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Letters from Families & Troops | |
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I hope you can scan or send the website for the article in the newspaper. I would love to keep in touch with you three. You made such an impression on me and you were so willing to sit with us and share your time, just as if you had all day. I didn't think until later, but you should have eaten something!! We had already had lunch, or we would have eaten with you!! I so appreciate you always responding to my inquiries. I know mine is just one of many, many, but you treat me as if I am the only one. It takes special ladies to do that! We love you for loving our troops! Lou Ann
Once again, dear ladies, you have been a blessing to so very many. We had the chance to see photos of our son heading to Iraq for the third time. You gave us amazing photos to hold dear to our hearts until he comes home again. It is obvious that God calls each of us to do something special in life and this.... special people.... is His gift to us through your lives. Thank you so very much and may God bless you abundantly. D & D B, Deckerville, MI
I just talked to my son, while he was in the Maine airport. I want to thank you for your support of our soldiers, but on a personal note, as a motherly figure. I new this day would come and here it is, much harder than I had thought, and not being able to see him off was equally hard. So when my son told me about you ladies and your thoughtfulness it brought a tear to my eyes. So from one mother to another I sincerely thank you for being there for me! May God bless you and our soldiers,
Freeport Flag Ladies Thank you so much for the pictures of the guys that came through Bangor, Maine on August 26th at 7:30. My fiancé was in that group of solders and it was so good to see him smiling. You ladies are doing something very special for all military families! This is our first time going through a deployment and every picture that I can get means the world to me! I cannot thank y'all enough for what y'all are doing. Please don't ever stop being the caring ladies that y'all are because y'all are making a world of difference to millions of families across the country! AU
I just want to say thank you so much for everything you ladies are doing out there!!! Thank you for being there with our loved ones while we cannot that means the world to all us military families. You ladies are doing a wonderful job up there keep it up the soldiers and families appreciate it more then anything. Sincerely, BH
Thank you for giving such a GREAT welcome to our soldiers as they stopped off at the airport in Maine. We can't tell you how much your kindnesses mean to us and from the smiles on the faces of our soldiers it's plain to see it was much appreciated by them also. Please keep up the great work that you are doing. BM
Hello, My son, Dan, was deployed to Iraq last October and just returned to the U.S. last Thursday! I had attempted to send you an email back in October when I first saw the pictures of him and his Unit being deployed, but I later found out that the email never was deleted and never sent. However, I still did want to give you a big Thank you! It is such a wonderful thing that your group is doing for our troops. For those of us family members who are left awaiting their return, it means so much to have a group of people that show their appreciation for what our military men and women are doing for this country. It is such an emotional time for the families and to see pictures of their loved ones during the journey is a great relief. When we can not be present to send them off, it truly means a great deal that there are people such as yourselves that 'stand in' for the families to wish them farewell and to welcome them home when they return. Thank you SO MUCH. What you are doing is truly a blessing to our military personnel and to their families. With much gratitude and admiration, LH
Hi, Ladies, I am a wife of a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)-40 Seabee battalion. We are both Civil Engineer Corps Officers currently stationed in CA. My husband gave me your website address (http://www.freeportflagladies.com/), he recently deployed to Afghanistan (July 25th) and had the privilege to meet you guys in Maine Airport. I, myself, went through that same airport with same warm greetings from you guys back in 2003 when I was a 2nd class Petty Officer on my way home from an 11 month deployment from Iraq. I wanted to write you and thank you for all the wonderful things your organization is doing for the military, and thank you for your support from our family to yours. JI
Hello! My husband just deployed two days ago to Afghanistan. I received an email from one of our ombudsman for his command posting the link to your website and pictures that you took of my husband's command NMCB 40, in Maine on July 26. ...I wanted to send you an email to say thank you for this glimpse of my husband! It was greatly appreciated! Although he was deployed last year for 8 months in Guam, this one is most definitely different and scarier than the last one! I also thank you for greeting the military members as they are on their way to dangerous places. I'm sure it brightens up their day to see your smiling faces! Once again, thank you! Please keep doing what you are doing. It makes me happy to know that the love of my life is being taken care of when he's away from home. Sincerely, DB
Hello Freeport Flag Ladies, First, I would like to say thank you so much for what you do. My husband and NMCB40 just came through Bangor and you all were so welcoming to them and made them feel great! It's a beautiful thing to see that people care so much about the troops. I was smiling the whole time looking through your photos, and my children were so excited to get to see they're Dad! It really touches my heart that you’re out there doing this for so many brave men and women. Again thank you so very much for the wonderful things that you are doing for our service men and women!! Thank You, Wife of CM-2
Dearest Flag Ladies, "Thank you" does not even begin to cover the enormity of my feelings for you as individuals and as a group!!!! You and what you are doing for our servicemen and women and for our country is AWESOME!!!!!! You are truly amazing!!!! It just warmed my heart when our daughter e-mailed us that her husband had arrived safely in Afghanistan and that we could go to your site and see his picture!!!!!! I know that his mother and sister are even more thrilled than me!!!! I will send contributions to your organization and I will forever keep you in my prayers! Our son-in-law was on your July 17 (army) pics...he looked so handsome! Oh, how I pray he returns to my daughter and their two children safely!!!! God bless each of you and your families. My love and gratitude forever! SMR
Hi, my husband recently went through Bangor, Maine on his way to Kuwait. My son and I enjoyed looking through the pictures to find his handsome, smiling face. He is in your photos from July 12th/Navy. He called me from Maine and told me about the greetings from you ladies. It meant a lot to him. What a comfort to know that the troops had someone there to show love and support as they are readying to deploy. I am so thankful to know there are people like you, doing what you do so tirelessly! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
1st of all, thank you very much for what you and your fellow members do. I remember very much, coming into the airport in august 2007 on my way to Iraq. It was a very big surprise that you were there, especially so early in the morning, and we all appreciated it very much. 2nd of all, my son just passed through there this past weekend on his way to Afghanistan, and was greeted by all of you. I just saw 2 pictures of him and He looked like he was appreciative also! Again, thank you very much for what you all do!
