LETTERS & STORIES
- 2013 Letters & Stories
- May 13, 2013
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Hello From Afghanistan
Thank you for taking the time and effort to send me a phone card, book mark and post cards. I really appreciate it, and I am thrilled that I am going to get the opportunity to call my mom on Mother's Day.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Thanks again!!Service member stationed in Afghanistan
- May 06, 2013
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THANK YOU!
From everyone here at the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa to everyone there back in the US, thank you for everything you do for our Service Members abroad, we really do appreciate your continuing efforts and support. It's people like you that help keep our country "Boston Strong!!" Thanks again, take good care and God speed.
John J. Oliveira
CJTF-HOA, Djibouti, Africa
- May 03, 2013
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Thank You From Djibouti, Africa
Just wanted to take the time out to thank you for the phone cards that were received. Currently I am deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa-and the cards are definitely appreciated. On behalf of myself and everyone in CJ1 Directorate, we thank you and your wonderful organization from the bottom of our hearts, have a blessed day.
TSgt, USAFCamp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa
- Mar 25, 2013
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers
I want to start by thanking you for your response to my earlier message. Your help and the help of those in the Cell Phones For Soldiers organization is greatly appreciated by myself and my unit. As you may imagine, our job is not easy, nor is it safe and it is not easy being away from out families and loved ones. However, when acts of appreciation and kindness like those of your own are directed in our direction, we simply remember why it is that we do what we do. On behalf of myself and 1st platoon, Alpha company, 10th Mountain Division. THANK YOU.
Most Respectfully,
SPC Bigham
US ARMY - Mar 02, 2013
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Thank You
- Feb 12, 2013
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THANK YOU!
Dear Helping Heroes Home,
Words will never be enough to express our gratitude for your generosity. Knowing that our one and only line of communication was not going to be disconnected was a huge weight off this struggling veteran’s family. Thank you for all of those that donate and for all Helping Heroes Home does!
Veteran Ackerman & Family
- Jan 30, 2013
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers
I wanted to send a huge thank you for sending my husband’s unit SPAWAR minutes! Sometimes it feels like no one remembers that our soldiers are still in Afghanistan and there isn't much support anymore but it's people/charities like you guys that makes us realize that not everyone has forgotten!
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Wife of a deployed Soldier
- Jan 29, 2013
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Thank You
Greetings from Fob Lindsey, Afghanistan. I recently contacted your company in regards to some calling cards for the small element of Soldiers who are here with me at Fob Lindsey, I just would like to say Thank You on behalf of the 17 Soldier's who were the recipients of the cards.
Again, thank you for your support!!
Fob Lindsey, Afghanistan
SFAT Team #1 - Jan 17, 2013
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Calling Cards - THANK YOU!!
Brittany & Robbie,
I wanted to send you a quick THANK YOU from Djiobuti!
My unit, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, was mobilized in early November for a 1 year deployment to the Horn of Africa. For about ½ the unit it’s our 2nd or 3rd trip, and the rest it’s their first time leaving their families in uniform. Our scheduled afforded us the opportunity to get home for Thanksgiving but arriving in Africa a few days before Christmas. Just prior to leaving the US we were all given a “Cell Phones for Soldiers” Calling card which many used to call home on Christmas Day! While it is always difficult to be away from our families during the holidays, “calling into the festivities” makes it a little better.
Thank you for enabling everyone to spend some time with their family during the Holidays!
-Soldier, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion
- Jan 16, 2013
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To Helping Heroes Home:
To Helping Heroes Home:
Thank you so much for helping my family during this difficult time. I am a 100% disabled and a lot of the time you feel helpless to do anything for your family, not only because of the injuries but because you are always at the mercy of the VA, and have to wait forever for the benefits you earned. And for you guys to step in and fill that gap and help so many wounded warriors it is beyond words to show the amount of gratitude that my family has. We did not know where our next meal was gonna come from, that's how dire our situation has gotten and thanks to you we don't have to worry about that for a while.Thanks so much once again for being there it really helps to know there are still people out there that haven't forgotten our soldiers who have comeback with life altering injuries. You guys are the best and I am proud to know that there are people out there who still care! So to all the donors, volunteers, and Mr. Foster who has worked with me this whole time and been great every step of the way. I salute you and you will never know how much what you are doing is appreciated!
