L21

Letters from Families & Troops

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts in greeting and caring for the Marines that passed through Pease on May 20th. It meant a great deal to me to see that our son-in-law was smiling and relaxed on this his 5th deployment. Certainly it also meant a great deal to my daughter to see her husband and to my granddaughters to see their dad so soon after having to say goodbye.

Again, thanks so much for your considerable sacrifice and service.

Best regards,DZ

Dear All -

I just want to thank you for providing such a warm service for our troops. My nephew was just deployed for the third time. As you can imagine, this is an emotional time for our family. With each deployment we wait, wonder, and hope. Our prayers are that he will come back exactly the way he left. It's reassuring to know the troops leave with encouragement and comfort.

Most sincerely,EL

Hi ladies,

I just wanted to thank you ladies for everything you do. You guys greeted my husband on the 20th right before he left the US for 7 months. And I just got his first letter and inside I found a penny and a star and I started crying just knowing that there are people out there like you ladies that stand behind our troops. Thank you so much for being friendly and saying stay safe to my husband because this is the hardest thing we have had to go through and I know at the airport he was trying to call me but could not get a hold of me because I was at work so imp happy someone was able to say goodbye for me. I don’t know how else to say it any other way but thank you for everything because I know they love having people here knowing that we stand behind them. Thank you and God bless!!!

To the Freeport Flag Ladies,

Thank you again so much for the wonderful photos. Seeing our Marines smiling and confident several hours after a hard goodbye is both reassuring and comforting.

What you do for our troops and our families is truly a gift. You're commitment and empathy is so appreciated.

All best, MS

To the Freeport Flag Ladies,

Thank you so much for taking pictures of our Marines as they passed through in Maine last Friday. What wonderful support and inspiration you provided them as they headed out on deployment! And how special and reassuring it was for the families to see these pictures.

Thank you for everything you do for our troops and our military families!

All best, MG

Thanks for the pics... Marine are down right the strongest of them all... First in and Last to leave... They stand behind the meaning of Semper Fi "always faithful" it was great seeing Matt with a smile on his face right before he leaves, not one of the pics I seen of any of the men leaving on May 21st looked scared and that was a relief. They all had a smile on their handsome faces. Marines are some of the most respectful men and women we have met, and they all ROCK... We are already looking forward to December when they all are on their way back from the "sand box". I am looking forward to staying in contact with such wonderful ladies as you ladies. Your photos are great.

That response time was incredible! The love you obviously put into this endeavor is extremely comforting. We get so caught up in what a deployment means to our family that we forget what it means to fabulous folks like you. Thank you again for the smiling pictures and the time and love you offered my husband and all the other troops.

Bless you, JQ

Hello, My baby brother is a Force RECON United States Marine who got deployed May 21, 2010 leaving Maine roughly at 2000 Kansas time. I spoke with him briefly and then to our mother today. She informed me of your website in which I couldn't help but get on and see if I could see a pic of Matt before he left. As I sit here and cry as I email this to you, I want to say Thank you for allowing us to see his handsome face before he leaves. The next 8 months are going to be rocky and all we can do is have faith that all of the men who left are going to come home to their families safe. My question is how do you stay so strong? Maybe I am a huge cry baby, I don't know but I would break down seeing this in person. I hope the pics are uploaded soon, so we can see Matt and the Boys

Thanks, Jes

I have cried the last 3 days off and on; it is just so hard knowing where he is going. Simply SCARY.I have 2 boys ages 5 and 6 and they just tell me to be strong because Uncle Matt is going to work. My 5 year old said "Mommy, where OKLAghanistan" I said "OKLA" he said "yea like Oklahoma" I thought it was cute and it made me smile, so I pulled up a world map on my computer and explained where Matt was going and yes he was going to work and he was going over there to keep our country safe. Both the boys said, "well we will be praying mommy for Matt and his team” They are awesome little guys. Looking at the pics today, I smiled and I cried (I am a big cry baby) when I seen Matt, he had a big smile on his face, which made me feel better. I bet you sure have seen so many of our young men and women leave. WoW oh WOW, you ladies are awesome for taking all the pics that you do. I love taking pictures, Matt often calls me the "paparazzi" because I take so many pics, I am never in the pictures because I am to busy taking them-Well you ladies do an awesome job and I look forward seeing the pictures, and talking with ya again.

Take care

Hello There,

Hope you all are doing well and just wanted to tell you that my Nathan will be coming home tomorrow. Thank you for all your support and prayers and just knowing that you care and support our troops, I can't tell you how grateful I am to you and what a blessing you have been to us and so many others. Thank you for the public stance you have taken you will be forever blessed if not on this Earth then in Heaven you will be given a crown. My husband will be coming through Maine tomorrow not sure if you will be there but if you are then I'm sure you'll see Nathan. Thanks again. You 3 have forever touched my life and the rest of our troops.

