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Letters from Families & Troops | |
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Dear Freeport Flag Ladies: My husband, a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force, was on the phone with me when his photo was taken and he was told it would be posted online. I had written down the Web site but just now attempted to look for his photo. The way you had the photos organized on your Web site led me right to his group. And then I finally saw him, and it made me so happy. Just a simple photo, and I'd seen him just hours before that, really, but it meant the world to me. It also meant a great deal to him that there were people there to greet them as they came through. They were on their way to Afghanistan, which already feels like the forgotten war, but your presence reminded them that some people truly will never forget. I can't even type this e-mail without tears in my eyes -- tears of gratitude. My 4-year-old daughter is taking my husband's absence especially hard, and although it will "only" be four months, it has already seemed like an eternity since that late-night phone call. I can at least hold on to the photograph of it, though, and try to express to you how truly appreciative I am that there are people out there who express their patriotism as you do. My husband is a nurse who is now at the hospital in Bagram. He served in the Navy for 11 years as a hospital corpsman, then left in 1999 to go to nursing school. It really killed him to be a civilian after 9/11, but as soon as he graduated from nursing school, he returned to the military. Too old for the Navy's requirements, he entered the Air Force. This is his first deployment to Afghanistan. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done. It is all so amazing. Sincerely, E.B.
Hello Flag Ladies!! My son was deployed from Fort Hood Texas on October 22 and had the good fortune to receive your warm welcome in the Bangor airport on his way to Iraq. He is a 23 years old and a graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and I promise you he is one of the best of the best. He is an Infantry officer and an Army Ranger. He had a little time before his flight left for Germany so he called to give his mother and me an update. He was so impressed that you all were there and wanted us to know about your organization and what you do. I must say that I consider myself pretty informed but I have never heard of your group before. I find that somewhat strange since our news organizations don't have any problem devoting hours of air time talking about any perverse organization out there, as long as they hate the United States and support our enemies. Enough of that. I digressed and I apologize. I really just want to thank you for what you do and offer to support you financially. But more importantly I want to leave you with the same quotation from one of our Founding Fathers Thomas Paine that concluded my son's last email to his mother and me. " These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the thanks of man and woman." Freeport Flag Ladies, thank you so much for what you do. D & L N: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Dear Ladies, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the love and dedication you have for service members. As my fellow soldiers and I deployed to Iraq, we had no idea that we would be greeted in Maine... especially not expected in the middle of the night! What a pleasant surprise that was! It was wonderful to meet with smiling faces and warm hand shakes. Thank you so much for your service. It is truly appreciated SSG J. M.
Dear Ladies, Thank you so much for your love and dedication to our troops. My husband is finally home from Kosovo and upon his arrival I presented him with a scrapbook of all the pictures he had sent me during his deployment. I am so proud to say that the pictures that were taken of him with you ladies in Maine are the first pictures in his book. He has nothing but praise for the work that you ladies are doing for our troops. The phone call I received from him in Maine was so comforting, it was the last call he was able to make for weeks and it was all possible because of your works. Thank you for everything. Toni
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for what you are doing for our Troops and their families. My son was very recently deployed to Iraq. His name is Ryan and He has a wife and a 10 month old daughter. He is a Marine and We are all so very proud of him. He enlisted at the beginning of the war and ended up doing two years on the silent drill team. When his time was up, he signed up for another four years. I 'am having a difficult time knowing where he is going and I pray for his safety. As a Mother, we want to always protect our children. At a time like this I feel helpless as I yearn to know my son will be safe and I will see him again. The Lord will watch them all and God Bless You All for keeping us connected to our boys. Again, Thank you... Sincerely, Beverly
I just wanted to talk you so much for taking all the pictures. My husband is on his first deployment and took off on Jan. 5. It was so nice to be able to see him in the pictures. Its funny how something so simple can bring so much joy. Our 17 month old son saw the picture and smiled, pointed to it saying DADA so he thanks you too. Thank you for all you do. D. C.
I would like to thank you for all that you do. Your website shows you all have great pride in our country and that you truly care for our military members. I was so excited to hear my husband's voice Friday (1/5/07). I really was not expecting to hear from him for several days. To see his picture on your website brightened my Sunday! Thank you so much for taking the time to show the men and women who fight for our country that they are truly appreciated and for giving the their families one last glimpse of them prior to leaving the United States. THANK YOU! Proud wife of United States Marine A.W.
