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Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops is focused on providing deployed men and women personal items that they want/need while deployed. We are a non-profit organization, founded in 2003 by Wanda Bechtold.
Our Volunteer Staff:
Director of Special Operation: Dean Readler
Contact Phone Number: 717-813-7065
December 1, 2012 - To the members of Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops - I would like to take this opportunity to thank your wonderful organization for their outstanding support of the 28th Financial Management Company. During this time away from our friends and family, it is nice to know that we are thought of and supported by many groups and organizations throughout the country. Your care packages have lifted our spirits and warmed our hearts. Thank you for your time, talents and all of your hard work.
-Sergeant Major Scott M. Hentz, Senior Finance Operations Advisor, 28th Financial Management Company,
Keystone Paymasters, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Today, November 28, 2012, Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops received the Lebanon Lions Club "Good Neighbor Award". What an honor! Thank you Lebanon Lions Club for recognizing our efforts for the troops.
Thank you to everyone who contributed for our Christmas mailing. On November 15, 2012, we stuffed and mailed over 2100 Christmas to troops from Fort Indiantown Gap and Marines from Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. We had over 100 people helping to accomplish this. Thank you to all of the local businesses who donated, Fulton Bank, Northwest Bank, Susquehanna Bank, White's Harley Davidson, Iron Valley Harley Davidson and George Strohm, Inc for displaying our "Adopt A Troop" trees, APR Supply for the use of their trucks, Marabelle's for the use of their Ballroom to pack, Rohland's Funeral Home for being a "blanket drop off" for the troops and all of the wonderful people who helped to pack, unpack, etc. We have a wonderful giving community and you are all patriots! Hoping to get photo's from the recipients. If we do, I'll get them out for everyone to see.
Welcome to our newest board member, Dean Readler. Dean is a retired Pennsylvania State Police Officer. We wecome Dean and look forward to working with him.
Several people have asked me in the past few months if they make a donation, what portion goes to the troops? 100% goes to the troops. The only expense that we have is for printing/copying brochures. Thank you for your continuing support.
Thank you Rohland Funeral Home for 480 Fleece blankets and for using your business to collect even more.
Thank you Lebanon County Republicans for allowing us to speak at the Fall Dinner. $335.00 in donations were collected.
ITEMS NEEDED FOR OUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS: Fleece Blankets (50 x 60), White or black socks, white tshirts, underwear, gum, hard handy, qtips, dental pics, toothpaste, toothbrushes, beef jerkey, individual packets of peanuts, candy, lip baum, small hand santizier, decks of cards, board games, footballs, homemade cookies or candy, individual drink pack mixes, individual packets of hot chocolate, wet ones, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, etc. Use your imagination - what would you send your son/daughter?
11-15-2012 - PACKING DAY AT MARABELLE'S ON CUMBERLAND STREET. Starting at 8:00. A.M. - Should be finished between 4:00 and 5:00. WE NEED HELPERS! TO GET THE MOST FOR OUR MONIES, WE BUY SOME ITEMS IN BULK AND THEY HAVE TO BE PACKAGED ON PACKING DAY. GET TOGETHER A GROUP AND JOIN US. IT'S A GREAT TIME TO MEET ALL OF THE WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS AND SPEND A DAY SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS!
CHRISTMAS TREES ARE UP -STOP IN AT ANY LOCAL NORTHWEST BANK, FULTON BANK, THE SUSQUEHANNA BANK ON ROCHERTY ROAD, WHITE'S HARLEY DAVIDSON AND IRON VALLEY HARLEY DAVIDSON. ADOPT A TROOP FOR CHRISTMAS. $20.00 PAYS FOR THE STOCKING, CONTENTS AND POSTAGE. THIS YEAR , SO FAR, WE HAVE 800 TROOPS ON OUR MAILING LIST. WE GET NEW ONES EVERY DAY. FROM OUR OWN, FORT INDIANTOWN GAP TO CAMP LEJUENE, NORTH CAROLINA TO FLORIDA - WE WILL SEND STOCKINGS TO ANYONE WHO SENDS A REQUEST FOR A DEPLOYED TROOP. ONCE THESE TREES ARE TAKEN DOWN, THEY ARE MAILED TO THE TROOPS, ALONG WITH THE SIGNED ORNAMENTS. PLEASE STOP IN AT ONE OF THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ADOPT A TROOP!
