January 2010

We received many wonderful letters and emails in response to our Christmas packages, presents and stockings.  Check them out.

FROM COLONEL LARRY GALLOGY
Well folks I am happy to report that Santa has made it safely through our AOR (Area of Responsibility) and is heading your way. Iran did attempt a shoot down but hat effort was thwarted by counter measures employed by Santa and his new Sleigh.

On our Christmas eve at 0600 our team began our distribution of all the stockings. This may be the first year that Pack It Up has also touched our international partners. We have a lot of Brits, Canadians, Aussies and French here and we didn’t feel right skipping over their desks. So while the message in the cards is targeted to Americans they really seemed to appreciate the gesture and could not believe the effort you go through on our behalf. The 3 star, Lt Gen Hostage, stopped in the office 2 days ago, looked at all the boxes, and said “ Rhode Island must really like you guys”. Indeed they must and Massachusetts as well. At any rate, there were many happy faces when they arrived to see that Santa had left something for them. Sorry I can’t produce any pictures this time but the facility won’t allow any photography except in one conference room that is used for any ceremonies. Rest assured it was a sight to behold and kids that are doing great work day in and day out know that you care.

I can also report that all the books and sporting gear made it safely to Camp Bastion and were immediately put to good use. The boxes traveled via C-17 and we had a point of contact waiting to receive them. As it turned out he had pushed out to the FOB’s (Forward Operating Base) and when he got back everything had already come in and pushed out as well. He said it was a huge hit and just what the folks in the field needed to give them some distractions.

Wherever you are waking up this morning I hope you are all well and enjoying your families. We are doing just fine here and just a little bit better because of your kindness.

Enjoy

Larry

FROM BRIGADIER GENERAL MARK W. GRAPER
 

FROM FIRST SERGEANT DAVID KITCHEN

FROM SSG BOB BORDEN

FROM GYSGT MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM:

First off I would like to thank all the generous people who have sent us all the Christmas candy and cards, everything was greatly appreciated, especially the Christmas cards that helped remind us of the holidays. We now have plenty of dental supplies such as tooth paste and tooth brushes. Some of the younger guys would like some PS3 videogames for when we do have time off, however since those are expensive we can make do with some books and or whatever anyone would like to send. Disposable razors are always nice and shower soap or body wash, we can get pretty dirty out here. It is getting pretty cold out here but we have gear to keep us warm and work to stay busy. I hope everyone had happy holidays and good luck on the new years resolutions. Thanks again for all your time and thoughts


JANUARY 2010 PACKAGES


For January, we sent 10 packages to Bob Borden and Col Larry Gallogly.  The packages were filled with playing cards, Valentine's Day cards they can send back to their loved ones, long sleeved t shirts, travel coffee mugs and loads of DVDs and magazines.
 

ARTICLE:

There was a great article written about Pack It Up and the Rhody's Run for the Troops.  Many thanks to Kristin Costa for writing a great piece and getting us some press!