The Marshall Family
- 2012 Letters & Stories
- Dec 20, 2012
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers and Helping Heroes Home
This is SFC Thompson, I would like to take this time to thank the Helping Heroes Home program for their help in getting me and my family through the toughest time of Hurricane Sandy. We lost our resident to the storm and we faced with a great deal of uncertain times. I could not get in touch with my unit since the cell towers were down and not electric at all around my area.
Finding a hotel was difficult since they were either without power, booked, or just too expensive. After a couple of days when I was able to contact my 1st Sergeant and I told him about my situation and the high prices that I was paying for a hotel and that we will either have to go to a shelter or worst he contacted the Helping Heroes Home program and without any hesitation they helped me pay for the hotel for a week until we got our power back on. Me and my family ready thank them for their quick responds and help and not once did they worry about my rank or that I am in the Wounded Warrior's program. The Helping Heroes Home program is there without questions to help soldiers in need and once again I thank you David Foster and staff.
SFC Thompson
Wound Warrior's Transition Unit
Remote Care Fort Drum
- Nov 28, 2012
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers
Dear CPFS,
My Name is Melissa Clay and I am the Proud Spouse of a Wounded Warrior just recently medi-vaced from Germany back to the states.
I would like to express a huge “sincerest, most appreciated” Thank You to YOU and YOUR TEAM for Cell Phones For Soldiers Calling Cards.
I’m sure this is hard to imagine BUT this is a TRUE Story that I would like to share regarding My Husband SFC Delmon Clay.
I was here @ my work when I received an e-mail that SFC Clay was injured while on duty in IRAQ pulling maintenance on a wheeled operated vehicle in route to fuel up a Black Hawk chopper.
He incurred a Mild Tramatic Brain Injury from the overhead RPG’s and IED explosions going off around him and his TEAM!
My Husband was in ICU for (3) weeks!
I was given a phone numbers by the 1stSgt. to contact the Germany Hospital where my husband had been brought for medical assistance.
To my amazement I was astonished when the number given was invalid!
The numbers were of (2) civilian citizens and these were their personal cell numbers!
I shed a horrific amount of tears of what to do and how to find out about my husband’s fate before realizing as the Family Support Leader for my Husbands Unit that I had saved a few of the Cell Phones for Soldiers calling cards just in case!
Thank the Lord I did! I used them to call all the hospitals in Germany before I finally found my husband!
These handful of cards I had saved assisted me and my husband’s family to contact him every day until he came back to the states for further medical treatment.
Praise the Lord for YOU and YOUR TEAM!
To date, my husband is “miraculously” doing much better! WE take his condition one day at a time.
Again, please from the bottom of my heart I send a valued appreciation and not enough Thank You’s go out to YOU and YOUR TEAM!
May God Bless YOU and YOUR TEAM for all The Differences you’ve made and continue to make daily!
God Speed!
Melissa Clay
- Aug 17, 2012
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Thank You For All You Do!
Friends,
I just wanted to say thank you for all you do! Your kindness has helped the men and women of Camp Eggers through SOME difficult
moments physically and emotionally.
We are truly blessed to have friends and advocates like you back home.
Major THOMPSON, USAF
This note was sent to the Central Regional Alumni Association that prepares care packages with Cell Phones for Soldiers calling cards enclosed.
