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Letters from Families & Troops | |
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Hi Guess What! D. is in Germany!!! They are dropping some soldiers who are stationed there off and then they will be coming to Iowa. There are 2 ceremonies, one in Des Moines and one in Le Mars, D. will be with the LeMars one as he lives in Sioux City. This is the best day ever besides him being on American soil! As you know I am a Canadian mom to an American soldier. I can't make the homecoming but as soon as he gets settled he'll come to Toronto and, well, I may never stop hugging him. Right now he'll rest up, he lives with his dad, so have time with him, and finish up any army stuff and he'll be on his way here. Maybe by November. I thank God for this. Their unit was always classified and were engaged in a lot of direct action combat. Some were sent home wounded and one was KIA, so it will be bittersweet for them for a time as they adjust to being back home. Thank you, thank you for all you do for our soldiers, our sons and daughters, husbands and wives. My family and I will always be grateful to you. Love D. F., Proud Army Medic Mom of D., not in Iraq HOOAH
Please let the ladies know that the Marines from Dayton C Company (Ohio) ---an MP Reserve unit ---who came through Bangor in March on their way to Iraq, are HOME!! They arrived in Dayton last Saturday night from 29 Palms, CA in two groups. One in the afternoon and our son arrived late in the evening about 10:30 PM. They came straight from Germany to CA this time, up and over northern Canada. All arrived home safe and sound! Only one had to come home early, having jumped off a truck and breaking his ankle to bits. This is the third time that this unit has been deployed to Iraq and all came home, the last two times (and I think all came home safe all three times.) God has been so good to this unit. I thank you again for your picture that you took of my son---I have it saved on my computer and my mom put it on her table and prayed daily for them. What you are doing is worth every second of it! God bless all of you! B.E.
Hello My Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, First, I ask God to Bless Every single one of you ladies and gentlemen and all involved in helping our troops going through Bangor, Maine. Tell me how's Elaine faring these days? Is she up and "at'em?" You're all in my prayers and I hope and pray Elaine is better these days. In fact, I hope you're all in good health. You're all such a blessing to our troops going to the Mideast, as well as a blessing to the families. Heaven is waiting for all of you, every last one of you who has helped in one way or another, serving the troops all hours of the day and night, being there to hug them, handing out cell phones, taking pictures, sending photos over the website for the families and soldiers, feeding them and most important of all - making them feel loved and worth while for the job they are doing. You have touched so many souls, so many hearts, with the LOVE you share with all of us in the job you are doing for these kids - seeing them off to Iraq and Afghanistan. I love you for what you do for them, thank you with all my heart! If I ever make it back to Maine (I lived in Robbingston, Maine as a child), I am going to be sure to make a stop in Freeport to meet all of you and give you a big hug. ... For now I live in Bradenton, Florida, but dream of the time I can live in Maine again and smell the soft brown earth of spring; smell the freshly cut grass of summer; participate in the special 4th of July celebrations in Maine with the parades, watermelon and summer picnics; feel the crisp, cool breeze of autumn; bite into a crisp cold apple; feel an icey cold snowflake on my face, see the beautiful frosty ice designs on the window panes in the morning, and feel my cold red nose in the winter, letting me know how lucky I am to be alive. But - when I get to Maine, I'm coming to see all of you and shake your hands, and give you all a hug. God Bless you for all that you do for our troops, and once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. C.A.
That sounds great! Thank you so much Ladies for being so accommodating! All the families that I support would Love to have a CD with the boys' on it. We try to take good care of our soldiers and their families. As a veteran spouse I completely understand the significance of any picture the wives might get of their husbands. And they enjoy seeing their co-workers as well since we are such a tight knit group. Thank you so much for doing this for our FRG this will bring a lot of smiles to many faces. A.K.
My dear Freeport Flag Ladies, Dear Elaine Since 1 1/2 years now I wait for your weekly message from the hill. The first time I have heard about you, was as a friend of mine sent me a link to your web page in April 2005 and said you took pictures from him at the airport. He is back since a couple of months from his deployment but he will heading back to Afghanistan at the begin of next year. The knowledge that you are praying for each single one out there and your loving care made the last deployment a lot of easier for "my" soldier and for me. I am sending you the picture from him that you took and the one that I could take from him as we celebrated his safe return. With warm greetings from Germany always your friend
I would like to start off by saying that what you do is great. I know it really makes a lot of the soldiers smile to know that there are people out there who truly appreciate what they do. I was on the phone with my husband when he came through the airport and I can tell you that it made his day that much better. He's in a few of your pictures and I would love it if you could send them to me. Thank you so very much for what you do. Sincerely, T. H.
