Stockings for Soldiers
Thank You's

Dear 2009 “Stockings For Soldiers” Friends:

I would like to take this time to Thank you, ALL, for helping to make our “little” community project, “Stockings for Soldiers” such a great success this year. You ALL have helped to bring some extra smiles to our wonderful Troops for the Holidays. Thank you for making such a great difference in the lives of so many of our Troops.

In previous years, it had been our honor to mention EVERYONE who had helped us with this community project. However … due to the tremendous number of people who want to show their love and support for our deployed troops, it has become impossible to thank each person or group by name. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of volunteers who have joined with us to send holiday greetings to our military.

Please accept this heartfelt Group Hug and THANK YOU. We all realize that we all could never have been successful without EVERYONE’s assistance.

This OFFICIAL THANK YOU goes out to each and every one of you for all your kindnesses, generosity, compassion, time, energy and love for our wonderful troops. To all our friends at Patterson Schwartz, Rotarians, Girl Scouts, to our many schools, churches and synagogues, to our local businesses and civic groups, our Senior Centers, friends and neighbors at our Libraries, at our retirement associations, our media friends, our corporate sponsors and especially our dedicated project Team Leaders: THANK YOU.

So, THANK YOU, wonderful volunteers, for everything that was donated, purchased, sewn, knitted, glued, glittered, cut, pasted, taped, carried, written, typed and sent to our wonderful troops.

Our Wonderful Volunteers have accomplished the following:

1. Created, sewed, decorated and personalized over 6,600 stockings.
2. Put together over 6,600 packets of Snowman Soup. (Hot Cocoa)
3. Made over 800 polar fleece blankets and knitted over 500 wool hats.
4. Wrote over 6,600 Greeting Cards for each stocking.
5. Supplied over 36,000 lbs. of Goodies for the Stockings
6. Donated over $20,000 for the postage this year.
7. Stuffed 6,600 stockings with Love.
8. Packed up and taped all our 1170 boxes. (Note: new count for the boxes)
9. Packed up three post office trucks.

Thank You to The Adult Learning Center in Alexandria, VA for their very generous financial donation that was collected from men and women who have just become new citizens of the United States. Their contributions touched our hearts and we are so grateful for their love of their new Country and for the brave men and women who are defending it.

Once again, it has been my honor and privilege to coordinate this wonderful humanitarian project. Thank You, everyone, for all your support and assistance. We will soon start to plan for our 2010 project. If anyone would like to assist us, there are many ways to start:

1. Throughout the year, be sure to check our web site: www.StockingsForSoldiers.org for all the latest news about “Stockings For Soldiers.” We will be having a quarterly newsletter, filled with facts, stories and information about our project. It will be posted on our website. Please send any suggestions for our newsletter. Also, be sure to join our Facebook page, “Stockings For Soldiers – Delaware” for any current news.
2. Sewing Stockings now would give us a head start for next September. See our website in January for a NEW sewing pattern.
3. Knitting hats for our troops. See our website for the pattern.
4. Purchasing and donating fabric. (Please hold on delivery until September.)
5. Collect small sizes of dental supplies throughout the year from our wonderful friends in the Dental community.
6. Collect gently-used DVD movies and Music CD’s. (Please hold until September.)
7. Tell your Friends to join with us in September to help make the Holidays a little brighter for our Troops.

With sincere appreciation and gratitude,

Judy Travis
Project Coordinator

Have a Happy & Healthy New Year. Hope to see you all next September.

We have received some very special email "Thank You’s" from some of our troops and I have included them here. They are addressed to all of us. More of their emails will be sent out after the Holidays. Please enjoy them and know that all of us, combined, have made a real difference in their lives while they are in harm’s way. Thank You, friends, for making our project such a success. I hope their notes of gratitude bring you all some smiles.

Thank You's from our Soldiers....

Dear Stockings For Soldiers,

Thank you so much for the Christmas Stockings! I have mine hung until Christmas, I didn’t even want to take a peek into it. I will have something to look forward to Christmas morning and I will think of my daughter at home digging through her stocking. I love my stocking so much and the fact that my stocking was made just for me, sewn and created just for me, I will treasure it forever. I will look back in future Christmas’ and remember how I came to own this stocking. What means the most is that it was made with love and kindness. If I could I would give you all a BIG HUG. I have to go now, I get a little glossy eyed thinking of this great act of kindness. I work directly for my Company Commander so I don’t want him to see me looking like I’m going to cry. God bless you! I truly am touched.