- Aug 03, 2012
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones for Soldiers,
The passed few months have been hectic, I dont remember if i said thank you. If not, I want to thank you for the prepaid calling cards. They helped out SOO much. I really appreciate all you do for the military. Calling cards are not cheap--especially if you call your spouse every day. My husband couldnt use the DSN to call me, because the people he was calling did not know how to operate/connect him to me (sad but true). He did a few times, but most times the same guy worked and had the same excuse. Anyways, just wanted to give a big THANKS for cellphones for soldiers and you. I appreciate it.
Army Veteran & Army Wife
- Jul 10, 2012
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Thank You Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones For Soldiers,
I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for this incredible service you have created for us deployed overseas. I am currently in the middle of my third deployment. Due to this program I have been able to keep in contact with my wife and family much more often than any of my prior deployments. I have found keeping in touch with your loved ones at home is what reminds you of why you are over here doing what you are doing. It makes it bearable for the long durations that pass knowing you are missing a lot of significant events back home. The ability to have frequent conversations greatly reduces that burden and raises morale more than you can imagine. Thank you again for all that you do for us.
Sincerely,
Major Dains
- Jun 26, 2012
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Helping Heroes Home Testimonial
Dear Helping Heroes Home:
First and foremost I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous donation to help me get back on my feet. My phone has been my lifeline. It has helped me in many different ways from staying in contact with my family, to applying to USA Together, Googling information, and staying proactive. It has helped me deal with my day to day issues that arise. I truly can't explain how much I appreciate your help in words but I'd like to tell you that this is something I'd never forget and something I'd like to "pay it forward" when I'm better off. I'd like to help someone in need as you have helped me, to show my appreciation and gratitude. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Two Tour Iraqi Vet
Oakland CA
- Feb 13, 2012
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Army Wife Connecting from Germany
I am an Army Soldiers Wife, and we were moved to Germany this last summer and we will be here for the next three years. Well there was no base housing available when we moved here, so we were forced to live off base. In Germany there is not enough communication lines, so we have not had access to the internet which means not really talking to family at home. I have been here over six months and have only heard my sister’s voice twice (Thanksgiving and Christmas) because of the expensive rates to call home. My husband left for deployment yesterday, and today at the BX I received a calling card and I am so excited to call and surprise her today! It was perfect timing!!!
Thank you so much!!!
Mrs. Jones
- Feb 06, 2012
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Afghanistan Service Men Appreciate Cell Phones for Soldiers and Its Supporters
We received the calling cards yesterday and have started pushing them out to the company 1SG's.
I've informed them the Soldiers can use them on R&R to inform their families, when they are able to get to a larger base to call home and on the redeployment so their families don't have to worry about them.
Thanks so much for the help......
BRIAN D. WOODALL
FOB ANDAR, AFGHANISTAN
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Task-Force-1-2-Black-Scarves/204376429
- 2011 Letters & Stories
- Dec 19, 2011
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Thank you from the United States Air Force
Hello,
I just wanted to say thank you for sending the calling cards! Since my deployment began on 5 Nov 2011, I have had the pleasure of passing out 3000 minutes worth of calling cards to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, South West Asia. The Cards I received today came just in time with Christmas. We have several younger troops who really love this gift. What a better thing to give someone than a Call home to Mom and Dad! It is awesome what you do, and I am very grateful! Please keep the cards coming, and I will make sure they get to those who need them !
V/R,
Anonymous
United States Air Force
- Dec 13, 2011
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Ranger Inspiration
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- Nov 07, 2011
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Local Airman Comments on Value of a Call Home
Thank you for those cards. I ran into an Army guy just the other day, and he was telling me that some of the troops in his unit are really going through some rough times. That being said they (the calling cards) could not have come at a better time. I gave the Army SGT 100 cards to share with his unit.
We now put a calling card in each bag of candy we make to take to the wounded at the hospital.
I guess i just never realized how important some things in life are till i got here!!! A little thing such as a calling card can bring such happiness to folks.
Thank you!
- May 19, 2011
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Thank you from a Service Woman!