Thank you Hershey Employees for coming to Lebanon and helping to sort and pack for the troops. It was great to have you back again. Thank you also for $503.00 to help with shipping/purchasing Christmas items.
Thank you Gannett Flemming for $905.00 and several hundred pounds of goodies for the troops. We are delighted that you invited Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops back again this year and supported these deserving men and women.
11-17-2011 - PACKING DAY AT MARABELLE'S ON CUMBERLAND STREET. Starting at 8:00 A.M. - Stopping when we finish (usually around 6:00 P.M.) Stop in and spend a few hours with us. There is something for everyone to do.
10-17-2011 - ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AND "ADOPT A TROOP" Christmas Tree in their place of business should contact Wanda at 813-7065. Once again, we are placing these trees to help pay for items for our Christmas Stockings and for postage. We have adopted many military men and women and plan to send stockings to all of them. $20.00 pays for an ornament which you will sign with a personal message to a troop, pays for the stocking and contents as well as shipping.
10-25-2011 - "Today I received two boxes from your organization. I just wanted to say thank you. There was plenty of stuff to share with everybody and it was all very much appreciated. Support like this keeps us going day in and day out. Again, thank you very much! " -Robert Kramer, USMC
10-11-2011 - THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE HERSHEY EMPLOYEES WHO CAME TO LEBANON AND HELPED TO PACK 70 BOXES FOR OUR DEPLOYED MEN AND WOMEN. While it was a lot of work, we had a lot of laughs and I was able to meet some really nice, giving people. You are all Patriots! These packages are on the way to 10 different destinations and will be there shortly. The majority of these packages are going to military men and women from Central Pennsylvania.
10-10-2011 - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH THE DANCE/SILENT AUCTION. We raised over $13,000.00 for the troops. Whether you helped get the items together, donated items, attended, helped at the dance - all of it was appreciated. The band: Chase, did an awesome job! Keep them in mind for any party that you may be planning. A special "Thank You" to Deb VanSickle for decorating 100 gift bags for our door prizes! They were beautiful.
SEE OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR AUCTION ITEMS.
LIKE TO BOWL???? Join Cornell Wilson at Cedar Lanes, 1451 Quentin Road, Lebanon, on Friday, August 26th, 10:30 P.M. Cost is $15.00 per person which includes admission, shoe rental and unlimited bowling. There is a great light show and music. All monies raised will be donated to Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops and New Beginnings Youth Program.
THANK YOU Dolly Parton for the beautiful autographed photo for our Dance/Silent Auction.
THANK YOU Green Bay Packers for donating an autographed Green Bay Packer Football for our Dance/Silent Auction.
THANK YOU Governor Mike Huckabee for donating two autographed books for our Dance/Silent Auction.
THANK YOU GANNETT FLEMING! On Thursday, July 28th, Tom Strohm and I attended the Gannett Fleming Day Picnic in Camp Hill, PA. These employees are simply AWESOME! They donated over $950.00 for the troops along with hundreds of pounds of food and personal care products for our troops. Thank you all for your contributions - the troops will be elated! -Wanda Bechtold
Thank you Lebanon Valley Sertoma for your generous donation for our Dance/Silent Auction!
Thank you LTC Oliver North and Toby Keith for donating items to be auctioned at our dance - TRUE PATRIOTS!
July, 2011 - 10 Cases of Girl Scout cookies were mailed to the troops - couldn't send the chocolate ones as the temperature is 115+
7-8-11 80 TICKETS SOLD AS OF TODAY!!!!!! ONLY 200 TO GO! CALL WANDA BECHTOLD AT 717-813-7065 TO ORDER YOURS TODAY!
LOOKING FORWARD TO RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND HAVING A LITTLE FUN!
"September 24, 2011 - "ROCKIN' FOR THE TROOPS WHO DEFEND OUR FREEDON",
www.chaseband.net will provide music for this Central PA Supports The Troops Event. Silent Auction, Door Prizes, $20.00 Donation for Beer, Snacks and Great Music! Cash Bar, Door Prizes - Lot's of FUN! Tickets - 717-813-7065.