Your Always Faithful and Loyal Soldier, Amber L.

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Dear Chief Elf-in-Charge & Team,

Hello...Hello...Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas. I am Chas S., a co-worker of Christian L. I recently received a wonderful stocking and wanted to take the time to personally thank you for your kindness.
As our deployment is coming to an end, we begin to hand off our jobs to our replacements. Most of us will not be home before Christmas, and our families and friends were most concerned about our ability to participate in this festive holiday, at least I know mine were. My mother insisted on sending mail and I insisted it wasn't necessary because I am trying to pack everything up for the redeployment home and it would be unlikely to reach me with all the movement.
When Christian gave me my personalized stocking and goody bag it brought a smile to my face and brightened my day. He even went so far to make me a cup of hot coco with all the trimmings (Hershey kisses, marshmallows with a candy cane stirrer), a delight foreign to me even in the states. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all the support you have given throughout the deployment, and most recently the Christmas Presents. One of our most prized traditions in the office is helping Christian with all his packages sorting through them and of course picking a few things out for ourselves. As these deployments continue it is your loyalty and selfless service that encourages us.
Small luxuries in our little spot in Afghanistan are hard to come by. When we need toiletries, socks, or even candy we have to pass the order through one or several people to place it for us and have them bring it back. I know one of my 'morale boosters' when outside the COP/FOB is to brush my teeth...It seems simple and well childish but clean teeth feel good when the rest of you is dirty. Of course, as we begin to travel countless hours back to the states in between cots and tents, the small toothbrush and toothpaste will work perfectly.
In short it is uplifting to receive such personalized gifts, I especially liked my stocking. The stocking will travel back with me
over the next few weeks and participate every year to come in this holiday. You all have truly embraced the meaning of Christmas caring for strangers and sharing the spirit. I hope I am able to spread what you have started, here and back home. Thanks for your tireless efforts and continued support. Happy Holidays!

Love and prayers, Chas

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Mrs. Travis,
I just wanted to thank you and your group for sending out the Christmas Stockings to Iraq for us.

It's very much appreciated, not only by me, but all the other soldiers here. It's just the simple things

from back home that helps us get thru our deployments, knowing there are people back there that care

and support what we do. Once again, Thank You.

Sincerely, SSG Craig D. , A Co, 702 BSB

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Judy,

My unit received one of your group's packages today and I wanted to say thank you for thinking of all of us during the holiday season. I am a 2004 West Point grad currently serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. We definitely appreciate folks like you who are supporting us back home!

Merry Christmas! Jason Z. 82ND ABN DIV. Camp Stone, Herat, Afghanistan
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Hello, I am Sergeant First Class Matt P. I am the Platoon Sergeant for First Platoon Bravo Company, Special Troops Battalion of the First Brigade, First Armored Division in Kirkuk Iraq. I just wanted to write and say thank you for sending care packages to my troops and me. The candy is great and the personalized stocking is really special. I love the candy, but it will be gone in a few days. The stocking I’ll keep forever. Thankfully I brought some magnets along with me and I have the stocking stuck to my wall locker. (See attached picture) Please pass along my sincere appreciation to all who helped put together and pay for the care packages.

Thanks again, SFC Matt P., USA, Kirkuk Iraq.

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Oh my gosh - are they here!!

Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that the boxes are arriving in full force. I'm getting reports from all of our teams that they're getting them on the out sites as well. WOW, you guys have outdone yourselves this year!
Special thanks for the phone cards, I've had occasion to use them already for a troop with a Red Cross message. We'll be sure to get them distro'd out to where they'll be most needed. Thanks again for your amazing support. I'll send Christmas photos along soon.

All the best to you and yours this holiday!

V/R CPT Heather G., A/72d ESB, COB Speicher Once a Renegade, Always a Renegade!

