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care packages

by Teri Palmer on 10/10/12

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Chuck & Teri,

I would like to thank you so much for the (5) care packages that I received this past weekend! To be honest it was a great surprise to hear I had packages for me. It definitely made me wonder who sent them since Michelle and I talk nearly every day and she never mentioned anything about sending anything. I have received care packages before but these are some of the best! With the packages came letters, pictures and cards from what looks like the local schools. I haven’t had a chance to open up the cards and letters yet but the plan is to get that done this week. I shared the boxes with another Marine so he and I will be replying back to the people who took the time to write us. We have some Djibouti families that live in the hills near one of our training areas here that we would like to give the extra items to if that is OK with you guys. They live in shacks along the hill sides with no power or running water with temp over 100 deg and the humidity well over 60% every day. In short it is always crazy hot here and they have no access to any comfort items like what you have provided me/Marines with.

Well I need to get back to work but I wanted to make sure I got this done be for it gets put in the “to do” pile and never get done. Thank you for everything and please tell everyone that was involved I said thank you and I appreciate them thinking of me and the rest of the Marines here in Djibouti, Africa. Semper Fi.

GySgt Duran

Comments (3)

1. Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC said on 11/10/12 - 05:03PM

From: Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:54 AM To: Bonnie Bennett Subject: (U) Care Package - Thank you UNCLASSIFIED Ms Bennett and the Students of Joshua Cowell Elementary - I want to take some time today to thank you for the package we received this week from all of you. Your consideration for others and dedication to peace around the world is in keeping with the highest ideals of our country. I would like to particularly thank Genevieve. Many times people say they want to do something, but allow circumstances or obstacles slow them down. Genevieve turned her thoughts and desires into actions which benefitted my unit here in Afghanistan. She is not eligible yet, but I would encourage her to continue her service to our country and explore pursuit of a Congressional Award when the time comes (http://www.congressionalaward.org/index.php). ; To the Palmer Family - I would also like to extend my sincerest sympathies for their loss, as well as my deepest gratitude for continuing their son's service to the nation. Their selfless service and commitment is remarkable and I want them to know their efforts improve the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Soldier, Sailors, Airman, Marines, and civilian employees in these harsh deployed locations. Finally, I want to thank you Ms. Bennett for shaping the lives of our youth and investing in the future of our country. Education and instilling knowledge into children is just one piece of your job as you have demonstrated today. You also set an example of American values, ethics, and morals these children will carry with them the rest of their lives. As a Boy Scout leader we are taught that Scouts always learn far more than we teach - they learn by observing our actions, both positive and negative. Your efforts here clearly set an example well beyond the students who participated, but also to those who only observed, and I thank you for that. Again, thank you all for your participation in this project; your letters, pictures, and gifts were all well received and brought smiles to everyone who received them. Respectfully CW4 Robert Rupe ISAF Joint Command Kabul, Afghanistan UNCLASSIFIED

2. Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC said on 11/10/12 - 05:08PM

Sent: September 23, 2012 To: Bonnie Bennett Subject:Care Package-Thank you Ms Bennett and the Students of Joshua Cowell Elementary - I want to take some time today to thank you for the package we received this week from all of you. Your consideration for others and dedication to peace around the world is in keeping with the highest ideals of our country. I would like to particularly thank Genevieve. Many times people say they want to do something, but allow circumstances or obstacles slow them down. Genevieve turned her thoughts and desires into actions which benefitted my unit here in Afghanistan. She is not eligible yet, but I would encourage her to continue her service to our country and explore pursuit of a Congressional Award when the time comes (http://www.congressionalaward.org/index.php). ; To the Palmer Family - I would also like to extend my sincerest sympathies for their loss, as well as my deepest gratitude for continuing their son's service to the nation. Their selfless service and commitment is remarkable and I want them to know their efforts improve the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Soldier, Sailors, Airman, Marines, and civilian employees in these harsh deployed locations. Finally, I want to thank you Ms. Bennett for shaping the lives of our youth and investing in the future of our country. Education and instilling knowledge into children is just one piece of your job as you have demonstrated today. You also set an example of American values, ethics, and morals these children will carry with them the rest of their lives. As a Boy Scout leader we are taught that Scouts always learn far more than we teach - they learn by observing our actions, both positive and negative. Your efforts here clearly set an example well beyond the students who participated, but also to those who only observed, and I thank you for that. Again, thank you all for your participation in this project; your letters, pictures, and gifts were all well received and brought smiles to everyone who received them. CW4 Robert Rupe ISAF Joint Command Kabul, Afghanistan

