** From The Front  2006 **

Dear Operation Comfort, I wanted to write you this letter to let you know your efforts are reaching and helping soldiers. My name is Sgt. XXXXX XXXXXXX from Birmingham, AL and unfortunately I am being Medevac'd to Germany for some tests. Fortunately it is nothing big. My unit, XXX XXXXX Infantry, spent six months in the Sunni "Triangle of Death" dodging IEDs and mortars. Recently we were moved out of that hot zone to prepare to move home and get adjusted. As my luck would have it, I made it out of the bad stuff, only to break my leg here playing basketball. Oh well, if that is the worst thing that happens to me while in Iraq, I'll take it. Anyway, I arrived here with nothing, fully expecting to return to my camp however they told me I have to board a flight in the morning. That's where you guys stepped in. The nurse led me to a shelf stocked with bags full of great stuff. You allowed me to shower, shave, brush my teeth, change clothes, read a magazine and even listen to music. I hope you grasp the effect these acts of kindness have on the troops that are in a position to need them. Thank you for putting they need, but you have gone above and beyond the call of duty. You are a very special group and I thank God for you. In the words of my favorite talk show host, Sean Hannity, "You're a great American"! In His love, XXXXX XXXXXX

From a Go Bag AND a Four Freedoms Gratitude Quilt Recipient Fort Hood, Texas Dear BARB and all from Quiet Comfort, Thank you for your support and the care package and quilt. I was evac'd from Kosovo in January and am just now getting around to answering the wonderful group "Quiet Comfort". Ya'all make this Texan feel a lot better. Thank you so much and may God bless you, SFC XXXXXX XXXXXX

Letters From The Front

Top of Page

Operation: Quiet Comfort, Thank you so much for the box of comfort items. We just opened it and passed the goodies around to our team. The underwear was particularly welcome as the PX is usually out. Your patriotism means the world to us. We are a small unit with men and women from all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines). Our mission is to send teams out with combat units to assist in defeating the IED's that are responsible for killing so many of our people. The living conditions out there can be austere, so your items will come in handy.  We lost an EOD (bomb expert) last night when an IED blew up as he was investigating an attack. The enemy is particularly crafty when designing attacks against us and will use all means to try and kill people responding to an IED attack. They are not like us in any moral sense, no matter what you may read in the papers. The weather here is nice now, almost Fall-like, and it's getting warmer by the day. Hope you didn't get too much snow in your area this year.  We are all waiting for the day we can return to the USA, but realize we need to finish the hard work here. No one here has any doubt about what is at stake and what it means to our Nation. Your organization's support has and will continue to touch the lives of our people over here. Please continue the vital work and know each day that it is appreciated. Colonel XXXX XXXXXX Commander, Iraq Field Team

Members of Operation: Quiet Comfort, Thank you so much for the goodies. I shared what was in my bag with at least 3 other soldiers. The Back Packs are a good idea and will be much used. I think it's just great that there was a CD Player w/batteries included !!! Organizations like yours keep us smiling when there seem like there is nothing to smile about. Again THANK YOU.

This is SPC XXXXX from Texas. I am 20 years old. I really want to thank you for all of the support that you have been giving me and the rest of the soldiers. Thank you so much. Hope to hear from you soon and tell the Jones and Hill Family from Detroit, MI thank you and God Bless all of you. Thank you. Sincerely, SPC XXXXXXXXXX

From a Four Freedoms Gratitude Quilt Recipient Letter postmarked April 4, 2006 I would like to say thank you for all your support with Operation: Quiet Comfort. I am a soldier in Baghdad, Iraq. I would also like to thank Janet Blicharski and the Parsons Elementary School Third Grade Class who created such a fine Freedom Quilt. It helps us over here to know that we are remembered and appreciated back home. Thank you. CPT XXXXXXXX XXXX

I am writing to thank you for supporting America's sons and daughters who are making hard sacrifices for our precious freedom.  Your donations provide both comfort and encouragement for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their family members that come to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and Ramstein Air Force Base. Your generosity makes it possible for us to assist these wounded warriors and their families. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center is a beacon of healthcare for America's servicemen and women abroad. Spiritual support through Pastoral Services and your gifts enhance the holistic healthcare we provide for all those who proudly perform their sacred duty. What you have given blesses these precious men and women. I want to thank you for your caring and compassionate service to all those who serve their country so well. Blessings and peace, XXXXXXXXXXx  XXXXXXXXXX Chaplain (COL) U.S. Army Chief of Pastoral Services