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Ms. Travis,

Good morning. I have recently received many boxes with the stockings for my Soldiers. I do not know how to thank you. The Soldiers are very excited about getting the stockings; I will be passing them out on the 23rd. I will make sure that I take some pictures to send. The beanie babies that were in the boxes were a huge hit also. The holidays are the toughest time for the Soldiers here and your gifts have made a big difference. Thank you again.

v/r
1SG Patricia H., 702d BSB 4/2 Stryker Bde

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CHIEF ELF IN CHARGE JUDY TRAVIS

Thank you for the wonderful work that has been done on your behalf for all the soldiers over in the Middle East!! May you and all those associated with this project enjoy a very MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM IRAQ!!

CPT BERGESON

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Judy, I would like to thank you and everyone for the package (Christmas Stocking). Thanks also for all your support.
I really appreciate it. v/r, 2LT Pauline E. JIDC- Operations Battle Captain
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To: The Chief Elf Judy Travis and all her helpers

From: The men of D Co 4th Plt. 2-12Inf "Hellhounds" living in Kunar Prov. Afghanistan

Thank you for your support and the warm blankets

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Dear Chief Elf-in-Charge
Thank you so much for the stockings, everyone in my platoon got one. I think its freakin awesome that people still care about soldiers that are deployed. Being here sucks but having groups like yours just makes everyone here smile...and it gives us something to snack on while on mission. lol. I have my stocking hanging above my A.C. unit instead of a fire place or mantle lol. Once I get my camera working again, I’ll send some pics. I hope you all have some happy holidays over there

SPC Jesse S.
Military Police
United States Army

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This note is from a special friend from the Delaware Guard, who for the past several years, helped us to send our boxes to our troops:

Good morning Judy,

Well, who would of thought, Santa Clause delivers here at Camp Adder in Iraq!!! I wanted to drop you a note. We got your boxes!! As soon as I saw them carry those Apple Boxes in our Command Post, I immediately thought of all of us at the Post Office off-loading all of those boxes. Ahhhh, good times.
The Christmas stockings are great. They brought smiles instantly to our Soldiers. One of the Soldiers particularly enjoyed the crossword puzzle books, he was having a bad day.

I can't thank you guys enough. I remember what is was like to load those boxes and always wondered what it would be like on the other side. Well now I know, Its GREAT!!! The detail and care that goes into the stockings is amazing. Make sure you let everyone know we are deeply appreciative.

When I get a chance I will send you some pics. Thanks so much Judy, you’re all great.

Take care and Merry Christmas to you and all of your elves!!!

CPT JAIME W.

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Greetings Judy,

Today my unit received a bunch of boxes stuffed with stockings and other goodies. I just wanted to drop a line and thank you personally. Iraq can wear on you, especially after multiple deployments. It’s nice to see the younger soldiers get a little light hearted when they receive such things.

Thank you and all the people helping you and still remembering us. A special thanks to Priscilla C. from Glen Mills for her card.

SSG Peter N., 2/1 CAV, Camp Styker, Iraq

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Hello Ms. Travis,
I am Sgt. Felix M. I am emailing you just to say Thank You The Stockings brought a huge smile to my face and the faces of my soldiers. We greatly appreciate the gesture, it definitely made our night and definitely lifted our spirits. The candy, the socks, the book and especially the hot chocolate, with the marshmallows (not sure if I spelled that correctly). Let all who made these stockings know that we are greatly appreciative and loved the dedication and love that was put into each and every stocking. Once again thank you, we appreciate the fact that there are people back home that care and take the time to make sure we have the small things that brings smiles to our faces. I wish yall a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

"A man's dreams are an index to his greatness." Sgt. Felix M.

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Mrs. Judy Travis & Stockings for Soldiers-Delaware, Inc;

First and foremost thank you for all that you do and the business you represent. The idea of giving to someone; may it be Soldiers or an individual passing on the street of your local town is always a blessing in disguise. Your organization prepares a “touch of home” for every soldier near and far, your organization brings joy to them from outside their immediate family. Some soldiers are not close to their families; families can’t afford to send anything or just fail to re-connect with their Soldier. As advance as technology is today receiving something In hand if far greater than an image from the internet.

