Following on the heels of an on-air discussion about care packages for the soldiers in Iraq, and after hearing so many people express support, Kim and Don collected items for a care package for the soldiers in Iraq.

UPDATE: Kim and Don ended up sending 365 pounds of goodies in 16 boxes! The listeners were so generous. They were sent to a different Marine, Amy, a good friend of Jill. Jill wasn’t able to receive mail or packages at this time.

Thank you to everyone who contributed items for our care package!!

On 13 February 2007, Kim and Don received this note from 2nd Lt. Amy Hutsell, the friend of Jill’s who received the package:

Our adopted Marine, 2nd Lt. Jill Leyden, niece of listener Carol from Sun City

“My name is Lt. Amy Hutsell, and I am the Marine that your radio station graciously sent packages to. I cannot tell you how much the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen appreciate the generosity that you and your listeners have shown us. Receiving those packages put a smile on many service members’ faces, and we were all in awe at the support we were given. Everyday we hear bad news, whether it be here in Iraq, or the harsh words the media says about the war and our President. We believe in what we do and hope and pray that everyone back home believes in us.

I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for the men and women who serve here on Camp Fallujah. Please send our appreciation to those who were involved. Thank you again and while we might be your heroes, people like you keep us going.”

On 15 February 2007, we received a note from Lt. Col. George McLain, who wrote:

2nd Lt Amy Hustell and 2nd Lt Jill Leyden at Camp Fallujah

“I am writing to you from Camp Fallujah, Iraq. Yesterday I was one of over 100 beneficiaries of the good will, high spirit, and sweet teeth collected from your listeners and mailed by your staff to 2nd Lt. Amy Hutsell here in Iraq.

Please accept a heartfelt “Thank You” and not just from me, but from the many, many other service members that filed by that goodie table provided by your listeners. The food you sent is being enjoyed late at night and in the wee morning hours by watch standers unable to eat normal meals due to ongoing combat operations and all others in the headquarters. You have made a real difference and we appreciate it.

Funny, today Lt. Hutsell got mail again and Marines started hovering around to see what goodies she had to share and she shared everything.

Great Americans, like you, make our time away from home more bearable and there are no adequate words to communicate our appreciate except, “Thank You.”

Thank you.

Thank you.

To date we have sent over 500 pounds of goodies to our troops