6-16-2011 - WE NEED CHRISTMAS FABRIC!!!! THE SEWING CIRCLE OF ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS CURRENTLY MAKING CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS TO SEND TO THE TROOPS IN NOVEMBER. I USED THE REST OF OUR FUNDS TO PURCHASE 12 BOLTS OF FABRIC - THAT'S NOT NEARLY ENOUGH. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING ANY AMOUNT OF CHRISTMAS FABRIC SO THAT THESE WONDERFUL LADIES CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE THESE STOCKINGS. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THEY ALSO WILL TAKE ANY OTHER FABRIC AS THEY SEW THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR LOTS OF OTHER CHARITIES. PLEASE CALL IF YOU CAN DONATE.
SAVE THE DATE: September 24, 2011 - SUPPORT THE TROOPS DANCE - DETAILS COMING SOON. We need donations for a silent auction, individuals to sell tickets and more. Please contact me if you are willing to help. Wanda Bechtold 717-813-7065.
Thank you Lebanon County Republician Club for your donation of personal care items for the troops. They are already in the mail!
Thank you Tom Strohm for accepting the role of President, Jeff Thompson, Vice President and Jack Cantwell for your continued support as Public Relations Director. Without these volunteers, it would be difficult to continue with our support of the troops.
THANK YOU JEFF BEARD AND ALL ABOUT YOU CATERING! They raised $1,500.00 for the troops. Jeff, once again, you did an awesome job! This check will enable us to send personal care packages to the troops. Thanks to all of the sponsors and golfers!
6-10-11 - Mailed 9 boxes of personal care items to individuals deployed from Lebanon and the Allentown area.
For anyone who would like to contribute for the deployed men and women - after our last mailing, funds are low. Candy and personal care products were over $1,000.00 and postage was almost $600.00. We have spent most of the monies raised before the Christmas season. Time to "belly up" and donate either items for the troops or a monetary donation for postage. We have been so blessed since 2003 to be able to support the troops and we would like to continue until all troops return. Thank all of you for your donations!
5-9-2011 - Wanda, I was able to talk with my sons yesterday and they received the packages, were VERY grateful and said their units were thrilled that they shared. THANK YOU so much for brightening their days and those of all the soldiers you touch!! -Vicki DeLoatch
4-18-2011 - Mailed over 1,000 pounds of Easter Candy and Personal Care Items to Our Marines deployed from Allentown currently serving in Southern Afghanistan, several local soldiers and a new group of Marines deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Thinking of all of you and praying for your safe return.
GETTING READY FOR OUR EASTER CANDY MAILING. CAN'T FORGET OUR TROOPS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VICE-PRESIDENT, TOM STROHM, WHO RECENTLY WON THE LEBANON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "BEYOND THE CALL AWARD". Thank you Tom, for all you do for the troops. Your efforts never go unnoticed! You are a true PATRIOT!
1-3-2011 - Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and efforts. The Marines were very happy to receive all the Christmas stockings. Again, thank you and please give my best to everyone in the Central Pennsylvania Group. We wish you all a prosperous New Year. Semper Fidelis, - Sergeant Major Juan Alvarado, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines
WELCOME HOME OUR 5,700 MARINES FROM CAMP LEJUENE, NC. WE ENJOYED SUPPORTING YOU WHILE STATIONED IN AFGHANISTAN.
4-1-10 - Dear Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops, Just last night we received your packages with fleece blankets, licorice, and other assorted goods. Everyone from our platoon enjoyed these items, they are a lot like Christmas gifts, the same feeling a lot of us feel when we receive and are about to open gifts for birthdays and other special events. Me personally, I have been pretty desperate for a blanket or something of the same use. While on a foot patrol clearing houses, I had my poncho liner attached to the outside of my small pack. I was at the rear of the patrol and some Afghani children literally took it directly off my back and ran away with it. I would like to thank everyone from Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops for their support and thoughtfulness. I wish you all the best and God bless you all.