Much Love,

Forever Sweet Ladies:

I can't begin to tell you how much your generosity and love for what you are doing means to me and my family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My son and I'm proud of the Marines that left on May 8 with his Battery and I thank you so much for documenting their leaving. It was so nice to see his sweet face before he went to his deployment. Every time I saw a picture of him and I tried to look in his pocket to see the sonogram of his baby boy that is due in September. He is going to hold it close to his heart. He will not be there for the birth in September, but me his mother and his sister will definitely fly out to California to see our beautiful baby boy when he is born. Thank you so much for being there as the final contact before they left for the unknown.

Sincerely, LS

Hello Flag Ladies-

Would you be so kind to e-mail me the picture of my husband .... What a great pic! I could hear it in my husband's voice how grateful and thankful he was, when he was telling me about his experience of having the Flag Ladies greet them at the airport. What you do for our troops and the send off you give to our troops is amazing and I know my husband will have this memory forever. Thank you so much again for all you do!

Hello

First of all let me just thank you so much for the gracious giving of your time in seeing our troops off. As a mom of one of the young men who's picture you took, I so appreciated you being there. Just the effort you make in driving there is amazing. We are involved with welcoming them home here in Baltimore and I know how gratifying it is seeing them back home safely. My son just left from Bangor on May 8.

Again, thank you so much for doing this and for sending the pictures.

I would love copies of the pictures of my husband. He was on flight two on May 1, 2010. Thank you so very much for all that you do for our military and their families. It's comforting knowing they're being so well taken care of by people who appreciate and respect them. God bless you all!

Elaine, JoAnn, & Carmen:

Thank you for letting me know the pictures are posted! I immediately went to the site & found so many pictures of my husband! I cannot tell you how truly thankful I am for you all doing this. It means a lot, & it eases my mind so much. & I know my husband, I know that lifted his spirits & I loved seeing his smile. What you all are doing is truly amazing, & such a blessing. Thank you for the kind words. I wish I could shake your hands & thank you myself. I know my husband needed that, & so did I. You all are heroes in your own special way. Thank you for being so selfless & wonderful. Here are the pictures I found my husband in:

I also think I noticed him asleep in a chair in a couple of pictures, which definitely made me laugh. :-) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will be praying for you all to be able to continue what you are doing. I can never thank you enough.

Sincerely, Amy

Dear Flag ladies,

I cant thank you enough for your support of all our Troops. My son was in Bangor on May 8. He called to tell one last time he loved me, at 4am. I didn’t mind not one bit, just to here his voice fills my heart. You have captured him in 4 of your photos that I would love to have. I will be forever grateful for these photos.

Sincerely, CO

Aw, thank you, thank you, thank you! Clayton called and said, "I met your friends!" He really enjoyed meeting you, and you all put a big smile on his face, as I can see from the GREAT photo! I can stress enough how wonderful you ladies are for contributing your time at all hours of the day and night, for making a difference in these men's lives, and being so supportive during a time of apprehension, excitement, fear. Your loving smiles, I know, make a difference to every one of those men. God bless you all. :-) JM

Each week I read Elaine's message. It causes me to pause and give thanks for those who serve as well as those who have the decency to support. I want to express my gratitude to you Ladies --- I believe that I have met you all, although I recognize that you meet so many people, I am but a face in the crowd and I enjoy the anonymity-as simply a fan - I am one of those who wave on Tuesday mornings and have interacted in minor ways --- opening High School football game at Pownel field, Sept 11 memorials and the like. I deeply appreciate your interaction with our military personnel -- in all aspects of your demonstrated support. I am a USMC 'Nam Vet --- each time that see you Ladies, my eyes brim. It is my belief that what you do for our military people is so important ----- I can tell you from my heart, although it has been forty-two years since I was in a combat zone ---- it never leaves you. Those who enter -- or -- return today need and appreciate the unselfish support that you demonstrate. It is my belief that those in uniform must have support, regardless of their mission, for they do not determine their assigned orders. They simply follow those orders and believe in their Country. Those of my generation did not enjoy that support -- it was a different time and perhaps we were a different society. This to, never leaves you. Which is why, what you do is so important.

Every Tuesday you have wide smiles and enthusiastic waves as you stand ever so proudly ----- every Tuesday you warm my heart.

A fan --- Semper Fi --- I know that you understand the meaning.

My husband is a Marine & just recently passed through the airport in Maine where you all greet the troops. I just wanted to e-mail you (he told me about the pictures & your website) & thank all of you for greeting my husband & all the other troops. I can't be there with him & knowing people who appreciate him & who understand & care were there to say hello to him & show him they're proud, it really makes me feel better. Thank you all so much. & I read on your website that when you post the pictures if I want one I should e-mail you all & tell you which ones, so I'll do that. Thank you so much again, & thank you for taking pictures. I appreciate so much what each of you are doing!

