Musings From Momma Marine - Supporting Our Heroes with Care Packages
Greetings Supporters!!
Sat, Nov 29 2008 09:42
| Permalink
Greetings Supporters!
For those of you who know me, you know I'm just a regular person and I can't do anything without the Hand of God in my life directing my day. As a regular person, I've tried it on my own, but without fail would end up in a heap, more times than I care to count so with age and Wisdom, I've learned not to take a step without His direction. And by living that, I have been blessed beyond belief and everyday He continues to show me His mercy, His love, His leading, His grace, His presence and His awesome blessings in my life and the life of my family.
It is with His direction that I started this project of the heart by sending to deployed Marines. And it has grown by leaps and bounds. I started with a unit of only 75. Yes, ONLY 75. It took two weeks to shop for, package and mail those boxes. My precious Marine Husband was very patient with me and has supported me since day one.
God has increased my giving by blessing me with people who want to give but didn't know what. People who wanted to send but didn't know to who (whom). People who just want to do something but didn't know where to go or how to go about it. He just said, "Do it." and I jumped in head first trusting He knew how deep the water was and that I'd be okay when I hit it. HE WAS RIGHT! HE ALWAYS IS!
TRUST isn't my strong suit. I've been burned by trusting and I'm quite cautious with those I do put my trust in, but God has never let me down. I may not trust ME, or my ABILITY, but He is always faithful. And the letters I receive from my MARINES are proof of that. I have several contacts who are in charge of hundreds of MARINES and they hand out the Support Boxes, cards, letters and pictures that I send. God in His infinite wisdom directs the distribution of those items and just the right young men receive them. We have touched Marines who haven't received a thing from home, until they were handed one of our boxes. We have put a smile in a Marine's heart who had been with the Unit for months before receiving a letter from us and it was only his second piece of communication with the outside world. We have touched the lives of many brave men who thought they had been forgotten, that they were unappreciated, unloved and unwanted. We have made a difference in the lives of people, we will never meet, yet, we have touched them.
Our Marines have handed out candies, school supplies and toys to children who will never know us, but they know our Marines and they know that the Americans they have contact with are not the devil and aren't wicked, mean people. They know the Americans they meet on the road are protectors, friends, people to be welcomed and not feared.
You as a supporter of 'SUPPORTING OUR HEROES' are a part of that victory. You are a part of changing the lives of those children and those wonderful MARINES.... I thank you and love you for caring enough to help.
Sandy Johnson and Judy Morriss brought me Thanksgiving Greeting Cards. 325 of them. I took 250 to the Borger Intermediate School, 25 to a 2nd Grade class at Gateway Elementary in Borger. A young lady from Grace Fellowship Church in Borger took 50 to hand to young people Wednesday night. I will pick them up in a day or so and mail them to several of my contacts. I promise you, there will be 325 Marines who's spirits will be lifted when those cards are handed to them. Thank you Sandy for those smiles!
Sandy also brought Christmas cards and said she has more, so when I get them I'll distribute them and look forward to sending them out with Support Boxes, too.
I have stockings and gift bags (THANK YOU SANDY and JUDY) to fill for Christmas. Anything you can do to help our deployed Marines is greatly appreciated. OUR two military sons will be with us this Christmas as they won't deploy until after the first of the year. BUT there are thousands who won't be home and I plan on reaching hundreds of them. No, let me rephrase, I WILL reach hundreds of them. I welcome your gifts and any help you can give.
This momma and her Marine Husband love having their family around and making them happy on holidays. Last year we were without our Andrew as he was in Boot Camp but THIS year, we'll have ALL of our family together to celebrate the Birth of Christ and as a family thank God for keeping our Military Sons in His wonderful protective hands and we'll thank Him for holding our NEWLY ACQUIRED MILITARY FAMILY in His hands along with our own Jeremy and Andrew.
It is those who are far away we pray for and send Thanksgiving and Christmas Greetings and Cheer and Gifts to, and we ask for and welcome your help in doing so.
Semper Fi,
Momma Jodi
For those of you who know me, you know I'm just a regular person and I can't do anything without the Hand of God in my life directing my day. As a regular person, I've tried it on my own, but without fail would end up in a heap, more times than I care to count so with age and Wisdom, I've learned not to take a step without His direction. And by living that, I have been blessed beyond belief and everyday He continues to show me His mercy, His love, His leading, His grace, His presence and His awesome blessings in my life and the life of my family.
It is with His direction that I started this project of the heart by sending to deployed Marines. And it has grown by leaps and bounds. I started with a unit of only 75. Yes, ONLY 75. It took two weeks to shop for, package and mail those boxes. My precious Marine Husband was very patient with me and has supported me since day one.
God has increased my giving by blessing me with people who want to give but didn't know what. People who wanted to send but didn't know to who (whom). People who just want to do something but didn't know where to go or how to go about it. He just said, "Do it." and I jumped in head first trusting He knew how deep the water was and that I'd be okay when I hit it. HE WAS RIGHT! HE ALWAYS IS!
TRUST isn't my strong suit. I've been burned by trusting and I'm quite cautious with those I do put my trust in, but God has never let me down. I may not trust ME, or my ABILITY, but He is always faithful. And the letters I receive from my MARINES are proof of that. I have several contacts who are in charge of hundreds of MARINES and they hand out the Support Boxes, cards, letters and pictures that I send. God in His infinite wisdom directs the distribution of those items and just the right young men receive them. We have touched Marines who haven't received a thing from home, until they were handed one of our boxes. We have put a smile in a Marine's heart who had been with the Unit for months before receiving a letter from us and it was only his second piece of communication with the outside world. We have touched the lives of many brave men who thought they had been forgotten, that they were unappreciated, unloved and unwanted. We have made a difference in the lives of people, we will never meet, yet, we have touched them.