Hello Freeport Flag Ladies, Thank you so much for what you do for our troops! My husband told me about the website and I immediately went to it and eagerly searched for a photo of him. I can't tell you how much it means to see this photo of him. We were all so caught up in making sure he had everything he needed to deploy and that things were taken care of on the home front that I didn't realize till he left that we had forgotten to take any last minute photos so this is very special. When my 2 year-old son saw Daddy's photo he was so excited. I will be doing so much with this photo, screensaver, picture for my son's room, etc. Thank you ladies and God Bless! J. P.
You ladies are a god send! we were unable to see our son before he left for his second tour of Iraq, and god bless you, there he is in pictures on your web sight!!! i cannot tell you how wonderful it was to pull up his picture. thank you all for your kindness. may god bless you all. with grateful thanks, J.H.
Hello Ladies, I'm writing to say Thank You for doing what you do! As a mom who worries about her son, even though he's an adult, I was so appreciative to hear when he got to Maine, you ladies were there to greet them! I already miss him terribly and any picture I can see of him helps greatly and what a wonderful surprise when my daughter in law called to tell me about your web site!! I think what you do is awesome!!!! My son by the way is PFC J.P, he's very loved and his family is very proud of him! Again thank you for all you do for the troops. I know some of those guys are a little scared being deployed for the first time and what a nice experience you give them on there way. Sincerely, C.S.
Thank you so much!!! Although my son did not deploy, this time, he has served three deployments since 9/11. It's just heartbreaking to watch them leave and have almost no contact what so ever with them for what seems like a lifetime. I know you all have made a lot of Moms and wives very, very happy. You all did such a great job of getting, what seems like, EVERY SINGLE SOLDIER that landed. I recognized a couple. Great pictures. Let me tell you as a "deployed" Mother, there is nothing more meaningful than seeing your soldiers precious face!!! Thank you all for what you do. I wish I had something like this when my son deployed, especially since I could never afford to fly out to see him off or see him return. Thank you, thank you, thank you! J.V. Proud Army Mom-
Hello Freeport Flag Ladies, I just wanted to thank you for all that you do. I heard about you all from a friend and looked at your website. My husband went through there last week. Unfortunately I was not able to find him, but I'm sure many families get to see their loved one in these valuable pictures. THANK YOU for your support...I really appreciate that as a military wife. Take care and thanks again. K.A.
Thank you so much for everything you did for our soldier when they landed in Maine on October 10, 2006! I can't tell you how much it meant to hear from my husband the next morning in Maine after I had to say goodbye to him the night before. These deployments are really hard on us wives, especially because we just had a baby a few months ago. There aren't enough words to express how much it means to me and how much we all appreciate what ya’ll do for our soldiers. God Bless!! Thanks again, N. P.
Good morning. I was wondering if you could please send me the originals of a few pictures. … Thank you very much. I want to send these home and have them printed out so I never forget how wonderful you guys were. I had goose bumps in Maine! You may appreciate us for protecting the country, but I appreciate you for making us feel good about what we are doing. Many of us wonder if we are doing the right thing, and being there in Maine with a warm welcome and not even been to war yet, makes you feel like you are ready for anything. Thank you again. I just want you to know that things are fine here. A little hot, but we try to survive in the shade when we can. By the time we come home I am sure we will have a nice tan and be a little water logged! Take care and look forward to seeing you when we come back. I hope we stop in Bangor anyways! Take care, and see you soon. SrA Y. K. AGE Journeyman 407th EOSS
To the Wonderful Flag Ladies, Your Website is Wonderful. I really miss my husband and seeing his picture on your website was a very welcome surprise. I wish I could be there to help wish your efforts. This is such a worth wild and worthy cause and something I would love to be apart of. If there is anything I can do to help, From here in Michigan, Please let me know. My Husband was on the flights on September 11th that passed through Maine. And while I was talking to him on the phone he sounded great. And I believe that it had a lot to do with you all there. Thank you for taking care of our guys when they leave and return while we as Wives, Daughters and Mothers cannot be there. Thank you very, very much. … Thank you again for Supporting our troops while they are away from loved ones. We are all Blessed to have you there to Support our Loved ones. I will pray for you every night when I pray for our troops. That you may keep up the good work until the day when your Work will be done. May God bless and keep you all. Sincerely, T. R.