Good morning. we are in XXXXXXXXXXXXX waiting for XX days and then we return to fort bragg.  again, i can't express how much your support meant to us and to the soldiers that we evacuated from here.  The day before we left we received all of your quilts and   packages and we also received a total of 18 packages from your  organization.  the quilts were amazing.  we have taken one back to frame and hang on our company wall to help us remember how much you all supported us and to hang on our wall of memories. the other quilts and bags were given to the medical company  that replaced us.  One thing that may be needed on their end is womens underthings as there are a significant amount of females to  male ratio in the XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX then there are in the XXXX XXXXXXX. Please send any other packages to: <WITHHELD FOR PRIVACY AND SECURITY> They are the medics who have replaced us at the forward operating  base. Again, we cannot thank you and your group for your support of us  during this past year.  Unfortunately, 18 soldiers paid the ultimate   sacrifice during this tour of duty; however, their sacrifice has not  gone unnoticed, and your quilt will hang on the same wall that we honor them on. Once again.  Thank you from a grateful medical company and from  grateful soldiers.   Thank you my friend.   In your service, doc ps  please email and let me know if i can possibly assist with this  program when i return to the states as my son is in the boy scouts   back at fort bragg, and it could become a project for them.

Unit #19 - Afghanistan Message dated May 31, 2006 Good day Lori, Thank you for your hard work and your kind support of the wounded soldiers/sailors/airmen/ marines at the XXXXXX Combat Surgical Hospital in XXXXXXXX Afghanistan. I am glad that you are in contact with Chaplain XXXXXXXX. Your go packages are very welcome as many wounded servicemen and women do not have gear/clothes/etc with them when they are brought to us wounded. I appreciate all you and your oranization do. Thank you for the kind email. I enjoyed reading more about your organization on your website. I worked at Landstuhl Germany prior to deploying to Afghanistan and know the wounded service members at Landstuhl will appreciate all your efforts. Take care and God Bless! CPT XXXXXX Family Medicine Physician Afghanistan

Got your second box last week…the quilt is beautiful. Everything you are sending is just perfect! You guys are making such a difference, I am sure of it. Thanks,

Letter Dated May 9, 2006 Dear Operation Quiet Comfort, If you could add my name to the list, I would be grateful to receive anything you have to offer. Thank you and God Bless. SPC XXXXXX XXXXXXX

We recently received some boxes of socks, underwear, and T-shirts.  They have been put to good use by our soldiers coming through the ICU/ICW. I will go through and count how many go bags we have left and ask around and see what some of the soldier's wishes are. SSG XXXXX XXXXXX

Email received May 24, 2006 Four freedoms gratitude quilts. She gave one to me. I want to say thank-you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers and what a wonderful gift.  Other packages from quiet comfort have also made there way to the TMC with toiletries and snacks. I am in charge of the patient holding area of our clinic. Your packages with toiletries and snacks often find there way into the hands of military people being evacuated to places all over Iraq and Germany as they are awaiting medical care. I wish to thank-you on the behalf of the military people entrusted to my care. XXXX X XXXXXXX, 1LT, AN

Unit #10 - Iraq Dated May 9, 2006 We received some more packages from you recently. Thanks again for all you do & the support you continue to give us. MAJ XXXXXXX XXXXX

(This is from contact #2 at this large hospital) Hi Ms Lori, Hello from Iraq! I did receive the 5 boxes and the mailroom told me that I have an additional 2 boxes. Thank you so much for the toiletries, books, stationeries and definitely the CD players. The soldiers really appreciate those gifts. I also want to thank your staff on behalf of the troops that we take care of. If possible we certainly can use long sweat pants and sweat shirts as well as underclothing for men in sizes small, extra large with the most amount in size medium and large. On a few occasions we have used 2xs. For women, we can use small and medium underwear only. Once again, thank you for your kindness toward us and our troops. LTC XXXXXXX

Hello, My name is SGM XXXX XXXXX. Recently soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of my unit in Baghdad, Iraq received packages from your organization. Your generosity and kindness helped boost the morale of these men and women more than you will ever know. Thank you for your patriotism and for remembering us. Very respectfully, SGM XXXX XXXXX U.S. Army, Iraq

