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Recent Letters from Families & Troops | |
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Dear ladies, As we said goodbye Sunday to our youngest who deployed yet again to Iraq, our hearts were just a tad sadder because there were no warm hugs from our precious flag ladies. We cherish the photos from last year of y’all "surprising" him with a picture request for his mama!!! It is with your absence that we realize what a supreme service of the heart you provide and what a void is presented when you aren't there to bid them god's blessings as our best and brightest proudly march off to war. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, G & D C.
Ladies, I would like to thank you all for everything ya'll do for our troop. Our son is returning today from his deployment in Iraq. We sent packages over to his group of Marines and know how it made them feel. Our son told us that some of the guys and girls would not get anything if we did not send things. We made sure that they got packages every week. Thanks Again, S.K.
Hello, My husband is in the marines. I saw several pictures you took of him, I love the one of him taking the twizzlers, at the Bangor Airport on July 26th. I wanted to thank you for all that you ladies do! It is so sweet of all of you to take time and greet the men and woman that come into the airports. Even at late hours you ladies are there. My husband told me how sweet all of you were to them, I know its a nice change from what they normally see. My husband and I really appreciate what you woman do for these men and women. It warms my heart to know there are people supporting our troops Thanks again L. D. G.
Hello, I read the article in Readers Digest about the great things that your organization does for our servicemen and women. That really touched my heart, (my 85 year old father is a 20 year Navy Veteran and a Pearl Harbor Survivor). I just wanted to congratulate all of you from the Mayors office of Freeport, Illinois Best Wishes Mayor George W. Gaulrapp
Hello … my son is presently in Afghanistan and when he shipped off on July 3, 2008 your organization met him Bangor Airport. First off I wanted to say that what you do is so wonderful he was actually on his phone talking to his mom when you took one of the photos, thank you for all that you do for our troops. Secondly I was wondering if you could please e-mail me a few photos of my son. …In one of the photos he is talking on the phone to his mother and in the other he is signing a shirt. Thanks again for all that you do. Take care T.T.
I just got the pictures my daughter sent me where you welcomed her troop with open arms on July 17th 2008. I just want to say from one mother to another how much appreciate you being there when I cannot be. You truly are wonderful ladies and I know you do this because you love it. If there is anything I can ever do for you on this side of the states (Idaho Falls, Idaho) please don't hesitate to ask, I'm here for you, just as you were for my little girl. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Safe returns to all who serve T.M.
Good morning from Kuwait! I just wanted to send you a very quick THANK YOU for the warm greeting we received upon our arrival in Bangor on the 13th/14th of July. It was extremely generous of you all to offer your time and talents to make us feel welcome and appreciated. The photos on the web were a great way for my family and friends to see me one last time before leaving the States. Your kindness will not be forgotten! Very Respectfully, LTJG A.W.
Hello, My daughter, Kim, is in The Army and came through Bangor tonight to refuel before heading to Iraq. She called while in the Bangor airport to chat, but she mostly told us about your group and how so many people were there to greet them. I can tell you she was very surprised by the support and was pretty emotional about the reception she and the others received. As a mother of a soldier heading to Iraq, I want to personally thank you all for coming out and supporting our troops (and my "little girl “) as often as you do. It truly meant a lot to Kim, and myself as well. Thank you so much for making her feel appreciated and supported. It is her last memory of America before being overseas for so many months. Thank you for making a positive, powerful impact on her. May God Bless you all, M.K. NJ (Kim's mom)
Hello, I first want to thank you for doing what you are doing. So many people do not understand what families go through when their spouse/parents go away to war. It is so wonderful that people like yourself was there to give them encouragement. My husband had told me what a great job everybody did to take care of them on the flight to Iraq. I appreciate that you had taken pictures of my husband since I sent him with a camera and he has not done to great of a job at getting pictures to me. I would be forever grateful if you would be able to send the two pictures of my husband, which are on page 3 on July 10, 2008. His name is SSgt Hayden. He is in the 2nd and 15th shot. Whenever you can get those sent to me I would be appreciative. I do understand you are busy and appreciate your time it takes to do all that you are doing to support our troops. Thank you so much G. H.- Commanding Officer
My son was returned to us safe on Mon the 21st of July. He is stationed at Miramar, San Diego, CA. When we hugged him he pulled this card with the penny out of his uniform pocket and told me how it was given to him and that he had kept it in his pocket the whole time he was in Iraq. I had made an angel for him the last time he was deployed and he kept that in his pocket so I have that and he gave me this penny and card to keep. Thank you for caring for my son and his safety. Mom of a Marine, Sgt J. W. Mi.