Semper Fidelis, Lcpl Christopher Sturdevant, USMC
3-9-10 - Packages received by Marines. Blankets were welcomed as it is freezing at night. "Keep those goodies coming!"
2-12-10 - Mailed 700 lbs. of fleece blankets, wet ones, razors, drink mixes, etc. to a platoon of Marines stationed in Southern Afghanistan.
1-25-10- Today, one of our troops that we supported over the holidays, PFC Donavan Warner, York, PA, stopped in to thank Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops for the care packages and Christmas Tree that we sent to him in Iraq over the Christmas Holidays. Welcome Home PFC Donavan and thank you for serving our great country.
Wanda Bechtold, Founder
1-24-10 - Dear Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops, Iwould like to express my sincere gratitude for all of the much needed items that you all so kindly sent to my Marines here in Afghanistan. We greatly needed those items. I can tell you that nothing you sent went to waste! Everything was evenly dispursed to the Marines so that everyone, for the most part, received the same amount. I wish I had more time to express our sincere appreciation for everything, but please know that you not only brought a smile to all of our faces, but have given us items that we really needed. I would like to say thank you for your selfless giving during the holiday season and all the time and effort you put into "your" boys overseas in a combat environment. Thanks again from all of us here in southern Afghanistan.
1st Lt Chase B. Wheler, A Co, 2d Plt, 2D CEB
1-16-10 - I was shopping for Fleece Blankets for a Platoon of Marines at Kohl's (Lebanon, PA) today when a complete stranger approached me and gave me money for postage. I didn't get your name but Central Pennsylvania really appreciates your support.
Wanda Bechtold, Founder, Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops
1-14-10 - Our Marine, Gy Sgt Robert Bechtold, has just landed in Southern Afghanistan. Please keep him, as well as all the troops in your prayers.
Tom and Wanda Bechtold, Lebanon, PA
1-12-10 - Dear Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops, Everything that was sent in the stockings we received was greatly appreciated. Receiving packages, mail and such is one of the only and few positive things we , as soldiers, have to look forward to. Thank you very much. You have made our Holiday Season here just a little bit easier. I would like to wish you and everyone involved in Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely, SPC Shawn Beversluis 114th TRANS CO, 1st Plt
1-11-10 - Dear Mr. Strohm, Thank you for your superior generosity and that of Central PA Supports The Troops and Annville Cleona High School. I managed to locate a color printer and produced this picture of my platoon after we had decorated the tree you guys had sent. I'm the one sitting on the bench in the middle with the old Phillies hat on. You are looking a a cross section of America. Geographically our whole nation is represented; North, South East and West. Some of the men weren't born in America and are waiting on citizenship. Many of them have wives and children. Some never even met their fathers. The entire gamet of education is run in my platoon. A few of the guys have college degrees, others never finished high school. Our tastes and interests are as varied as our backgrounds. The one unifying trait we possess is our commitment to serve as part of something greater than ourselves. Patriotism or 9/11 isn't the primary motivation although they are important to us. We answered the call to arms of our generation and now we find ourselves in Afghanistan. Our dedication is to each other and to doing everything in our power to bring each other home. This is my fourth deployment. Most of the men in the picture are on their first. I tell the guys no matter how miserable Christmas in the desert may seem, it must be experienced for the full deployment experience. I may not have the chance to spend the holidays with my family in PA, but it is alright because I have my family here. The gifts that you guys sent added to the experience. We were able to trim a tree, enjoy snacks from home, and listen to Christmas music while we joked and laughed together. It was a memorable experience for all of us. Thank you once again. I must be going now. Give my gratitude and regards to all who took the time to help us. Merry Christmas.
SSG Sanders, Matthew T, 5/2 10 (SBCT), C Co, IN BN, FOB Frontenac
01-08-10 - Today while shopping at Walmart (buying Christmas Trees at 75% off for our November 2010 mailing), I spoke to a couple and told them why I was buying the rest of the trees in the store. This couple, The Bush's, gathered up Christmas ornaments for the troops, paid for them, and gave them to me. I am humbled by the generosity of of the individuals that we tell about our organization. Thank you to this couple and thank you to everyone who continues to give to Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops.