Thank you very much for the photo. It is very true that it reassuring to see photos of him looking good and doing well. This is the first deployment our 4 year old daughter is going through (well, she went through one before, but, she was an infant and not bothered by his absence), so ANY time she gets to see him is great and, for me to hear the excitement in her voice if wonderful. Thank you very much for all you do for them. I am sure that they appreciate hearing your appreciation for them; I don't think many of them hear it often. Sincerely,MG
Hello Ladies, I want to send a VERY sincere THANK YOU for doing what you do. My husband was on the flight to Bangor today on his way to Afghanistan. He was on the phone with me when you took a picture of him. It's because of people like you that people like me can feel a little bit more at ease knowing support is everywhere he is. What you do for our Soldiers, Sailor, Airmen and Marines is one of the greatest signs of support there is. I'm sure military members and locals tell you thank you all of the time for the support you show, but I felt the need to say THANK YOU not just because my husband felt your support, but because you will meet my brother at one point or another as well and will make him feel just as you did my husband today. My husband's name is Jason and when he told me about you, he had pride in his voice. I think he finally felt there was a bigger reason behind the deployment. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT. May God Bless You All, TB
Hello Ladies, My husband was on your web page from July. He just left yesterday, and I just wanted to let you know that it really touches my heart to know that you take such pride in our Soldiers. Even though we are unable to be with them until their final departure, it is nice to know that you are willing to take the time out of your day to visit or simply take pictures of our Troops. I just wanted to write something letting you know how much it meant to me and to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly my AMERICAN ANGEL! God Bless you and Thank you so very much... JC
Dear Flag Ladies, My brother in law is a U.S. Marine and was just sent on his first deployment late Sunday evening/early Monday morning leaving his wife and child in California until he returns home. This deployment has only begun and it has already been hard on my sister. However it was so great to speak with her today and hear her talk about the Flag Ladies who were there to greet and thank my brother in law as well as the other troops while they waited for their flight from Maine that day. My sister was so excited to tell me what page his picture was on! I could hear the change in her voice and it was such a great feeling for me. I want to thank you ladies so much for what you do. It is heartwarming to know that there are still Americans out there that do not take our freedom for granted and make sure that those who deserve a thank you are receiving them. Words cannot explain my thankfulness for what you do. I send you much appreciation from myself, my sister, niece and family for being with my brother-in-law and the other soldiers during this emotional and trying time. It was wonderful to see his pictures and know that he was given the sendoff that he and the other troops deserved. May God Bless You Always, BM
This message is true and reassuring as when my son went to Iraq last year for the second time I had issues that I had to deal with. One of the problems I had to deal with was during the time my son left our home for his last and second tour in Iraq he was very emotionally upset. He was trembling physically to maintain his composure as he hugged me bye and we both knew of the chance that it could be for the last time. He knew the second time around that there was a chance that he may not return as he saw a lot of combat during his first tour. I maintained composure, as I did not want my son at war worrying about the emotions of his mom. So, I did not break down until after he left our driveway watching him until he went out of sight only then did I allow myself the luxury of giving into my emotions. But, after he left I received a picture of him from you and he was smiling and looking confident and ready for whatever came his way. I printed that picture (wished I had an original copy) and kept it pinned to my cubicle in my office and when times were rough and believe me those times did come, I would look at that picture for comfort and encouragement to endure all of the anxiety and fear of a mom that my son may not come home. But, that picture gave me hope that he would and he did. I wanted to give you a perspective of a person that was touched by your token of a photo and your prayers that spirits not to be broken during this time of war. God Bless Our Troops and God Bless the Freeport Flag Ladies. MS
Thank you for all you do. I read your messages every week and add prayer for our soldiers and thanks for your faithfulness in all you do. Our son … has decided he will leave the military after ten years. He starts an in depth PTSD and TBI evaluation this week...and had the orthopedic workup started last week. We had the Joy of spending 4th of July with he and his wife. Eric took me to the new national Infantry Museum located at Ft. Benning. It is very well done. I simply followed his lead and was interested to see what he wanted to see. He went immediately to the Iraq/A-tan part. We sat for a long time looking at the pictures and because we were alone and it was not very busy he told me some of the things that happened to he and his small unit of 11. This war is no less horrifying than the worst that has happened in other times and really upsets me that it is only spoken of in our media in political terms. I am thankful he has a family who loves and supports him and that he has made decision as he has said, "to check his ego at the door" and go through with help rather than resort to addiction and abuse of those around him. You and your friends are doing so much...thank you from my heart. SP