Just wanted to say thanks again to you and the many that have so graciously given of their time and pocketbook, for the Soldiers that we provide care for here at the hospital. We are all well, and everyday brings us closer to the day that we can go home and see our families. But right now, our mission is to provide quality care to these soldiers. There is one thing that we could all use over here, if you could find a box big enough to ship it in. If you could send a nice Arctic Cold Front, all of us would greatly appreciate it. Some clouds would be nice too. Haven't seen a cloud since April. LOL! We really can't thank you enough for what you (and the folks that support Operation Quiet Comfort) do. It truly is a blessing to know that there are folks like ya'll (remember I'm from Texas) back home supporting us. Thanks SFC XXXX X. XXXXXX WARDMASTER, ICW 1

Iraq To Whom It May Concern: Yours truly, PFC XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX CSH

Unit #21 - Iraq Message dated July 24, 2006 I just wanted to send a big THANK YOU for the care package. It was amazing! I used everything in it, and I continue to use the black bag everyday. Thank you for thinking of us and sending such a great gift. It was an honor to receive it! CPT XXXXXXXX XXXXX, Iraq

Message Dated July 23, 2006 You and your staff are blessings from God. My staff and I truly appreciate all you have done for us. You have gone the extra mile to help us out. We may never be able to repay you in kind, but God will. It sounds like you are going to have lots of fun with your internet "family." Please do forward us some pictures so that we (SFC XXXXXX and I) can share with the staff. As always, we look forward to the boxes and when we receive them, I will forward you a note to let you know that we have. Once again, thank you. I am sure other Soldiers throughout Iraq appreciate you and your staff just as much as you do. God Bless! LTC XXXXXXX

Message dated July 23, 2006 Hello, and thank you for your response. I know CPT XXXXXX and I know that he has been receiving packages with clothing and other items for the soldiers. As far as the patients in the ER go, we are always in need of t-shirts, socks, and comfortable shorts for them. Usually The chocolate makes it okay when it is the individually wrapped. The Reisen chocolates are good too. They don't melt. Also, any candy that we can put out on our desk for all the folks who come through the ER is great. Once again, thank you for all of your support. We really appreciate it. Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX CPT/AN

I apologize for it taking me so long to get back to you dear. I have been on R/R and recently return back to duty here at the XXXXth. I want to tell you how much a BLESSING your gifts have been through Operation Quiet Comfort. It just seems every time you have sent us some wonderful boxes it was just what the troops needed each time. You have Honored and Comforted our troops in so many very special ways as they have felt the Love. People will change but the need remains the same here so keep sending theses nice Blessings to our troops. Yes we will still be here for some time XXXXXXXXXXX or even later but I will give to you the new units number/address when they show up for duty . Because I know they too can use the Blessings of Comfort and love and Support you all provide our troops to help make it just a bit more easier in what they are doing everyday while stationed here. May God Richly Bless you and the other folks that help our troops back here! XXXXX X XXXXXX MAJ, MS XXXXth ASMC Clinical Social Worker & Mental Health (CSC)

Thanks for the offer. We would love how ever many EZ Bathtubs you can spare. Many of our patients have lower extremity injuries and casts or pins in their legs/feet. They cannot take showers. I just received your package from your family yesterday and thank you very much! Everything sent is used and needed. I have received some packages from OQC members and will be sending out an update soon to thank them and the other good folks in the US who have sent care packages. I am limited by internet access that is dodgy at best. Thanks again for all your care and support! CPT XXXXX X XXXXXX

I have contacted the chaplains of the unit who are going to replace the XXXXX CSH here at XXXXXXX and XXXXXXX. I'm not sure which is going to which site. I'll make sure that when I find out which is going where, you and they will have contact information for each Respectfully, Fr. XXXXXX XXXXXX + Chaplain (MAJ) US Army Task Force Chaplain XX XXXXX Combat Support Hospital

Message Dated September 19, 2006 Thank you for the care packages! We received the 6 boxes with Go Bags and the 2 staff boxes yesterday. We were surprised to see all those Go Bags and will deinitely be putting them to good use. We send our warmest regards to you and all those who support our mission in Afghanistan. It is your support and consideration that will make us successful. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX, Capt, USAF

Message dated September 18, 2006 Kosovo (our Peacekeepers) I have been out of the hospital again training, but I am back and we are running low on care bags. We currently have five which should get us through the month, fortunately we are a lot slower than Iraq or Afghanistan. Thanks again for everything, SSG XXXXXXXX

Afghanistan Unfortunately, the gentleman in the middle lost his hand in the accident, and the other two have shrapnel wounds and such. They are all currently on their way back to the states, and I'm sure they will all do very well. They aren't smiling in the picture because they are tough guys, but they were very grateful for the gift. Once again, thanks for all that you do for us back home. We have been very busy here the past few weeks, but your support makes the time here more bearable. Sincerely, XXXXXXXXXX CPT/AN

