AMERICAN RED CROSS and CARE AND COMFORT MILITARY CARE PACKAGE PROGRAM

My name is Staff Sergeant John D. Moore, Maintenance “PIRATES” Platoon Sergeant of FSC 7th BN, 159th AVN BDE out of Fort Campbell, KY. Your organization has graciously chosen to donate Christmas Packages to my Company/Platoon. I received all of your packages a few days ago along with your letter to American Service Members. I was overwhelmed by your organization's and all of your volunteers generosity and patriotism to both our country and the men and women who serve. I notified the Platoon of your organization donation to us, and the packages you sent. First, I had to convince them that you guys hadn’t mailed us return tickets home, " Open Destinations" of course! Then I disseminated the Christmas Stockings, and all of the other wonderful items among the Soldiers in the Platoon. The level of excitement among the Soldiers was that of children on Christmas morning! It’s hard to imagine the men and women of America’s fighting force acting in such a manner, huh? I don’t think it’s because of the Holiday Season or the monitory value of your packages. Rather, I think it’s because of the symbolism of support you provided for the troops here and our vigilance to complete the mission assigned to us. It’s because of Great Americans like yourselves, that we Soldiers will continue to serve proudly and fight to maintain the freedom of our nation and any other that falls short of what we have. On behalf of the “PIRATE Platoon” here in Balad, Iraq; Thank You for Everything, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you at the American Red Cross, Care and Comfort Military Care Packages Program and your families. (I attached a Platoon Picture for your enjoyment)