Dear Brittany and Robbie,
I remember when I was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq hearing about your program. I just want to thank you for what you do for the military and all the vets! It takes a lot to do what you guys do and it would be hard for some people without the program you provide. I can honestly say I am proud to serve this country and I have a lot of respect for the both of you!
Julian
- Mar 20, 2011
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Southeast Asia
Hello,
I am currently deployed in Southwest Asia. I wanted to say thank you for all the hard work and dedication you go through in order to give us phone cards. Being able to call home is by far the highlights of my week! We all appreciate your support for the troops.
Thank you again for doing what you do!
- Mar 17, 2011
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Newly-Married Bride and Deployed Service Woman
Hello-
I just wanted to send a thank you for the free cell phones for soldiers calling cards. These are the best! I just got married in October, and found out I was deploying for 6 months. I left in December so have really only been married for like 6 weeks. The phone cards that we get make the separation so much easier. It is nice to not have to worry about how many minutes you are using, if the computer is available, or if the internet is working, the phone ALWAYS works, and there are always calling cards because of you.
It is because of people like you all that we are able to successfully complete our mission here.
Thank you so much for you support and dedication to our troops.
Thank you from a brother and sister serving overseas
- Mar 16, 2011
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Thank you!
Thank you so much for allowing me and my little sister to call home. Both of us are deployed right now and it really helps that given the opportunity of a phone we have the means to make short calls home. I really appreciate your support. Thank you
- Mar 12, 2011
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Service Woman Serving in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
When people talk about angels, I now know what they are talking about and that you both are. I want to thank you and say how much I appreciate your support. It means so much to talk with our families, to hear and be reassured that we do have their support, too. It’s good to know we still have people that care for us and that they know what we are up against. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, love you both for the thoughts and support.
- Mar 09, 2011
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A Note from Saudi Arabia
I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you. A lot of Airmen here use Cell Phones for Soldiers cards and just assume they are always available whenever they need them. But we do appreciate the hard work it takes to bring on large companies to buy into these types of programs. Anyway just wanted to let you know I see many happy faces when people receive the cards knowing that they get another 30 mins to talk to wives, husbands, children and other loved ones. So thank you once again for your time and efforts as they provide us a few minutes to reach out and feel like we are home again.
- Mar 08, 2011
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A Letter From A Service Man Proudly Serving Our Country
I am emailing you from my deployed location. I just wanted to take the time out to say thanks for the program you all have started. I cannot explain the joy it brings to myself and many other airman in the Air Force when given the opportunity to be able to call home to speak to their loved ones. This email cannot replace the joy we each feel, once again thanks it really means a lot.
- 2009 Letters & Stories
- Sep 04, 2009
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Letter from Christopher Capps
Hi my name is Chris Capps. I'm a shift supervisor at D4 Falcon. I wanted to contact you and thank you for all the calling cards you sent us. They definitely made some soldiers and airmen smile. I attached some photos of our events here. We have so many, and it's so nice to be able to offer something so close to home for the soldiers. I would love to get them periodically. Phyllis Ward our wonderful old Supervisor left a while ago and I thought I didn't have your info. Well I found it. Well I just want to say Thanks so much you make many soldiers smile....if you can send us some we will definitely pass them out and send more pics! The address is in the signature block. THANKS AGAIN FOR WHAT YOU DO
HAVE A MWR DAY!
Christopher Capps
MWR Technician
- Aug 29, 2009
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Letter from V/R CRAIG EDWARD
Dear Cell Phones for Soldiers:
I wanted to Thank You for the phone card. One of your calling cards was in a gift bag given to me at the airport before I left for my deployment. You have been and are continuing to do a wonderful thing. Troops all over the globe are able to call family & friends back home because of your efforts. Good job!