Elaine & JoAnn, Thank you so very, very much for the photos of my husband. I cannot tell you how nice it is to see his smile. You are right, the last time we saw each other, I was sad and the goodbye seemed but a second. Seeing these photos of Mike smiling is reassuring. We miss him dearly but know he will return at the end of his tour just like the end of his last tour. The work you do touches our hearts. It's almost as if I was able to say goodbye again through the work that you do. In the coming months I will look at these photos again and again to reconnect with Mike. Thank you. S.R.
Thank you so much. You ladies sacrifice so much of each of your day to support complete strangers, and vicariously, to support the families of complete strangers. The initial leaving is the most difficult time for us as families, as we lose the cell-phone contact, mostly daily e-mails, and other connections we enjoyed with our soldiers during their training in the states. The ability to have one more photo, one more glimpse of them before they leave is the most incredible gift you could possibly give any one of us. Thank you so much for all of us, and thank you especially for me. Your photographs of my husband and his fellow soldiers are now proudly displayed on my laptop and have been e-mailed to family and friends. Thank you for just a little bit more, when we are all facing a long year of a whole lot less. K. C.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you are able to wave him off when he heads back home to me and our daughter! Again thank you for all of your support, us spouses find comfort in knowing there are people like you who not only are behind the troops but supportive of the their loved ones who are left behind. Thank you and God Bless! Proud Air Force Wife, Mrs. P.
Hello, I am a moderator on a forum for wives, fiances, and girlfriends of military men. A link to your site was posted today by one of our members. Your photos brought tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart. The love of my life is in Iraq for the second time right now. He has been gone for seven months and should return home very shortly. They do travel through Maine so I am sure you will cross paths! I just wanted to say how amazing I think you all are. I know our troops appreciate the warm welcome home! C.C.
Dearest Freeport Flag Ladies, Just a quick note to thank you for the great chocolates. The staff as well as the patients in the ICU here at Landstuhl enjoyed them immensely. The remainder went to the triage component of our hospital which is responsible for the original triage, and treatment of the patients coming in from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of the soldiers are injured, but not badly enough to keep them from eating a little chocolate! So, it's always a treat for them. Mostly, I thank you for your continued prayers, and support of us all, that we may continue our mission, whatever it may be. God Bless You! Love, CPT M.L.
Hi, - Please give my thanks to anyone who met the Marines from 1/24 this past Saturday/Sunday middle of the night as they flew from California on their way to Iraq. My son, L Cpl Stephen Webber, was one of them (1/24 Charlie Co). This was his second deployment --- was there in 2004 also. He was so grateful to you the first time, and was happy to hear he'd be going through Bangor, Maine this time as well. I spoke to him while he was there and he just thinks what you are doing is terrific. I do, too, because, of course, anyone who is good to my boy and takes such loving care of our Marines deploying is terrific in my book! Thanks so much for all that you do. It is truly a labor of love! I look forward to the photos, and was glad to see the website. Can I send a contribution to you at the address posted on the web site? I didn't see anything about that on your site, and I'd like to help you with your sacred mission. Semper Fi B. S. Proud Marine Mom
I just had to take a moment and thank you for supporting me, ok us :) I just got off patrols in Iraq and got this poem. It made my day. I sent it out to all my friends. Anyway thanks so much. God Bless you, E.M.
Greetings Flag Ladies! My son has just been recently deployed to Iraq and he called the other night and said to go to your web site and there would be a picture that I would really like and I do! I had never heard of your website or work until then but I think you ladies (and gentlemen if there are any) are doing a awesome job! The picture of my son is really good and its the first time that I have seen his face in over 2 months, so thank you so much for the work that you do. Not only for the service members who must love having friendly and appreciative faces there but also for the family members who can't be there and would love to see them again!!! Bless you!! Thank you again for your work and your efforts, I know for one Marine mom you have more than made my day. D.B.
Hi Ladies, Just want you to know that my son, Matt, came back the the USA from Iraq this weekend. You took pictures of him when he was on his way out. Thank you so very much for all that you do for our sons and daugthers. This mom really appreciates you. And ladies, please know you continue in my prayers. God's blessings, P.P.
Thank you, thank you so much for seeing our son off. Our son /brother left for Iraq Monday with the 1/24 Marine Battalion. We are from Michigan and could not be there and was probably better that we were not. I know it helps them to see that people are thinking of them and appreciate what they will go through. Thanks again, M. F..a proud father of a Marine
I just received an e-mail telling me to check out your website. I knew that my son, a Sgt in the US Marines, traveled through Bangor Maine on his way to Iraq this past week-end and was impressed with the way he was treated. This is his second deployment to Iraq. He called me when he was at this airport to check in with me. I felt so bad that I couldn't be with him right before he had to leave, but after seeing his smiling face in your pictures I'm so happy to know that you were taking care of him for me! Words cannot express how much those pictures mean to me. You can believe that I will pull them up and look at them frequently during the next 7 months. Thanks so much!!! God bless you all! D.