Wanda Bechtold, Founder, Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops
WE DID IT! WE MAILED 5 1/2 TONS OF CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS, TREES, GAMES, ETC. OUT ON THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER AND THEY HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED IN AFGHANISTAN. WE ALSO MAILED OUT STOCKINGS AND TREES TO INDIVIDUALS WHOSE NAMES WERE GIVEN TO US BY FRIENDS AND FAMILIES. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED BY DONATING ITEMS, HELPING TO PACK, DONATING MONEY FOR POSTAGE, COLLECTING MONEY FOR TREE ORNAMENTS, PLACING A TREE IN YOUR BUSINESS, ATTENDING OUR DANCE, ETC. YOUR SUPPORT HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING! WE ARE STILL "IN THE RED" BECAUSE OF THE POSTAGE COSTS SO IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO CENTRAL PA SUPPORTS THE TROOPS, 1802 MARTIN DRIVE, LEBANON, PA 17046. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO JOIN FORCES WITH US TO PLAN OUT 2010, PLEASE USE THE "CONTACT US" PAGE. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. OUR ORGANIZATION HAS GROWN FROM SUPPORTING 18 SOLDIERS IN OUR FIRST YEAR TO OVER 6,000 IN 2009. IN THE PAST 6 YEARS WE HAVE SENT THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF ITEMS TO THE TROOPS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER. HELP IS ALWAYS NEEDED. WE START EARLY IN THE YEAR MAKING CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS, CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, ETC.
WE ARE CURRENTLY SUPPORTING A BRIGADE OF MARINES STATIONED IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN. THESE TROOPS ARE FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION AS THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE COUNTING ON US TO SEND A LITTLE BIT OF HOME TO THEM. WE DO SEND PACKAGES TO ANYONE STATIONED IN A WAR ZONE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS E.MAIL US THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS. BEGINNING IN JANUARY, 2010, WE WILL AGAIN START SENDING PACKAGES EVERY FRIDAY. REMEMBER, THE TROOPS LOOK FORWARD TO OUR PACKAGES. WE WANT TO BE CONSISTENT!!!!
Letters Received From The Troops:
12-28-09 - To Everyone at the Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops Group - Thank you for the generous gifts and items given to us by way of our Marine friends. It is always humbling to know there are groups such as yours that support all of us. I serve with the Minnesota Guard - this is my second deployment. Again, thank you and Merry Christmas! SGT Jeremiah Miller, 114th Transportation Company
12-02-09 - We received the stockings and are grateful for your support. I will send photos of the Marines and Sailors shortly. Being away from home is part of our job but support from Americans like you and your organization make it worthwhile. God Bless you and Happy Holidays.
Semper Fidelis - Sergeant Major Ronald L. Whittington, 2d MEB Brigade Headquarters Group
10-15-09 - Wanda, Just a note to let you know I received 2 packages today. Thanks to all who contributed.
David W. Walt, 1sg, B Co, 628th ASB, Task Force Keystone, Tallil, Iraq
9-18-09 - Wanda, Just to let you know we received 3 packages today. On behalf of myself and the soldiers of the unit I want to thank the centralpennsylvaniasupportsthetroops for all the great items you sent.
David W. Walt, 1SG B CO 628TH ASB, TASK FORCE KEYSTONE, CAMP ADDER, TALIL, IRAQ
9-01-09 - Wanda, Just wanted you to know that we received two packages yesterday. Please pass along a great big thank you to all those involved with centralpennsylvaniasupportsthetroops.
David W. Walt, 1SG B CO 628TH ASB, TASK FORCE KEYSTONE, CAMP ADDER, TALIL, IRAQ
7-26-09 - Dear Wanda and Friends, You and all the good people at Central Pennsylvania Supports The Troops have really spoiled us. Thank you so much.
Douglas A. Etter, Chaplain (LTC)
7-13-09 - Wanda, Just wanted to give you an update. I received 4 more packages. Passing on my thanks from my unit. 1SG David W. Walt, B Co, 628th ASB, Task Force Keystone, Camp Adder
7-8-09 - Dear Wanda and Friends, Once again the soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the 1-112 IN, 56SBCT find themselves in your debt because of your kindness and thoughtfulness. Your genuine care and support for our personnel, makes a world of difference to us, so many miles from home. We sincerely appreciate what you have done. Our soldiers remain focused on the mission at hand but it always inspires us to know that people back home are supporting us and praying for us. Please know that we will continue to do our very best for you and the country. It is our privilege to defend our great nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. May God bless and keep you, now and always. We look forward to returning home soon.