Ladies, Just wanted to commend you for such a wonderful website. I am originally from South Berwick, Maine and you really make me extra proud to be from the great state of Maine. My husband and I both served in the military back in the 1980's and we greatly appreciated all of the support that we had received. We are extremely proud of all of the troops and we pray for them every day. Thanks for the great job you are doing. Keep it up!!! D.W. Texico, Illinois
Hi, My name is Misty and I am from N.C. I just read the story about you ladies in the Readers Digest and I had to come see your site. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are a very patriotic family. We have many friends and loved ones who are overseas and who are (thank god) back home with us. We will be saying goodbye to my children’s godfather at the end of this year and I pray he comes in contact with people like you. You are some amazing people and we want you to know how much we love and appreciate all that you are doing for our soldiers!!!! May god bless and keep you always!! McM Thomasville, North Carolina
I just found your website via the USMC board. What a very cool thing you all do!! I was just with my son these past few weeks here at home in Florida...he was home visiting for his predeployment leave. as he will be shipping to Iraq sometime in august. He’d mentioned that he thinks they'll go thru Maine.... I’ll have to give him a heads up...to look for you guys and thank you in person for your support!!! He is currently stationed out of camp Pendleton...this will be his first deployment... I hope I’m one of those lucky moms that see him and his troops in one of your photos!! Again from a proud USMC mom...we do appreciate your hard work and especially friendly faces for those coming and going in their deployment journey Debbie, pmm of cpl k.
Dear Freeport flag ladies, I am so excited to see what you are doing. It is so special to know of special people like yall to be so patriotic and love our troops. God will and is blessing yall in the work and time you have and are putting in. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My husband is an army chaplain (maj) with the 304th mp bn and you met him leaving for his journey the second time to Iraq. on the 20th or 21st by pictures 2nd flight and I am writing to ask if I could have a copy of his two pictures. …. I would love to have a copy for his scrapbook that I do. We are on the second phase which means book two and 2nd journey. He is winning souls to the lord and god is using him there. It is very hard on us but I give him to the lord and ask for his guidance and protection everyday and to keep him safe and unharmed along with all the troops. May God continue to bless your mighty work and thank you once again. Looking forward to the pictures and hearing from you. Sincerely, S.B.
Dear Carmen, Elaine & Jo Ann, I couldn't let much time pass without telling you how very much my wife and I, as well as all of my shipmates appreciated your presence at our reunion. From the flag-waving greeting in Freeport, to your eloquent speeches from the dais, to the very personal gesture of the pennies, you touched the heart of every one of us. I assume you know or feel how important what you do is, especially to those serving today, many in harms way. and to old vets like myself, who like to know that service to country is still honored. It’s been almost 50 years since I last walked down the gangway of USS Boston, cag-1, but I think back on those days with great pride; a pride enhance by your loving gesture. Thank you. Sincerely, G.W.D. qm3, USS Boston cag-1, 1959-61
Good morning ladies and community, Just wanted to say thank you. I had seen you on the news some time ago and I thought what a wonderful thing you do. Our daughter is in the navy and was deployed yesterday to Iraq. She arrived in Maine last night and called us. When she was on the phone with us, her picture was taken. It was then I remembered that this had to be the people in Maine that come out to support out troops. You have an amazing spirit. one that I have never seen before. I went to your web site last night. It is wonderful. I look forward to seeing our daughter’s picture. I was having an emotional weekend knowing where she was going was bothering me. Seeing your site helped in so many ways. Seeing all of these soldiers and knowing that they are all doing this for us. Seeing how much people care for them such as yourselves. So thank you for your inspiration and dedication. You are amazing. God bless, P.W. Bomoseen, Vermont
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. It means so much to us that you are there.... the last warm smiles on their homeland before going to places far away. Some, like my daughter, have never been that far from home. I told my husband, you're like surrogate parents, wishing them well as they leave. I didn't mean to rush or pressure you about the pictures. It’s just that I’m really anxious to see them. thank you again. L.K.