Once again Thank you for allowing me to brighten the day of our two your boys by being able to search for their daddy on your site!
Hello, I would like to thank you for the effort you have put forth for this web site. My son is in some of your pictures and I would like to have them forwarded if you can. I again thank you for letting me see him before he left and also for the prayers he and the group he is in will receive in the future. Thank you, M.A.
Dear Ladies, Thank you so very much for all you do for our military and their families. My Husband recently left for Iraq on January 5th and I was so excited to get his phone call from Maine. This is our first deployment so I didn't expect to hear from him for at least a week or so and it was such a blessing to hear his voice on the other end of the phone that day, of course I was crying, but it was tears of joy. It is such a blessing to know that their are people such as yourselves that do this amazing thing for our troops. Once again ladies thank you so very much for all that you do and God Bless you all. Sincerely, Marine Wife JM
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, Thank you so much for the bit of cheer you gave to our son and to us (his family) at his departure to Iraq. I was pretty good this time about Tom's leaving and didn't get too emotional until I learned of your caring with the fabulous reception and farewell you gave him at Bangor. You really touched my heart. Tom was pretty impressed and it was so wonderful to hear his happy voice en route to war. Leaving his cell phone at home was like giving up part of his life so you gals certainly gave him a great joy. And the picture is particularly special. How thoughtful of you all. Yes, I would love to have the original picture by email. N.F.
What beautiful words you have written. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. I know my son will be safe because he and our family have a strong faith in our Lord. I pray for him, his family, and all the boys who are in a war zone. I just want them all to come home safely. I've looked at all of the pictures of the guys, Air force, and others and some of them look so very young that it scares me to know where they are. I feel that you three ladies our the Mothers to our boys when we couldn't be there and I will be forever grateful for the picture of my son talking to his wife. You would not believe how excited his wife was to hear from him. What's also strange is that my son was born in Dover Foxcroft Maine. Although we live in CT, I'm so happy he left from home. I'm sure that made him stronger. I know because of the look of peacefulness on his face as he was talking to his wife. Again, I thank you ladies from my heart. With love, Mom in CT.
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, First I would like to say Thank You for the kind warm welcome as we flew into Bangor, Maine on 6 January on our way to fight the war on terror. That was my first time to Maine and I have to say it was great. ... Thank you very much for your hospitality and posting these pictures. Deploying is not the easiest thing to do as we are leaving our family and friends behind but in the long run, it is worth it as we continue to fight for our freedom. For me, seeing these pictures makes me smile and know that in several months from now, we will be returning to US soil and that will, as always, be a time to look forward too. Very Respectfully, TSgt M. E. M. US Air Force
Dear Friends, We just wanted to thank you for your wonderful ministry to our troops. When our daughter called us at 4AM from the airport there in Bangor Maine we were so happy to hear from her but also so pleased to hear about all you kind folks who were there at the airport to greet them. What a blessing that was to the troops but also an extended blessing to the familiy who heard the joy in their soldiers voice as she told us about your kindness and how overwhelmed she was that there were people who cared enough to meet them and see them off to Iraq... even in the middle of the night. Thank you so very much. Thank you once again and may God bless you, may He bless our military and veterans, and may God bless America.
The attached photo was taken a year ago when our son stopped off with his Marine Team and the rest of the planeload of troops enroute to Iraq. He returned last week,on Dec 23, upon completion of his tour and has now rejoined his family in Southern California. A very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year for all of us - family and friends. I just wanted to thank you all for the friendship and support that you provide year-around to our troops and contact you provide for the families at home. Thanks again and a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you all! J.D.
I am an Air Force mom whose son is a Security Forces Defender who is currently deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East.You were with my son when he left Maine and took pictures of him with his second family his fellow Airmen. Thank you so much for all you do for our Military. You ladies really our gems of our country. We hope you all have a safe and joyous holiday season. With much love, An Air Force Mom
I Just wanted to thank you for that beautiful email. It really helped me to get through this Christmas eve and Christmas without my husband here. That is such a beautiful dream and I wished every soldier that is not at home with their family for Christmas would have a chance to read it. Thank you for everything that you all do for our soldiers. it's great to see supporters of our soldiers instead of all the negative news media going on these days. GOD BLESS YOU LaQ. B. (Proud Wife of a 1st Cav. Soldier)
This was a real dream dreamt by Elaine Greene on Christmas Eve 2005
I went to bed on Christmas Eve and when asleep I fell, Santa came to me with something that he wished that I would tell To our soldiers, whether at home or far away. He knows that some of you are in harms way this day
It’s not about the naughty or nice, for you are the Best of the Best And he has heard your wishes in the deepest place in his chest. Though it may seem that your wishes were not granted this Christmas day And that sadness may fill your heart in a very heavy way. He wants you to know that you’ll be granted in your dreams tonight Any wish that fills your heart with the greatest of delight. Be in a red car so fancy or just being home by the Christmas lights.