Hello, I am from Corinth, about 20 minutes outside of Bangor. And I am currently deployed right now to Iraq right now. I have been here for just over 3 months. I am stationed right in Bangor, at the Air National Guard station, but am deployed with a unit from Ohio. When we came through the airport, everyone was talking about all of you, and how heart warming it was to have you there, as well as the troop greeters. Everyone here looks forward to going through Bangor, either going over or coming back. They talk about going to Baltimore, or some other place, but everyone always wants to go through Bangor. This is my second deployment. My first was with the Marines, back in 2005. Unfortunately I did not go through Bangor, going over or coming back. I am not sure how long you guys have been taking the pictures at the airport, but it is wonderful. Thank you again for everything you do, and we all look forward to seeing you all in October. ---SSgt JP
Thank you for these messages...it brightens my day each Tuesday. You saw my son off on May 8th out of Bangor and you did take his picture which I found online and I am thankful for...it was the last picture/memory I have of him and I may not see a glimpse of him until December.... I liked your poem,,,hopefully ALL live to be old,,, its up to them to be wise! Have a wonderful day. RY
Hello ladies! First, of all, THANK YOU, for giving my son and his fellow Marines a wonderful send off. This is his first deployment (and mine!) and he was a bit nervous. I would like to get his picture. Thank you so much! Keep up the wonderful work! If I lived on the east coast, I'd be right there helping you out!! God Bless You All!! SR
Hi Ladies, My son who is in Bagdad emailed me yesterday to let me know that this one was a dead on it kind of poem. I send these to him each Tuesday as I receive them from you and I just want to say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!---for all that you ladies do and the support that you give –each with these are awesome I thank you truly ---so PLEASE keep them coming ---I am sure that Joshua forwards them on as well. Please add an extra prayer on your prayer list for them though – this has been a tough (9) months for he and his Wife ---they are expecting their 1st child and it has been rough ----Joshua is due home some time after his 24th birthday And we are hoping the baby can wait to get here till he comes home. She is due in a couple of weeks. I don’t often ask for favors – but I pray that maybe she would/could be born on his birthday July 16 – even if he isn’t home – but I sure will be glad when he does get here. Yet ----what a gift from God you know – THANKS AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU – J F-B
David is deploying again this year. Right now he is in a high stress area training his men to do the best job they can in Afghanistan. To do this, although his time in the army was up, he reenlisted for another year so he could be with his men in Afghanistan. He didn't have to do this. He just felt he should. His mission was dangerous in the last deployment to Iraq, and this one will be no better so I really really thank you guys for being there for our soldiers. David is a Sgt. now and many of his men are very young, some still in their teens. He says he is looking forward to being with them and trusts each of them with his life. They have been together for 4 yrs now, David and his soldiers and they are their own unique family together. Only a soldier whose been there can tell you what it's really like. They don't allow much civilians in the red zone, so they report only what they think they know. Many times it is wrong. Maybe they need to focus on reporting about how our soldiers are doing. Maybe they need to talk to some families of the veterans, the wounded and the deployed. Maybe then they'd understand how much each life over there is important to all of us back here. Maybe they need to know that our freedom is a direct result of the sacrifices the soldiers and their families make each day. That maybe only a true hero would stand in harms way so others can be safe. And then, maybe they need to thank that soldier for being one of those heroes for their family and for them. It is very real. It is not something you can sit and judge; it is war, an unfortunate necessity right now. A terrifying thing to families. A brave thing for our soldiers to do. To go against what might be popular, and to find the strength to know and focus on their mission. Each soldier is one person who is important to many. God bless them all, and God bless you for always showing your love and support. Our soldiers know about love and support because they know you. Debbie Floyd, proud army mom of Sgt. David J. Floyd