Douglas A. Etter, Chaplain (LTC) 1-112 IN, 56 SBCT, Strong 28
6-22-09 - Thank you Wanda. Our troops certainly appreciate your packages but moreso the love and support they represent. Our time is drawing to a close soon but we remain alert and viligant for now. Hopefully, next year I can make the concert. Chaplain (LTC) Douglas A. Etter
6-9-09 - Wanda, Hello! We just received six or more boxes yesterday filled with what you are describing as well as towels and socks. Thank you. I'm sure our soldiers will be happy to get the goodies. Have a great day!
Chaplain (LTC) Douglas A. Etter, HHC 1-112, 56 SBCT
6-01-09 - Dear Mrs. Bechtold, I just wanted to thank you and your team for sending a care package to my unit in Taji, Iraq. It's great to receive something that reminds us of home when we're stuck so far away. And, of course, it's always nice to know that there are people back in the States who remember us and care about us. As you can probably imagine, it's tough for most soldiers over here to carve out the time to sit down and write proper thank you letters. There's always a mission, and it changes every day. Please know that many of us have benefited from your generosity, even if we don't all get a chance to express that gratitude.
Thanks again!, SGT Michael Sullivan
5-1-09 - Dear Wanda and Friends, On behalf of the soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers of the 1-112 IN, 56 SBCT I want to thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Your genuine care and support for our personnel, makes a world of difference to us, so many miles from home. We sincerely appreciate what you have done. Our soldiers remain focused on the mission at hand but it always inspires us to know that people back home are supporting us and praying for us. Please know that we will continue to do our very best for you and the country. It is our privilege to defend our great nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. May God Bless and keep you, now and always. We look forward to returning home soon.
Douglas A. Etter CH (LTC) 1-112 IN, 56 SBCT, Strong 28
Hi Wanda . . . I just got back in from a mission so this will be somewhat short. Nevertheless, I wanted to thank you for the packages. They just arrived a couple of days ago. I am glad to know that St. Andrews is helping out since I am a Presbyterian (USA) minister and my family and I have attended there several times. You are doing a great work there that our troops appreciate very much. Please extend our gratitude to everyone involved. Please know once again that you are making a difference in our soldier's lives.
Doug, Chaplain (LTC) Douglas A. Etter
Wanda, Received two packages yesterday. THANKS!!! The flip flops were a huge hit..not that everything else was not appreciated but the guys really needed them. It gives them a break from always walking around in boots. Thus far I have to say that Central Pennsylvania has been the biggest supporters of Alpha Battery. The packages that you have sent have lifted morale, made life easier, more comfortable, and it has reminded the Marines that they do have supporters back home who care and support them. The mission here in Garmser has been a huge success and I can say that Central PA has had a part of it because when my Marines are motivated and morale is high they give me 110% ...you helped raise morale and that is always a good thing. I just looked outside and the guys are wearing your flip flops and playing Frisbee...I am glad to see them relaxing and enjoying some down time. They deserve it. Thanks again and Semper Fi, First Sergeant Rubio
Wanda, The last package I received had a photo with what appears to be the crew that is assisting you with the fund raisers. Please tell them all I said thanks. At this point, I would have to say that what we need has changed somewhat from my original list. Our situation here is not like in Iraq where they had a PX, pizza places, fast food places and a very nice chow hall. For the past 40-45 days we have been stuck in the middle of the desert conducting combat operations. We eat MRE's daily with an occasional hot meal that we heat up ourselves that comes in a box but that is about it.
Thank you, First Sergeant Rubio
Wanda, I just wanted to let you know that I received some packages a couple of days ago . . cough drops, lots of hand sanitizer, snacks, books and yes the LARGE paddles. Marines are having a good time with those things. As you know we have been extended here another 30 days so whatever you send is going to be well used and appreciated. Thanks again, First Sergeant Rubio
We are looking forward to getting the boxes. Volleyball and badminton will be a good change of pace. It will give the guys something to do after it cools off in the afternoon. It will be good for morale.
