To Volunteers at Operation Shoebox,

I am writing this letter to you because I am unable to write back to all the kids who have sent us cards over the last month. Before I came here I didn't really understand how a few anonymous cards could make you feel appreciated but I do now. It is really great what you are doing. I know that you often feel helpless because you want to help but we are so far away. Just knowing that people still think about us and care makes a big difference.

I feel like it is important to let all the kids who send us the cards know that, while they might not get a response directly, the cards and letters are very much appreciated by everyone. I have noticed that a lot
of the cards have "be safe" or "stay safe" or other kind gestures regarding our safety. I remember, when I was a kid, I often didn't fully understand the larger world around me. I would like to send this letter
to let kids know that they shouldn't worry about us. Kids have enough to worry about these days.

I don't know if this letter is appropriate for children but if you could edit it accordingly and forward it to their parents, I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have sent us so many care packages. In the spirit of the holiday season, we are eating way too much and enjoying ourselves. All that you do for us is more
appreciated than you can imagine. Thank you.

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Dear kids who send us cards,

Thank you for the letters and the treats. It means a lot to me and my friends here. It really helps us to know that people back home still think about us while we are here.

I'm writing because I want you to know that you don't need to worry about us. Our job, along with the police, doctors and firefighters, is to make sure that you and your family, and all the families in America, never have to worry about anything. We practice our jobs a lot and we have tons of safety equipment and we all take care of each other. Sometimes it gets hot here but we drink lots of water and sometimes it gets cold but we have warm cloths. Lots of people send us candy and cards and things we like. We read all the cards and (unfortunately) eat all the candy.

I hope you all have a nice Christmas and know that we are also having fun celebrating Christmas over here in Iraq.

A soldier in Iraq
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Thank you,
2LT Elias Goodman

Troops...Getting Married?

Welcome to Operation ShoeBox.  We were founded in 2003 in an effort to send support, snacks and much needed personal care items to our troops deployed outside of the USA and we encourage citizens to support their fighting men and women deployed overseas in these dangerous times. The most frequent response we get from the "boots on the ground" is that receiving mail from the home front is a huge morale boost!

Take time today to send a package. If you don't have a family member deployed overseas, check with your friends, colleagues, or church members to get the address of someone who is serving. If you don't know of a service member to send to please help us with a tax deductible donation today! We need your help to continue the much needed support of our brave men and women who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and free!  Until they all come home...........

When a Soldier Comes Home from War...
Click to view and read pdf file

While you are here, we hope you browse the site and post a message in the guestbook that our troops might read! We are still going strong in support of our troops. We would like to thank everyone who has helped and continues to help us accomplish our mission! We couldn't have and can't support our troops without you!

Our goal: A package for every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine. Please help us spread the word.