Sincerely, Amy H.
Proud Marine Wife

Ladies,

It was such a huge blessing to see my son in one of your pictures (May 1, 2010). I just want to say thank you for supporting our brave troops and showing them the much deserved respect and honor at the airport. My son is LCpl BD USMC now serving in Afghanistan.

Thanks again.

God's blessings-SD

Hi! I heard about your group from my boyfriend. He had called me to talk before he was to board his plane to go overseas and mentioned that you were taking photos. He had also told me that he might be in one of them. I was wondering if you were going to post the pictures anytime soon? I think that it would be a good surprise for him if I were able to send him a copy of the picture in the care package I am sending him.

I really respect all that you do for everyone that comes through. I have a lot of involvement with the volunteer groups that welcome home my hospital's wounded warriors, and I am in awe every time they come through with their unwavering support and care they show our patients. Keep up the good work and know that your efforts mean so much!

Thank you again, Meaghan

I am overwhelmed and just wanted to pass on a HUGE THANK YOU!!!! As a mom, it was a thrill to find your website and I just loved to see this care you all share with our brave military. I had no idea

that so many people got together like this!!! I love my son so, however he is such the non-communicator & if you all did this when he went to Iraq last year also, then a BIG thank you for that send off as well!! His

Girlfriend is the one that told me about the websites to see, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

S.A.D. J

Dear Flag Ladies,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all that you do. We live in Florida and were not able to go out to Calif. for our son's flight out. Just to know that you guys were there in Maine to give them a send off is awesome!!! Then that you took pictures and will share is above and beyond THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. You have made a Mom's day.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

helloI’m a grandparent of a marine who just came through your great welcoming committee. all those boys (men) look so young or am i just getting old. i just would like to thank you for all you do for these fine/brave/patrotic "men". keep up the good work...semper fi...a proud grand parent see ya soon ryan.

Hi:

I am a Marine Mom and I just learned about this. I am sooo grateful and thankful for what you do for our sons who are deploying ... It really brings me joy to read this. My son recently went thru there at the beginning of April. This means a lot to our men and women who are going to Afghan or Iraq. Thank you again and God bless you all. SW

Dear Flag Ladies,

I just saw my friend's son on your site. He was on the second flight to Afghanistan on May 2.

How can we ever thank you enough for giving families one last chance to see their treasured ones before they depart on such a long and difficult journey. It must be a bittersweet job for you but it means so much to the families and loved ones. The young men are so brave to sacrifice for us. Their youth and bravery are sobering.

Thank you ever so much for your care and kindness.

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

I'm sure you hear this often, but I wanted to thank you for all that you do. My marine just left for our first deployment and it was such a comfort to find his picture on your website and hear his voice one more time in country, even though only a few days have gone by. And I can't wait to look for his face again in 7mos. You're incredibly generous with your time and resources and I can't tell you how much it means to me, his parents, and our whole battalion family. Again thank you - please know that your work is appreciated much more than I can possibly put into words.

Hello,

I am the Mother of one of the Marines that just went through your loving hands and port! How thankful I am for your compassion and patriotism! My son deployed to Iraq 3 years ago, went through your port then and had Wonderful memories of your sending off of the troops!

Thank you soooo much, again. This Mother thinks the world of what you do and it makes me wish that I lived in Freeport, Maine!

Hello Freeport Flag Ladies,

My older brother Sgt DB of the 1/11 Motor T Marine Corp. left May 1st for Afghan. Those pictures that you took made me cry to see him happy and smiling (not scared) and are actually in a picture frame on my wall. I would like to thank you so much for the things you do for these man and woman. My big brother is not just my brother he's my hero and my best friend. What ya'll are doing means a lot to me and my mom. Ya'll are amazing ladies please keep this up for other families!

Thank you, K.

Dear Magnificent Americans and human beings

Did not know of your wonderful mission until this Saturday night when l received a cell texted message from my son DS, USMC as he was passing thru the airport in Bangor Maine enroute to ...eventually... to Afghanistan. He texted your site on line and to "check for my picture" tomorrow...and about the lucky penny he was given.

While awaiting the pictures, l had the opportunity to look at your site and see the dedication and kindness and generosity that you folks have shown over the many, many years....it has touched Dan's Dad, sister and me so deeply...and also friends and family,

This is Dan's fourth deployment...his choice.... three were in Iraq and now this one. He had commented that in May 2009 while on leave from his leave from a year in Mosul Iraq "l wonder if America realizes wars are going on...it seems like people don't care"

I can see on his face in the pictures...and a friend noticed it also...that he was very, very touched by what you folks did. From the bottom of our hearts...a sincere and heartfelt thank you!!!!!

Hello,

I would love a copy of the picture of my son that was taken. This Mother thinks the world of what you do and it makes me wish that I lived in Freeport, Maine!