Thanks again, First Sergeant Rubio
Wanda, We received the chairs and towels....they were a HUGE hit....thanks again for sending those. I took some pictures and will send them when I can. Our system here went down due to a rain/sand storm. We are all counting the days to get back home and out of this place.
Thank you, First Sergeant Rubio
Wanda, Hello there. We have received a few of your boxes and I want to say thanks again for what you and the community are doing. It means a great deal to these Marines.
Thanks again, First Sergeant Rubio
Wanda, Hello there. I have some interesting news for you. I have taken a trip out of the battle space in southern Afghanistan and have come to our base in Kandahar which is where we originated from and happens to be where all the mail comes to before it gets pushed to us. I have found about 8 large boxes from you and will be putting them on a helicopter tonight to get to the guys. Thought you would want to know.
Take Care, First Sergeant Rubio
Dear Wanda, OMG!!! are you guys trying to fatten us up? Received more boxes last night and my Office looks like a storage room. The big hits so far was the silly string, the 5 lb. bars of chocolate, and of course the monkeys were a hit. My maintenance guys will be putting the tree up in the hanger, most of the company works out there over the next few days. Once it is up I wail ensure you get a picture of the tree with all the trimmings.
Thanks for all you do, Rick
Dear Wanda, We are definitely in the home stretch. I know I speak on behalf of all the Soldiers in the company when I say that we have enjoyed all the items you have sent us. I would have to say the Christmas stockings were the biggest hit among the troops. Thanks to all of you, the morale of all the Dragon Soldiers during the hardest part of the deployment was raised considerably.
Sincerely, First Sergeant Richard Szlachta, D Co 2-3 GSAB
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, On behalf of A Battery, I would like to thank you for all the help in making life easier for the Marines with the care packages and support that you are sending. Also, thank you for not forgetting us.
Sincerely, Lcpl Joseph D. Bates
Dear Wanda, Well the boxes are starting to show up. So far I have received 6 boxes, umbers 6, 8, 12, 28, 33 and 34. I know my mail clerks are both looking forward and dreading the boxes. Thank you for showing your support and making this Holiday season a better one while we are away from our loved ones.
Thank you, First Sergeant Richard Szlachta, D Co 2-3 GSAB
Dear Central PA, My name is Corporal Tony Garibay. I want to send my sincerest gratitude, thank you for all the care packages that you sent us. We appreciate all the support from all the families. Thank you!
Dear Central PA, I wanted to say thank you. It's really good to know that people still support the troops. Everything that you sent was greatly appreciated. Once again, thank you and God Bless.
Sincerely, SGT Brown
Central Pennsylvania, Hello, my name is HM3 Matthew Beacker. I'm a Navy Hospital Corpsman (Medic) attached with an artillery Marine battery. I was just writing to all ll of you to thank you for the care packages that you sent out here for us. I think it's great that all of you took time out of your busy schedules to send us stuff that we need out here. It's people like you that actually care about us. We appreciate everything that everyone sent us. The snacks are great and the towels came in handy. Once again thank you for everything. We are honored to receive great support from our fellow Americans.
Thanks, Matthew
Dear people of Central Pennsylvania, Your continued support is greatly appreciated! Your packages have significantly improved life here. We are happy to know that we all are in your thoughts. We can't thank you enough! The fact that you all care about what we are doing here helps me to remember why I do it. Than is one of the most important things that you could have ever given us. Thank you, from my Marines and I.
Sincerely, SGT Robert A. Reynolds
To The Military Supporters of Central Pennsylvania, I wanted to send you a note to say thank you for all the support that you have given Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. You have shown the Marines here that they are supported by true patriotic Americans back home. This deployment was tough since we were literally out in the middle of the desert. We had no base to go and buy hygiene gear, snacks, socks, and other miscellaneous items which you eventually sent us. When I say we were in the middle of the desert, I truly mean that we were our there, however when packages arrived from Central PA we knew we were getting restocked with items we really needed. The mail personnel would always tell me "Pennsylvania struck again" meaning that in the next mail delivery by helicopter we had lots of large boxes on their way to us. Everything you sent was needed, used and shared by all the Marines of the Battery. In your own way you lifted morale for the Marines which assisted in fighting the Taliban forces.