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, Thank you again for what you are doing. Your testimony each Tuesday in Maine reaches out to so many of us throughout the country in Elaine's weekly messages. I will always remember the help you gave to my son when he passed through Bangor enroute to his first tour in Iraq! Hearing from him by phone (courtesy of you!) about your many kindnesses, and receiving copies of the photos you took of those young men and women shipping out on February 4, 2007, meant more to both of us than I can ever express in words! And you've supported me throughout his service, both there and here. As of Friday, June 18, 2010, he is no longer a Sgt. with the U.S. Army, but rather he is once again a civilian. He served five years, had two tours in Iraq, the first being part of the 15-month surge, and earned a Purple Heart. I am so proud of him and of what he has done, and I know it is support like yours that makes his sacrifice and that of all the others possible. Thank you SO much! Please do not remove me from your mailing list. When he first went overseas, he gave me a magnet for my car that said, "Until they all come home." Greatly faded though it is, that magnet remains on my car until, indeed, they ALL come home. I also will continue to look forward to your weekly messages because I continue to pray for the safety of all our brave military men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to fight for freedom. Thank you, Freeport Flag Ladies, for you, too, have endured harsh conditions and have overcome many obstacles in your tireless work to be sure we remember to value and pray for our military! I pray for you yourselves that God will give you strength to persevere until they all come home! Warmly, MAL
Hello, We would like to thank you for taking the time to greet our warriors. We want to let you know it means the world to us to have you there at the airport to meet our son since we were unable to be there. Thank you for providing refreshments, shaking their hand and taking and posting these pictures. Sometimes we feel like freedom is taken for granted and our troops are not appreciated. However seeing what you do, volunteering your own time, restores our faith in America. My husband is a Vietnam vet and an active member of the Marine Corps League. He was very proud to see the MCL there greeting our son. I found several pictures of my son. Thank you again for everything!
To all, I am the mother of a United States Marine. Proud mom. Ha-ha. A friend of mine turned me on to your website right after my son deployed out on June 13th. I must say you all do a wonderful job and I must thank you all. I got to looking around the site and to my surprise there where pictures of my son. What a lift off my heart to see him being greeted by such loving people and the smile on his face just lifted some of the sadness of the day. I wish to thank you all for this wonderful site and the Job you all do for our guys and gals. God bless you, BA
I just found out about your website! I just want to say thanks you so much for everything you are doing. I just had my son deploy on June 17, 2010 I raised my son alone and he is a wonderful young man! But this is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through I feel like part of my heart was taken out when he left from camp Lejeune. I had a 9 hr. drive back home with his younger sister and I just cried the whole way. I know it’s in Gods hands but he is still my son and I love him more than life itself. I didn’t get a call from Maine but I guess he didn’t want to up set me. He told me to be strong and don’t cry I be back before you know it. But it’s still hard. Well I am so thankful for the great support that our soldiers get in Maine I am so glad that my son had such a warm sent off it really make me feel better. I hope I get to see a picture of him on your site. Again thank you and God Bless all of you please put me on your e-mail I would love to come out there one day maybe when he returns. Blessed Jonann
Hello all! I just discovered your web site today. I was thrilled to find a picture of my son under Bangor in the March 31, 2010 Marines (he was NOT happy the Marines shaved his head - "I'm in the Navy, not the Marines!" but he got over it very quickly. I said hon; everyone who goes out on their first deployment with the Marines gets a shaved head). I have attached that particular picture, plus a picture taken of him about 6 weeks ago taking care of an Afghan baby girl. He LOVES being a Corpsman. I can't thank you all enough for greeting the troops and taking pictures. It means so much to them, and EVERYTHING to the families!! I'm over here in California crying for joy that people were there to greet the guys - and gals! - and show them such kindness and respect. From my mother's heart I thank you so very very much. God bless you all for doing this. Yours sincerely, MF
Hi Freeport Ladies!!!! My husband is LCPL D. and he is with 2/6 that came through Bangor. I am writing to say thank u, thank u, thank u to the Freeport ladies supporting our marines. It is because of you all that I was able to see a picture of my husband. This could not have been a better surprise for tonight. From the bottom of my heart God Bless You All for being so amazing! I know my husband appreciated all of you there supporting him. This might sound a little strange but earlier in the day before he said goodbye I had found a lucky penny on the ground. I thought I most certainly should give this to my husband! :) Now I am not very superstitious but I thought we shouldn't turn down a lucky penny with him being deployed. lol Well I ended up losing it somehow in the mix of everything going on. About 5 hours later, my dad came up to me and said that he had found a lucky penny as he was walking. I thought yay! we can give this one to my husband! Haha, except again we didn't end up giving