PFC Horn, Svetlana,

My name is Command Sergeant Major Jerry R. Callaghan and I simply wanted to take a minute and track you down.  So I did, i'll send you my personal POC email at your Iraq email address.  Here's the good new's, I know who you are, I know where you are, I know your job, I know your DSN telephone number, I know your Battalion and the Company you are assigned to, I know who your Dad, Mom, brother and I believe you have a sister? Not positive. Now hows that for HUMIT Intelligence Collection for you?

Anyway, PFC Horn I only know this data thru AnySoldier.com. I am a CSM here in country and just wanted to say Hello and make contact with you.  You may or may not know your family has done incredable things for countless Military Service members.  This would include me. Coming from such a distinct and honorable family i'm reassured your a great Soldier and asset to your Organization. I would hope to drop you a note from time to time to ensure your ok and doing well. Once I contact you feel free to correspond anytime you want to chew the fat, chit chat or just need to vent. As your Dad would say "Been their and done That". Got that T-shirt and a few extra.

By the way, my Unit in particular feeds off data points you all collect - You go girl! One Team, One Fight.

I know your leaders may not tell you enough but sincerely "Thank You" for your service to your Company, your Battalion, The US Army and the United States of America. You are truly where the rubber meets the road and stand as a shinning example for others to emulate.

I like your father joined the Army as an E-1 and feel your pain. I have walked in your boots a mile.  I can relate to you almost better then you can relate to yourself. I'm proud of who you are, what you do and all you stand so proudly for. Be strong and know you are not alone in this hard situation while forward deployed.  I know being away from home is difficult.  I have wonderful children and family at home and it breaks my heart daily because I miss them terribly. Believe it or not, us soldiers have the same issues to deal with, we really do. I'm positive you have a wonderful support system at home that provides you with a strong sense of comfort during these trying times. Keep your chin up, chest out, lean on back and stretch it out. You'll be home before you know it.

You can do it - to easy.  Be careful, remain professional and Thank you so much for being part of the Army family and Team.

I'll drop you a note very soon - "Army Strong".        

CSM Jerry R. Callaghan

CSM, USA

Command Sergeant Major

Hi Svet.

Today, is Monday, 4/28.  If you are still able to view the forum, I received your letter and the flag (signed by all of you).  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  With all the action going on over there, please stay safe.  I am praying for all of you.

Love, Mimi

You are correct  ;)

Hi Sweetie,

Just wanted to let you know I am praying for you constantly and hope you are able to access the forum so you can feel a little touch of home.  I know it must be so hard for all of you to be away from your families.  I know you guys need packages and I will be able to send out some at the end of this week.

Keep your chins up and know that everyone on the forum loves you and is praying for your safety.

Take care kiddo,

Love, Mimi Z

I sent Svetlana a small package of coffee with a "Dear Soldier" letter back in January, and at the same time also sent Svetlana a card and letter separately. I've been wondering if either the package or the card made it, due to her having some address issues.

Well, I received the card back in the mail on Wednesday, 7 May, three and a half months after mailing it! It has a sticker on it that says "missent to 09340" (which is the APO zip code for Serbia) along with three or four postmarks for various locations, mostly unreadable, before being "Returned to Sender".

I'm posting this here because I thought it was pretty interesting that it's been floating around the mail system for a few months and got back to me quite intact (except for a few smudges, and of course the many postmarks) and also to let Svetlana know, I'll be re-sending the card, which contains greetings for a Happy Valentine's Day!

  Jenifer