Thank you once again, First Sergeant F. Rubio
Dear men and women of Central PA, My name is Sergeant Jon Bagley. I greatly appreciate all the care packages and the support that you guys have given us. The towels couldn't have come at a better time. I had been using the same towel for about 4 months. It's safe to say that towel was toast. Christmas of 2006, I received a stocking; I really never had an opportunity to write a thank you for it. That Christmas was the hardest one that I have ever faced. The stocking really made me happy so I would like to send my thanks. I'm sorry it is so late. Well, thank you again for making my life easier.
Thanks again, SGT Jon Bagley
Dear Marine supporters, We appreciate your desire to help us with the simple pleasures we have to live without on this deployment. With our jobs being as stressful as they are, it's the little things that lift our spirits so we can continue our mission. We are honored to receive such great support from our fellow Americans.
Thank you, CPL Derry, W.J. P.S. - Thanks for the purple towel!
Dear Friends of Veterans, On behalf of the Lebanon patients and staff, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for your donation of Christmas Gift bags filled with comfort items. Your thoughtfulness reflects the concern that you feel for our veterans and for the service they provided to all of us while in service to our country. Without your support, we could not provide for the smaller niceties that make hospitalization more bearable. Your thoughtfulness also reflects the concern and compassion that our community feels for our veterans. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely, Maureen M. Flynn, Chief, Voluntary Service
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, My name is Melissa Paulino. I am a soldier in your son's unit. I just wanted to say thank you very much for sending all of us so many gifts. It is great to know that there still are people out there who really do care. Once again, thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Melissa Paulino
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, Thank you for all of the care packages that you sent out here. Your support is greatly appreciated. Lcpl Doeden
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you on the Marines behalf and my own for the care packages you sent and all your support. It's the Americans like your self who make our jobs much easier and bearable by letting us know we are not forgotten. Than you once again for all your support.
Sincerely, Scott M. York, Corporal, U.S.M.C
Mrs. Bechtold, I deeply appreciate the hygiene supplies and snacks that you and your congregation sent out. I wear the pendant on my dog tags and read one passage every night to keep God close to my heart.
Thank you, Lcpl Anthony Fiebranz
On Behalf of myself and all my commands, I would like to thank you for all your support and everything you sent us. Hope all is well on the home front back in good ole Lebanon, PA
Sincerely, Lcpl Paul Adey
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, Thank you for the care packages on behalf of myself and fellow Marines. It's good to know that people actually care and haven't forgot about us back in America. Thank you once again for all your support. Sincerely, Cpl Andy Ortiz, United States Marine Corps
Thank you so much for all the stuff. We really enjoy it. Hope y'all are having a great week. Thank you again.
Lcpl Matthew Moeller
Dear Mrs. Bechtold, Thank you so much for the care packages that you sent to us. It is so nice to know that there are people out there that are giving their support out of the goodness of their heart so thank you for everything you do for all of us. Thank you. Lcpl Hopper Aim
Thank you for the care packages you have sent. All the Marines in the Battery, including myself greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put into sending us packages. We understand the immense trouble that you have gone through to send the packages, for the Battery, that all the Marines could enjoy. Thank you again for your compassion and gratuity. Sincerely and Respectfully, Cpl Andrzej Lowisz
Thank you very much for your care package. It is greatly appreciated along with all of your prayers. Thank you once again to you and your church. Sincerely, PFC Takeim L Dunnes
To Everyone, Thank you for all the support and care packages. It really helped a lot. All of us really are grateful and appreciate all the gifts and care. Thank you.
Angel Reynan
Greetings from Iraq! I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful care package that was put together for the girls deployed from the 3622nd. We really appreciate the thoughts and gifts. We wish you and all your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Take care and enjoy the holidays with the ones you love. Thanks so much, SPC Myers, SPC Jones, SPC Marts, SPC Rollins