You are so right the last time I saw my son Tom, I was busy trying to fight off tears. Of course the topper was seeing my son say goodbye to his Dad and they were both crying. It is so good seeing a picture of him on!!! My son sent us an e-mail when he got to Kuwait and I thought you would be interested to know what he had to say about Maine….. We Got to Kuwait early this morning. Just another Country on the list. The way here we made a stop in Bangor, Maine to re-fuel. As we came through there was a line of official troop greeters shaking our hands at about 3 AM, it was really cool. There were about 10-15 of them and there was a lady taking pictures, it made us all feel really good. Maine is an interesting place I was there for about 3 hours and really liked it. The café in the terminal sold live Lobster. We went outside to get a breath of fresh air and it was a mixture of the smell of the ocean and pine. I wish I could bottle it. Thank you again for all that you do, for your thoughtfulness and prayers. As a mother this is one of the hardest things that I have every been through and knowing that there are people like you make it a little easier. My god bless you all. T. G.
Thank you so much for your kindness to our Marines. My son was one of the marines that your group greeted on September 23 and I saw his picture that one of you took and posted. I have three sons in the Marine Corps and now, they are all in Iraq. It makes their job a little easier when they know there are people like you and your group supporting them and doing things like this to show your support. Thank you again. J. G.
I just want to thank all of you for being there for our guys. My husband was telling me how supportive and caring everyone was. It made him feel better as he was leaving for Iraq. My children get on your site everyday to look at the pictures of their dad. You are amazing and wonderful people. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again, A Proud Marine Wife
Dear Ladies, just a little note to thank you so much for just a small glimps of my son as he waits for his flight. What a blessing . Just to see him sit there, is a joy . Then to see him wave, even if it was to you, then you passed it on to me, was very special. My son is named after my father, who in now 95 yrs old, and was pleased to see my son, on my pc screen I appreciate you being there for all of our military men and women. … I pray for them every day! This is also the 2nd tour for my son and his group. knowing that you are there to see them come and go means so much to me as a mother. It is the closes that I, myself can get. I am sure that it means something to them also. again thanks so much. … a again THANK YOU SO MUCH. God Bless you Ladies, from a friend. Mrs. G.
Dear Elaine and JoAnn - Thank you so much - for the pictures and for your words! And you don't know the irony of those words. S. has always hated having his picture taken. We have to cajole him each time. But he's good to his mom and to those he loves, so how awesome that he asked to have his picture taken for us!!! Stephen IS a great guy, and yes, we're very proud. I'm also so proud of what you do, and so grateful. Those photos are absolutely priceless. You have made so many families so happy. B.
I cant tell you how much your cards meant to me your packages meant to me and all the guys. I am a female whom you gave a bracelet to and it seemed it made every day better. I called when I was in country and you said no one had ever called from overseas. I was very lucky to have women such as you in the states that had all of us overseas in your thoughts and prayers. we thank you and we all made it home safe. Being a year later we are all still just fine and we still think of you often. All of our love A. L. chemical plt HHC 116th BCT
When my husband arrived to Maine on that morning he called me and told me that you all were set up at the airport terminal greeting the soldiers....he got a real kick out of it and I thought it was such a warm and caring gesture. I really appreciate you showing the support to our soldiers...it means a lot to them and the families. I enjoyed viewing the pictures and was very touched when I saw the 2 with my husband, it was great to see his face. Thank you. B.W.
How do we thank you for all that you do. I come from New England (grew up in MA, lived in NH for 20 years) prior to moving to Florida. I have many relatives still in Maine and NH and it was a wonderful experience for my daughter to go through Bangor on her way to Qatar. This is her third time overseas, twice to Qatar and once o Iraq. She serves her country proudly leaving her two little boys and husband each time she is deployed.Herhusband too is in the Air Force. Previously when she went overseas although it was difficult for us all, her husband and the boys … The pictures you have put on your website are wonderful. I go into the website often and see my beautiful daughter. … I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you do this for our troops. This is the type of news that should be broadcast all over this country. Thank you, B.L.