Hello! … My friend called me and told me she saw my husband on your website from when he got deployed back in Oct 07. Thank you all so very much for taking those pictures and talking with our troops and meeting my husband! I know that he truly enjoyed talking to you all. He told me about how kind and nice and caring you all were, but didn't mention he'd be on your webpage! I called my mother in law and she is printing the pictures of him off for our son and myself to have!!!! Thank you so so much for sending him off with warm wishes :) I am so thankful there are such wonderful people with kind hearts like you all. Those pictures truly brought tears to my eyes knowing that people do care about our soldiers!! It means so much not only to my husband and all of the other thousands of troops, but also to myself and our son! Thank you so so so much! Have a wonderful week!! Sincerely, K.S.
Thanks so much for the update. Isn’t it funny how folks we have never met come to seem like family through difficult circumstances! Your show of compassion last august has allowed me the privilege of praying for each of y'all, but especially our Elaine as she continues to heal.
May our lord continue to strengthen her daily and watch over and protect each of you as you do your labor of the nation's heart.
God bless you and provide all your needs,
I hope Elaine is feeling well and that she is able to be up and outside soon. I have had a couple of surgeries in the past and the recovery phase is the one that I wished had gone faster. Thank you so much for all the emails with the pictures of flowers. As summer moves along here the heat and humidity is pretty high and very few things grow with any sort of color. When I was out walking with the ana I found that there were what appeared to be holly trees everywhere in the mountainous area. I’m hoping that I get a chance to go back out there later on in the year when the berries are out to get a couple of pictures to send home. G.D. Hello ladies! Hope this finds you well. I just read the article on you all in the recent issue of Reader's Digest. Loved the photo, loved your shirts! Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all that you do. My husband is a soldier and he has passed thru there. So thank you, thank you, and thank you for your time, money, and devotion and love you give to our brave men and women! With much respect, L.J.
I just read your article in the Reader's Digest and wanted to commend you on all that you do. I wish more people would go to the lengths that you do to help. You are what America is all about. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Hope you are getting better, as a solder mom I thank you for everything you guys do. You are in my prayers, my son was back in Fort Lewis (June 4) he told me what you did went he left October 9, 07, he told me he would never forget you, thank you God be with you always, M.E.W.
Hello, Just wanted to send you a quick email to thank you and the others for such a great way in supporting our troops who are serving over seas. My husband has currently been deployed to Iraq and he told me all about you guys. I have also checked out your website and it is fabulous. People like you guys are the ones that make it a little easier for us the families that are left back home. Thank you so much for all that you do. thanks again and may god bless all of you and your families. Sincerely, S.V. (Miramar California marine wife)
You saw my son off to Iraq in 2006 and welcomed him home in 2007, for this you have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life! I read an article on the Freeport flag ladies in the readers digest! I know that youdo not do this for the recognition, but you deserve some! Great job, hopefully it is one that will end soon! Glad to hear that Elaine is doing better, she is in my prayers.
You have no idea how much that means to me to get those pictures. I actually have no pictures of him on our last goodbye because we forgot our camera! Thank you, so much, for being there for our soldiers in prayer and in person to give them a happy greeting from supporters. It really cheered my soldier up so much to know that this wasn't totally a wasted effort on his part, that there are people out there support him and what he's doing. (and I think the phones help a bit with their moods) I have a bit of an idea to help our troops, do you by any chance now how I can get in contact with the uso? God bless. Jennifer
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful group of people you are to do this for our troops, July 9th was the second time I had a son stop over in Bangor on his way to Iraq. Thanks so much for taking the time to make our troops feel special, which of course they are. I have 3 sons of my own all in the military, 2 in the marines and 1 in the army whom is leaving in October for Iraq, and a stepson in the army. It makes me feel so good to know there are people like you out there. Please keep it up as long as possible, people like you are what make America a wonderful place to live. Thanks again L.H. canton pa
I had to write and say thank you! I see you out there each Tuesday on my way to work and each time you bring a smile to my face, a tear in my eye, and make me feel especially proud to be an American. You all should be very proud of what you are doing to support our troops. I know they would be very proud of you! Thank you, A.M.
