The Military and Family Support Group would like to thank the community for all the support they have shown the military over the holidays and throughout the year. The number of soldiers supported was larger in comparison to that of years past as were the number of requests for military Christmas boxes to be sent to the troops; however somehow, the community’s donations and the Military and Family Support Group’s volunteers were able to meet the needs again this year, according to Joyce Leidig of the Military and Family Support Group.
“We want to share thank yous we have received for the Community Christmas Boxes our community send to our Military,” said Leidig. “This year we supported 264 which is more than in years past. We also mailed 145 which is a lot more than in years past.”
Leidig explained that one special project during the year was at the Pearl Griffin Memorial Latch Key program where children handmade cards for the troops which were placed in the Christmas boxes. These cards were stamped with the Latch Key address on the bottom of the back of the card in case Military personnel wanted to send a thank you with this general address they could without giving out personal information about the children, said Leidig.
“One child received a personal thank you from SPC Jherica Moore, 111th ENG BN, Texas Army National Guard.
“The child who received it was so excited,” Leidig said. “Our Military appreciate the support from the community and we just wanted to let you know the hard work is appreciated by the Military and their families.”
Leidig stated that many families and Military have told the Military and Family Support group that they feel the Brownwood area community is unique in the way we support our Military. Volunteers with the support group wanted to thank everyone who has helped.
Below are some of the thank you messages for our community:
To all the wonderful people involved, thank you for your care packages and support. My fellow “Battle Buddies” and I share the contents of these packages, so many Soldiers are touched by your acts of compassion. We greatly appreciate the time and thoughts put into the care packages you send. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and words of encouragement. I’m honored to serve my country for people like you. God bless each and every one of you!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Afghanistan
SPC Leslie Goben, Army Combat Medic, HHC, 111th EN BN, TXARNG
When the box arrives, Rodger brings it home and goes through it, picks out the things he enjoys.
We read the Christmas cards and all the notes from the kids, they have more meaning to me than him as I am the one from Brownwood and I recognize some of the names. Never the less, we do like reading all that is written and he likes knowing the deployed military are not forgotten.
He takes the remainder of the box, which last year was not much, into work to share with the rest of the soldiers. He is the only American here who receives a box like this from our hometown. The other solders appreciated him sharing what little is left. Nothing here goes to waste.
In January Rodger deploys to Afghanistan for 6 1/2 months, most of the NATO base will also be deploying (all countries). Between now and then he will be busy preparing for this deployment, so I wanted to thank you ahead of time for the box my mom just mailed to him from your organization. (I think you know my parents, Charles and Jo Ann Snow). What you do is for our guys and gals in uniform is greatly appreciated. You touch many lives with your kindness and thoughtfulness.
I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas,
Teresa Ruiz & Major Rodger Ruiz too
I was happy to receive the card package sent. I want to say how impressed I was at the fact all Soldiers are receiving one. I’m also very grateful – it warms my heart.
God Bless, Major Paul Cerniauskas, HHC, 111th EN BN, TXARNG, Afghanistan
Thank you for the Christmas wish! It was very sweet and made me smile. We all are thankful for what ya’ll do for us. It means a lot that you take time out of your day to do it.
SPC Jherica Moore, HHC, 111th EN, BN, TXANG
Thank you so much for the care packages to our troops. I took some items and shared the rest with our Soldiers. We have a Chaplain’s section with shelves with snacks and hygiene items so they stop by to grab whatever they need or like to have. Thanks again for your support here in Afghanistan.
Chaplain Assistant, Maria Moy, HHC, 111th EN BN, TXARNG, Afghanistan
I just returned from a 13 day trip visiting our Tennessee soldiers over Thanksgiving (the weather turned a four day trip into a 13 day stay/trip). Anyway, I came back to your two boxes for me – one which contained the cards. Thank you for your daily prayers. We’re getting lots of goodies for the Christmas season. We’re doing our best to distribute them widely.
Peace, Chaplain (CPT) Ganther, 111th EN BN TXARNG, Afghanistan
Just wanted to send you a quick note to say thanks. Care packages are starting to arrive for our Soldiers. They are all great, Soldiers love them. I know many people worked hard to put them together. Please inform all that helped, spent money or time that their thoughts and kind words mean a lot to us. Best Holiday Wishes,
CPT Calton, 111th EN BN TXARNG, Afghanistan
Thank you very much for all the goodies sent to us! They arrived here right after Thanksgiving and brightened this time for us. We appreciate the continued support.
LT Justin Faughn, 111th EN BN, TXARNG, Afghanistan
These messages are only a few of what the Military and Family Support Group received.
Leidig and the support group also want to thank everyone who attended the Candlelight Service to pray for our military.
“It was so cold but as we told those who attended our Military stand out in far worse for longer periods of time to protect the freedoms we enjoy,” said Leidig. “Please remember to keep our Military and their families in your prayers.”
Click here to view the community greetings to the military.