So dream your dreams dear soldiers and know that I am with you this night Rest peacefully knowing your wish will be granted as you sleep this Christmas night. And then with a Ho, Ho, Ho and a wink and a nod he said I’ll see you again next year. And then as I thought my dream was over, Frosty came to say:
Tell the soldiers in whatever land they might be – at home or far away That he would proudly stand beside them on this or any day Even if it meant to be with them that he would melt away. May they know that in his spirit he is always at their side And the great respect he has for them, he would never try to hide.
And as Frosty seemed to fade away Rudolph came to say That if the night be foggy or should a sand storm get in your way That he would gladly shine his nose to take the darkness away. So please do tell the soldiers that Rudolph’s out here too And more than willing to serve them when light would help them through.
As Rudolph with his nose a blinkin’ started to fly away I turned and saw three men in robes walking towards my way. They said so many years ago we knelt before a child one night And prayed for peace and light. Please tell all of the soldiers who are in harm’s way this night We will kneel in prayer beside them to pray again for that pace and light. We offer them three gifts this night: We offer them the gift of strength to help them fight the fight. We offer them the courage to help them through the night But most of all we offer them the love that we do know Is the greatest gift they can carry to any place they go.
And then as the three men rose up and started to walk away An angel did appear to me so bright it seemed like day. She said tell all our soldiers that we are with them night and day, And for them not to worry we will never go away. As she started to fade in light I heard the soft voice say Please tell them they’ll never be forgotten and in our arms they’ll stay. No matter what fate shall bring them on this or any day.
And then the dream had ended and I woke with a start to find that it was Christmas Day. © Elaine Greene 12/25/2005
That was beautiful. And, I want you to know that this Christmas I have my soldier home by the tree. Last Christmas he was in Iraq. I have always read your poems and they were/are very comforting. We appreciate all you do! Karan & Michael
To Three SPECIAL Ladies, I want to say THANK-YOU for the CD, alone with the package. We enjoyed all the goodies. That was wonderful. Bless all your HEARTS.. Thank you for everything you wonderful ladies are doing for all of us TROOPS.. I haven't forgotten about all of you. Busy here.. I'm sure you hear and read about whats all going on around here.. Just wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS and THANKS again... May God Bless You All.. Thanks Again......... SGT. B, M.
Dear Flag Ladies, My little brother recently passed through the airport on his way to Iraq. He told me that his picture was taken and was going to be on this web site. Ever since then I have been checking to find his photograph. And to my pleasant surprise there are two photos of him. One by himself and one with another one of his fellow service woman. I can't tell you how much my brother means to myself and our family. We just love him so much. By the way he is Private First Class Kasulka. what you do is so special just to provide a simple photograph of someones loved one just before they are sent off to war. It is awesome how something so simple as a photo can mean so much but it dose. It means the world to my family and myself. So what I am trying to say is thank you, thank you for all you do. I have now have the photos for my screen saver on my computer. God bless you ladies and all who help you in your service to our country. Sincerely, C.K.