it to him, we forgot to because stuff was happening so fast. I am sure you all know the emotions and all about the final hustle of making sure everything is ready. . After he left I realized we had forgotten to give it to him. However the most amazing thing happened. As he was calling me from Bangor on the payphone, he said, "heyyyyy I was just given a lucky penny by one of the military supporters, I think everything will be just fine." As he said that I started getting teary-eyed because he did not know that all day we had meant to give him one. I believe with all my heart that God put you in his life even if just for a bit. He said it was amazing to see people greeting them in the airport and it made him feel loved and proud. I thought I would share this story so that you would know you all are blessings in so many ways. Ways you cannot even imagine. Thank you Freeport ladies!!!!!!!! With all my heart, TD
Dear The Freeport Flag Ladies, First of all, I want you to know that I think what you do for the troops is so great. My husband with 2/6 Marines on Sunday called me a little after midnight her. He said something about a group having phones and stuff for him to use, but I didn't realize exactly what he experienced when he got to Maine until one of the Moms posted a link on facebook to your website. I started looking through the pictures from his group, hoping maybe to catch a glimpse of him here or there. I had no idea that a picture of him had been taken while he was talking to me that night. When I saw that picture, I couldn't help but to start pouring tears. I was so full of joy, of love, and of pride. That picture changed my entire day for the better. I just want all of you to know that you really touched my heart, and I know my husband is thankful for all of you as well. This is our second deployment together, but the first one as a married couple. This one just hit both of us pretty hard. Thank you so much for making this a little easier on the both of us and for bringing a little joy into a time such as this. I got a little caught up in emotion and almost forgot to ask for the pictures that I loved so much. …Thank you again and God bless you all. Many thanks, KD
Just wanted to tell you thanks for being there when my Marine son deployed last week. It means so much to me knowing since I couldn't be there someone was there for me. I got to see a picture of him on the website and it means so much to know he was taken care of. Thanks again for all you do! TF
Hello Ladies, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all that you wonderful ladies do for our soldiers and their loved ones. This is my husband's fifth deployment and our second together. Having to say goodbye to the one you love, more than words can say, is the hardest thing either of us has ever had to do and it never gets any easier. Our first one together was in Oct of 2006 and you guys greeted him then too. He took a very special picture for me that meant the world to me and helped me so much when I needed it the most. You guys met them this time too and he took a very special picture for me again. I found 5 more of him and they all made me smile. Have a great day and take care. Thank you all again, HW
Hello! I just wanted to share my sincere gratitude for what you all do. My brother had the pleasure of meeting you wonderful ladies on his way to serve in Afghanistan this past week and you really made his day! Your support means the world to our soldiers!!!! Again, Thank you!!! With sincere thanks, DF
Hi there. I just checked out the pictures on your website and was so happy to see pics of my son posted as he was getting ready to deploy. I can never thank you ladies enough for all that you do for our boys. This is my son's first deployment (he's only 19) and having such wonderful people to greet them did wonders for his spirit. God Bless all of you for all that you do. Sincerely, Jill G-R
Good Afternoon, I am the mother of a 19-year-old Marine that flew into Bangor, Maine late Sunday June 13th. I received a call from him while there, which was amazing, as he said that he had been given a cell phone and he called myself and his wife. I was so truly thankful that he had been given that opportunity to touch base with us even for a moment. Just today I received a call from him from Kandahar, Afghanistan, just before he boarded the plane for the next leg of their trip, and he gave me your website. God Bless you for what you do...it warmed my heart so much to know that there was someone there to welcome these amazing men and "take care" of them when their families couldn't. I don't think "thank you" is enough.... but THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. Sincerely, MK
Carmen, Elaine & JoAnn, Words CANNOT come close to the Thank You, that you deserve! My stepson was with the troops for Bangor 6/13/10. This has been a very difficult time for my partner and I. As he is our youngest son.... and this is his first deployment. We feel so lost with out contact with him!!! It was first amazing to hear his voice at 12:47am, a true surprise. As we knew he was unable to take his computer or cell phone. We didn't know when we would hear from him again, and we were sleepless worried moms wondering if he got to his destination safe. You made that one less worry, because we heard his voice and knew he was safe. Then, to find out about that you took pictures too...There he was with the biggest and most proud smile his two moms will never forget! See his smile made us scream in happiness and break out in a hysteric fit of tears... What can we do to help assure this welcoming continues for all our troops???? Thank you, for all you do! Proud step mom