Kerrville, Texas

Hi,

First of all, more than anything else, I just wanted to thank y'all for doing what you do. It made it so much easier on my husband when he left a few days ago to know that there are people who still support him and what he does. It means so much to their families as well, to know that there are people who will take care of them on their way to the desert. I was wondering if you could send me a few pictures. I can actually see my husband in which I would absolutely love to have.

Thank you again for doing this for them,

Cait

What you do is a great thing. My husband is a Marine and has flown out of and into Bangor twice. There are no pictures of him but he said how nice it was to have people support and greet them when they get home. Also the final supportive goodbyes are comforting. Thank you so much for what you do! You are a wonderful group of people. Your kindness does not go unnoticed.

Sincerely, KC USMC spouse

You ladies are awesome! My husband, a 62-year anesthetist, deployed to Afghanistan in December and just came back a few days ago. I can't tell you how inspiring it was for him, and others, to have you there when they left and returned. It was amazing that you were there at 3:45 am! We need more people in this country who support our troops like you do. Thank you so much for what you do!!!!!!

SS Charleston, WV

Dear Ladies,

Thank you so much for the support you give to our soldiers. As a mother of a soldier on his First deployment, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being there to greet him when my husband and I can’t. Thank you for everything you do, the care packages, the pictures, and the time you spend for people you don’t even know. God Bless You!

God Bless You!

To Whom It May Concern,

I first want to say thank you for taking the time to greet our Troops as they visited Bangor, Maine. It means so much to all of us left home as our loved ones deploy. I did find a few pictures of my husband that I hope you can email to me. My children loved going through the many pictures you had posted and trying to find their daddy.

Again, thank you for taking the time to take pictures of our loved ones

I can’t thank you and all the volunteers who have seen and greeted the boys going and coming to the war zone. As a Grandmother, I just cried when I saw my Grandson's picture and his group deploying on March 31, on pg. 6. We are so blessed to have such caring people doing this, it makes it a little easier to know they are remembered and honored by this.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS....Q

To the Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

What a Godsend you are for our troops! Words will never be enough to express my deep gratitude for what you did for my son on March 31 as he and his fellow soldiers were headed out to Afghanistan. Steve was so grateful for the opportunity to call home one more time before he headed out. You ladies are wonderful! Thank you for "loving" our men and women. Your acts of kindness will never be forgotten. God bless you.

Thanks so much! STJ

Proud Mom of Corporal SM

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

I am truly thankful at the service you provide for our military men and women. I am a Marine wife and was pleased to find a picture of my husband here. He arrived in Bangor March 26 2010. Your kind words, handshakes, and appreciation meant so much to him and myself. It makes me feel so good to know that the sacrifices of our military families do not go unnoticed. Thank you all so very much.

The Few The Proud The Thankful, JP

You ladies are amazing. Too bad our country doesn’t have many more like you all. I appreciate your love of country and our soldiers. My son was met by you all the first time he went to Iraq and you posted pictures of him on your website!!! You will never know how much that meant to me. I didn’t get to be in Washington when he left. Thanks so much for all you do!!!

I just want to thank you ladies for what you do. It made me smile to see you greeting all our military as they came into the airport in Bangor. My daughter was in the group that came in on March 26th. She has already been gone a month, so it did my heart good to see her pictures. Sometimes we forget to thank the people that make a difference...and you ladies are definitely a part of that.

Thanks to all of you and God Bless America!

Sincerely, BK

Ladies,

First of all, let me say what a wonderful thing you are doing. It made me feel so good to know that you were there to greet my son when he arrived. What an inspiration you are. Saying thank you just doesn't seem like enough but Thank YOU.

Again..thank you so so much and God bless you.

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving my husband and the rest of his unit the send off that we couldn't be there to give them! You are true patriots and I am so grateful for your service!

Thank you, AB

Hello Ladies. My father, Lt. Col. HB was in Maine in March, on his way to Iraq. I wanted to tell you how much my family and I appreciate you doing what you do. It must be so comforting to all soldiers to see a warm smile and a welcoming face when on the way to a war zone. I read your history on your page, and I have to tell you, what you do is both heart warming, and inspiring. Seeing the photos of my Daddy and other soldiers really made us feel good, and at ease. Seeing him smiling made my day. It's good to see him, and those that he'll be spending a lot of time with away from home. Again, thank you all for being so supportive, caring and appreciative of the sacrifices our Military has made and will continue to make for us. And thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us.

Sincerely, AR

Thank you so much for greeting our REDHORSE unit! Also for posting the pictures. It was so good to see all our men and woman. I was wondering if you could email me the picture of my husband. …Thanks again for all you ladies do, not just for our unit but all the men and woman who serve our country.

First I'd like to thank you very much for meeting my husbands unit. They are the Red Horse Unit you met on March 26.That meant a lot to them. Was one of the first things he told me when he called.