It makes my heart glad that organizations and people like you are out there for our troops. I am retired navy and a Vietnam vet. Your greetings are certainly different than the one that I received upon my return from nam. It is incumbent on all Americans to support them in this time of strife and to protect them as much as possible. I wish you all the best of everything and that you are able to continue the program that you have. I have a grandson-in-law currently serving in the air force and a 16 year old grandson that is determined to join the marines when he graduates. God’s grace be with you. Norm B. rm1 usn ret.
I also received your package when I returned. What a great surprise. I have shared everything with the guys that are on my team. We have 3 guys from Maine, 3 from Guam, and 3 from the active army. They are all surprised at how many care packages the guys from Maine get and we do our best to share what we receive. Again, thank for the emails and package. The older I get the more I know I am a Maine boy and seeing things from home makes it easier to be here. Give my best to Elaine and tell her no jumping from the shed roof until the doctor says it’s okay. As ever, grant
Dearest Freeport flag ladies, Today is the fourth of July 2008. A holiday filled with such meaning and celebration. ...parades, concerts, all manner of get-togethers will be happening in my beloved united states of America. The fireworks, backyard picnics and families uniting to wish our great nation a happy birthday. I am in a different country. for days, actually for ten years now, I have bemoaned and moped the fact that I am not "home". I had even gotten to the point to where I have tried to forget what day this is. This morning, I was staring at old glory flying high above my blackberries and flowers.... when suddenly my mind and my eyes were opened. Yes, I am not at home in the USA, on USA soil.... but I am safe, live in a nice house, have medical attention and want for naught. Plenty of my fellow citizens are not home either and they live from moment to moment not knowing if they will ever return "home". My frowns turned to smiles, my sad selfull thoughts to prayer for all my children "over there". Yes, my children...I have two sons who are proud members of the USMC, therefore all of them are my children also. They have passed coming and going thru your portals for two deployments each. They are not the type who write nice letters thanking you for all you have done for them, although they have been taught better than that. They have sung you praises and spoke at length about the time they have spent with you. I have pictures you have taken and posted...sometimes wondering if they would be the last I would ever see. Thank you so much for all you are doing for my children. My heart goes out to each and every one of you ladies and gentlemen. I wish for you a meaningful and blessed Fourth of July, 2008. Thank you also for providing the poetry and readings, which finally brought my thinking to where it should be on this day. Gratefully, M.P. Proud marine mom x 2 out of the sandbox for now
Thank you. As we prepare this week to celebrate our freedom on July 4th, we will remember first the brave men and women who are in combat to protect that freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also honor those who have gone before and fought on many battlefields. Bruce and I also think often, with gratitude, of the flag ladies who stand at their post with such dedication. We have come to count on you over the years as a symbol of steadiness in a world that seems very unsteady! P & B
Ladies, I want to thank you for the great job you do. In June 2006 our orng unit passed thru your wonderful airport and a few of you graciously helped me do a picture and video to my son who was grad. from Oregon state university as I was deploying to Afghan. My fiancée did receive that and sent it on to ty and the family. I’m so sorry I didn’t thank you properly and just now realized barb had been on your email dist list all this time. Please add me to your email dist list too!! God bless you!! I’ve since retired after serving for 33 years. My best to you all. Mark w. cpt(ret), in
You ladies are wonderful! Thank you for all you do. You deserve the article written below. It was august of 2006 that my husband left for Iraq. He returned home November of 2007. We still have the pictures you took of him on his way to Iraq. You ladies are talked about often of all that you do for our troops. You will never be forgotten. Our prayers go out to Elaine for a speedy and easy recovery. You all have a special place in our hearts. Love you all and all that you do! shari c.
Thank you for sending the link to the website that honors you, the Freeport flag ladies. You are all some of the most inspiring people I have ever been blessed to have god put in my path. I’ll keep that site and send it along to David. So glad Elaine is feeling better. I know it's difficult to build strength back up again after what she's been through, so I am truly inspired that she would even be able to join you on your Tuesday mission for just a few minutes. and I love the message she brings to my home each week. God bless you and help you to continue to show the troops the love you have for them, which in turns shows them as they come or go to or from war, there are people with big hearts who know the sacrifices they have made or are going to have to make. What a treasure you all are. It’s an honor to know you. d.f.