Afghanistan Just a quick note to let you know how much we appreciate you and your organization's hard work. The service you provide is awesome and much needed. The clothes that you send for our injured soldiers are the best. Thank you so much for your most recent package. The snacks, coffee, creamer, and freezer pops are perfect. It is amazing what a small thing like a freezer pop can do for a soldier's morale. It reminds them of home, and of what awaits us when we have completed our mission here. Once again, thanks from all of us in the EMT. Sincerely, XXXXXXXX, CPT/AN

Letter Postmarked September 3, 2006 To Whom It May Concern, The reason for this letter is to inform you guys that the package you sent made it into a soldier's hands. I would like to thank you for supporting us and thinking about us. This operation does make a difference - it boosted our morale up. So, keep up the good work. My name is SPC XXXXX and I'm with the XXXth Taskforce Med in Baghdad and I'm proud to defend you. Thank you for what you are doing. Sincerely, XXXXXXXX P.S. Please excuse my spelling, English is my second language.

Dear Operation Quiet Comfort, Thank you for your gift boxes to our clinic. Our soldiers - both patients and staff like them. The things we can give to our Iraqi patients really brighten their day - they have so little because Saddam kept them in poverty. Please accept my small gift of wrappers of food we eat in Iraq. It is not much but it is foreign and exotic. I would like for you to give them to one of your hard-working volunteers or a library or a school. I miss my home state of South Carolina and my wife, children, and grandson (and my medical patients). We bet our lives we can keep you safe! Thanks, COL XXXXXXXXX

Hello all, I am so grateful for all the support that you have provided to the sick and injured American Soldiers here in Iraq . Your support is so appreciated by all of us and the patients, who most of the time, are unaware of the kind generosity that you all have shown. Just know that many have left here, headed for Germany , and ultimately home, in the clothing items that you have provided. There are so many folks, behind the scene, that never get the "kudos" that they deserve, but I want to make sure that you know that my staff and I, although we don't know you personally, know the kindness of your hearts. SFC XXXXXXXX

I have received the 2 boxes that you sent me last week. Thank you so much. The quilts are beautiful. Lately, we have had quite a few of our folks wounded. I guarantee you that these quilts will be used when we transfer them to the States. Our time here is truly getting short. Once again, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the wonderful support that you have given us throughout the year. Folks like you all make me want to stay deployed and carry on this mission forever. <<signed with 2 smiley faces>> God Bless, LTC XXXXXXX

Message dated August 30, 2006 Let me extend my gratitude and thanks to you and your group for what you do for our soldiers. I know your assistance has a great impact on our soldiers and their families. As Deputy Commander of the XXXXth Combat Support Hospital we have presented quilts from organizations like yours to our wounded warriors on there way to Laundsthul. Their eyes light up in gratitude as one of these quilts are presented to them. Thank you again for all that you do. Hope to hear from you soon. Respectfully, XXXXXXXXXXXX COL, MS Deputy Commander Task Force MED & the XXXXth CSH

Message dated August 25, 2006 I just wanted to send you a tremendous thank you from all of us here for the work you have all put in. The clothes that you sent are great and a big help. The soldiers like them because they are so comfortable. Plus, it is nice being able to send them to Germany with My sincerest thanks, XXXXXXXX

Message Dated August 29, 2006 Thank you for your prompt and generous response. I know that my medical team will appreciate any and all items sent in support of our mission. With the upcoming winter and expected snowfall I know we will be in need of indoor activities to pass the time and clothing to keep ourselves warm. The wooden huts aren't what you would call "insulated." Again, thank you for taking the time to support the troops. We will be eagerly awaiting your goodies! XXXXX XXXX, Capt, USAF Camp XXXXXXX, Afghanistan

Letter dated October 18, 2006 Afghanistan Thanks so much for what you are doing for us. We are so grateful for your kindness. You make it all worthwhile. We have a few months before we pass the duties over to the XXXXX XXXXXX and you all have made the deployment very "warm" for us. Thanks for all you're doing and continue to do for the troops. God Bless you and may God continue to bless America !!! SSG XXXXX

We received boxes of your supplies yesterday and boxes the day before. We are very excited to get these items to our downtrace I am sure that you are following the news closely and know that things are not slowing down here. I am thankful for groups such as Operation Quiet Comfort for remembering our wounded troops. It would be tough to be wounded and away from your family and friends - your bags of comfort items soothe emotions and tensions. Thanks again for your hard work and concern! Respectfully, LTC XXXXXXXXXX