During my first deployment in 04-05 an organization very similar to yours sent packages to brighten our days separated from family and friends. During my second deployment 07-09 I contacted an organization and asked if they would take care of my Soldiers with me. Some came from all walks of life; some very family oriented, others, distant from relatives. I openly explained I would like my Soldiers to experience the same gratitude I felt during my first deployment, to re-enforce to them complete strangers unknown to them could care for them and let them know they too supported their actions abroad. Deployed a third time 09-10 I am once again grateful for organization as yours to support Soldiers while they are deployed.

Yesterday we held a formation and called out names of soldiers on the stockings, it reminded me of Christmas at home waiting for mom to pass a present my way with my name on it. As names were called hands went up, Soldiers expressed joy and laughter as they received their stockings. For some this was the first time they received something from the states.

I would like to say thank you once again for all that you do for Soldiers and their families.

SSG Justin P.

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Dear Stockings for Soldiers,

I just wanted to say thank you very much for the stocking you sent myself and Soldiers of the 1st Armor Division. Your warm wishes and care you put into each stocking is greatly appreciated by all of us. We all wish you and your organization the warmest of wishes during this Holiday season. Thanks again

v/r SFC Gabriel J., 1st HBCT, 1st Armored Division, FOB Warrior

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Dear Mrs. Travis,
I received your letters and care package today with some others. I just wanted to write you and say thank you, and I hope you have a great holiday season.

Daniel F.
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Fellow Americans,

I wanted to write a quick note to thank you for your packages, letters and notes. Over the past couple weeks as the Christmas mail has been coming in, my Soldiers have enjoyed a note or package you sent from the states. I can tell you this, your efforts to stay in contact with the troops has a direct effect on their morale and comfort of living here. Thank you.

Below is a letter I sent home to some family and friends. Hope you enjoy the update and pictures.

Happy Holidays,

Stephen F., 1LT, Infantry

Here is Steve’s letter:

Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds everyone well. Things are beginning to settle down here so I wanted to update everyone on the deployment so far. After about two weeks of constant sweating in Kuwait, we headed into Iraq. We stayed at Camp Striker, which is part of the Victory Base Complex in and around Baghdad. Iraq is around 20 degrees cooler than Kuwait, which was averaging in the 120s, so it was a welcome relief.

The Victory Base Complex is a sprawling mess that resembles more of a small city than a combat base. Honestly I really don’t know what the large majority of Soldiers on the base do on a daily basis, it’s mostly support troops and soft skill Soldiers. After a week or so living like Kings at Camp Striker, we headed out to our new home, JSS Nassar Wa Salam (NWS). While we don’t have the amenities (government waste) that the larger bases have, our new JSS (Joint Security Site) is quickly becoming home. We share the base with 200-300 Iraqi Army Soldiers, who we plan and conduct missions with. We have two hot meals a day, running cold water for showers, electricity and shared computers, so life is good.

Nasser Wa Salam is a town between Baghdad and Fallujah of approximately 150,000. The actually size of the town is incredibly small – probably less than two square miles, with the population literally living on top of each other. There is no sewage system, garbage collection, or reliable electric system in the town. While there are two street markets, there is widespread unemployment and poverty. Our company has at least two patrols out in sector every day. Most of the patrols are joint, meaning when we conduct them, we go out with an Iraqi Army element. The type of patrol involves me and my translator going to the Iraqi Operations Center an hour before the patrol to develop a plan with my counterpart, usually an Iraqi Captain. So far, the patrols have been very interesting, with no two being the same. We have spent time identifying and inspecting Iraqi Army, Police and Sons of Iraq (an armed neighborhood watch group, most former terrorists we paid to stop fighting us) checkpoints, searching for weapons caches, and visiting schools. We will usually visit the markets once or twice a week to hear the complaints of local business leaders, and often find ourselves protecting important religious sites or government centers during meetings.

Our job here has become part cop, part soldier, part local government leader – while all along providing additional assets and support for the Iraqi Army. While the peace here is fragile, the turnaround that Iraq has made in the last year is remarkable. I’m not sure how much press is covering the issue, but the troop “Surge”, coupled with the Sunni Awakening, and the establishment of the Son’s of Iraq, brought an incredible decrease in insurgent activity. The turnaround that brought about the peace and relative stability in Iraq is truly a success story that hopefully continues.

Here is a photo of the platoon before a mission (I'm on the far right).