Our Marines have handed out candies, school supplies and toys to children who will never know us, but they know our Marines and they know that the Americans they have contact with are not the devil and aren't wicked, mean people. They know the Americans they meet on the road are protectors, friends, people to be welcomed and not feared.
You as a supporter of 'SUPPORTING OUR HEROES' are a part of that victory. You are a part of changing the lives of those children and those wonderful MARINES.... I thank you and love you for caring enough to help.
Sandy Johnson and Judy Morriss brought me Thanksgiving Greeting Cards. 325 of them. I took 250 to the Borger Intermediate School, 25 to a 2nd Grade class at Gateway Elementary in Borger. A young lady from Grace Fellowship Church in Borger took 50 to hand to young people Wednesday night. I will pick them up in a day or so and mail them to several of my contacts. I promise you, there will be 325 Marines who's spirits will be lifted when those cards are handed to them. Thank you Sandy for those smiles!
Sandy also brought Christmas cards and said she has more, so when I get them I'll distribute them and look forward to sending them out with Support Boxes, too.
I have stockings and gift bags (THANK YOU SANDY and JUDY) to fill for Christmas. Anything you can do to help our deployed Marines is greatly appreciated. OUR two military sons will be with us this Christmas as they won't deploy until after the first of the year. BUT there are thousands who won't be home and I plan on reaching hundreds of them. No, let me rephrase, I WILL reach hundreds of them. I welcome your gifts and any help you can give.
This momma and her Marine Husband love having their family around and making them happy on holidays. Last year we were without our Andrew as he was in Boot Camp but THIS year, we'll have ALL of our family together to celebrate the Birth of Christ and as a family thank God for keeping our Military Sons in His wonderful protective hands and we'll thank Him for holding our NEWLY ACQUIRED MILITARY FAMILY in His hands along with our own Jeremy and Andrew.
It is those who are far away we pray for and send Thanksgiving and Christmas Greetings and Cheer and Gifts to, and we ask for and welcome your help in doing so.
Semper Fi,
Momma Jodi
Comments
Cards for Our Troops
Sat, Nov 29 2008 09:39
| Permalink
I love knowing people want to remember our Service men and women but if all of your gifts, cards, letters are just put in the bin because of bad addresses, we do no one any good. I also understand the security in the guidelines. You wouldn't write or place harmful things in cards, I wouldn't either, but you'd be surprised who would and THAT is the reason for the security. . . . Feel free to pass this on. But hurry, Dec 10 is quickly approaching.
Semper Fi, Jodi
Cards/packages addressed to: Any Soldier, Any Wounded Soldier, Any Wounded and Recovering Soldier, etc, etc, will not be accepted by the United States Postal Service and IF by some chance it does makes it through the system, IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED nor distributed by Walter Reed Hospital.
If you want to send cards/letters use the link below for further information on HOW TO SEND Holiday Mail for Heroes.
http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/
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
Card Guidelines
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.
Semper Fi, Jodi
Cards/packages addressed to: Any Soldier, Any Wounded Soldier, Any Wounded and Recovering Soldier, etc, etc, will not be accepted by the United States Postal Service and IF by some chance it does makes it through the system, IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED nor distributed by Walter Reed Hospital.
If you want to send cards/letters use the link below for further information on HOW TO SEND Holiday Mail for Heroes.
http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/
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
Card Guidelines
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.
Update from 1st Maint Battalion, Trans. Co.
Sat, Nov 29 2008 09:32
| Permalink
24 Nov 2008
From 1stSgt Sanders
1st Maintenance Battalion, Transportation Co.
I would like to take this time to thank you on behalf of myself and the Marines from Transportation Co. Thank you for bringing a smile to our face with all the care packages. I know personally that your gifts and packages filled to the brim with love, and goodness, is a display of wholesome support. They especially like the cards from the children that draw the pictures, the words written are like gold to us Marines it means a lot to the unit. Once again thank you for the bottom of our Marine hearts.
My Dear Hero Supporters,
I couldn't do this without your help. Thank you for helping me get these boxes out to our Marines. To those who have donated this past week, you have helped fill nearly 20 boxes. And I just received 5 new names yesterday. THANK YOU for helping reach these Marines who, otherwise, would not be getting mail.
Semper Fi,
Jodi
From 1stSgt Sanders
1st Maintenance Battalion, Transportation Co.
I would like to take this time to thank you on behalf of myself and the Marines from Transportation Co. Thank you for bringing a smile to our face with all the care packages. I know personally that your gifts and packages filled to the brim with love, and goodness, is a display of wholesome support. They especially like the cards from the children that draw the pictures, the words written are like gold to us Marines it means a lot to the unit. Once again thank you for the bottom of our Marine hearts.
My Dear Hero Supporters,
I couldn't do this without your help. Thank you for helping me get these boxes out to our Marines. To those who have donated this past week, you have helped fill nearly 20 boxes. And I just received 5 new names yesterday. THANK YOU for helping reach these Marines who, otherwise, would not be getting mail.