V/R
CRAIG EDWARD - Aug 10, 2009
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Letter from Brad Hiljus
Hello cell phones for soldiers folks,
My name is Brad Hiljus, and I have been mobilized to Iraq for a year. I’ve heard of the great work you are all doing back there. I would like to thank you for your time and dedication to support the troops-it is appreciated by all of us!! I was talking with a chaplain and he mentioned you sent him and his people some phone cards. I was wondering how I could go about doing the same thing for our personnel. We have 20 people that don’t live in a DSN free call area and would really appreciate a couple cards for each person. I’m not sure if there is a charge involved or anything so could you please let me know how it works?? I thank you again for your time, have a great day!
Brad Hiljus
FRC East Det - Aug 08, 2009
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Letter from Jarnis Gutierrez
Hello,
Sorry, I had not gotten back to you sooner and thank you properly for sending the phone cards…picture of the men that serve under my son…they all say THANK YOU!!!…and some of them had tears in their eyes when my son handed them out.
Please post this on your web site from the men from 2nd Plt, F Co. 425th IN (ABN) (LRS).
They are on their way to Iraq…pray for them all to come home safe…
Many thanks.
Jarnis Gutierrez
- Jun 20, 2009
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Letter from SSG Munson
Dear Cell Phones for Soldiers,
Sorry for taking so long to reply… Thank you for the calling cards… I received them just in time for fathers day. I handed them out and every one was able to call home and talk to our families. It was very nice!!! Especially for our first time fathers…Thank you!!! Thank you very much!!!
I wish I would have heard of your group earlier in our deployment! But we are nearing the end and soon to return to Texas. You might want to hold off sending any more if you had plans to, we have been told to have our families and friends to stop any incoming mail for us by 25 July, any later than that, we might not receive it…
With that said, sorry i have no pic’s of us or our area of operation to send to you.
But again, Thank you!!! And Thank you for all of your support!!!
SSG Munson
MED PLT SGT
2/142 Infantry - Jun 15, 2009
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Letter from Fr Dino Besinga
Dear Brittany,
Greetings from Iraq!
Thank you so much once again. I would like to personally thank all of you for all your support to all our Soldiers especially the phone cards. You had been a great help providing the Soldiers’ basic needs and their family communications in time of need; in the last 15 months that trigger to boost the morale of our Soldiers. I was able to minister to FOB Q-West, thus serving all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq exceedingly well. Your support really has made a difference in the lives of so many people. Truly, I am so honored and blest that our Unit became one of your adopted Soldiers. I cannot thank you enough and I cannot find a word to express my deepest gratitude.
We are redeploying next month in the first week of October. Our 15 months deployment is going to end. Wow…I can’t believe it…the 15 months has just begun. You know, our deployment was “quite easy” and quick because of all your love and support. There is no doubt that my ministry could have been much more difficult without you. I can say; we are so much indebted to you. Our Troops are going back to Fort Richardson, Alaska. But I’m recalled back to Fort Wainwright, Alaska for they had no priest there right now.
May God greatly reward you all for the sublime support you shared to all the Soldiers! Rest assures; that I will always continue to remember you in my daily prayers and, as a priest, to offer Masses for your intentions. I will treasure you all in the bottom of my heart. My heart does not forget.
Sincerely,
Fr Dino Besinga - May 17, 2009
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Letter from SFC Buenrostro
Dear Cell Phones for Soldiers:
I just wanted to take some time and send you a message to “Thank You!!” for the Calling Cards that I received through your program. All the soldiers in my section used your calling cards. We all want to say THANKS!!! It is a good morale boost to be able to call home to talk to friends, family and love ones. Your service does not go without notice. Again, THANK YOU!!! And we are proud to serve the U.S.Army, our country, and family.
HHC 115th BSB/ 1BCT
- May 15, 2009
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Letter from Tammy Vinzant
Dear Cell Phones for Soldier,
Thank you so very, very much! What a tremendous blessing it is to have these cards. Our soldiers have already begun arriving at the destination in Southwest Asia and are using their cards!
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. I am sending this photo “as is” with the hope that your folks will be able to crop it as needed.