This is for Elaine- we are a praying church and your name is added to our list. May the lord bless and keep you, may he give you new strength. And may a swift recovery be your. We celebrate the homecoming of our son in law and are so glad you were a part of sending him off and welcoming him back! Thanks a million times for you dedicated work for our soldiers! s.b.
Ms Elaine I am one of the soldiers that get your message and very time I read them they make my days a little brighter. I have saved them all and go back to them now and then. My prayers and those of all the soldiers that you touch with your messages. God bless you. sgt l.
Hello,
My husband was one of many troops coming through back in 2006. He actually deployed on Dec. 31, 2005, and from Bangor, Maine I received a phone call from a cell phone someone at your airport, there to greet the troops, provided to him for a quick call. I have always wanted to send a thank you to let you know how much we appreciate what you all are doing there. When my husband saw the article in reader's digest about your group, he showed it to me and explained you were the group that was there. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you are doing, and your support to the troops and all of American!! You are what America is all about. Annette
Hello ladies, I just wanted to let you ladies know how much what you do is appreciated. There should be more people like you who are willing to donate so much of their time and money to show our troops that what they do each and every day matters. When my husband's cousin (who was stationed in Texas) came back from Iraq in December of 2003 his plane stopped in Bangor to refuel and 15 members of his family made the trip from Washington county to greet him. It is an experience that everyone should have. Seeing how surprised and grateful those men and women are when they come down that ramp and see so many people there to support them is just overwhelming. (I’m sure I don't have to tell you this.) Last fall my cousin was killed in Iraq. The outpouring of support was unbelievable. His widow was amazed at how many people called, sent cards, brought food and offered support. The day his body was brought home the streets were lined on both sides with people and the day of his funeral the gymnasium was packed. I was surprised to learn that it's not like this everywhere when a soldier comes home (way one or the other.) I guess that’s what makes Mainers so special, and it is people like you that make that difference and that put a smile on the faces of the men and women who are sacrificing so much. I just wanted to say thank you and to let you know that what you do makes a difference...not only to the troops but to their families as well. God bless you and god blesses our troops! A.V.
Hi, Read about you in readers digest. I thought you are doing the most wonderful and overwhelming act of kindness. This is giving happiness to all those countless souls in faraway places like Iraq. Carmen, Elaine & JoAnn…. you three are an inspiration to thousand of others. You have no idea how many people you are inspiring by doing this. I hope you three continue this for a very very very long time. We all love you and pray for you and all the soldiers.
Bye, gayatri
I would like to start by telling each and everyone THANKS!! My brother (only 19 years old) was sent to Iraq only 7 months out of boot camp and we are so proud of him. It is an honor to know that we still have patriotism in this country that the media seems to forget about. When I received the email about this web site I was thrilled, there was about 5 pictures with my brother on it. This has made my day. I want to tell you again THANKS and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers because you have done a wonderful service towards our soldiers, for without them...well I would not want to think of not having them!!! Sincerely, Proud Sister of a Proud USA Soldier (Louisiana)
Good morning, Elaine! This email is to send you best wishes and to let you know that our family is praying for your quick recovery. You and all the Freeport Flag Ladies are always in our thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much it means to the soldiers and their families to know there is someone out there standing for their cause. Take care of yourself and know there are people all across the US, even the world, praying for your quick recovery! God bless you! Have a wonderful day! Terry
All here at the Wilson County News in Floresville, Texas, wish Elaine a full and swift recovery from her surgery. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and hearts. It's a beautiful thing you are doing in Maine that has touched the hearts and lives of people worldwide. Praying you continue to be blessed in all your endeavors. N.K-S
Freeport Ladies, Thanks so much for responding. I understand how difficult it must be to get photos of everyone, its ok that my hubby wasn't one of them. I hope you know I wasn't trying to make anyone feel bad, just wanted to make sure I was looking in the right place. I think you guys are doing a very important service to our forces. An awesome & loving service. There certainly isn't enough positive press or moral boosting going on for them...which is a shame. I thank you again for all that you do and for lifting us up in your prayers. It is by the grace of God that we will get through this. Sincerely, S.S. Psalms33