Semper Fi,
Jodi
From 2ndLt Tran 3/7
Sat, Nov 29 2008 09:31
| Permalink
12 Nov 2008:
Greetings,
I just wanted to update everyone on our numbers. Since the battalion is constantly undergoing movements and operations, the 1stSgt’s from each of the Companies will be the points of contact for their care packages. This will make it easier to spread the care items to the Marines since they won’t all be located where I am. I’ll still be able to receive packages for approximately 150 Marines (all male) located here with me.
Thank you Angel, Edna, Jodi, Kathleen, Mary Jo, Lindbergh, Sandy, and Teresa for your ongoing support and care. We appreciate everything you do.
Very Respectfully,
Lenny Tran
Second Lieutenant
3/7 Adjutant, USMC
Greetings,
I just wanted to update everyone on our numbers. Since the battalion is constantly undergoing movements and operations, the 1stSgt’s from each of the Companies will be the points of contact for their care packages. This will make it easier to spread the care items to the Marines since they won’t all be located where I am. I’ll still be able to receive packages for approximately 150 Marines (all male) located here with me.
Thank you Angel, Edna, Jodi, Kathleen, Mary Jo, Lindbergh, Sandy, and Teresa for your ongoing support and care. We appreciate everything you do.
Very Respectfully,
Lenny Tran
Second Lieutenant
3/7 Adjutant, USMC
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:35
| Permalink
Dear Hero Supporters,
You received some emails from me earlier today. A couple from two of our Marines and one from me telling about our Thanksgiving Cards and Christmas plans for gift boxes for our Marines and asking for your help in filling the gift bags.
I wrote to you that our military sons would be home with us Christmas but thousands wouldn't be and that " I plan on reaching hundreds of them. No, let me rephrase, I WILL reach hundreds of them. I welcome your gifts and any help you can give. "
Later, I received an email from Harry and Cheryl Salem, two of our Supporters, telling me of a church in Louisiana that wanted to send Christmas packages to deployed troops. They told them about what we are doing and that they would have me contact them. Now, I don't know about you, but I believe God just opened the door to reaching HUNDREDS OF MARINES. I love the way our God works !
I sit here with a huge smile on my face and tears in my eyes because I know there are more hearts being touched and more doors being opened. And I can feel the happiness that will fill the hearts of the Marines who will be on the receiving end of these gifts, letters, cards and prayers.
I wanted to share this gift of giving with you because it was just too good to keep to myself and when our Marines get blessed, believe me, WE GET BLESSED, TOO. God bless you all and remember to keep our Marines in your thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fi
Jodi
You received some emails from me earlier today. A couple from two of our Marines and one from me telling about our Thanksgiving Cards and Christmas plans for gift boxes for our Marines and asking for your help in filling the gift bags.
I wrote to you that our military sons would be home with us Christmas but thousands wouldn't be and that " I plan on reaching hundreds of them. No, let me rephrase, I WILL reach hundreds of them. I welcome your gifts and any help you can give. "
Later, I received an email from Harry and Cheryl Salem, two of our Supporters, telling me of a church in Louisiana that wanted to send Christmas packages to deployed troops. They told them about what we are doing and that they would have me contact them. Now, I don't know about you, but I believe God just opened the door to reaching HUNDREDS OF MARINES. I love the way our God works !
I sit here with a huge smile on my face and tears in my eyes because I know there are more hearts being touched and more doors being opened. And I can feel the happiness that will fill the hearts of the Marines who will be on the receiving end of these gifts, letters, cards and prayers.
I wanted to share this gift of giving with you because it was just too good to keep to myself and when our Marines get blessed, believe me, WE GET BLESSED, TOO. God bless you all and remember to keep our Marines in your thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fi
Jodi
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:33
| Permalink
Hey! It's my day for getting email. This is from our newest contact, Corpsman Luis Mendozaruiz
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Momma Jodi,
Thank you very much for the box that you have sent to me, it was an awesome surprise to me when I received it, in fact I am enjoying some of the tea that was in the box. As you already know I my name is Luis Mendozaruiz I am from Goodyear, AZ and I am a corpsman of marines or as they may know me as “Doc”. I read in your letter that you have two sons both which are in the service and I thank you for taking the time to send me a package when you have already have two sons of your own to take care of. well the weather here is much like yours, its always keeping us on our toes. It gets pretty cold over here now a days in the morning and at night and hot in the afternoon. One day can be bright and sunny and the next well have sand storms and the next maybe some rain. This is my second deployment I did one deployment after the other, its not bad I don’t think, just different. I shared the rules of combat with every one here and they had a laugh they sure did appreciate that. And once again thank you very much.
HM3 Mendozaruiz, Luis
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Momma Jodi,
Thank you very much for the box that you have sent to me, it was an awesome surprise to me when I received it, in fact I am enjoying some of the tea that was in the box. As you already know I my name is Luis Mendozaruiz I am from Goodyear, AZ and I am a corpsman of marines or as they may know me as “Doc”. I read in your letter that you have two sons both which are in the service and I thank you for taking the time to send me a package when you have already have two sons of your own to take care of. well the weather here is much like yours, its always keeping us on our toes. It gets pretty cold over here now a days in the morning and at night and hot in the afternoon. One day can be bright and sunny and the next well have sand storms and the next maybe some rain. This is my second deployment I did one deployment after the other, its not bad I don’t think, just different. I shared the rules of combat with every one here and they had a laugh they sure did appreciate that. And once again thank you very much.
