This is a letter from a dear friend of mine whose son is stationed in Kuwait. Judy is organizing a shipment to be sent to the squad her son serves in. Please read the following letter from Judy (below) and consider doing your part to show your respect for these young men and women who unselfishly put themselves in harm’s way.

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Hello Friends of Mine,

During the holidays many of us look to do something special for those in need or for those who we may want to recognize and say thank you to, for the many different things they may do for us and others. Well this year I thought it would be a great idea to send a Christmas Care Package to the young men in my son Christopher’s National Guard squad, and/or platoon serving in the Army National Guard in Kuwait (Iraq). I spoke to Donnie and Jody Hamilton (Chris’s dad and stepmom), and they were enthusiastically on board with the idea right away.

Of course we (as a family) are going to send Christopher a Christmas Care Package from us and his friends, but what about those young men (and women) who may not receive anything at the holidays??? Well this is where I thought some of you MAY want to help. I am NOT expecting anything from anyone… I am just giving some of you an opportunity to join us in sending a Christmas Holiday Care Package(s) to our servicemen who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom everyday. (Well if that doesn’t just hook you right in, I dont know what will)… Anyway…

There are 10 men in Chris’s squad serving in the 1644th Transportation Company in Kuwait. There are 45 in his platoon. The response/items we receive will dictate whether the package(s) will be sent to just his squad or to his platoon as a whole. It can be anything from Christmas cards, to gum, packs of kleenix, grab and go snacks, holiday treats, or even a new pair of socks (not used either… lol). We are not looking to send a crate of packages, just a little taste of “Home-Town Holiday Cheer” from people in the Roscoe/Rockton area who want to brighten up the Christmas Holidays for some of our servicemen. We will, however, ship and pay for ALL the postage/shipping charges involved no matter how big the package(s) become.

What a wonderful way to bring a little Christmas (yes I said Christmas and not just holiday) to those who may not have anyone else to receive that from.

We are putting a deadline of November 1st on receiving the items/donations. We will mail the package(s) out no later than November 15th due to the projected mail during the holidays. If you are interested in donating any items (or know someone who is), please feel free to give me a call (home 815-623-7541). I am willing to pick-up any items, and I will be available for anyone to bring them directly to my home for safe keeping.

I am hopeful I will see some response, however, I know how the economy is right now and dont want to make anyone feel obligated to participate. This is just an opportunity for those who want to (and can) spread a little “Christmas Cheer” for some of our troops in Iraq.

God Bless you and EARLY HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!

Respectfully,

Judy Hamilton
815/623/7541