Freeport Flag Ladies! I was just referred to your website and was overjoyed when I spotted a picture of my brother, LCpl G, as he passed through the Bangor, Maine airport and left American soil. You ladies are doing a wonderful thing and I am so happy that my brother got to meet you and was sent off with loving wishes! Thank you for ALL that you lovely ladies are doing and please let me know how I can help! Sincerely, BG
Dear flag ladies- My daughter's boyfriend was in the Midnight marine group yesterday…it's his birthday. Thank you for you support to all the troops. It was so special to see him in Bangor ME in those very current pictures. His family and friends and my daughter were so please to see him greeted so well and appreciated. We truly appreciate your troop support. Thank you very much, CK
Hi, I came across your website and I love everything I am reading and seeing. I have always been a huge supporter of America and our troops. I was just looking through the Meeting the troops pictures at Bangor. I was wondering if there will be updated pictures of meeting Marines. My baby brother, a United States Marine Machine Gunner just left for his first deployment. I live in Maine but was not in Bangor to see him because the original flight plan did not include Bangor. So I was hoping to see if he made it into any of your recent pictures. I look forward to hearing from you and please keep up your remarkable efforts and support. God Bless, Christine
Ladies I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for the troops and their families. You sent off my nephew, who is like a son to me, at midnight on the 13th. I was not in cell phone range when he was making his calls to his family to say he was leaving, so I didn't get to talk with him directly, just got his message. I was distraught. Then his mom sent me this website and I was able to see him in the pictures you make such an effort to take! It truly helped to see him hale and hearty and ready to go. You are heroes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless BC
Good Morning, I was just wondering how Elaine was coming along? When my son deployed last year one of the people in your group had taken a picture of him at the airport. I found it on your website and you all emailed it to me. I have been very touched by the dedication and loyalty of your group and so has my son. I told him about Elaine when we got the email that she was sick and he said it made him tear up because she and your group are so selfless and caring about people you don't even know. He got out of the corps in January 2010 and I am so glad to have him home. We just wanted to know how Elaine was getting along. Thanks you for all you do :)
I googled your site since I just had a son in law deploy today from Dyess Air Force Base and not sure if he went through Bangor, Maine. When I got to the site and looked at a few pictures it brought back some memories of my son's deployment in 2007. I remember getting the email address from his FRG telling us about the site and I spent an hour or so going through the pictures in the wee hours of the AM. I was so pleased to see a couple of pictures of him before he left for Iraq and it made me feel a "little" better knowing that he looked good and appeared to be in good sprits. That 13 months was a long time and that first picture and the subsequent pieces of news will always be treasured. Thanks for the job that ya'll do. I just wanted to let you know that those pictures mean a lot to those parents, family, wives, children, friends, of those who serve our Country. He will be going again in November to Afghanistan and I will be looking again in hopes of a couple of shots. Thanks again for all that you do!! CI Abilene, TX
I just wanted to Thank you so very much for taking the pictures that you do. I was able to see a picture of my husband after he left because you ladies took pictures at the airport. It made my day. He is currently deployed and just seeing him in the picture brought a huge smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Thank you so very much for supporting our troops and giving us wives the opportunity to see the photographs that you take. M R-A
My son in law is a Marine that appeared in you May 20th photos that you posted to your website. I want to thank you for doing that. I am sure the marines very much appreciate what you did for them but you also bring some real happiness to the families by posting those pictures. It really lifts one's spirit to see your loved ones while they are deploying. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Lenny
You are all so wonderful and what patriotic Americans you are!!!! I am very patriotic myself as I have had and continue to have many family members proudly serve in our military. When my then husband deployed for the second time to Iraq in 2006, you all were there to show him and his fellow Marines your support and love! And thanks to you all, I got to see pictures of him at the airport!! I hadn't seen him in months!! I appreciated that so much!! Unfortunately when he came home things changed, as we were now parents!! He never was the same and our marriage collapsed. I still love him with all my heart and I still proudly recall my days as a MARINE WIFE!! I will never forget people like yourselves who so selflessly give your time in support of our military and their family!!! Thank you for what you did for me!! SG Proud former Marine wife!!