Steve

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Hello Judy Travis,

We just received your boxes of donations including the fleece blankets today. You really went out of your way on this donation to the soldiers. Many of the soldiers use the fleece blankets to keep warm on the flights they take back to the states. Thank you for thinking of us this holiday season.

Sincerely, Chaplain Assistant Karl E., Baghdad, Iraq
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Hi!

I just received a package today and wanted to say thank so very much!

I can't tell you the morale boost to come off a long mission and have a package sitting on the desk. The stocking and personal greetings were great! The candy, cookies and food will be shared among friends. Sadly the silly string has already caused a ruckus and will provide continued enjoyment for me at the expense of the unsuspecting!

Please pass on to everyone involved my well wishes and most sincere thanks for all the hard work! I wish I could personally thank each and every person. If there is anything I could ever do, please don't hesitate to ask!

With warm regards, CW3 David G. , 224TH MI BN, Instructor Pilot/Safety Officer
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Dear Stockings for Soldiers Supporters,

Thanks so much for the boxes of items and personalized stockings for the deployed Soldiers here in Baghdad, Iraq. Mail is one the true indicators of support from "back home", the days and weeks away can be long and stressful but all of your contributions brighten the days of the men over here doing our nation's work.

I was quite surprised at the volume and quality of the gifts in the boxes, I can tell some thought was taken to put some love and care into them. Sometimes the care packages are the only mail some Soldiers receive for whatever reason. Once again many thanks, it is great to know of the support back home and also that the young kids and families are doing their part to support our great military. Thanks again,

First Sergeant Nick P., F Company 52d Infantry Regiment "Ready Rifles"
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Judy,
Thank you so much for the box you sent out this way. I am attaching the Battalion newsletter so you can see how busy the battalion has been and give you a feel for what we are doing out here. We truly appreciate your support and all the support from Wilmington Delaware!

V/R, Joseph Z.., 19th EN BN, BOM
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Mrs. Travis

I received your stocking today ... I just wanted to say thank you to you and your organization

for supporting the troops overseas this holiday season. I would also like to thank the Girl Scout Troop 1453. I wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season

THANK YOU, Sincerely, PFC Alfonso S.
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I just wanted to say thank you so much for the stockings you sent to our troop. We all really enjoyed them. It was nice to have a touch of home here in Iraq. I like to know that there are people back in the states who still keep soldiers in their thoughts. Again thank you for taking time out of your day and making those stockings. I really appreciate it.

Justin M.
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Hello,
I am Staff Sergeant Benoit F., platoon sergeant of 1st platoon 76th Engineer Company, 19th Engineering Battalion. I truly would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the care packages. As I write I could see the smiles and can hear the excitement in voices of my entire platoon as they grab various items from the boxes. It is indeed a morale booster. It is very comforting to know that back home there are people who care. Once again, many thanks to your and all those who were involved. May God bless you all always.

SSG Benoit F., 15TH EN , ARMY STRONG

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night.” Thomas S. Monson
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Thank you from

Fourth Platoon Dagger Company, Second Regiment of the Twelfth Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade Combat Team, Fourth Infantry Division, United States Army, Honaker-Miracle Command Outpost, Kunar Afghanistan.

We received your packages with blankets. We depend on and appreciate your support!

Thank you! William P.
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Judy,

On behalf of B Troop 2-1 Cavalry, 4/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, I would like to take this time thank you and all the volunteers for the stockings we received. We all are very thankful for your time and caring.

We wish you all a happy and joyous holiday season. Please pass this small token of our appreciation along to all the volunteers who helped with the stockings. Again, thank you all very much and have a great holiday season.

Respectfully, 1SG Keith E., B Troop 2-1 Cavalry, Baghdad, Iraq

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Greetings from Iraq,

I just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you very, very much. I am the Battalion Surgeon for C. Co. 702 BSB, 4-2 SBCT and am currently in Baghdad. The generosity and thoughtfulness of the many stockings you helped send to us is/was very appreciated. Being away from family and friends is difficult, especially during the holidays; knowing that there are people back home who support us and care about our well-being is extremely comforting. Please pass along my "thank you" to all that participated in your wonderful organization.

Sincerely,

Chris S., Battalion Surgeon, C. Co. 702 BSB

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