Thank you again,
Tammy VinzantTammy Badeaux Vinzant
Proud Wife of MAJ George W Vinzant
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom - Mar 30, 2009
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Letter from CPT Orlando Bandeira
I would like to thank you in the name of my soldiers deployed here in Iraq for your kindness in sending one hundred 60 min phone cards. It was a great feast for them and they are very happy. It improved morale and family time for them.
Again, the B Company, 50th BSTB soldiers and myself are very grateful for your donation.
CPT Orlando Bandeira
JASG-C (Provisional) - (Unknown Date) Letters & Stories
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from SSgt Matthew Teets
Brittany,I wanted to let you know that I received your shipment that you mailed out on the 9th of September. I want to express my deep gratitude for the generosity that you have showed my staff and I. When I go around and visit the troops, I am always handing out free calling cards to them, and they are very thankful, and suprised! You and your organization play a large role in my staffs ministry to the troops. Again thank you, we couldn't do this without you!Thank You,
SSgt Matthew Teets
NCOIC, Theater Gateway Chapel
Ali Al Salem, Kuwait - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Heather Casey
Hi there!
My name is Heather Casey and I am the mom of Avery Casey. She is 7 years old and wanted to do a lemonade stand this summer. We sent away for a free stand from the Sunkist- Take a Stand Program. Avery chose Cell Phones for Soldiers as her choice charity. We advertised at our clubhouse and spread the word to our friends and school! Her lemonade stand was held on August 30 for two hours. Avery and her little brother, Aidan, made $80 and collected 39 cell phones!! She was very proud and is very excited to help our soldiers. We placed our $80 donation online for pre-paid calling cards and will be sending the phones out this week. I just wanted to share her story! Have a great day! Congrats on all of your success!!!Thanks for your time.
Heather Casey - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Barry Stubblebine
Brittany and Robbie,
I am a parent of a former Marine who was deployed to serve in "Operation Iraqi Freedom" back in 2003-04. I know how expensive it was for our son to call from were ever he was, and was unaware of this program at the time. I really think what you kids have done is extra ordinary. I have only recently learned about your project and have been sending emails to all. Thank you so much for all that you have done for the troops. I know that my son would have been ultimately proud of you two. I wish to attach a pic of him presenting a bag of "Twix" that we had sent him for the kind gesture the young Iraqi boy had done for troops in my sons platoon. The Iraqi boys have provided a little treat of the soft drink "Coke" to the troops during their stay in Tikrit. Please remember my son for the freedoms he gave you and I. Cory Lee Stubblebine, Sergeant United States Marine Corps (8/18/82 - 8/16/2004). He sure would have been proud of the both of you, because he was just like you two.God Bless You and Your Family
Barry Stubblebine
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from TSgt Jason
Today, I received the pre-paid calling cards from you. I handed out the cards myself, and they all disappeared in less than a minute! We would ALL like to thank you very much for the cards and the support you provide to those of us in the military. I am currently deployed to Iraq for a year (been here for a month), just got married in June, and it's so great to be able to call my wife.
