Support Our Marines -trademark and 501 c 3 (status pending). Generous donations of "wish list" items from companies, individuals, clients and friends continue to fill nearly 100 packages a month headed to the Middle East. As word spreads, donor support as well as volunteer support continues to grow.
There's a constant flow of incoming requests, typified by the following letters; Cpl Charles J. Richmond
2D Bn, 9th Mar
H&S Co/S-4
My name is Cpl Richmond and I am currently stationed in Iraq and will be here for some time. I am asking for packages and pen pals for the junior Marines in my stead. I have noticed a few of my Marines have not received very much mail and I know that it would motivate them and make them very happy. That way they know people care. Healthy snacks, hygiene products, comic books and other forms of entertainment would be great but letters from people that support them would be ideal,
I want to thank you first hand for your support for the troops. If not for you, we would not be able to do what we do
1LT Thomas J. Irwin
3/8 H&S Co
12 Dec – We are living in GP tents on cots. We have 220 electricity and laundry service. I am representing a Company of Marines. The Marines would like blankets, hard candy, foot and body hygiene care (powder/body soap) We have the ability to heat up water so coffee and hot cocoa would be great also. Food that is storable like Tuna packets, ramen noodles also. Not all of the camps have showers or cleaning facilities so we will need some baby wipes.
Peanuts are a good snack for the Marines to have on movements. Pads and black ink pens and envelopes to write home would also be helpful.
The Marines like to workout also and they read magazines like Muscle Fitness and Men’s Health. Some Marines are going through their socks and are in need of some more (brown). We are the 3/8 out of Camp Lejune NC .
I do apologize for the delay in response. I do not get much time on the email. When I do - it is usually quick notes to my wife and daughters.
I am sure you hear this often (I hope) - but your thoughtfulness and support to the Marines here really is appreciated. You are a great American, and it helps to know that good people like you appreciate the work and sacrifice of these fine Marines I am lucky to serve with.
My original intent was to thank you for what you do and decline your offer for goodies - and refer you to a small combat outpost that does not get many of the amenites we have in Camp Ramadi. But two things changed my mind. First, I saw that you already acknowledged that unit - and secondly, I overheard the Marines talking about how the PX was no longer selling "Backwoods Smokes" cigars. These are very popular among the Marines in my section who don't smoke cigarettes but enjoy a cigar. The Backwoods are small so you can enjoy them in a short "smoke break" like one could a cigarette. They come in different flavors but they like them all. I hate to sound too forward but you told me not to be shy...
Thanks again and Semper Fi,
2009 Regional St Anthony's Triathlon - April 26th
In honor of Sgt Lee R Mills, Team SUPPORT OUR MARINES participated in the biggest Triathlon in Pinellas County..
28 April will mark the 3 year anniversary of Sgt Lea R Mills' loss in combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif . He was the first Hernando county man to be killed in OIF. Lea , of Masaryktown, joined the Marines after graduation in 2002 and had re-upped to serve longer. His father, Rob Mills, said Lea asked to go to Iraq and had been there just six weeks when he was killed by an IED.
St Jude's Run for the Nuns - January 24th 2009
Jingle Bell Run - December 10th 2008
Dianne participated in the 26th Jingle Bell Run on December 10th. It was her first full gear run since August. Since having broken her toe, she still can't get the left boot on. Instead, she carried it in her pack, giving the complete 22 pounds. Dianne says "Considering that I have only run three times in ten weeks and my toes still aren't fully healed, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, I know only about 1/3 of what our Marines carry .. which is what I told everyone who was amazed that I was running in boots with a pack. You should have seen their faces when I would hand them my helmet. But, it made my point and I handed out many cards for "Support Our Marines".
She further describes her participation - "What better way to remind people that we have many, many heroes, thousands of miles away from their loved ones this holiday season? What better way to honor those whose families will never spend another holiday with them? Mama Dee will notice that her baby boy is front and center on my chest as well as some other fallen Marines from units we have supported".
"Boxes for Dianne"
08/23 - EVERY effort helps! And each member can contribute. In order to relieve some of Dianne's late hours, Top is building boxes at his home. As Dianne may require the numbers, he is prepared with ready assembled boxes.
07/19 - Marines Calhoun and Quick assisted Diane with packaging this week's overseas shipment. Marine Calhoun will pick up the boxes and deliver to the post office on Monday.
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08/02 - Dianne Villano competed in the Top Gun Triathalon and Det 57 was there for support