To all the Patriotic Freeport Flag Ladies and their helpers: God Bless You for helping our men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. What a wonderful thing you are doing. I just found out your web site and had to write you and thank you for being such patriotic Americans. In our family our middle son just retired after 23 years in the Navy as a pilot and had flown many times over Iraq. We have two grandsons, one a Marine who had three tours in Iraq and the other, his brother, a Navy hospital corpsman attached to a Marine Expeditionary Unit. We are proud of all of our men and women in the Armed Forces and will continue to do so. In the Navy we say, "Bravo Zulu" for a job well done. You Ladies and helpers deserve a BRAVO ZULU for your efforts. Again, thank you. J.G. LtCdr, U. S. Navy (Ret)
Hello, I was reading the article about you ladies in the Reader's digest and just wanted to let you know that you all are inspiring! As a student, I wish more of us had goals like you. Thank you, Poornima Delta Delta Delta
I just looked at your website and was blessed. I did not see any photos of my husband - he is in the 2228thMP unit that went thru Banger in May (11, 12 or 13). I know they had a lot of trouble with their flight, so they may not have gotten the FFL greeting. But I can see by the smiles on the troops faces and on yours that you all are true ambassadors of love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I pray the Lord blesses each and every one of you for your service to our troops. What a wonderful group of people you are to take the time to do all this. Sincerely, S.S. Denham Springs, Louisiana
I would like to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your faithfulness to our Military and their families. Our son recently returned to the USA after serving in Iraq for 15 months. As he returned to Ft. Lewis, WA, the stopped in Bangor, MA, where he was greeted by you all with warmth and support. Thank you for your faithfulness. We are grateful for our son's safe return and will never take freedom for granted. Our son's best friend and roommate for the past 2 years gave his life for our freedom over there. Indeed our son, and the men that he serves with are forever changed by the service they have given. May our Lord richly bless you for your kindness.- kh
Dear Elaine: We extend to you our best wishes for a speedy recovery following your surgery. We will keep you in our prayers as you have done for our son Lee and others who have served our country. As a cancer survivor, I have a great deal of confidence in our medical professionals and am sure you will be the beneficiary of their skills. We will miss you during your convalescence but know the time away will be in your best interest. Your contributions, and those of the other ladies, have been greatly appreciated. I know I speak for other parents and for the troops you have so greatly touched. Thank you and God Bless you.
J.P.
Hello: Thank you so much for what you do, it is so wonderful! Our son is a Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman who came home from Iraq with his Marines through Maine on Saturday Oct. 6, 2007. I just read about your site in the Reader's Digest, and wondered if you have pictures of their homecoming? I would be thrilled! He had told me about people that were there to meet them and that it meant a lot to him. We live in Arizona and were at Camp Pendleton in CA eagerly awaiting their return. Brice is currently deployed again on a MEU with the Marines. We are very grateful for those of you who stand by like you do to warmly welcome them home when they have been gone for so long, especially in combat zones like our son was. These young Americans will never forget it, and though we have not met you, we as parents will always be grateful you were there in our place. Thanks again for the beautiful service you are doing for servicemen and their families! A big hug to you ladies from a grateful mother. K & L W Parents of: HN (FMF) B. E. W. USN Golf Company 2nd Platoon 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Camp Pendleton, CA)
All my prayers for Elaine for a speedy recovery and for the Lord's Guidance to the surgeon. Thank-you for all you do for our troops. I still treasure the pictures of my son as he was being deployed. I love getting your e-mail prayers on Tuesday. GOD BLESS AMERICA! Sincerely, D.Y.
Hello ladies. I just wanted to pass on again, thank you for the greeting you gave us as we passed through on our way to Iraq and other locations. My time finally draws to a close and so will this e-mail address. You can reach me at my permanent station. Once again thank you and God Speed!! G.G.
To the Freeport Flag Ladies: I received yet another fantastic package from you this Monday! You ladies are something else! I opened the package right here in the Combat Operations Center (COC), and it was gone in no time. You’re creative ideas were another big hit with old and young Marines alike. I keep the little candle myself, and as soon as I can find matches, I’m going to enjoy the scent in my room! The sausage was amazing! They tore into that right away! The toys went to our Civil Affairs Group, and will be given to the many Iraqi kids that come up to us on patrols. The car accessories are great for our beat-up SUV’s. They’ve only got 20K miles, but with all the dirt, sand and potholes, they are shot. The scented accessories are welcomed in them!! Marine can always use small knives, and it was gone in no time. You ladies are a rare touch of classic Americana, and the Marines here at Camp Habbaniyah appreciate all you’ve done for us!! We’ll be coming back to the states in mid-late August, but I don’t know if we’ll be coming through Bangor or not. If we do, I’ll be able to thank you in person for all you do! Thank you once again, and I’ll be looking forward to your Reader’s Digest article in a month or so! CWO4 0.w.