Thanks again for your support!TSgt Jason
Coalition Air Force Training Team (CAFTT)
Hurriya Base/Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Sherema
Greetings,Thank you so much for sending my son (who is Afghanistan) and the other troops in his platoon calling cards. My son made sure they were issued out to the soliders who couldn't or weren't able to call home. They were so happy!! I am proud to say that I will be a drop-off stop at the school where I work in September. I really look forward to it. You are the greatest!!!Sincerely,
Sherema - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Hazel
Dear Bergquist Family,WI received the calling cards just yesterday and they are such a blessing. Thank you again for helping me with my ministry of writing letters, cards and packages. I am sharing the cards with a few others so they can include them in their mail. Your family I such a blessing to our troops and their families. God Bless all of you. I have included your website on my signature block so more people can get acquainted with CPFS.Hazel,
Member, Silver Star Families of America
Honoring our Wounded from all Wars - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Phil and Deanie
Hello Brittany and Robbie,We read an article today in American Profile about your Americanism and generosity. You are to be commended and honored. You are truly young Americans. Mom and dad, you did well by your children. We are proud of them too. Today we are packing up the cell phone from our dad who died this week to send it to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Dad was 90 years old and loved calling friends and family on his cell. He was a W.W. II veteran and received a bronze start and good conduct metals. If he is watching us pack it up today he would be proud that his phone is going to purchase calling cards for soldiers. Imagine how in the 1940s a calling card to call home would have been!!! He told us stories of how months would go by waiting for the mail to come while stationed in Germany, Italy and France.Blessings to you both in continuing the Lord's work,Phil and Deanie
Fremont, Nebraska - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Hoar Program Management
Dear Bergquist Family,Hoar Program Management (a division of Hoar Construction, LLC) has recently organized an eight-member Community Service Committee whose purpose is to use our resources, be they time, talents or finances, to benefit those in our communities in times of need; to impact the lives of the people we are assisting, as well as our own. Our goal, as a committee, is to organize our division's efforts into quarterly events, whereby we focus the support of our entire division to a single cause every few months.While in the process of selecting our event for Summer 2008, we happened upon the Cell Phones for Soldiers website. Yours is a truly inspiring story of how the program was created and how it has grown. You have touched the lives of many. Our committee was moved to support your cause.For the month of June, Hoar Program Management (HPM) organized a Cell Phone Collection Drive for Cell Phones for Soldiers with a goal to raise 1,000 hours of talk time for our troops. We collected cell phones, pre-paid phone cards and monetary donations, and HPM acted as an official drop-off point one Saturday at a local park.We are pleased to report that Hoar Program Management has raised 1,040 hours of talk time for Cell Phones for Soldiers! We have collected 217 cell phones, 1600 minutes pre-paid calling cards and $1,990 in monetary donations.We at Hoar Program Management applaud your efforts. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help impact the lives of our service men and women overseas.Sincerely,Hoar Program Management
Community Service Committee
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from CH Dino Besinga
Dear Brittany,I can't find a word to express my deepest gratitude for your quick response to our needs. I received yesterday a box of boxes of phone cards for our troops. Your undying support to us always makes a difference in the lives of our Soldiers. May God reward you for your magnanimity of heart. Rest assured that I will continue to remember you all in my prayers.Blessings,CH Dino Besinga
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Lori Pate
Dear Brittany, Robbie and Family,Please accept our ~*~ sincere ~*~ thanks for your generous gift of phone cards that are being included in our overseas shipments to our Wounded Warriors in Afghanistan and Iraq. This informal thank you is tardy and I do apologize. Things have, unfortunately, been very busy here at Operation: Quiet Comfort. But I didn't want to let another minute pass without reaching out to all of you with our gratitude. The last of those cards are shipping out today and you have blessed many. Thank you for thinking of OQC and our efforts!On a personal note, I know intimately how important it is to hear from my son right now.he is serving in Iraq. I think it's quite safe to say that hundreds of other parents are singing your praises as well as their sons and daughters!Kindest regards,Lori Pate, Proud Mom of a United States Marine
Executive Director and Founder
Operation: Quiet Comfort - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from TSgt Isaac Gustafson
I just wanted to say thank you. I see many people have! You two, being as busy as you are, will probably never even see this email but I am sending it anyway. My name is Isaac, I am a 16 year veteran of the US Air Force. I am currently deployed to the middle east on a 6 month tour of duty and my family is back in the states. Last week I received a knock on my door late at night and outside stood my Superintendant, my first sargeant, and a chaplain. I got the news that a cousin of mine, who is more like a brother to me, had died suddenly of a brain Anuerysm. I had used up my phone cards and had no way to call his parents and tell them how sorry I was to hear the news. They are not close to a military base where I could patch a call through to them.