Again I'd like to say, "Thank you again,” It means a lot that people do actually care what those men and women are sacrificing.

Hello Lovely Ladies of Freeport~

I just had to express my gratitude for what you women are doing. My fiance was among the Marines you greeted on March 26 and he gave me the website info while we were on the phone for the last time. I got the opportunity to see the beautiful pictures that you ladies took of all the men and women that were in route to Afghanistan. It truly lifted my spirits to get to see him happy and welcomed along with everyone else. I wanted you to know that you brought a smile to my lips and brightened my heart! Thank you!!

Amy

I just found out about your group when someone sent me a link to your site to see pictures of my Marine son who was in Bangor on March 26th. How awesome to scroll through those pictures and see him there!

What you ladies do is phenomenal, and from a proud parent who will be on pins and needles for the next several months, I just want to tell you how very cool your work is for these troops! And for parents. You are true patriots.

Regards, DT

Hello,

My twin brother arrived in Bangor airport on his way for his first deployment to Iraq. Surprise to my family and myself, we had no idea the support he would receive as he arrived. It means SO much to my family and I that there are people out there that care so much and do as much as you do. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Having Frankie feel welcomed, honored and loved by complete strangers creates emotions in me that I cannot describe. My gratitude and my love and just everything goes out to all of you that welcomed the troops. You are doing an amazing inspiring loving thing for men and women that you don't even know- and its great. Just so happens, my twin brother Frankie arrived at Bangor to become the 1 millionth soldier that was greeted! When he called to tell us, we went frantic!! My family which is my parents, 5 children, 6 grandchildren and my grandfather who served as well, all received the news in shock! I decided to get on-line and start to Google topics, and sure enough I found you, your website, newspaper articles waiting for the anticipation of the "1 millionth soldier" I haven't seen his name be released anywhere yet- but I have copies of all the articles. Frankie is gone for a year to Iraq. We do not come from a military family; Frankie when he turned 18 just knew this is what he wanted to do. With much sadness, fear and gratitude my family accepted his decision and we have been supporting him since day 1. He is my best friend, my twin brother, an exceptional son, an outstanding uncle, a great grandson, a soldier and our hero. My family and I would love to surprise him in a year when he comes home. If he flies back into Bangor we would love to be there. I could write forever about all troops, and how I honor and respect them so much, but again I want to say thank you for ALL that you do- and I hope you know how many lives you have touched in such special ways.

Thank YOU!!!

With Love, The LD Family

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

First, thank you so much for all that you do to support our troops. What a blessing you are to these men and women. You may think that your gestures are small; however, please let me assure you that they are not. You touch our military men and women in very deep and profound ways simply by being there, wishing them well and saying “thank you…we care about you”. And you, also, touch all of us that are left behind by our loved ones as they head off to unknown situations….you give them their first hello or last goodbye hug from our great United States. You are extensions of us during the times we would love to see our loved ones….thank you for that and for all that you do. What a blessing you are to so many.

Thank you, again, for all you do & being such a blessing to so many.

God Bless, MS

I just wanted to let all of you know that I appreciate you all taking pictures & posting them for the families. When my husband left I wasn’t able to be with him at the airport in Maine, but because of you I have a picture; that means a lot to me!!!!!. I think what you guys do is amazing kind thing to do I’m sure I'm not the only person that appreciates it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Hello Ladies,

Let me take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for being so kind and gracious to our men and women as they head to foreign soil. My husband was so touched by all the wonderful things you all do there at Bangor Airport. I would love to have a copy of his picture emailed to this address. Thank you in advance for the picture and thank you so very much for your patriotism.

Thanks, ES

First, I want to thank all of you ladies for the wonderful work you're doing. My son recently passed through your facility on his way to Kuwait, then Iraq. I was so happy to see these photos and your smiling faces show that it must be a labor of love

Thank you so very much for your assistance in this request. May God bless you! LY

I just wanted to say thank you for what you do. Y'all recently greeted my husband and his guys. It meant a lot to him and I'm sure the rest of them too. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for making them feel like they are appreciated because they don't always get that reaction in airports. Never stop doing what you are doing. Please know that it does make a difference.

Thank you again. MB

I just wanted to tell you ladies that what you are doing is awesome. I came through Bangor the other day on my way over seas, and I looked up the pics of us and couldn’t help but smile. I think it’s a great morale booster for those of us that are over here. It’s nice to know we are remembered and appreciated. Thank you for what you do!!

SSgt JR

U.S. Air Force

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

God Bless You!

My son is 20 years old, he joined the National Guard when he was 17 he continued and graduated high school and was at VMI as a rat when the 1-116th got called up for Iraq. He went through Maine yesterday and is in Ireland today on his way with his unit to Kuwait then to Iraq. We all heard, on face book, of your wonderful support of our men who have left their homes for this service.

Thank you for your service to them!!