Just wanted to write and express our gratitude to your organization. Our Marine son from Indianapolis stopped by with his unit ( mostly from Michigan ), about 2 weeks ago, on the way to Iraq. What a great thing for you to be doing .... giving the men and women a family type send off. Priceless. Wish we could be there to help.... Thank you so very much. T.and P.M. Fort Wayne , IN
I want to thank you for the kindness and love you show our soldiers. It was so nice to log on to your website and see our daughter smiling face. She called us from Maine and told us all about you. Thank you not only for the kindness shown our daughter but all you do and all the lives you touch. I know it means a lot to each and every one. I attached the picture of her. Thanks again. A grateful mom. K.C.
When my husband arrived to Maine on that morning he called me and told me that you all were set up at the airport terminal greeting the soldiers....he got a real kick out of it and I thought it was such a warm and caring gesture. I really appreciate you showing the support to our soldiers...it means a lot to them and the families. I enjoyed viewing the pictures and was very touched when I saw the 2 with my husband, it was great to see his face. Thank you. Sincerely, B. W. Proud Army wife of LT. J. W.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me these pictures, you have no idea how much I appreciate it or how good it is to see my husbands face. I think the pictures are WONDERFUL, I love them. Seeing them make me proud of him but at the same time bring tears to my eyes because our children and I miss him so much. Again, thank you for being the wonderful women you are. Sincerely, B. W.
I cant tell you how much your cards meant to me your packages meant to me and all the guys. I am a female whom you gave a bracelet to and it seemed it made every day better. I called when I was in country and you said no one had ever called from overseas. I was very lucky to have women such as you in the states that had all of us overseas in your thoughts and prayers. we thank you and we all made it home safe. Being a year later we are all still just fine and we still think of you often. All of our love Ai. L,
I look forward to receiving your emails each week. They are a source of comfort to me while my son is over in Iraq and my other son is still state's side. Knowing that you all are proudly standing at your posts serving those in the military and their families brings tears to my eyes. In a world confused you remain steadfast in your committment to our sons and daughters. THANK YOU! AND GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU! K.G.
Hi, OMG!!!! I just got the link from my KV and saw the pictures of my husband and started crying. Thank you for being there and greeting them. He told me how happy it made him feel. Thank you!!! So I wanted to request the pictures of October 3, 2006- Flight 3- Marines.Again, thank you for being there!!! Keep doing what you are doing. It is appreciated!! . J.M.
Thank you ladies soooo much for what you do! It really brought a smile to my face to "see" my husband one more time after he left here at Ft Hood. My son who is 21 months old was so excited to see his dad and gave him a kiss on the computer screen. He is a baldy but not normally.:) Thank you again for supporting our military! M.K.
What you do is amazing. Though he may not realize I’m sure my husband was grateful to have people there to great him before he made his final departure overseas. I found 2 photos of him on your website; though he is just a blur in one of them I still love seeing him on there. I just like seeing his smile in the one, but you happen to have others that would be great too. Again, you ladies do a great job and there were many more smiling faces in those pictures!! K. M.
Dear Flag Ladies, Thank you so very much for the time and effort you make to show our troops support as they are off to Iraq. I just finished looking at pictures of my nephew who is with the Marines in Fallujah now. I can see that he was made very welcome and had many smiling faces to see him off. Just being able to look at a picture of him makes me feel better. Keep up the good work. I know that you are making a huge difference to many people in very many ways! God bless you. Sincerely, T.K.
Good Morning, My husband recently deployed and you have some pictures on your web site I would love to have them emailed to me! I would like to thank you for taking these pictures of our loved ones. Once they leave here you wonder how they will be and if anyone still cares. It brings me to tears ( happy ones) that you take the time to do this for these guys. Shawn has told me about all of you being out there before but to see it is another story. I want you to know what you are doing does not stop there and is not forgotten. When they get back here you are talked of and how wonderful it was to have someone be there doing that for them and of how you all hand out cell phones to allow them to call home. I have to tell you I have gotten one of those such phone calls when he was on his way home the last time he went and it was wonderful he had made it back to the states safely. Thank you and god bless you all. You will never know how much your kindness is appreciated. E. F. H. Proud Marine Wife
My son has been deployed and when he left, he said there were protestors but that there were SUPPORTORS THERE TOO CHEERING THEM ON! That made a very big difference! I am just so sorry I didn't know about your web site and missed the photos! He will be coming home soon! I am so thankful that there will be people there to greet them and welcome them! I wish I could be there but that is just not possible Have been looking at the pictures ... oh my .. makes me cry! It is so comforting to know that they have such a supportive place to come home too! And this time, I will be looking for the pictures! I will be sharing your website with everyone! God bless you all! N.B. I hope that you get hundreds of this type of e-mail daily! I am writing to say thank you so much for the wonderful service you are doing. You took and posted two pictures of my husband. He was on the phone with me while they were taken, and as he told me what was going on, I was moved to tears. As I am now. Today, my three children and I looked up your website and saw those two wonderful pictures of our husband and father. What a comfort it is to me to know that he was intercepted by your thoughtfulness and reminded that he, along with so many others - including yourselves, are heros. Thank you, again, for everything. Yours truly, A.G.