Dear Elaine, My name is Jennifer and we've emailed some when my husband was deployed to Afghanistan. I saw on the website that you had been ill and I just wanted to check and see if you were doing better. When my husband came home from Afghanistan one of the 1st things he gave me well over a very late dinner - way after midnight was the penny keep sake and I just wanted to express my heartfelt thank you for all you've done for us and the prayers you've lifted up for my husband and his unit and I can tell you that they were heard because the next week the action increased and I'm fearful it will only increase so I know we need to continue to lift up our troops and support what they are doing over there. We have a special yellow ribbon ceremony coming up later this month in Ft. Smith where my husband was deployed from and where the base is located. Take care and hope you and the others are doing well. Thanks again for all that you do and let me just say each of you have made an impact in our lives and given myself a renewed sense of patriotism and sense of pride for our country. Love, JT Russellville, Arkansas
Dear Wonderful Freeport Flag Ladies, Thank you for taking a picture of my son in Bangor. I recently found the picture and was so excited to see him. What an incredible gift you have given me. I would love to have a copy of the picture. Many blessings to each of you for this gift and for greeting our loved ones. Love, KG
Hello, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful pictures of my husband. I was one of the lucky ones that got several of him (must be because he is so photogenic!!). I really appreciated that you let him make a happy anniversary sign for me and put it with all the others. I am sure you hear this often, but I will say it again, your photos are something to have and hold very dear. They are a treasure for me; I look at those pictures all the time since my husband left. His photos were taken May 1st, 2010. Thanks again for what you do for our families and loved ones. Sincerely, P M-H, proud wife of LCpl MH, USMC
Dear Elaine, JoAnn & Carmen, Thank you for sending me the picture of my son!!! I was truly reassured when I found the picture you took of him and it gave me great peace to see him. What a ministry you all have. I am forever grateful to the three of you for what you our doing for our men and women and their families. What a wonderful way for our soldiers to leave the USA. You all have blessed me more than you can imagine. Love, Karen
I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you ladies. My husband is in the NAVY and travels through Bangor when it’s his crew's turn for patrol. One of the wives on our boat found your website and found the Pictures of our guys from May 2nd. As a wife I can't tell you how great it was to see my husbands picture especially since he is still gone. My husband mentioned to me how great it was when they came back in Feb to have people meeting them after they were gone for 4 months. I just wanted to thank you for doing this for our troops; it really does make a difference!
With many, many thanks MM, Proud Navy Wife
First I want to thank each and every one of ya ll for what you do. It means a lot to the family of the soldier that people do still care Once again thank you for your support. My husband put the penny in his uniform and says it will not come out til he is home safe and sound. Thank you for your time and support. MW
I wanted to pass along my thoughts & prayers, I'm thinking about you Elaine. I look forward to your weekly messages, they brighten my week & I will forever be thankful for everything you do. The Freeport Flag Ladies greeted my husband off the plane in Maine in 2008. When he called to tell me he was in Maine & couldn't call for a while, he also told me about you all that greet the soldiers as they pass thru, & that his picture would be posted, I was ecstatic. It was the most beautiful & meaningful picture of my husband that I have & I even used that picture on his welcome home sign in 2009! Just a simple picture of my husband in uniform in front of the American Flag brought me much peace I needed that day he left. Thank you so much for everything you do. I will never forget my first deployment & The Freeport Flag Ladies. I hope you get well. God bless you and thank you again! AL
Hope all is well for Mrs. Elaine; she’ll be on our thoughts and prayers here in El Paso, TX Thank you again for all that you girls do!!!!
Elaine, God bless you and all the other Flag Ladies. Your group greeted my husband going to Afghanistan and coming home and for your service I can't thank you enough. God is with you, and you’re in my prayers always. Get feeling better. Best regards, PM
I hope Elaine is feeling better. Thank you for all you do for the soldiers!! MC
God Bless you Elaine and all you do each and every day! My husband will be home soon, but I will never stop supporting our soldiers and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. I was very sorry to hear that you were in the hospital, but so glad to see that you're doing better. Please don't forget to take care of yourself. We need more people like you in this world! EH
Please know that Elaine has my special thoughts and prayers. LD
God bless you and all you do! I wish you a speedy full recovery! You saw my son and his unit off as he headed for Iraq (for his third tour of duty to the Mid-East.) In just about 2 - 3 weeks he will be returning home!! This time as a civilian, as he opted not to re-enlist in Feb. He thought 8 years was enough and time to settle down with his wife (of 1 1/2 years) and think about starting his family. You and all of the ladies are such a moral boost to those men and women who are heading overseas. Some are going on their first deployments. It is so good for them to know that people like you are supporting them. I wish all our troops were coming home, but since that is not the case, I am glad you are there to see them off. Keep up the wonderful work, ladies! SH
God Bless you Elaine and all you do each and every day! My husband will be home soon, but I will never stop supporting our soldiers and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. I was very sorry to hear that you were in the hospital, but so glad to see that you're doing better. Please don't forget to take care of yourself. We need more people like you in this world! ~ EH
God Bless you, Elaine. Your steadfast dedication to our troops, our flag, and our freedom inspires us and sustains us in these difficult years. Our prayers for your good health. P&B McC
I am sorry to hear that Elaine took ill. What you have done in support of the troops and their families is wondrous. I appreciate your support of my son, LT. M.C. Y, USMC. Please be well, you’re definitely thought of. CE
Please send Elaine get-well wishes from the C family from Ft. Lewis, WA! She is a blessing to all the soldiers and civilians that she touches. She greeted my husband's unit twice (2 separate deployments) and he said it made them feel at home to see them there. Thank you for your dedication to our service men and women! KC
So glad she is okay! It was your group that gave my son and rest of the advance team a wonderful send-off when they left for Iraq, and I am hoping that when he deploys to Afghanistan that he will fly through your area again. Your group is awesome; and as a mom, I really appreciate how you let these guys know that they are appreciated as they leave American soil!
