The thank you notes we receive from the troops themselves bring a tear to my eye every time. They express depression over the holidays, for some it is their first time away from home. Morale tends to be low over the holidays that causes distraction from their job and can put them in danger. For some, our stocking is the only Christmas present they receive. Here are just a couple notes of thanks for those serving in harm’s way:
I would like to thank Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines for all of their love, support, and concern over the past several months. As our time here passes, all of us miss home and the ones we love that much more. Add to this the holiday season which is a time that many of us see our families and friends more frequently, and feelings of loneliness and homesickness become even more prevalent. The cards, letters, and presents sent by all of you worked wonders to help raise the spirits of all of us that are here in Iraq.
We are very fortunate to have so many people that care enough to take the time and effort to think of us while we are out here. All of the Marines were surprised when they received stockings and that we also had a Christmas tree to enjoy.
It is incredible how much support we receive from back home. We are truly grateful for your support not only during the holidays but throughout the year. It’s amazing how the little things always go a long way. It is organizations and people like you that remind us why we do what we do.
We recently received some stockings that you put together for us over Christmas. Thank you for your support during this holiday season. We appreciate all the goodies and warm thoughts you sent our way. It means everything to us to know that we are on your minds and hearts back home.
Lord, show me how I might encourage someone else today.
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” (Proverbs 25:25)
December 22
MAKING SACRIFICES WORTHWHILE
Notes like the ones below prove our Operation Santa efforts worthwhile:
On behalf of my Marines and Sailors, I would like to take the time to thank you and everyone else responsible for the wonderful stockings. We truly appreciate this noble gesture because we can see that somebody took some of their personal time to make the stockings to include filling them. My men and women noticed this and were deeply touched by the kindness and generosity displayed. Gestures like these truly make everything we do worthwhile because it tells us that America cares about their men and women who are out here serving their country. Being away from our loved ones during the holidays is difficult, but we knew and understood the sacrifices we would be making when we signed on the dotted line. It truly is an honor and pleasure to serve our country. Once again, please thank every person who contributed to the wonderful stockings on behalf of the RED DRAGONS. We would also like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and may God bless you all as well.
Men and Women of the Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines,
I received several boxes of stocking from your organization over the past couple weeks. Tonight I passed them out to my company. Needless to say, they were very well received. A small token from home goes a long way. For many of my Paratroopers, this will be their first Christmas away from home. For other Soldiers, like myself, it is yet another Christmas away from home (four years in a row I have spent Christmas in a new country!). For all of us, the stockings are a token demonstrating that there are great Americans back home who support us and make our daily sacrifices worthwhile…
Please continue the prayers as well, each one certainly makes a difference.
It has been said “a child shall lead them…” and if it weren’t for my sons’ enlistment, this journey, although incredibly painful at times, would have never taken place. I have a depth that only comes through pain and sacrifice. My babies have become my heroes, and I cannot do enough for those who serve to defend the United States of America the greatest country in the world!
Father, show me where I can be making a difference in someone else’s life.
“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
December 23
CHRISTMAS PEACE
I have not been back to Southwest Asia since I left in 2003. I have, however, spent many additional months on the road since then. During these times there is always this one constant in my mind: my wife and children who I miss, but God is always there to help me through the pain of longing for my family. They are my compass.
In December 2005 I was two and a half months into a four-month deployment to the Philippines in support of the Global War on Terror. It was Christmas night. Like most Americans, attending a Christmas Eve service has always been a central part of my Christmas celebration, whether at home or abroad. But this was the first time I didn’t attend. I couldn’t get myself into the Christmas spirit. As a matter of fact, I was quite bitter about the military, my surroundings, and life in general. Once self-pity sets in, it’s easy to let it build and believe that you’re the most pathetic person on earth. These beliefs aren’t true, however once again God was there to bring me out of my misery.
I had taped a picture of my daughters in their Christmas dresses next to my cot. While I had been praying to God each day, they were often empty prayers. However, after talking with my wife on a satellite phone I went to