HM3 Mendozaruiz, Luis
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:31
| Permalink
Dear Supporters,
Just in, this note from SgtMaj Lewallen. I appreciate the letters and emails I receive from the MARINES I mail to but I know they have a lot more on their minds than responding re: a rec'd package, you know, like, STAYING ALIVE! But I do love hearing from them, when they have time to write. I have more boxes ready to go to out and will have them in the mail Friday. If you have anything you'd like to put in or help with, let me know. Also, if you'd like to send cards or letters, PLEASE contact me. We can put them in the boxes or I have addresses you can send to personally. It has been my purpose to let them know WE SUPPORT THEM and THEIR EFFORT. Marines! Gotta love 'em! They are absolutely AWESOME! Monday the 10th was the 233rd Birthday of the Corps. OORAH! MARINES! WE LOVE YA!
Semper Fi,
Momma Jodi
rec'd 12 November 2008
Wednesday
Jodi,
I received a box from you today and actually I believe that makes a total of three boxes I have received from you. I apologize for the delay, we have been extraordinarily busy over the past two weeks and once I get behind, I can’t ever seem to catch up. I have to admit that I snatched the chips and dip out of the box today, I will share but I have quite a weakness for the cheese dip. The rest I already got out to the boys and they always appreciate your packages. I am hoping they are sending you an email, I left your letter in at least one of the boxes. Actually, maybe I didn’t I have enjoyed the letter that you included, that I think I kept them. Let me still try working on the names for you for the shirts. Yesterday, two days ago was the birthday as you know and we traveled around to all the different company positions and conducted a cake cutting ceremony at each. Additionally, each Marine was given two “real” beers to enjoy that day, so it was a great day for everyone. The cigars are a big hit, Marines love enjoying a cigar after a long day of patrolling. If you want to send more packages I will try to get better at letting you know they got here, but please don’t get the impression that we don’t appreciate the support.
Thank you for being a great Marine Mom, and overall we are proud to have you as a part of our Marine family.
R/S
Sergeant Major Richard Lewallen
Task Force 1/3
3402-325
Just in, this note from SgtMaj Lewallen. I appreciate the letters and emails I receive from the MARINES I mail to but I know they have a lot more on their minds than responding re: a rec'd package, you know, like, STAYING ALIVE! But I do love hearing from them, when they have time to write. I have more boxes ready to go to out and will have them in the mail Friday. If you have anything you'd like to put in or help with, let me know. Also, if you'd like to send cards or letters, PLEASE contact me. We can put them in the boxes or I have addresses you can send to personally. It has been my purpose to let them know WE SUPPORT THEM and THEIR EFFORT. Marines! Gotta love 'em! They are absolutely AWESOME! Monday the 10th was the 233rd Birthday of the Corps. OORAH! MARINES! WE LOVE YA!
Semper Fi,
Momma Jodi
rec'd 12 November 2008
Wednesday
Jodi,
I received a box from you today and actually I believe that makes a total of three boxes I have received from you. I apologize for the delay, we have been extraordinarily busy over the past two weeks and once I get behind, I can’t ever seem to catch up. I have to admit that I snatched the chips and dip out of the box today, I will share but I have quite a weakness for the cheese dip. The rest I already got out to the boys and they always appreciate your packages. I am hoping they are sending you an email, I left your letter in at least one of the boxes. Actually, maybe I didn’t I have enjoyed the letter that you included, that I think I kept them. Let me still try working on the names for you for the shirts. Yesterday, two days ago was the birthday as you know and we traveled around to all the different company positions and conducted a cake cutting ceremony at each. Additionally, each Marine was given two “real” beers to enjoy that day, so it was a great day for everyone. The cigars are a big hit, Marines love enjoying a cigar after a long day of patrolling. If you want to send more packages I will try to get better at letting you know they got here, but please don’t get the impression that we don’t appreciate the support.
Thank you for being a great Marine Mom, and overall we are proud to have you as a part of our Marine family.
R/S
Sergeant Major Richard Lewallen
Task Force 1/3
3402-325
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:27
| Permalink
I received a check from Rene and Joe and quickly used it for a vacuum for one of our Marines to help rid their office area of what he called "moon dust".... A very fine dust that when dusted or swept floats in the air then lightly lands back on their equipment and clothes. I wrote to our 2Lt to make sure he still needed the vac and rec'd his reply this morning and as promised, am sharing it with you. I also received a phone call from Rex Young who is on a "tobacco hunt".... He is trying to get someone to donate or greatly reduce the price of tobacco products to mail to our MARINES. Rex has purchased a bunch of tobacco for the Friday boxes .... Word of Life Church called and loaded the back of my car with donations for the boxes. Their Children's Sunday School Classes had collected and packaged small stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons and pencils and candy, for the children who look forward to seeing our MARINES come into their cities, towns and villages. "OORAH! " You guys are great, all of you from Word of Life, Rex, Rene & Joe, y'all are AWESOME! THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH! for all you do and give. This project of the heart couldn't get very far without your support and the support of all of our other HERO SUPPORTERS!
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND REMEMBER OUR MARINES ARE STILL OUT THERE SO WE CAN DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT FEAR OF DUCKING AND DODGING BOMBS AND BULLETS!
Semper Fi, Jodi
The mail carrier just came by and THANK YOU DOLORES! You are an answer to my prayers! OORAH! (which today is Momma Marine for "Hallelujah!" )
Momma Jodi,
I have not found a vacuum. I've been kept really busy and haven't had
much time to search. I would greatly appreciate anything you can find.