3. Thank you, Chuck & Teri Pls post on blog said on 1/9/13 - 03:06AM

Thank you! As the S6 Signal OIC for a CA-ARNG unit serving overseas, your thoughtful gifts, care packages, cards and letters are welcome reminders of home, (and why we serve). Have a Safe, Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. LT. Engel S6 TF-AVN

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1.	Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC said on 11/10/12 - 05:03PM
	From: Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 1:54 AM To: Bonnie Bennett Subject: (U) Care Package - Thank you UNCLASSIFIED Ms Bennett and the Students of Joshua Cowell Elementary - I want to take some time today to thank you for the package we received this week from all of you. Your consideration for others and dedication to peace around the world is in keeping with the highest ideals of our country. I would like to particularly thank Genevieve. Many times people say they want to do something, but allow circumstances or obstacles slow them down. Genevieve turned her thoughts and desires into actions which benefitted my unit here in Afghanistan. She is not eligible yet, but I would encourage her to continue her service to our country and explore pursuit of a Congressional Award when the time comes (http://www.congressionalaward.org/index.php). ; To the Palmer Family - I would also like to extend my sincerest sympathies for their loss, as well as my deepest gratitude for continuing their son's service to the nation. Their selfless service and commitment is remarkable and I want them to know their efforts improve the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Soldier, Sailors, Airman, Marines, and civilian employees in these harsh deployed locations. Finally, I want to thank you Ms. Bennett for shaping the lives of our youth and investing in the future of our country. Education and instilling knowledge into children is just one piece of your job as you have demonstrated today. You also set an example of American values, ethics, and morals these children will carry with them the rest of their lives. As a Boy Scout leader we are taught that Scouts always learn far more than we teach - they learn by observing our actions, both positive and negative. Your efforts here clearly set an example well beyond the students who participated, but also to those who only observed, and I thank you for that. Again, thank you all for your participation in this project; your letters, pictures, and gifts were all well received and brought smiles to everyone who received them. Respectfully CW4 Robert Rupe ISAF Joint Command Kabul, Afghanistan UNCLASSIFIED
2.	Rupe, Robert W CW4 USA IDC said on 11/10/12 - 05:08PM
	Sent: September 23, 2012 To: Bonnie Bennett Subject:Care Package-Thank you Ms Bennett and the Students of Joshua Cowell Elementary - I want to take some time today to thank you for the package we received this week from all of you. Your consideration for others and dedication to peace around the world is in keeping with the highest ideals of our country. I would like to particularly thank Genevieve. Many times people say they want to do something, but allow circumstances or obstacles slow them down. Genevieve turned her thoughts and desires into actions which benefitted my unit here in Afghanistan. She is not eligible yet, but I would encourage her to continue her service to our country and explore pursuit of a Congressional Award when the time comes (http://www.congressionalaward.org/index.php). ; To the Palmer Family - I would also like to extend my sincerest sympathies for their loss, as well as my deepest gratitude for continuing their son's service to the nation. Their selfless service and commitment is remarkable and I want them to know their efforts improve the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Soldier, Sailors, Airman, Marines, and civilian employees in these harsh deployed locations. Finally, I want to thank you Ms. Bennett for shaping the lives of our youth and investing in the future of our country. Education and instilling knowledge into children is just one piece of your job as you have demonstrated today. You also set an example of American values, ethics, and morals these children will carry with them the rest of their lives. As a Boy Scout leader we are taught that Scouts always learn far more than we teach - they learn by observing our actions, both positive and negative. Your efforts here clearly set an example well beyond the students who participated, but also to those who only observed, and I thank you for that. Again, thank you all for your participation in this project; your letters, pictures, and gifts were all well received and brought smiles to everyone who received them. CW4 Robert Rupe ISAF Joint Command Kabul, Afghanistan
3.	Thank you, Chuck & Teri Pls post on blog said on 1/9/13 - 03:06AM
	Thank you! As the S6 Signal OIC for a CA-ARNG unit serving overseas, your thoughtful gifts, care packages, cards and letters are welcome reminders of home, (and why we serve). Have a Safe, Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. LT. Engel S6 TF-AVN