Thank you, Elaine, For your weekly message. So rich in wisdom and motivation. I feel I need to print it or copy it to post here by my desk. Others could benefit from it; could you put your messages together into a book. . . Sure, I could forward it to some sites, but that would not protect your copyright. This is a treasure. You are a treasure. We (God and me) love you and appreciate you. L F J
Ladies, You continue to amaze and inspire me with your dedication to our troops and our nation as a whole. I am proud to call you my friends. Elaine, please take care of yourself and know we are thinking of you!! Your friends in Sutton, MA, L&T D & our girls too
We hope you all had a great Memorial Day and I know you spend a good bit of it thanking our soldiers. We were saddened to hear of Elaine’s collapse but are relieved the hear that she is back up and On-The-Hill… I am not surprised. We had a small ceremony here in Chattanooga at a local Confederate Cemetery to honor the forgotten troops as well as all that have served before and since. Now in the active USMC Reserves our son Clint is doing well in college and is the stand out in his unit. We’ll never forget what you all did for him on his way to Iraq. Thanks again and our prayers are with you, Elaine, J&B G
Dear JoAnn, Elaine and Carmen, Thank you so much for staying in touch and for letting us know about Elaine's health emergency and her wonderful spirit and strength!!! I am in awe of the three of you and your caring and concern for each other and for all of our military. We are happy to report that our son and his unit arrived home to the States last week. We were able to bring our son home yesterday after their "Welcome Home" Ceremony. It was wonderful to have all four of our children home with us. Thank God, all of their soldiers arrived home safely. Only a few had to end deployment early for personal/family reasons and there were no casualties. Yesterday, I sat next to a woman whose husband had arrived home from Kuwait only a few months ago. Their son was arriving home from Iraq with our son, and their youngest son had just joined the Army. What courage and sacrifice they show us. God's Blessings to all of you! Love, KW
Since my sons 1st deployment to Iraq approx 5 yrs ago I have faithfully received your words of continuous faith & encouragement~ Michael has just returned safely from his second tour....THANK YOU for your continuous support & prayers! You will forever be in mine:-) God Bless you & keep you strong Elaine~ MAM
Dear Elaine, To say you are a trooper is an understatement--and yes, a pun, I guess. I'm glad you were able to be back today. I pray that God will keep you healthy as He continues to use you and the other Freeport Flag Ladies to inspire and encourage us all! Love, Mary Anne
So sorry to hear about Elaine's collapse last week, but so wonderful to see her picture and know that she is recovering. We will certainly keep her in our thoughts and prayers for a full, quick recovery! Please keep us posted on her progress as time permits. It was a great Memorial Day weekend here in North Carolina with lots of community ceremonies and celebrations. Our church had the best service ever (this marked the 20th year). We had a WWII POW celebrate with us too on Sunday. Several of our church members are active duty military so families come together in celebration of the present as well as the past. Thanks for the pictures!!!! Have a great week! Judy and John in North Carolina
You are all amazing, thank you so much for your strong continuance in supporting our troops. There should be more people like you. I will pray that Elaine would continue on the road to recovery. Sincerely, Kim Proud mother of a Marine
Dear Freeport Flag Ladies, My prayers and thoughts are with Elaine and all of you! I always look forward to Elaine’s messages/prayers every Tuesday morning. You guys' are awesome and what you do for our dear soldiers and families! You were there for my son when he went to Iraq and came back - you truly are angels!!! Sincerely, CK
Dear Elaine; Sorry to hear about your collapse. I pray for your total recovery and your continued work. It is wonderful what you do. I look forward to the weekly poems and the inspiration you give to us all. God Bless, RM
God bless you for what you are doing even in the face of health problems! We appreciate you and your friend’s dedication and pray for your return of good health. Again, Thank you for what you and the others are doing. GOD BLESS! MW
I have been receiving your updates weekly since my husband first met your group in oct of 2008...on his way for his 2nd deployment to Iraq.... he is home now, but thank you ladies for all you do...God Bless you for your sacrifices... RV | ||
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