Ladies, Thank you so much for the pictures. My wife and I live in Alaska, so we didn't get a chance to see him off. Thank you so much for being there and expressing what the rest of us feel and mean. My son-in-law is as close to me as my sons and I love him very much. May God bless you ladies in your endeavors as he has blessed us with Jason, my daughter, Holly and their family. Thank you once more, R.M.
Ladies: I just wanted to take a moment to offer my deepest and heartfelt THANK YOU for the kindness you should us all on May 4th 2008 as we stopped at Pease NH on our journey to the AOR. I am sure no one expected the welcome we received upon us deplaning, and it was quite an outpouring of kindness by all. I cannot begin to tell you how overcome I was by all the kind attention that we had received. I found the photograph you took of me and I forwarded it onto my wife and my family back in NY (FYI I am currently stationed in Alaska). They were all very appreciative for the photo. We are all settling in here at Bagram AB. I work at the hospital and thankfully it is not too busy here taking care of US and Allied forces. We do take care of a lot of local national Afghani's and they do need our help, I can tell you first hand there is no doubt these are very poor people who have nothing. Well, I must be getting going. Again, I just wanted to drop you all a very short note to express my gratitude and thanks for the kindness you are showing us. God bless you all and I hope that you continue the good work that you are doing for the troops moving in/out of the AOR. My Very Best Regards, Major Scott V.D.
Dear Wonderful Flag Ladies, I know May 13 was a marathon day for you in Bangor, but thank you so much for staying there to meet that last flight--the one that got in at 1:45 AM. That was the 345th Combat Support Hospital, and that was the one our daughter Kristen was on. (She's on page 4, second row left!) She was on the phone with us as you all were greeting her, and some time after 2:00 she sent a text message that had your website and the news that there would be pictures posted. Not only is her picture there, but also those of her two closest friends, who have seem to have become a part of our family as well. I daresay that we will get to know many more of them better during the time she is in Iraq, and we will be able to look up their pictures as well. Thank you so much for being there for them and for us here at home. We sincerely appreciate your kindness in being there to see them off, since their families could not do it. J.G.
To The Freeport Flag Ladies, I am the wife of an Air Force Ssgt that recently had the privilege of meeting you and your group. He was on his way to Afghanistan and called me from New Hampshire to tell me how awesome of an experience he just had at the airport. I am happy to hear that there are people like you out there supporting our soldiers as they depart or return from serving our country. I just wanted to ‘Thank You’ personally for what you do and wish there were more people like you!!! I’ve also enjoyed all the pictures you’ve posted from that day!!! Thanks for all you do! Proud Air Force Wife! S.T.
My husband is in the Air Force and was deployed to Iraq and you ladies took two pictures of him on May 12! I love them. I just happened to be on the phone with him when they were taken. We appreciate everything you women have and are doing for our troops!! Keep it up! God bless you all! A.N.
Hi, My husband called me last night and was telling me about how welcomed he felt when he flew into Bangor, Maine. Thank you so much for supporting them in what they do. This is his first deployment and its hard already but things like what you are doing help greatly. I look forward to seeing all the pictures of them. Thank you soo much Sincerely, J.L.
Hi! I'm the wife of one of the soldiers ya'll recently photographed while on their way out. Thanks for what you do helping them feel appreciated & helping us left behind "see them off" in a different sort of way because we can't actually be there like you can. Proud Louisiana Army National Guard Wife, B.K.
Please do not apologize for the delay, I'm sure you ladies stay very busy! It's completely understandable. I was excited when I say your reply in my inbox and I was even more excited when I actually saw pictures of my husband!!!! He is in 2 pictures. …You just made my day, you can't even imagine!!! Thank you ladies soooooo much for what you do, it is very, very appreciated!
Hope to keep in touch, W.A.
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