Letter dated October 28, 2006 Iraq Operation Quiet Comfort & Girl Scout Service Unit 14 (Bridgewater, New Jersey): I am a Sergaent First Class in the US Army deployed in Iraq. I was recently hospitalized in country. What a wonderful surprise to receive your amazing quilt! I used it in the hospital and now I have it in my room. I love to look at it and see all the warm wishes that My husband and I are both in the Army and have been deployed multiple times. We love to get things like this from our supporters back home. It reminds us that we are here for a reason and that our sacrifices are indeed appreciated. Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and well wishes!! Know that what you do does (underlined) make a difference!

Iraq I wanted to say thank you for all that you folks do to support our <medical> company. It means a lot to us to receive your gifts. Being away from home and my husband is hard enough and sometimes it doesn't seem like you will be able to make it through another day. But then we receive another one of your treasures. To be honest with you its knowing that you care enough to send a package for us not what's in it. Thank you for believing in us when sometimes it seems that so very few do! Love, XXXXXXXX

Letter dated December 30, 2006 Thanks, it was awesome what all of you at Operation: Quiet Comfort did putting that bag of surprises together. It did indeed put a big smile and a sense of feeling special and appreciated. I have no words to express my gratitude. May God bless you and your loved ones. SSG. XXXXX

IRAQ We are XXXXX Hospital corpsmen serving with Regimental Combat XXXXXXX out`of XXXXXXXXX.  We just arrived and will be incountry for a full year. We are asking for hygeine items and underwear/t-shirts for our wounded soldiers/marines that we serve. We are also asking for blankets and pillows too. We would like to thank you in advance for all of your suport. XXXXX  XXXXX (always faithful)

Message dated December 25, 2006 Thank you so much for all of your loving support. My unit, the XXXXXst ASMC out of Detroit/Ypsilanti, Michigan became some of the grateful recipients of your care packages today. The games and puzzles were great! It was nice to have something to open on Christmas. Thank you for your efforts and know that they are appreciated:) <Big Smile!>

Message dated December 21, 2006 AFGHANISTAN I just wanted to take this time to say thank you to all your volunteers and staff for supporting us during our mission. All the items that were sent were put to good use and are very appreciated. My team and I are leaving XXXXXX, so we will not be needing any more care packages sent this way. Again, thank you for all your hard work and dedication, it has paid-off and we are greatly appreciative. XXXXXXX,CAPT, USAF

Letter dated December 15, 2006 I personally wanted to write you and thank you for all the support that you are giving to our soldiers. You may receive letters from others within our unit thanking you for all you have done. Our time here can seem to drag.  By receiving notes and emails from folks back home it reminds us why we are here and how much we are supported. I am part of the Unit Ministry Team (UMT) with the XXXth MMB (Multifunctional Medical Battalion). My role is somewhat hard to explain but it involves soldiers well being-both mental and spiritual. The notes and packages we receive are passed on to these troops and really helps boost their spirits. While we may not always be able to write back, your notes and thoughts are truly welcomed by our unit. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. Peace be with you, Susan XXXXX Chaplain's Assistant

Message received December 14, 2006 IRAQ Thank you so much for those awesome quilts! The soldiers loved them!  Well, have a Merry Christmas and be safe. 1LT XXXXXXX XXXXXX

Message received December 14, 2006 IRAQ Hello, my friend in the Lord! I'm very grateful that chaplain XXXX submitted my name and my NCOIC to continue to be a liason team for soldiers to receive your great ministry of love, hope, encouragement and comfort. We have received the following from you since Mid-October upto Mid-November: 1. Blankets = 6; We are in need of more(10)? We would like to send 4 to my Chaplain and Assistant representing me in the South. If you need address, I will send it to you as soon as I receive it. 2. Received: greeting cards, calendars, games, videos, holiday CDs, 2-bag of black socks, flip-flops, Porky-bake, coffee, ginger bread treekit(I believe will be a popular item-might request a few more of these later),humor from home,tea, peanuts, slimjims, little bags of goodies, puzzles, nit-and-needles, cards for the wounded and medical staff, etc...rrrrr! God is good! I will submit your name and organization to the Hospital Commander for you to receive an official thanks from the entire unit. Myself, my NCOIC and XXXXXX will keep you inform. Until next time, continue to address shipment to Chaplain XXXXX/SSG XXXXX, Thanks again.

OQC News and Information