Packages started arriving at their destinations last week, we've heard from three recipients so far. I hope there will be more notes to come and if we're lucky some video and pictures via the Public Affairs Dept of the USMC. (No promises here, it was just mentioned to me as a possibility by the Family Readiness Officer who helped co-ordinate our efforts with the USMC.)
So with that said, some words from 1st Sgt Sean Walker, USMC;
I was sitting here in Camp Xxxxx, Afghanistan on a Sunday afternoon and pleasantly surprised to receive five packages from Netroots For The Troops 2009. As a matter of fact I have a SSgt jumping up and down as I type he is so excited about the gloves and Impulse flashlight.
Your thoughtfulness and spirit of giving truly brings a smile to the face of some hot, tired Americans. It is this spirit which gives them the willpower and determination to do what they do.
On behalf of the Commanding Officer, Marines and Sailors from Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx Command Element Headquarters Co we thank all of your support for the troops.
After we finished packing boxes in Pittsburgh, it was discovered we had missed a name. This was fortuitous for several reasons, 1), we had funds enough to take care of this individual. 2),it presented us an opportunity to purchase every item at full retail cost. 3), we added two items (sunglasses and a 2G flash drive) with stories of their own. Total retail for this last Care package... $210. Well done kossacks!!!
Among our recipients were also some civilians working closely with the military (note; these are civilian employees of the military, not contractors. Big difference.) Any civilian recipients either had their names submitted by their military colleagues or were given a box by their military superiors. They very much appreciated the packages;
Good Day Fellow Americans:
I want to thank you for the recent packages that we received here in
Bargham Afghanistan at the Joint Contracting Command. Each item in the
packages were well received by all of us assigned here. We always,
since we are living better than most in country, push most of the
packages down range to the Combat Troops.
I know that most of our young troops do not always say Thank You, so I
wanted to make sure that I did it for all of us. This is my 40th year
of working with these fine Young Americans. I have now seen them from
the Jungles of South East Asia to the Deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.
They are always regardless of the generation, the best in the world.
They daily do their missions regardless of the political debates being
waged in Washington DC. We can as in the past be proud of these fine
young men and woman.
So thank you for your thoughts and concerns for our well being. We
salute each and every one of you fine folks.
Abner
Hello,
I just wanted to write a sincere thank you for the wonderful care
package that was delivered to me on my first day here. I had been away
from home for almost two weeks already, and was really feeling stressed
from all the travel and sleepless nights. It was such a nice surprise
to receive a package right after my arrival. I'm sure to put the items
contained within to good use! Thank you again!
A. Bouren
Yesterday another diary created a bit of a stir. I'll address it only to say, different assignments lend themselves to different experiences. Brandon Friedman and Richard Smith (aka RockRichard) pointed out to us last year that maybe too many of our packages went to recipients ensconced on large bases, they suggested we try to send more packages "down range". "Down Range" was explained to me as the guys doing daily and weekly patrols out "in the boonies". In Afghanistan a patrol may mean two weeks away from your home base which by itself is defined as "in the boonies." Over 200 of our packages went to our military who are extremely "down range".
It must also be noted that this years effort involved over 800 individuals, donors, volunteers, diarist, diary supporters, various administrative volunteers and not to forget, our corporate partners. Next years effort will require even more. Although our ultimate goal is to bring them home, reality tells us it will be awhile longer before that happens.
On a somber note, last year none of our recipients made their way into the IGTNT diaries, but because of where these packages went this year, our recipients may not remain as fortunate. Keep that in mind as you contemplate our efforts. Your kindness may be the last kindness afforded a recipient by someone "from back home."
We're hoping to put together a monthly newsletter. The intent is to keep those involved with this year's project informed as to the plans for next year as they develop and a first look at notes we receive from recipients. Our initial list will come from this years donors and volunteers.
On with the games!
Mojo Friday Guideline
- If you comment you have to recommend all comments. (in order to receive mojo you have to give mojo. It's only good mojo manners.)
- Everything you say may be taken as a joke (so if you ask a question, expect a silly answer)
- You must recommend the diary (and pimp it unapologetically)
- You don't have to comment to recommend.
- You can't steal my idea (right, like that ain't goin' to happen)
- Please, no pictures or YouTubes until after 300 comments. Now, after 300, use a little common courtesy and be responsible in the number.
- Mojo mojo mojo mojo, mojo mojo mojo.
- TexDem (that's me) is not bound by the guidelines. Heh
Mojo Friday Goals
A. At least 300 different commenters and 1000 comments by 1:30 PM EST and 1500 by 5:00 PM EST Friday Night that it's posted.
B. 100 recommends for each comment, at least.
C. Stay on Recommend List at least five hours (this requires some strategic planning by you guys, refer to guideline #3)
D. At least 200 diary recommends. 300 would be better, spread the word.
E. And always, fun fun fun.
F. Have at least 75% average participation rate as seen here in the Mojo Friday Postgame Show by Hedwig.
G. (New) Have at least 30 kossacks over 90% participation (see here for some tips).
H. Overload the servers with recommends, not to mention dominate Top Comments Mojo list. (we do tend to mess with the site with all of our recommends at one time)(also, to dominate the Top Comments Top Mojo we need at least 50 comments with over 200 recommends, see guideline B)
I. That's enough for now. (Have a suggestion? Post it.)
MKinTN posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.