SGT Molino Sotillo.  He's located in Iraq with about 700 other soldiers that he's representing.  I just sent that package last Saturday.  It included M&M's and I told him in the Halloween card that I sent that I hoped that they only did melt while eating them and not in his hand (or package).  He said that they arrived unmelted until he ate them.  :)

I he also said that he was reluctant to receive my box.  I asked him why and told  him that all of them deserved the packages because of what they are doing.

I told him that I was planning on sending out another package next weekend with hygiene items.  I also told him that HE made my day.  I'm THRILLED! 

Now you be careful that you don't hurt yourself or your computer doing that happy dance - remember that you have to be kind to both so that you can get that next package in the mail. 

I have to make sure I don't step on my cat or dogs either!  LOL! ;)

Yes,  scmiller, that first e-mail is oh, so, special to the heart.  Then comes the 2nd and the 3rd, ETC and they, too, are also special.  I have printed off and kept everyone of mine over the years.  Even though I have lost contact with the guys and ladies that have sent them I will still take them out from time to time and read each one of them.  I wonder how they are doing.  If they reinlisted or have gone home after their deployment back to their families.  I still pray for them and their completeness.

My first was from an 18 yr old young man.  He was so homesick and a bit scared.  I had no grandchildren at the time so I kind a adoped him as my grandson.  I do hope he found some comfort in my letter and carepackage and that even though I didn't know him I cared about him. 

My second was from a young lady nurse about 26 yrs old.  She had a husband and children back in the states and was counting off the days when she would be on furlough.  Her want at the time was to be able to take a 15 minute hot shower undisturbed.  Its strange how what we take for granted is so valuable to these young people.  I quickly packed her up a box of feminine things she most certainly could not get at any PX.  Before and after bath stuff like that.  I have a daughter of my own so it was easy after I got some help from her.

So you see,scmiller, like nothing else, this is a WIN, WIN thing.  Being the sender or the sendee we all reap the harvest.

Just keep your letters, cards, and carepackages moving.

""""GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS""""  AND  """"GOD BLESS AMERICA""""

I have the e-mail saved in my in box but I am going to print it out. 

I'm sure that your soldiers will always remember the kind hearted person that sent them care packages and are probably wondering about you as well.  I do hope that you hear from them again in the future.  :)

there is nothing quite like opening the inbox and seeing a familiar name pop up.  My husband and I both do the "happy dance"  I have 3 contacts that I am in regular email contact with and it is beyond wonderful.  They all have told me that I am a blessing to them, but I feel like I'm the one that's blessed by being able to do something, however small, for them and the rest of their troops.  It is truly a win, win situation.

He replied back and wanted to know a little bit about the "mystery lady" that sends out care packages.  I told him a little about myself and asked if he has received any more packages.  It looks like his count went up to twelve from nine within the past day. 

It really is Sarah.  I hope that I will receive some type of reply from the soldiers, but I know that they are busy, their internet may not be all that it can be, etc.  I think it's nice when they put in a shout out and thank you for the support when they check in to the website to update their profile.  You really can feel the gratitude and sometimes the awe in the support that they are receiving. 

I just read all of these and, oh, how I can relate!  There is nothing like hearing back from these heroes.  It is a blessing and a joy.  I can't even express it all here, but words like I received yesterday from one of my guys just re-fuel my heart and soul and keep me going.  I don't do what I'm doing for thanks/praise/recognition; but let me tell you, when I GET some, it is a wonderful feeling.  They thank us and I thank THEM.  It's like one of you said above.......It's definitely a win/win situation!  God bless them all!!!!!!!!