hi to everyone;  I am the mom of sargent john penich, KIA oct.16,2008, My son was killed in afghan. during a mission. John was part of 1-26 inf., vipers and was at ristapo.  John was given the silver star for his actions.  I still support the guys at ristapo and the families of other fallen soldiers. I thank all of you who support our men and women who put there lives out there for us.  i hope to here from some of you who new john.  keep strong and god bless us all, kathy      

 Hi    I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear of your son's death. He in indeed a hero to us. We are so sorry for your loss. My husband and I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders so know of your grief first hand. Thank you so much for your sacrifice and his. Thank you also for the support you continue to give to so many. I know it is appreciated. God bless you.

Hi Kathy,

Our country is truly blessed to have service men/women, like your son, as part of our military forces.  It should humble all Americans that such people are willing to sacrifice so much for our country and her people.  My family and I will never forget those sacrifices and will never forget the men and women who paid the ultimate price.  It is an honor for us to be apart of this organization and to support our troops.  I only wish I could do more for those that do so much for all of America, her people and allies! 

 Kathy,thank you so much for raising such a valiant young man! He is truly a hero, and we're all diminished by his loss. Bless you for continuing to support his brothers in arms...we're all right here with you, linking arms in the same efforts....hugs.

Sandy

Kathy,

My son Ian considered John his very good friend and was devastated by his loss. Ian told me that "Penich was one of the best soldiers I have ever fought with. A natural leader, respected by his men and funny as hell." Well, words to that effect anyway. Thank you for posting this and know that John's memory will stay in the hearts of the men he served with.

God bless you

Alan

Hi Kathy, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I did not know John but have been sending packages to Restrepo through this site. His picture is posted on the site as one of our fallen contacts and I saw him on the news special. By everything I have read about him, I know that he was very loved and respected by all that knew him. You have my love and thanks for your beautiful son. His strength surely came from you. Please stay connected as you have been. There are many supportive people on this site.  Diane

 Hi I'm Katie and I just joined the site, looking forward to supporting our troops!

Welcome Katie!  There's always room for a new junkie!!....

Karie,

Welcome to the site! I don't visit the site regularly, but do read the posts ocasionally and saw your msg. My son has been in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan for almost a year with Viper Co. I can assure your co-workers that anysoldier packages do in fact get to our troops! It is easy to understand in this day and age how some people may be a bit doubtful, as to where donated items go, but this site, these people are amazing at what they can accomplish. Also, the smaller outpost like we have in the Kunar province are the ones that need a lot of help. The large FOBs in Iraq and Afghanistan have many luxuries compared to place like the Korengal. The don't have a "shopette" and can't buy gum, tobbaco or even a coke. The goodies they get in anysoldier packages and those from home are gold to them. They share everything and usually put all they stuff they get on a sheet of plywood so that the soldiers can take what they need when they need it. My son once got a package of three pairs of socks and kept one pair and gave away the others, even though he was still short on warm socks.... You are right about the letter thing though, Their are young men in my son's squad that never get letters or cards at all from home. The cards sent by folks at this site have a huge impact on them and they read them and pass them around. We forget sometimes that most of these soldiers are very young men that miss home and simple comforts. I have a picture of my son and two other Sgt's around a snowman at the KOP. The snowman is heavily armed...but you get my drift... Send cards and letters and I promise you, someone will smile because of it.

Have fun and allow yourself to be proud of what you are doing. My son and the other Vipers are coming home in the near future, but their replacements will pick up where they left off. I will still be sending boxes to the Valley as long as they are needed.

Alan

Karie..........WELCOME!!!!!    You talked about letters........I will reiterate what others have said......yes.........items in a package are nice...but after it is all eaten, or toiletries used up  or magazines read.......there is nothing left.   BUT a letter...can be reread....passed around....carried in a pocket as a CONSTANT reminder that people care.   I'm not putting down packages.....they are important too......I just want you to know how important a letter is also.    I am at the point right now where financiall I can only write letters.....so I do.....and LOTS......with comics or puzzles or jokes inside each one.  

As for the donations.....that's a hard one.    But let me tell you......the troops DO RECEIVE the packages...don't let anyone tell you differently.   It might take awhile in some areas......but they do arrive....and are enjoyed.     Hope this and advice from others helps you.   It is a great feeling to know that somewhere you have touched someones life.   Happy packing and letter writing.

If you like to write........we are getting a few people together for a card swap.   Check out the post on it........the one for July 4th.  

Love peace and blessings..........Anne Marie

Thanks Anne Marie! I did sign up for the card swap....I like to draw/paint so hopefully I can do some home made ones. Is my understanding correct that we are supposed to write something detailed in each one, rather then leaving it up to the recipient before re-sending? I do like to write, I just want to make sure that is the case.

Hello Karie - and Welcome to Soldier Support.  Thank you for joining Any Soldier dot com.  Check out the video Tango Mike under the Donation button and click on the view it thingey.

Also put 'Free Mail' in the search box and read some of the postings there:).  When you get your first Free Mail or email from a Soldier come and post and let us know your reaction:)!!  Then pls do tell your co-workers.  I probably don't actually have to say that since you will be walking on cloud nine like the rest of us, first time you hear from 'your' Soldier:).

Welcome aboard Ma'am,

Ann

PS There is also a press release somewhere around here if you are looking for something  to pass out as well as a logo you can download and print out on that sticker paper you can get in craft and office stores.  There's also a bumper sticker.

As everyone else is saying...trust me when you get your first free mail (or email-always include an email address) you will be so excited and start talking about what you are doing folks will see your enthusiam and the responses you may get and they will want to help.

My niece and nephews go to a small Catholic school. The older students felt the same way as your co-workers. When the students wrote letters I mailed them to heros who have the ability to write me back. I felt it was important for the students to get a response. Now they are hooked and arrange collection drives etc.

I support several different heros. Some write me (or email me) only once or twice every 3 months, some not at all but some have email access and we have become great friends.

 Until you start sending those letters, you will not know which warriors have the time and ability to make quick contact.  I have also noticed that since the weather has improved the heros are much busier.

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat more.