I'm already most grateful for all you've done. I'm very impressed by how
much time and effort you put into making us Marines more comfortable.
You're such a blessing to us all.
Please feel free to use my pictures anywhere you like. I'll send more if
I take some, but it's one of those things that are tightly controlled
because of the security issues.
Thanks again for all that you do. I don't know the words to adequately
express my appreciation. Please let me know if there's anything that I
can do on my end.
Your New Family Member,
Lenny
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:26
| Permalink
Dear HERO SUPPORTER,
First and Foremost! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Word of Life Church for the boxes of goodies you donated for OUR HEROES! You guys are awesome! And Rene', your check came in at just the right time. You and Joe are wonderful! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
We've received letters from a couple of OUR HEROES. Their weather is getting colder so keep that in mind when and if you shop for them: blankets, pillows, hand & foot warmers, hooded sweatshirts & stocking caps, (military colors ie: black, green, dark brown). Boot socks. Gloves.
We have also had request for things like:
Propel, Gatorade drink mix (single serve please)
red bull
Nail clippers
Eye drops
Foot powder
Foot inserts
Shaving gel
Mach 3 & Fusion razors & blades
Disposable razors
body wash
Copenhagen, Skoal, Marlboro lights (I know, I know .. if you are inclined you can grab a Wall Mart gift card)
Microwavable meals
jerky
Chips
Salsa
Coffee & powdered creamer
Current DVD movies
Magazines (ATV, Truck, Maxxim, Men's Health etc)
and we can always use:
* wet wipes / baby wipes
* white/black boot socks
* hard candies (they hand out a lot to the local kids)
* now that it is colder, CHOCOLATE CANDY
* Chewing gum
* chili with the zip top lids
* Campbells soups with zip top lids
* Charmin Toilet Tissue
* Kleenex travel packs
* Swiffer dusters & refills
* IF YOU WOULD LIKE IT or CAN USE IT, OUR MARINES WOULD PROBABLY LIKE IT and CAN USE IT, TOO!
We have collection boxes placed at Happy State Bank in Borger and at the Borger Post Office. We have more in the making and when they are placed in businesses, we'll let you know. If you want one, please call! 806-898-0356 . . . Until then, if you have something you need picked up or if you want Collection bags to hand out at your club, office or school, call and I'll drop them off or bring them to you.
Thank you for SUPPORTING OUR HEROES. You are the reasons we get letters like the ones below.
Semper Fi
Jodi
Note from 3/7 Marines
Date: November 2, 2008
Jodi,
It's so nice to hear from you. I am truly impressed by all the work you are
doing to support our Marines over here. Please know that although we
can't all thank you personally, in our hearts is a deep appreciation for your
care and warm wishes. I receive a package from you today postmarked
15 October. Thank you very much; I'll be sure to disseminate them to the Marines.
To answer your question of what we do, we're an infantry battalion. We
do a lot of foot and mobile patrols and convoys. We are also engaged in
a lot of humanitarian efforts in the Iraqi cities.
Thanks again for all that you do. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Your Friend,
Lenny
From: 1/3 Marines
Date: November 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. McClellan
i joined the marine corps about a year after i graduated my MOS is
0331 machinegunner and i love it soo much shooting a machinegun
is like havin lightning in ur hands lol anywho i do apprciate everything
u have done so far for me and the guys here we love all the love and
support we get from good people like u... and havin someone to talk
to ain't bad either ;) but anyway thank u for ur support and prayers and
the love u send my way and all of our deployed members here.
always thankful,
chris
First and Foremost! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Word of Life Church for the boxes of goodies you donated for OUR HEROES! You guys are awesome! And Rene', your check came in at just the right time. You and Joe are wonderful! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
We've received letters from a couple of OUR HEROES. Their weather is getting colder so keep that in mind when and if you shop for them: blankets, pillows, hand & foot warmers, hooded sweatshirts & stocking caps, (military colors ie: black, green, dark brown). Boot socks. Gloves.
We have also had request for things like:
Propel, Gatorade drink mix (single serve please)
red bull
Nail clippers
Eye drops
Foot powder
Foot inserts
Shaving gel
Mach 3 & Fusion razors & blades
Disposable razors
body wash
Copenhagen, Skoal, Marlboro lights (I know, I know .. if you are inclined you can grab a Wall Mart gift card)
Microwavable meals
jerky
Chips
Salsa
Coffee & powdered creamer
Current DVD movies
Magazines (ATV, Truck, Maxxim, Men's Health etc)
and we can always use:
* wet wipes / baby wipes
* white/black boot socks
* hard candies (they hand out a lot to the local kids)
* now that it is colder, CHOCOLATE CANDY
* Chewing gum
* chili with the zip top lids
* Campbells soups with zip top lids
* Charmin Toilet Tissue
* Kleenex travel packs
* Swiffer dusters & refills
* IF YOU WOULD LIKE IT or CAN USE IT, OUR MARINES WOULD PROBABLY LIKE IT and CAN USE IT, TOO!
We have collection boxes placed at Happy State Bank in Borger and at the Borger Post Office. We have more in the making and when they are placed in businesses, we'll let you know. If you want one, please call! 806-898-0356 . . . Until then, if you have something you need picked up or if you want Collection bags to hand out at your club, office or school, call and I'll drop them off or bring them to you.
Thank you for SUPPORTING OUR HEROES. You are the reasons we get letters like the ones below.