You should have a disclaimer on your website to make sure you have the Kleenex handy when browsing:)

Thank You and God Bless You,

Love, BM Proud Army Mom

Hi,

I first want to thank you so much for greeting my husband and the soldiers that he his travelling with during their stop over in Bangor on their way to their deployment. We first learned of your work from the local news and 60 minutes but never thought that your efforts would touch our lives.

Thank you so much for your service. Your kind words and encouragement were appreciated by him and me.

Best wishes, GL

Hi-

My husband was on the flight that came in with the 256 Louisiana National Guard on Friday March 12, 2010.

I just would like to Thank you all for greeting the soldier on their way overseas and Thank you for giving me a glimpse of my husband on his trip. It is much appreciated.

Thank you! LE

Good morning Ladies, What a thrill it was for me to look at your website and see a couple of pictures of my son, on his way overseas. It warmed my heart for him to have a heartfelt sendoff, since my family would not get to see him off.

Thank you for all you do. Your thoughtfulness and Patriotism is felt by all and very much appreciated.

Sincerely, DY

Dear Carmen, Elaine, and JoAnn,

I don't know exactly how to express my gratitude to you three ladies, however I'm going to try to let you know how much you mean to us. My husband is in the Air Guard with the 188th Fighter Wing from Arkansas. I said goodbye to him on Monday morning and frankly it just broke my heart however by God's grace you have brought me comfort and joy. Your photos were such a joy and comfort to me and I came from a family where photographs were always taken that happens when your dad is a photographer. There was one photo that you posted and I think my husband had his arms around Carmen and Elaine and it brought me such happiness. My hat goes off to you ladies and what you do for our troops. I wish I lived closer because I would love to meet you three. You remind me of my grandmother just someone who gives and gives of themselves. If and when my husband comes home I hope sometime to come to one of your Tuesdays on the Hill and hug your neck and tell you thank you in person for greeting my husband and his unit. I don't know if you ladies are Christians but I feel like maybe you are from your words but you will have an enormous crown in heaven because your work is special and thank you for what you do for our country. I just ask you to remember and pray for my husband as he is now in Afghanistan and will be there for about 2 months which isn't as long as some deployments but I want him at home with me and our sweet beagle, R.J. You know I can say that I have a deeper appreciation for my husband and his service to our country through this experience and it makes appreciate a lot of the little things in life. If you talked with Nathan very much on Monday afternoon you would find such a sweet, kind, caring young man who loves his country and has already served in the Army National Guard for 10 yrs. with an 18 month tour in Iraq. I'm so thankful this tour is not so long because I want him home so badly so that we can go on with our lives however for now he is doing a job and a service for others just like the three of you. I would really like to sometime make a donation for your cause because I know how special you made my day and I want that for other families. Again, I can't express enough how much I appreciate your service and thoughtfulness to our troops and I hope that one day that I have the chance to meet you and thank you in person. Keep up the good work that you are doing for others. Just know I can't thank you enough for the photos and how much they mean to me and N's family.

Thank You, JT

Awesome idea, loved looking at the pics of the 188th Fighter Wing men and women posted Mar 8th. I just retired from that unit in Feb after 37 years of service. I have passed through Bangor 4 times to and from Iraq. I still get goose bumps thinking about the reception we were given. Keep doing what you do and GOD BLESS YOU and AMERICA

MSgt JB (ret)

To the Wonderful Freeport Flag Ladies and Others Who Meet our Troops.

Our son, Senior M/Sgt. DB, passed through Bangor on March 8th with the 188th Fighter Wing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Air National Guard. We were delighted to see five pictures of him on your website. God bless you for performing such a wonderful service. Darrell said it was such a delight to meet all of you and just to relax before going to Afghanistan. There are not enough words to thank you but may God bless all of you and keep your important work going.

B, M, L, S, E, and OB

I cannot tell you what a blessing your mission is to me and my family! My husband was among the group you photographed on March 8, 2010 in Bangor ME. We have 2 sons ages 8 and 3yrs and to be able to see their daddy on his journey will help them to understand a bit more what is happening. My husband he been in the military 18 ½ years and every time he has been deployed there have been angels like you all to honor them and help make the trip bearable.

God bless you all for what you do, and I cannot thank you enough!!

CB Smith AR

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

I would like to say Thank You for welcoming my son to Maine. As he left Cherry Point, NC through the tears and a lot of prayers I pray that his journey in life he will be safe. When he called and said that you took his picture I was so excited that I would get to see him. I would greatly appreciate it if you could email it to me. Again thank for your kindness.

Proud Marine Mom

I have a good friend that left for Afghanistan this morning and was one of many that you all had given a lucky penny to. When he was leaving the airport he told me to visit your website for pictures, and expressed how much it meant for people to support them and see them off. So, in turn, I would like to thank you for your smiling faces as they boarded the plane. It means a lot to me that you all were there with them when family and friends could not. Thank you for all you do!!! And I pray that those lucky pennies bring our troops and my friend home safely!!! Thank you again!