I just received an email from my FRG contact informing me about the pictures on your web site. How wonderful! My husband left on August 21, 2006, Flight 1. Our first wedding anniversary is this Saturday the 2nd of September. Viewing the pictures you have taken the time to take and post on your web site was absolutely wonderful. May God bless you for all you do for the troops and their families. J.D,
I just wanted to say Thank You for supporting our soldiers and families. It puts a smile on my face to know that people like you really truly care and take the opportunity to do something this amazing as to greet soldiers that you do not even know as they get off the Air plain in Banger Maine. You truly can touch people from all over. I live in Midland Michigan, and I work with the families of deployed soldiers. I wanted you to know that because of what you are doing, you are able to put a smile on their faces as they scroll through the pictures and get that “one more glimpse” of their soldier before they leave our great country. God Bless You All. A.C.
Greetings! You can't imagine the thrill or the tears when I found my son's photo on your website. He warned me to look for him there thanks to being able to call me from the airport. While I am sure you have heard many thanks for the wonderful activities and things you are doing for America's troops, this thank you comes from the deepest part of my being. When my son, Tony, enlisted he did so in a time of war and knew he'd most likely go over to the Middle East. While no one in their right mind WANTS to do such a thing, for this young man it is all about duty and honor and country. Being a veteran myself with ties to many Vietnam era vets, Tony grew up with these men as his role models. As his mother, my son and his compatriots are daily in my thoughts. Never could I imagine someone with the strength and commitment to actually go do such a kindness for our troops. You can tell from the photo's that you folks being there really lifted some spirits and gave courage to those who fight our nation's battles. It would be appreciated if you could take time from your busy lives and email me the photo's I found of my son so that I might print the pictures off on a better quality printer. Any question he is the dark haired young man (hair???) he once chopped off 23" of hair he donated to Locks of love in high school heheha ). He is a good and wonderful and generous person who donates a big chunk of his inadequate army pay to a feed the children charity and to the soldier's family relief fund. He's just a wonderful son as well. If you would be so kind as to email me those photo's, I would be so grateful - although I already am having seen his smiling face today. Thank you and your friends for actually DOING something to help out!! That's also one of my son's pet peeves is the patriotic ribbons and bits that people show in a fad support of our troops but that very few actually take the time, money or effort to do something REAL for America. Thank you so many times over. Respectfully, C. H. - A soldier's Mom
Dear Freeport Flag ladies, I'm sure you can't count how many times wives, moms, and other family members have told you, "What you are doing is absolutely awesome! Thank you!" It warmed my heart to see how much love and gratitude you pour out on our service people. E.G.
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies
I ju st wanted to let you know thanks for the box of goodies as they always seem to come at the right time. We are beginning to pack and work our way home in 50 some odd days. Please don’t sent anything past mid September to me as I might not receive it. Your goodies always seem to lift and boost the spirits of those who come to our office. I am looking forward to when we stop in Bangor Maine and visit with all of those nice folks who welcome the troops home. Have a wonderful day! SSG E. M. 10th CSH UMT NCOIC Medical Task Force 10
Good Morning, This past Thursday our son returned from Iraq. He was met by veterans and families ... it meant so much to them. They came back thinking that they must be like the returning military from Viet Nam, but you let them know that they did make a difference, that America cares for freedom and justice. Actually, he said that listening to the American media while in Iraq was demoralizing to them. He couldn't believe that a nation who values what's right would make them out as losing. His words were "how can we win when our media paints us as the bad guy, were are not only fighting against the terrorist but the American media who is fueling the enemy." Thank you for your stand for the cause of freedom. You are to be commended for your courage and devotion. R.