Semper Fi
Jodi
Note from 3/7 Marines
Date: November 2, 2008
Jodi,
It's so nice to hear from you. I am truly impressed by all the work you are
doing to support our Marines over here. Please know that although we
can't all thank you personally, in our hearts is a deep appreciation for your
care and warm wishes. I receive a package from you today postmarked
15 October. Thank you very much; I'll be sure to disseminate them to the Marines.
To answer your question of what we do, we're an infantry battalion. We
do a lot of foot and mobile patrols and convoys. We are also engaged in
a lot of humanitarian efforts in the Iraqi cities.
Thanks again for all that you do. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Your Friend,
Lenny
From: 1/3 Marines
Date: November 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. McClellan
i joined the marine corps about a year after i graduated my MOS is
0331 machinegunner and i love it soo much shooting a machinegun
is like havin lightning in ur hands lol anywho i do apprciate everything
u have done so far for me and the guys here we love all the love and
support we get from good people like u... and havin someone to talk
to ain't bad either ;) but anyway thank u for ur support and prayers and
the love u send my way and all of our deployed members here.
always thankful,
chris
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:22
| Permalink
Dear Hero Supporters!
Happy November!
The other day, while I was packing boxes for the mail today and getting the update letter out, I received an email from a lady in Katy Texas. Her son told her that for his 7th Birthday Party he wanted to do something special. He wanted a MILITARY party and he wanted his guests to bring something they could send to someone serving overseas. He wanted to send them to someone in Iraq or Afghanistan. She said the party was a huge success. The kids made cards and wrote letters to go along with the gifts they brought and NOW that Wyatt had all of his "gifts" he needed somewhere to send them. She had been searching all day and when she googled: "sending care packages to the military in Iraq" my website www.SupportingOurHeroes.com came up and she emailed me immediately.
Monica got her address within about 5 minutes. I am amazed at the connection but will put that blessing where it belongs and Thank God for my new friends in Katy, Texas. Wyatt so reminds me of our Andrew in that when he was six years old he insisted we buy a Thanksgiving Dinner Box for the Firemen at the Borger Fire Department. And for every Thanksgiving since, he has made sure they had their Thanksgiving Dinner Box. When he has been home, he personally delivered the dinners and while at College, called home to remind me to "get 'r done!" How awesome our youngsters are and how blessed we are to know them and have them with us to teach us how to show appreciation to our HEROES by just the most simple things. A Birthday Party. A Dinner Box. How blessed we are. . . . .
Wyatt and his mom have certainly helped clean out my tear ducts and I'm sure the MARINES they send to will be very happy to hear from them.
With the holidays coming up, I want to ask that while you are shopping or planning parties or family gatherings, don't forget our HEROES. Our local HEROES, our HEROES standing for our FREEDOM overseas and our HEROES on bases here in the United States of America. If you have something special you would like to donate for the Support Boxes, please let me know and we'll make sure it gets mailed right away. We are updating our 'wish list" on the web site as it is winter now and our needs have shifted from things to keep cool to things to stay warm. If you have any questions or a truck load of things I need to pick up, (my biggest wish) call 806-898-0356 or email Jodi@supportingourheroes.com .
Thank you for "Supporting Our Heroes"
Semper Fi
Jodi
Happy November!
The other day, while I was packing boxes for the mail today and getting the update letter out, I received an email from a lady in Katy Texas. Her son told her that for his 7th Birthday Party he wanted to do something special. He wanted a MILITARY party and he wanted his guests to bring something they could send to someone serving overseas. He wanted to send them to someone in Iraq or Afghanistan. She said the party was a huge success. The kids made cards and wrote letters to go along with the gifts they brought and NOW that Wyatt had all of his "gifts" he needed somewhere to send them. She had been searching all day and when she googled: "sending care packages to the military in Iraq" my website www.SupportingOurHeroes.com came up and she emailed me immediately.
Monica got her address within about 5 minutes. I am amazed at the connection but will put that blessing where it belongs and Thank God for my new friends in Katy, Texas. Wyatt so reminds me of our Andrew in that when he was six years old he insisted we buy a Thanksgiving Dinner Box for the Firemen at the Borger Fire Department. And for every Thanksgiving since, he has made sure they had their Thanksgiving Dinner Box. When he has been home, he personally delivered the dinners and while at College, called home to remind me to "get 'r done!" How awesome our youngsters are and how blessed we are to know them and have them with us to teach us how to show appreciation to our HEROES by just the most simple things. A Birthday Party. A Dinner Box. How blessed we are. . . . .
Wyatt and his mom have certainly helped clean out my tear ducts and I'm sure the MARINES they send to will be very happy to hear from them.
With the holidays coming up, I want to ask that while you are shopping or planning parties or family gatherings, don't forget our HEROES. Our local HEROES, our HEROES standing for our FREEDOM overseas and our HEROES on bases here in the United States of America. If you have something special you would like to donate for the Support Boxes, please let me know and we'll make sure it gets mailed right away. We are updating our 'wish list" on the web site as it is winter now and our needs have shifted from things to keep cool to things to stay warm. If you have any questions or a truck load of things I need to pick up, (my biggest wish) call 806-898-0356 or email Jodi@supportingourheroes.com .