Good Morning Ladies! Hard to believe Christmas is almost here! I received another box of goodies from you the other day....Thank You! While I am well taken care of I have taken the liberty to pass along your gift to some of our younger soldiers that gather at our area each day for guard duty on the perimeter. They remind me of my own children and I remember only too well how much they can consume. Nice to have a metabolism that can burn it off so easy! Christmas day will mark the 11 month anniversary that we left Maine and only leaves 3 months before we depart. By the time we return home we will be gone from our families for over 14 months. Spring is looking so very good! Again, thank you for all you do for our service members. May you experience a joy-filled Christmas spent with family and friends and may your New Year bring hope of Peace on Earth! With Love and Prayers for Peace, David
Hello to all the wonderful flag ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to announce that our son came home from Afghanistan last week just in time for his son's birth. He thanks you again for the great send off he received in Bangor. I was inspired by your selfless acts of kindness to all the troops and when I heard of a group of women called the Blue Star Mothers, I joined the Florida Chapter. We are all mothers and fathers of servicepeople. We do good deeds for active duty and veterans. While I have been here I have volunteered at the hospital unpacking gifts from the states to the wounded soldiers. Much was send to cheer them up from schools and churches. They are great. and you are truly great role models. Thanks you for all the emails you have sent. The poems are great, Elaine should publish them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as they say it here in Landstuhl ,Germany : Frohe Weihnachten una ein erfolgreiches Neues Jahr!
To Three SPECIAL Ladies, I want to say THANK-YOU for the CD, alone with the package. We enjoyed all the goodies. That was wonderful. Bless all your HEARTS.. Thank you for everything you wonderful ladies are doing for all of us TROOPS.. I haven't forgotten about all of you. Busy here.. I'm sure you hear and read about whats all going on around here.. Just wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS and THANKS again... May God Bless You All.. Thanks Again......... SGT. Begay, M.
Hello there, I just received an email from a good friend of mine, whose husband is in the navy, about what you ladies do. I just want to thank you for what you are doing. My daughter is in the army and my niece is Airforce. I am able to be with my daughter and we are stationed in Italy, but a second deployment is in the future. I know how hard it is for the families to send their loved one off to war. Being as I was "Mom and Nana" for a lot of the families waiting back home, positive things such as what you are doing are so very helpful. These pictures are a very wonderful thing.
Thank you again from a proud Army Mom, C.H.
Thank you again for keeping me on your list so I can read the messages of love you send to our troops. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. Maybe this one will bring a little more peace and if possible, more love for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines so that they can continue to do the job they are assigned. So that we may continue to have our freedom. I am forever grateful to you and I will never forget how much you mean to my son, a veteran of this war. love Debbie Floyd
Good Morning Ladies! I just received a box of candy canes from you and look forward to handing them out to our soldiers. I have printed off a photo from your web-site that I show to our soldiers so they can see the kind of wonderful support we receive from back home. Again, thank you for your generous support. Our troops and I appreciate it! May you have a joy filled Christmas spent with family and friends and may your New Year bring hope for Peace on Earth. With Love and Prayers for Peace, David
On November 16th we received word from our son that he would be landing in Bangor on his way to Kuwait on Saturday November 18th. We live in New Vineyard and it is about a 1 1/2 hour drive. He told me "Mom please don't waste your gas, I may not even be able to get off the plane". I told him "I don't care if you do or not, I will be there". I will wave at every plane and just knowing that you are there somewhere will bring me a smile. On Saturday November 18th we drove to Bangor and could not believe all that was going on. Of course I had heard of the Bangor Troop Greeters, but it had not crossed my mind that anyone else would be there. All of you were so very helpful to us, (and the family of the only other Maine soldier on this flight ) by letting us know that he would indeed get off the plane and that we could see him. My husband and I were amazed at the greeting these soldiers got when they landed. And then you started taking pictures of everyone, it was so amazing, I cant tell you how much it meant to us and to our son that you were there, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I will continue to look for pictures of J, and his flight, as I see they are not on the internet yet.
Again, Thank-You for all that you do!!
Hello! I've just gotten finished looking at your web-site! I want you to know that what you are doing has touched my heart forever! Your dedication to these 1000's of troops coming through is amazing, if not extraordinary! I haven't seen my husband in over 2 months and seeing him in some of these pictures put a smile on my face. I will not see him for the next 9 months and knowing that someone was there to see him off on his journey gave me a lot of comfort. My kids enjoyed seeing Daddy on the computer as well!! God Bless you and all those affiliated with this program!!
Sincerely, L.M.
...is the Heart of America! It's what makes us such a unique country! It's what makes us the place people want to come to from all around the world. I've been supporting our troops since the war began and have met so many fine young men and women, as well as their girlfriends, wives and mothers. My very first penpal just left for Iraq for his third tour, and his new bride sent me the link to your site, because her husband just passed through Bangor on his way back to "The Sandbox." I had heard about your group, but had never seen all that you do. Simply AMAZING doesn't begin to describe it! The patriotism you show, the pride you feel for your country and its military, and the love the exudes from your faces just say it all! May God continue to bless you, and may He continue to watch over our country and its servicemen and women. Karen (who wishes she could join you ... but I'm way down in Florida!)