Dear Ladies I have just discovered your web site. My son was at your airport. He called me on his cell while there at the airport and said Mom you will not believe how this town in the state of Maine has turned out to greet us. They have feed us and are now passing cell phones around for the men to call there families. He told me that hewas using his own. He was so very proud of how all of you there made them feel like he was family. I have always told him that people in Maine are very friendly as I was born and raised there. I have not been there for a very long time. I am now 64 years young and I was only seventeen when I left there. He is my third child born in 1964 so we have lived in Oregon all his life. He went back into the Army as he felt that he would be able to help some of these young men that are being sent there he wanted to train them to defend them self. He feels like a lot of us that we are loosing to many of our young to this war. I am very proud of my son for what he is doing and I know that he would want me to thank you for all that you do when our troops come there to board planes for Afghanistan and Iraq. I will let my son know that you have a web site and when he can I am sure that he will him self thank you. Yours Truly In Christian Love D. M. P.
I cannot express enough how wonderful you are. Y'all greeted my plane as we were departing for Kuwait and points beyond. You touched each and every one of us. The hugs & handshakes were physical, but the acts of kindness touched me much deeper than my skin and you shall each have a special place in my heart for so long as I shall live. God Bless each and every one of you! E.E. MAJ, SC, US Army
Thank you and God bless you for what you do. These guys and girls need to know that we love them and stand with them. My husband went through there on July 20. He left behind me and his three young boys. It hasn't been that long, but we miss him so much. I was thrilled to see him on your page. May I please have a copy of the picture? Here is the info: He shaved his head before he left so he's bald in the pic. Again, God bless you!!!! K.H.
First of all, I would like to thank you for the care packages you have provided me here in Iraq. I suspect you got my name and address from one of my previous NCO's, of the 94th Maintenance Company. She and I served together at Ft Stewart, Georgia. I was transferred to Ft Campbell prior to the 94th Maintenance Company deploying over here. I grew up in Appleton, Maine and am extremely proud that a group of folks from my home state would touch the lives of our soldiers and maybe more importantly, set the example for our young folks by displaying your patriotism. Thank you so much. May God richly bless each of you for your efforts. Respectfully, T.W. Bravo Co., 801st BSB, 506th RCT
I want to Thank You for being there to greet my daughter with such love and support for what she is doing. She is my oldest and only daughter, she left behind 3 brothers, 16,8,and 5. My daughter did not enter the military on just a whim. She is a full fledged "Army Brat". Her father has served 28 years in the Army and has just recently retired. She has seen her father deploy twice to the middle east and do 3 unaccompanied tours to Korea, not to mention all the temporary duties that took him away for weeks to months at a time. She felt a need to serve her country in a way only a person who grows up in a military family knows, knowing full well that a lot of her service to her country will be away from family and home. She knows that the unit she is in is her family and that they will take care of her as did the military unit that took care of her dad and his family he left behind. Thank You again for your support of the Military, keep up what you are doing, it is wonderful!! Respectfully, E. G.
First of all I want to thank you for all the support you are giving to our troops. My husband called me very emotional because he could not believe all the support and love he was receiving from you when he arrived July 10, 2006. He is proud to serve his country thanks to people like you. Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my husband. It is a blessing. B.U.
Hello. I cannot find words enough to express my gratitude to all of you. My husband was in Maine on June 29th. I looked and looked for him in the pictures, but he wasn't there LOL He called to tell me how wonderful a reception they got. In a situation that is almost unbearable to us, you have made it easier. I got to talk to him. He felt appreciated. There are no words to thank you enough. I couldn't be there to take care of him that day, but you were. You will forever be in my prayers and my heart. May God Bless you everyday. L.M. Proud wife of Spc. M. M. 3rd Brgd. Ft.Lewis
I would like to take this opportunity to “thank you” for extending your hands and hearts to my son as he processed through Maine on his way to Iraq. He has mentioned it several times through email and calls. It was especially appreciated as I viewed your pictures with his 2 young nephews. Keep up the good work! Again, thank you. J.L.
Dear Flag Ladies, It’s been said over and over in the letters I’m reading on your site, thank you for welcoming our troops… I can’t say it any better than those before me. My husband was in Bangor July 22, 2006, one day before our fifteenth wedding anniversary on his way to Iraq. All I can say to add to all those warm thoughts you’ve already received is that he was more touched by the display of patriotism he saw in Bangor than at any other time in his 17 years in the army. He was in the first war, Desert Storm, and didn’t feel nearly the support then as he did this time around. His mother was part of a group like yours in our hometown that spent many, many hours welcoming home soldiers as they came through our tiny little airport. The difference then was that it was a small town and it was usually our own, one or two at a time, coming home. You are welcoming any and all strangers coming and going as your own. WOW!