Thank you for "Supporting Our Heroes"
Semper Fi
Jodi
Wed, Nov 12 2008 08:18
| Permalink
As you know, boxes go out every week at least once and sometimes two or three times. Here are some responses to the "Support Boxes" sent out a few weeks ago. I'm guessing "Chris" does or did a lot of texting. It took a little while, but I love his letter. I'm looking for a small vac to send to 2nd Lt Tran that will handle the fine dust. Any ideas? I appreciate all the help I can get and our MARINES love getting mail from home, so cards and letters are always wanted.....
Enjoy the letters, without your support, the boxes wouldn't be going out.
Semper Fi,
Momma Marine,
Jodi
From: Chris Mack
Subject: thank you
Date: October 27, 2008 1:29:20 AM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Dear Mrs. McClellen
my name is christopher mack i am a marine on deployment to iraq with 1 battalion 3rd marines bravo campany and i recevied some of the items u sent us. thank you for the love and support that u show to the troops over here we need more people like u that have good hearts! ;)
Dear Chris,
How wonderful to hear from someone who has received from me. WHAT would you like to have in the next box? I send out boxes EVERY week at least once and when time and supplies allow, more than that. I sent the boxes to SgtMaj Lewallen but from here on out, I will make sure you get your own package.
I mailed boxes to a MARINE Helicopter Pilot in Afghanistan until he got to go home and he called me, "Momma Marine" I love the name! I have decided to keep it. You guys are deep in my heart and if the Corps didn't have that stupid AGE CUT OFF thing, I'd be out there with my "boys". I tried to enlist with our youngest. The Recruiter said, "Well, ma'am, there's an age limit to enlisting." I honestly think Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. Probably a good thing, that age limit, they'd probably have killed me. I have a bad habit of listening to the voices in my head instead of my "body". My head seems to think I can still do anything I put my mind to. My body KNOWS that ain't so, and will let me know to just what extent I have misbelieved by yelling loudly through every muscle and joint in it. So, I'll let the Corps have that one. ANYWAY, this Momma Marine has been given a super name and I will use it proudly by serving YOU and YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS with love.
I have two sons serving right now. In August our middle son was recalled from the inactive ready reserve while trying to re-enlist into the Army Warrant Officer Program. So, now, he is a Vehicle Commander in a Stryker Brigade. He loves it. He will deploy right after the first of the year.
Last Dec our youngest entered the USMC. OORAH! Following Daddy's footsteps.... He is 0811 and when I asked why that instead of, oh how about, AVIONICS? Know what he said? Go ahead, guess.... His reply, my sweet baby, the song in my heart, the holder of my breath, my adorable little boy, my precious son said, "MOM! I GET TO BLOW @#$% UP! " Oh, how proud I must have been of him. A couple of days later, we're sitting at the airport and his biggest brother asks what his MOS is and Andrew tells him and my oldest says, "COOL ! YOU GET TO BLOW @#$% UP!" Chris, it was at that very moment I realized, 0811, it's a GUY THING! Should've realized that early on, my husband, USMC, 0811.... go figure.
Well, puddin' you take care of yourself and let me know what you can use and I'll do my best to get it to you. In the meantime, know that you are very important and in my eyes, thoughts and heart, YOU ARE A CHAMPION, YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND YOU ARE ONE OF MY HEROES.
With lots of prayers and love,
Momma Marine
Jodi
From:Chris Mack
Subject: Re: thank you
Date: October 28, 2008 2:14:38 AM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Dear Momma Marine(lol)
first off i think that is a perfect name for u you i think anyone who shows as much support as u do deserves that title but i think i'll let u hold that title for me if thats ok with u? if yes then good! ;) lol anywho yeah 0811 is definetly a guy thing...i mean think about it when we were young we were destructive so when we get older what else would we want to do lol! but now with everything you've told me i see why u have so much support for us heck just about every man of importance in ur life has or is serving time in the military...which i know has to be hard for u but just know that ur strength and ur kind heartedness give us strength to deal with the distance and hard times that we indure here so the more support the better ;) as in regards to sendin me individual packages u don't have to do that what ur doin already is good enough for me really! so just keep doin what ur doin...lol and on a lighter note yeah its probably a good thing u didn't join with ur soon cause that would have been rough for him in bootcamp lol but it would have mad one heck of a headline in the marine times lol
much love and thanks
-chris
p.s.
i don't know if i told u this in the last e-mail but i'm from Texas also...random i know but i saw u were from there so i guess i figured u'd like to know u were talkin to a fellow Texan!
From: 2nd Lt Lenny Tran
Subject: Care package
Date: October 30, 2008 12:35:59 PM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Jodi,
It was so good to get your package and read your letter. I appreciate the time and effort you spent to get the package here. Life is hard over here sometimes but you’re generosity and care will make it better. I’ll be sure to spread the candy around so that I’m not the only one getting cavities. I’m originally from San Jose, CA, went to school at UC San Diego, and am stationed at 29 Palms. We were recently able to get some pillows and mats, so we’re good on those, but of course, anything you send will be utilized and appreciated. The only thing I would request right now is a small vacuum cleaner powerful enough to suck up fine sand and dust. As you know, it’s really sandy here; the sand is really fine and once you disturb it, it puffs up in the air, lingers, and then settles on whatever it touches. We call it “moon dust” and it gets everywhere. We have plenty of brooms and brushes, but they just spread the moon dust from one place onto another. Anyway, I figure the best way to combat it is to suck it off of our clothes and sheets. So a small, powerful vacuum would all I ask for to make daily life a little better. Other than that, everything is fine. The weather is starting to turn cold so we’ll be switching from our heat prevention gear to our cold protection gear. I hope everything is going well with you. I’m certain that all the Marines who have benefited from your work are most appreciative of all your care and support. Thanks again.