To Three SPECIAL Ladies, I want to say THANK-YOU for the CD, alone with the package. We enjoyed all the goodies. That was wonderful. Bless all your HEARTS.. Thank you for everything you wonderful ladies are doing for all of us TROOPS.. I haven't forgotten about all of you. Busy here.. I'm sure you hear and read about whats all going on around here.. Just wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS and THANKS again... May God Bless You All.. Thanks Again......... SGT. B, M.
Dear Flag Ladies, My little brother recently passed through the airport on his way to Iraq. He told me that his picture was taken and was going to be on this web site. Ever since then I have been checking to find his photograph. And to my pleasant surprise there are two photos of him. One by himself and one with another one of his fellow service woman. I can't tell you how much my brother means to myself and our family. We just love him so much. ... what you do is so special just to provide a simple photograph of someones loved one just before they are sent off to war. It is awesome how something so simple as a photo can mean so much but it dose. It means the world to my family and myself. So what I am trying to say is thank you, thank you for all you do. I have now have the photos for my screen saver on my computer. God bless you ladies and all who help you in your service to our country. Sincerely, C.K.
Good Morning Ladies! Hard to believe Christmas is almost here! I received another box of goodies from you the other day....Thank You! While I am well taken care of I have taken the liberty to pass along your gift to some of our younger soldiers that gather at our area each day for guard duty on the perimeter. They remind me of my own children and I remember only too well how much they can consume. Nice to have a metabolism that can burn it off so easy! Christmas day will mark the 11 month anniversary that we left Maine and only leaves 3 months before we depart. By the time we return home we will be gone from our families for over 14 months. Spring is looking so very good! Again, thank you for all you do for our service members. May you experience a joy-filled Christmas spent with family and friends and may your New Year bring hope of Peace on Earth! With Love and Prayers for Peace, David
Hello to all the wonderful flag ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to announce that our son came home from Afghanistan last week just in time for his son's birth. He thanks you again for the great send off he received in Bangor. I was inspired by your selfless acts of kindness to all the troops and when I heard of a group of women called the Blue Star Mothers, I joined the Florida Chapter. We are all mothers and fathers of servicepeople. We do good deeds for active duty and veterans. While I have been here I have volunteered at the hospital unpacking gifts from the states to the wounded soldiers. Much was send to cheer them up from schools and churches. They are great. and you are truly great role models. Thanks you for all the emails you have sent. The poems are great, Elaine should publish them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as they say it here in Landstuhl ,Germany : Frohe Weihnachten una ein erfolgreiches Neues Jahr!
To Three SPECIAL Ladies, I want to say THANK-YOU for the CD, alone with the package. We enjoyed all the goodies. That was wonderful. Bless all your HEARTS.. Thank you for everything you wonderful ladies are doing for all of us TROOPS.. I haven't forgotten about all of you. Busy here.. I'm sure you hear and read about whats all going on around here.. Just wanted to say HAPPY HOLIDAYS and THANKS again... May God Bless You All.. Thanks Again......... SGT. Begay, M.
Hello there, I just received an email from a good friend of mine, whose husband is in the navy, about what you ladies do. I just want to thank you for what you are doing. My daughter is in the army and my niece is Airforce. I am able to be with my daughter and we are stationed in Italy, but a second deployment is in the future. I know how hard it is for the families to send their loved one off to war. Being as I was "Mom and Nana" for a lot of the families waiting back home, positive things such as what you are doing are so very helpful. These pictures are a very wonderful thing. Thank you again from a proud Army Mom, C.H.