Sincerely,
CA

Good evening.

My husband is in the 188th Air National Guard from Arkansas that flew from Maine yesterday. You have their photos on your website. I just want to say thank you for doing that. Several of us wives have been looking on there and it’s a lovely glimmer of hope to see them. It's great to see that they are okay and doing well on their journey to Afghanistan. You all are definite heroes in keeping patriotism alive and well. Thank you for all you do. Not only from one American to another, but from the many loved ones of those serving abroad. We sincerely thank you!

With much regard, MP

Thank you. Your group took pictures of my brother's Army National Guard unit when they went through Bangor last week on their way to Kuwait. It was the 1-53rd Calvary of the Florida National Guard. The FRS coordinator found the link to your site and forwarded it to everyone's contact, which is his fiancée. She sent it to me this afternoon. It was great to come home to check my email and see his face. He just got deployed, so it will be a long time until I get to see him in person. Thank you for the service y'all do. I, for one, really appreciate it and I know she does and my mom and dad will too.

I hope to be a flag lady one day. Or rather, I hope that by the time I *can* be a flag lady, there will be no need for them any more because they will have all come home.

Much love,
Joanna

… My husband came through Bangor yesterday and I was wondering if you took any pictures or had or was going to upload any on your site? I hope you do. Thank you for your support and caring nature, you don't know how much you've touched my life and I've never met you but knowing that you care and support our troops leaves me speechless. Just say lots of prayers for the 188th and my husband, Nathan, he will be traveling into Afghanistan tomorrow and will be back in May. Thanks again for all you do for them and us. Your reward in heaven will be many and you've brought comfort to so many in a simple way.

Thank You, JT

Dear Flag Ladies,

Mu husband was deployed to Afghanistan in January this year and the rest of his company arrived in your airport today. 250 of them from the 188th Fighter Wing in Arkansas and I just wanted to thank you for doing what you do! Your selflessness and appreciation for our soldiers is affecting hundreds of us right now. I have posted photos that were sent to me of you greeting our guys on my facebook page and I want you to know that the wives who are seeing their men shaking your hand are loving you right now! I just wanted to say thank you I wish we had a major airport near by that we could do this for our troops too. I would join in an instance! Thanks again.

SBT
188th fighter Wing wife.

My husband asked me to look up your website because he thought that fact that you ladies wait for them and greet them was one of the nicest most sincere gestures he has experienced. He looks forward to flying in and out of Bangor just for that reason.

I want you to know that I did not even know your group existed until he said something this time on his second deployment. I want you to know that it makes me very happy to know there are welcoming Americans, waiting on our FREE soil to shake his hand, hug his back, and clap loudly to greet him. I wish I could travel there but since I can't I am at peace knowing you are there doing it for me!! Thank you!!

Love, D,K & A M

Freeport Flag Ladies,

I want to thank you all for taking the time to photograph all the soldiers. One of those you all photographed was my husband on March 5th. It's nice to see smile on their faces even though they are going to a place they rather not be. My husband has arrived in Kuwait and just sent me ya'lls link to see him. It brought tears to my eyes and I just wanted to Thank you 3! God bless. Support is #1!

In Christ, Melanie

My daughter was deployed on Nov. 8th and went through the Pease Airport. Thanking you in advance for you time and your effort. Also I would like to thank you all for taking the time out of your schedules to see our men and women off to foreign lands to fight for our country. It is wonderful knowing that they are people who are willing to give up their time to make a difference for our men and women going off to war to make their last few minutes in our country appreciated.

Thank you so much for everything, this is a wonderful idea and its great that I can log on and see pictures of my husband on his way downrange. and all the wonderful things my husband said about you. There is no way I could ever show you my thanks and how much this means to me.

Thank you for what you do and your support.

To the Freeport Flag Ladies,

My husband, SGT M, is currently deployed overseas. It has been a couple of days since we have had any contact. As you can imagine, it is rough not knowing and the amount of worry that is involved. However, I was just informed of your website and I took a look. You have a couple of pictures on your website from his flight that landed in Bangor Maine for a lay over. I cannot express to you how much this made my day. Just to see all the guys and someone there to see them off. It meant the world to me. Unfortunately, some people do not even acknowledge the military and what they sacrifice for our freedom. However, seeing a few people out there shaking their hands really makes a difference.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting those pictures online for everyone to see.... but more so for your support for the United States Military. It means a lot to the families of the troops.

All you pointed out below is true. But it is thanks to folks like the 3 of you, we get a moments surprise that helps relieve the feeling that they have left to a place we have no picture in our minds of other than battle ridden environments. And to know, that in their last stop in our country, there were folks waiting there for them, reminding them that we care. This truly, truly means so much to us that you guys are doing this.