Your Friend,
Lenny
Enjoy the letters, without your support, the boxes wouldn't be going out.
Semper Fi,
Momma Marine,
Jodi
From: Chris Mack
Subject: thank you
Date: October 27, 2008 1:29:20 AM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Dear Mrs. McClellen
my name is christopher mack i am a marine on deployment to iraq with 1 battalion 3rd marines bravo campany and i recevied some of the items u sent us. thank you for the love and support that u show to the troops over here we need more people like u that have good hearts! ;)
Dear Chris,
How wonderful to hear from someone who has received from me. WHAT would you like to have in the next box? I send out boxes EVERY week at least once and when time and supplies allow, more than that. I sent the boxes to SgtMaj Lewallen but from here on out, I will make sure you get your own package.
I mailed boxes to a MARINE Helicopter Pilot in Afghanistan until he got to go home and he called me, "Momma Marine" I love the name! I have decided to keep it. You guys are deep in my heart and if the Corps didn't have that stupid AGE CUT OFF thing, I'd be out there with my "boys". I tried to enlist with our youngest. The Recruiter said, "Well, ma'am, there's an age limit to enlisting." I honestly think Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. Probably a good thing, that age limit, they'd probably have killed me. I have a bad habit of listening to the voices in my head instead of my "body". My head seems to think I can still do anything I put my mind to. My body KNOWS that ain't so, and will let me know to just what extent I have misbelieved by yelling loudly through every muscle and joint in it. So, I'll let the Corps have that one. ANYWAY, this Momma Marine has been given a super name and I will use it proudly by serving YOU and YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS with love.
I have two sons serving right now. In August our middle son was recalled from the inactive ready reserve while trying to re-enlist into the Army Warrant Officer Program. So, now, he is a Vehicle Commander in a Stryker Brigade. He loves it. He will deploy right after the first of the year.
Last Dec our youngest entered the USMC. OORAH! Following Daddy's footsteps.... He is 0811 and when I asked why that instead of, oh how about, AVIONICS? Know what he said? Go ahead, guess.... His reply, my sweet baby, the song in my heart, the holder of my breath, my adorable little boy, my precious son said, "MOM! I GET TO BLOW @#$% UP! " Oh, how proud I must have been of him. A couple of days later, we're sitting at the airport and his biggest brother asks what his MOS is and Andrew tells him and my oldest says, "COOL ! YOU GET TO BLOW @#$% UP!" Chris, it was at that very moment I realized, 0811, it's a GUY THING! Should've realized that early on, my husband, USMC, 0811.... go figure.
Well, puddin' you take care of yourself and let me know what you can use and I'll do my best to get it to you. In the meantime, know that you are very important and in my eyes, thoughts and heart, YOU ARE A CHAMPION, YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND YOU ARE ONE OF MY HEROES.
With lots of prayers and love,
Momma Marine
Jodi
From:Chris Mack
Subject: Re: thank you
Date: October 28, 2008 2:14:38 AM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Dear Momma Marine(lol)
first off i think that is a perfect name for u you i think anyone who shows as much support as u do deserves that title but i think i'll let u hold that title for me if thats ok with u? if yes then good! ;) lol anywho yeah 0811 is definetly a guy thing...i mean think about it when we were young we were destructive so when we get older what else would we want to do lol! but now with everything you've told me i see why u have so much support for us heck just about every man of importance in ur life has or is serving time in the military...which i know has to be hard for u but just know that ur strength and ur kind heartedness give us strength to deal with the distance and hard times that we indure here so the more support the better ;) as in regards to sendin me individual packages u don't have to do that what ur doin already is good enough for me really! so just keep doin what ur doin...lol and on a lighter note yeah its probably a good thing u didn't join with ur soon cause that would have been rough for him in bootcamp lol but it would have mad one heck of a headline in the marine times lol
much love and thanks
-chris
p.s.
i don't know if i told u this in the last e-mail but i'm from Texas also...random i know but i saw u were from there so i guess i figured u'd like to know u were talkin to a fellow Texan!
From: 2nd Lt Lenny Tran
Subject: Care package
Date: October 30, 2008 12:35:59 PM CDT
To: Jodi McClellan
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Jodi,
It was so good to get your package and read your letter. I appreciate the time and effort you spent to get the package here. Life is hard over here sometimes but you’re generosity and care will make it better. I’ll be sure to spread the candy around so that I’m not the only one getting cavities. I’m originally from San Jose, CA, went to school at UC San Diego, and am stationed at 29 Palms. We were recently able to get some pillows and mats, so we’re good on those, but of course, anything you send will be utilized and appreciated. The only thing I would request right now is a small vacuum cleaner powerful enough to suck up fine sand and dust. As you know, it’s really sandy here; the sand is really fine and once you disturb it, it puffs up in the air, lingers, and then settles on whatever it touches. We call it “moon dust” and it gets everywhere. We have plenty of brooms and brushes, but they just spread the moon dust from one place onto another. Anyway, I figure the best way to combat it is to suck it off of our clothes and sheets. So a small, powerful vacuum would all I ask for to make daily life a little better. Other than that, everything is fine. The weather is starting to turn cold so we’ll be switching from our heat prevention gear to our cold protection gear. I hope everything is going well with you. I’m certain that all the Marines who have benefited from your work are most appreciative of all your care and support. Thanks again.
Your Friend,
Lenny