Thank you again for keeping me on your list so I can read the messages of love you send to our troops. I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. Maybe this one will bring a little more peace and if possible, more love for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines so that they can continue to do the job they are assigned. So that we may continue to have our freedom. I am forever grateful to you and I will never forget how much you mean to my son, a veteran of this war. love Debbie Floyd
Good Morning Ladies! I just received a box of candy canes from you and look forward to handing them out to our soldiers. I have printed off a photo from your web-site that I show to our soldiers so they can see the kind of wonderful support we receive from back home. Again, thank you for your generous support. Our troops and I appreciate it! May you have a joy filled Christmas spent with family and friends and may your New Year bring hope for Peace on Earth. With Love and Prayers for Peace, David
On November 16th we received word from our son that he would be landing in Bangor on his way to Kuwait on Saturday November 18th. We live in New Vineyard and it is about a 1 1/2 hour drive. He told me "Mom please don't waste your gas, I may not even be able to get off the plane". I told him "I don't care if you do or not, I will be there". I will wave at every plane and just knowing that you are there somewhere will bring me a smile. On Saturday November 18th we drove to Bangor and could not believe all that was going on. Of course I had heard of the Bangor Troop Greeters, but it had not crossed my mind that anyone else would be there. All of you were so very helpful to us, (and the family of the only other Maine soldier on this flight ) by letting us know that he would indeed get off the plane and that we could see him. My husband and I were amazed at the greeting these soldiers got when they landed. And then you started taking pictures of everyone, it was so amazing, I cant tell you how much it meant to us and to our son that you were there, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I will continue to look for pictures of J, and his flight, as I see they are not on the internet yet. Again, Thank-You for all that you do!!
Hello! I've just gotten finished looking at your web-site! I want you to know that what you are doing has touched my heart forever! Your dedication to these 1000's of troops coming through is amazing, if not extraordinary! I haven't seen my husband in over 2 months and seeing him in some of these pictures put a smile on my face. I will not see him for the next 9 months and knowing that someone was there to see him off on his journey gave me a lot of comfort. My kids enjoyed seeing Daddy on the computer as well!! God Bless you and all those affiliated with this program!! Sincerely, L.M.
Ladies! I just received your box today with the cute patriotic flip-flops, the boxer shorts and the little net Christmas stockings- thank you so much! I put the flip-flops in the Return to Duty area (this is for soldiers who are not sick enough to be in the hospital anymore, but are not well enough to go back to their units and work yet) and they were a hit! The boxers went to the inpatient ward, and I passed out the stockings to some combat infantry soldiers who had brought in an injured Iraqi gentleman...they all said "Thanks...Hoooah!" Thank you or thinking of all of us at this time of year- I am sure you are all busy trying to get ready for the Holidays back home. God Bless, M.
Thank you for your Tues reminders and the diligence that you continue with to remind all of us of our soldiers...I am sure that you do not receive enough recognition for all that you do but know that the parents of the soldiers thank you for all that you do and have done...our son was recently home on R&R and it was so good to reach out and touch him and receive the hugs so missed over the past year...it was hard to let him go back but he believes in what he and his fellow soldiers are doing over there...he did mention you while he was home and I thought that you would like to know that the soldiers have not forgotten what you did for them...God bless you all...have a wonderful Christmas season...Thank you, B. P. (Minnesota National Guard)
I just want to say Thank you ladies. My sister Kathy in Ohio sent some pictures you put on your web site and my nephew just happened to be in a couple. David is headed back over Iraq for the second time and all our prayers go with him and his fellow soldiers. What you ladies do will be well remembered for the past present and future--Keep up your spirit and again thank you for letting us all in to a place where we all can't be. Jo
Flag Ladies, and everyone else who supports, First I would like to say THANK YOU for ALL that you do. My husband and his Battalion went through Maine on the 27th of this month. I was told of the website, and everyday was checking to see if it has been updated. This morning I woke up to snow on the ground here in Ok., and to my husbands pictures on your site. I couldn't help but cry happy tears to see him, and all of his men. Thank you so much for letting us, the families, see our loved ones one last time on American soil. The next pictures we shall see of them will be when they are in theater. I once had a friend who helped with the Flag Ladies, and when Rob came home from Iraq, I was hoping he would go in Maine, but didn't. I was so happy to hear that you are all still seeing our men and women off and welcomeing them home. I noticed that earlier this month a group of AF Security Forces member came through. Funny how it is, I was stationed with a few myself when I was in the AF!! H.P.
