Generosity of Strangers (and Friends)

I was not at Camp Virginia for the holidays last year, so I was quite taken aback by the extent of support our troops received from the American people. During December, December only, we received gifts from the following parties:

First Christian Church Nursery School (Casper, Wyoming), Bart J., Kent B., Daniel P. and Wyoming State Forestry, Dawn F., the employees of Keesal, Young & Logan, Go For Broke National Education Center, VFW Post 335, Alexis L., Betty P., Beckman High School, Project MOT, Cafe La Strada, Troop Support, Karen K., Scott's Mom & Dad, Laura S. and Special Olympics, West Elementary (Lander, Wyoming), Steven McM at USAF, Vandenberg, Joseph O. and Kristin P., and many, many others.

The gifts we received include, but are not limited to, the following:

Homemade bread, cookies, cakes and candies; candy canes, bags, boxes and bags of candies, candies, and more candies; magazines, books, batteries, creams, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, shave cream, soaps, gels, shampoo, conditioner, hand-knitted scarves and hats, dominoes, board games, games and more games, decks of cards, socks, flags, gum, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coffee, beef jerky, footballs, Christmas lights and decorations, cereal, noodle soup, cards, letters and notes, mini hot dogs, corn nuts, T-shirts, dried fruits, signed calendars, gloves, popcorn, crackers, hand sanitizer, video games, almonds, nuts and peanuts, package cookies, granola bars, first-class airline gear, shoeshine kits, DVDs, Q-tips, CDs, puzzle books, Beanie Babies, posters, etc., etc.

Needless to say, the troops are miles beyond grateful.

-o0o-

Recently I saw a Navy officer sitting with note a pad and piles of handmade cards sent by elementary school students. The officer was writing down the names and addresses of the students who had included that information in cards. He said he was going to write back to the students.

Thank you means so little in response to your continuous support for our men and women in uniform. You kindness and generosity is enormously appreciated. Blessings on all.