I read (wanted to share with you guys a funny) in 1 of our Marine Mom's conversations, "your sons & daughters get to choose whether they join the military or not, for Military Parents, we get drafted"! Thanks for thinking of us & making the pictures available. That parental need to protect sure makes it hard to let them walk out that door for these assignements. But if it weren't for them...

Now we just need to make sure we're taking care of them well when they return & helping them get secured when back home!

Thank you for the sunshine you provided. May God give you the joys you are giving us.

Sincerely, HA

Dear Freeport Flag Ladies,

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful work you do!!! My son deployed to Afghanistan in October and you were there to greet him. I did not even know about you until last week when one of the wife's from his company told me when she is having a bad day she looks at the pictures from the airport. Of course I went straight to your website and there was my son, smiling and looking very happy. I can not tell you what that meant to me.

He called us this morning and I asked about his time at the airport and he could not say enough about how much it meant to him to have you there supporting them. He also told me you had taken a group picture of them and I was wondering if I could buy one from you? I would love to have it and I know it would be a great surprise for him when he comes home. He is in the group of pictures dated Oct. 30, 2009, Marines.

Again thank you for everything you do. You are truly amazing people.

God Bless You, CH

Yes you folks really made me happy because right before all of this happened. I was really down and out because knowing my husband was going to be gone for so long it was so hard for me to accept it. I just had to because we were having a little one on his way. While he was away at training I was 9 months pregnant and found out that our baby passed away in my tummy. So he had to come home for a week so that we could have closure before he left the country. So it was really hard for the both of us and he is still going keeping his head up high and im doing so also. Thats why I am thankful for people like you folks that appreciate what our troops are doing for our country. So by taking photos of them really is something to make the wives at home smile about. Thank you again aloha N

Hello Freeport Flag Ladies,

What a blessing you are for our troops! My heart goes out to you for your support and patronage. My husband was on Flight 2 on Feb. 13, 2010 and he was on the phone with me telling me how wonderful it was to be greeted by you and fellow veterans as they entered the airport and prepared to depart to fly to Kuwait. Thanks you so much for what you done for the sprit and moral. He appreciated it so much and thought it was wonderful to have you all there.

A friend of mine sent me the link today to your wonderful website. She had told me that she found her daughter and I should look for my soldier too. When I went to look, I found several pictures of my husband. His warm smile melted my heart, I began to cry because for a brief moment I felt close to him once again. He was writing on a post card he bought in the gift shop and he mailed it to me. I have it here with me today. He will be gone about 10 months and every little small moment like this you hold dear in your heart. You forget just how much you miss the ones you love until there gone from you. I just want to say, seeing these pictures and what you ladies do for all the troops, has really blessed my heart and I just wanted to say you ladies are wonderful, thank you for caring for my husband, our fathers, mothers, sisters & brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. You will truly be blessed for what you do.

I am sure you are a very busy group but if you do have time, I'd be so grateful if you could email the pictures that my husband is in. hHe is a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He has served his country for over 16 years and enlisted in the Army right out of high school. This is his second deployment to Iraq/Kuwait but has visited many, many countries in his years of service. He never gets tired, never complains and always serves. I love him very much and I am so proud of him. It means a lot to me to know that there are people out there to show our soldiers support & love along the way. Thank you.

First I want to thank you so much for what you are doing for the troops and their families....You truly are doing God's work....My heart was so humbled when we found out you were at the airport taking pictures and helping the soldiers. I will never be able to thank you for what you are doing...

I would also like to request a couple of pictures be e-mailed to me if you don't mind.. Below is the description... God Bless you and God Bless the Soldiers..

Thank you for your time and your service..

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the selfless acts of kindness that you show to our soldiers and veterans. A warm smile and hug before they leave for a faraway place really makes them feel good and it makes the family proud that they are appreciated by you and all that are involved in your ministry. Thanks again for all that you do and thanks for the picture.

Warmest regards, DB

…and God bless you for what you are doing. As the mother of a recently deployed Marine, I so appreciate what clearly is for you a labor of love. I had no idea that your group existed and I wish that I lived closer to where you are so I could participate.

Thanks again for your service. It is incredible that people like you are so dedicated to the young (and no so young) men and women of our military. You are heroes, too.

Blessings, KH

Hi ladies,

Well it’s been about a year since you last heard from me. I have enjoyed your weekly words. Sometimes it's comforting knowing that other people care. My son left for Iraq from your airport, then was sent to Afghanistan, and I got to see the pics on your web site. I have them saved and use them as my screensaver. Today he will be flying back thru your airport on his way home. I will continue to send out prayers for the ones still there and their families, it takes a toll on us all. I just wanted to again say thank you for all you have done and continue to do. So a great big THANK YOU from the family and friends of SGT R. GODSPEED to the ones still there! And God Bless all of you!!!!

Thank You SO Much,

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