Dear Ladies, ,,,. This morning at 5 AM central time my husbands unit deployed to Afghanistan- 2-18 FA. Their first stop was in Maine where my husband was met by you with smiles and warmth. I just wanted to thank you so very much for letting him use your cell phones to call us. We have four children, and while this isn't his first deployment, it's still very hard on the kids. To be able hear his voice and know he was okay meant the world to all of us. Our youngest son is 6 and had been up since 3:30 AM to make the Deployment Ceremony. He hadn't slept at all since then but after hearing Dad's voice was able to lay down and rest knowing Dad was okay. My husband told me your website and said his photo would be up there. I'm VERY VERY excited to see it. Even though I just saw him this morning, it feels like much longer. Thank you for making them feel so welcome and thank you for everything else. With Love, J.M. Ft. Sill, OK- U.S. Army Wife
I would again like to say "Thank you" for all you do for the service men and women in this country. Not only do you provide support when their families are not able to be there, but you give them a friendly face to remember on the long days and nights while serving our country. You also show them the pride this country holds in their hearts for the sacrifices hat they are making. Sending my son to Iraq was the most difficult thing that I have had to do as a mother, but am thankful that he had a smiling face at the airport. You are in my prayers every day. God Bless you and all you do for everyone! Hope you and your families have a blessed Christmas! Thank you again. C.F.
Regardless of their political beliefs there is not enough support for our men and women in uniform. It is my sons second time in Iraq and I did not get the chance to see him before he left this time. I was told about your web site before he left and I immediately started checking it out and looking. When I saw his picture the emotions were crazy. Yes, I am a bit prejudice but he is such a good looking man and I am so proud of who he is. Thank you for your web site the time you spend doing it and mostly for being there for my son and all the others coming through. Kathy Ohio
Hi Ladies, ... yesterday my husband was deployed to Afghanistan. He was out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the Delta 218 FA. He took a plane here in Lawton to Maine. He called me from the Maine airport and told me your website and also that you got a pictures of him. I was wondering when you were putting the new pics onto your website....I was hoping I could get the picture from you, but I will wait until you place it on the website. I also wanted to say thank you from creating a great website for the soldiers and there families and all the wonderful work you do everyday. I like to see how committed you are the our soldiers and there well being. Thank you again and have a great day!!!!!! Sincerely, T.J.
Good Morning Ladies! I just received a box of candy canes from you and look forward to handing them out to our soldiers. I have printed off a photo from your web-site that I show to our soldiers so they can see the kind of wonderful support we receive from back home. Again, thank you for your generous support. Our troops and I appreciate it! May you have a joy filled Christmas spent with family and friends and may your New Year bring hope for Peace on Earth. With Love and Prayers for Peace, David
On November 16th we received word from our son that he would be landing in Bangor on his way to Kuwait on Saturday November 18th. We live in New Vineyard and it is about a 1 1/2 hour drive. He told me "Mom please don't waste your gas, I may not even be able to get off the plane". I told him "I don't care if you do or not, I will be there". I will wave at every plane and just knowing that you are there somewhere will bring me a smile. On Saturday November 18th we drove to Bangor and could not believe all that was going on. Of course I had heard of the Bangor Troop Greeters, but it had not crossed my mind that anyone else would be there. All of you were so very helpful to us, (and the family of the only other Maine soldier on this flight ) by letting us know that he would indeed get off the plane and that we could see him. My husband and I were amazed at the greeting these soldiers got when they landed. And then you started taking pictures of everyone, it was so amazing, I cant tell you how much it meant to us and to our son that you were there, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I will continue to look for pictures of J, and his flight, as I see they are not on the internet yet. Again, Thank-You for all that you do!!
Hello! I’ve just gotten finished looking at your web-site! I want you to know that what you are doing has touched my heart forever! Your dedication to these 1000’s of troops coming through is amazing, if not extraordinary! I haven’t seen my husband in over 2 months and seeing him in some of these pictures put a smile on my face. I will not see him for the next 9 months and knowing that someone was there to see him off on his journey gave me a lot of comfort. My kids enjoyed seeing Daddy on the computer as well!! God Bless you and all those affiliated with this program!! Sincerely, L.M.
Elaine, Joann, and the rest of the wonderful Flag Ladies, Thank you so much- I received your 2 boxes in the mail yesterday. The flip flops are always needed...and the guys like the idea of having the "beer slogan" slippers to wear around the hospital. The boxers and socks were great too! We were running low on size LG boxers...so yours came just in time! I put the cards you enclosed up on our "Morale Board"- it is in the front entry of the hospital so everyone can enjoy the nice notes and thoughts that you send our way. Have I sent you any pictures yet? I have a few I would be happy to share of the staff and patients and our area here. You all are like Angels- thank you again and God Bless! Michelle | |
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