You are providing a wonderful service not only to our soldiers but also to their families who feel so helpless when we have to let them go. It warms my heart that my children will grow up in a world where people still believe in America and still appreciate our military men. Thank you! My prayers go out to you, especially Elaine, hang in there. We in Colorado are encouraged by your vision.
Hello Flag Ladies, I'm a mother of one of the soldiers that you greeted on July 10, 2006. I received your web site from my daughter-in-law. What a pleasure in knowing that you ladies and other do so much for our boys and girls. I'm sure they didn't expect to have anything like this. I'm sure seeing you brought a smile to their faces. I know it would have brought tears to mine. This is a very stressful time for everyone seeing their love ones leave and not knowing what will happen. So having you there at that moment brought joy to them. It was like having their families Once again, thank you so much for being there for our troops, one more time seeing our son, husband, brother, uncle was something that we will treasure. God be with all of you. G.H.
I read an article about what you do for our soldiers in the GX magazine (Guard Excellence) and wanted to thank you. My husband is in the Army National Guard and is on his way over. He will be going through your town sometime today. I think it is an absolutely wonderful thing you do for our soldiers!! Our guys have already been away from their families for 5 months of training and every little bit of support they receive really boosts their spirits and makes them feel ready to do the job they’re setting out to do. I hope they get a chance to meet you!!! God Bless You for your service to our soldiers!!! G.P.
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,
I would just like thank you for all do for the men and women in the armed forces. My son was at Bangor Maine Airport on July 20th headed for Afghanistan, He said it was so nice of you all to treat them so nice and I am so happy that my son got to meet you all he said it was such a warm welcome and he can’t wait to see you all when he returns in 6 months. I am just so happy that he will be greeted by you all when he lands in the states again he said ya’ll are like family and that you really care what they are doing!! Thanks again for all you do it is really appreciated by all the guys and women!! Thanks Again, C. W. (mother of a Sailor)
First of all, I would like to thank you for the care packages you have provided me here in Iraq. I suspect you got my name and address from one of my previous NCO's, of the 94th Maintenance Company. She and I served together at Ft Stewart, Georgia. I was transferred to Ft Campbell prior to the 94th Maintenance Company deploying over here. I grew up in Appleton, Maine and am extremely proud that a group of folks from my home state would touch the lives of our soldiers and maybe more importantly, set the example for our young folks by displaying your patriotism. Thank you so much. May God richly bless each of you for your efforts. Respectfully, T. W. Bravo Company, 801st BSB, 506th RC 101st ABN DVN (AASLT)
My husband just sent me your website, and told me to find his picture on it. He stopped over in Maine on his way to Kuwait and then Iraq. He was overwhelmed and honored that so many people came to greet the troops. He sounded so happy to get such a warm greeting from you. Needless to say, I feel so grateful that he left the United States on such a positive note. It certainly doesn't seem adequate, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness. Not only for the sake of my husband, but for all of the soldiers who are sad and scared as they leave to do their jobs. Thank you again for all that you do. L.F.
Hi Freeport Flag Ladies, Thank you for your continued support and messages while I was deployed to Iraq. I am sorry that the Army did not fly us through Bangor on our way home. Instead, they stopped in New Jersey, then on to Fort Bliss. Elaine, I hope you have been doing well since your hospitalization. You should have someone else take your place when you aren't feeling well. Keep up the good work. I will never forget your kindness and hospitalilty I experienced when we were fortunate enough to spend a few moments with your group in March. Sincerely, COL Richard Asami
Hello and God bless out there in Maine! First of all I would like to thank you beautiful ladies for your unconditional kindness towards the troops and as one being my uncle Steve Solis. You truly have enormous hearts and I can't find enough words to thank you all. I was very pleased and filled with joy to find pictures of my uncle, first talking on the phone with my Mom-his sister-and later sitting with some of the members of his platoon posing for a PIC. And seeing him just being his happy self! I would like to ask if you may be so kind as to send me his pictures by mail to have as a sense of hope to see his face at home once again. Thank you ever so much and keep praying for peace, M. G his proud niece
Thank you so much for your e-mail and the mention of the pictures on your website. I saw my husband in two of them and you’re right – it really made me smile J My 2 year old saw it and was thrilled to see his daddy. (we have 4 children from 2 to 14 yrs old!) I work at the Family Assistance Center designated to help the families of our unit – I’m going to e-mail them the link to your website first thing tomorrow morning – I know they’ll all enjoy it as much as I did J Thank you again for all you do – God Bless!!! G.P. | |
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