a book, a letter from the states, or some items for use in the day to day grind in the desert are immense. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer breaks in the states and make sure you shoot off a few extra fireworks for us in July!