Just today I got a phone card from you guys dropped on my desk. I will now be able to call and tell them how sorry I am that I cannot be there in person to lay such a great man to rest. I cannot thank you enough for your giving hearts! I will see to it that my family and I make regular dontations to your cause.Best regards,TSgt Isaac Gustafson, USAF Deployed
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Katrina and Rowan Stimpson
Dear Brittany and Robbie,I want to start by saying that I am so glad there is an organization doing this. I am an Army wife, and my husband has been in Iraq since November. We have a nine month old daughter and my husband left when she was only four months old. She won't see him again until her first birthday, and then only briefly before he has to report back to Iraq for another seven months. The only way she knows who Daddy is, is through hearing his voice on the phone and seeing his picture. I have been searching for an inexpensive way to get phone cards to send to my husband and his unit, and haven't been able to find one, so I was extremely relieved and excited when I came across your website. We have had to pay for phone cards so that he can call home, and I don't think that's fair. The least they can do is pay for their soldiers to make a phone call. So, thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work! Thanks again!Katrina and Rowan Stimpson
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Terry S. Corder
Dear Brittany & Robbie Bergquist,
Hi, my name is Terry Corder, a Sergeant First Class in the US Army currently stationed in Camp Taji Iraq. Yesterday I received a Christmas stocking and part of the contents was a calling card from you. I first of all want to say thank you, the card will be put to good use calling my wife and three children back in Germany. Secondly, I was reading your story on the back of the card, I read it once, then I read it a second time and started to cry because of how you two donated your piggy bank money and snack money from your friends at school, to start Cell Phones for Soldiers. If I had your address I would send you two $21.00, to replace your money that you donated to start such a grateful program. I can tell you that the soldiers here are grateful to receive gifts from the states no matter what it may be. I know that you all probably get letters of thanks from service members deployed over here, just wanted to send mine. Again thank you for what you have done.
TERRY S. CORDER
Senior Human Resources Sergeant
FIRES Sqdn, 2d SCR
Camp Taji, Iraq - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Cindy Martinez-Doss
Hello Brittany and Robbie,
My name is Cindy Martinez-Doss I am proudly married to my soldier SPC. Thomas J. Doss he is serving the US Army and we are stationed here at Fort Campbell in Kentucky 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). My husband is currently deployed in Iraq on his second tour. I heard about you from TV shows and word of mouth so I thought I would check out your website. All I have to say is that you two are some amazing individuals. I'm sure that you may hear this alot but, when a soldier has the oppurtunity to call home it is absolutely amazing. Day after day as my husband does his duty. It is the job of a military wife to stay back and care for your family, stay strong, support them through it all and keep the homefires burning for when they return home safely too you. I can not begin to tell you how it feels when you see that funny number pop up on your caller ID and on the other end you hear your soldier's voice. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes, because you miss them so very much. You have opened many doors for us to be able to keep in touch with our military and God will bless you for all that you are doing and all that you have already done. I can't thank you enough for helping us keep in touch with our loved ones. I know that when my husband receives his phone card in the mail and I hear his voice on the other end I will have you two to thank. phone calls are very expensive and any help we can get is so wonderful ,,,so thank you once again you two. And God bless you both....Keep up the great work and know that your efforts and accomplishments are so very much appreciated...
Cindy Martinez-Doss**Support Our Troops**
**God Keep Them Safe Until They All Come Home**
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Meliss and baby Kody
hello i just wanted to say thank u for what u are doing for our men over seas. my husband is over there now this is his sec time. we have a 5 month old little boy he has only seen his dad for three weeks. i know that the men and women are thankful what u guys do. it takes my husband three hours to wait in line to get on the phone but only gets 30 mins of talk time that is if the phone doesnt go out. and we also have to pay for the mins. which i dont see as fair. i can only hope by what u are doing will get more people to see what they have to go though day in and day out. and again i just wanted to say thank you so much.
Melissa and baby Kody
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Major Steve Boesen
Dear Cell Phones for Soldiers:
I wanted to take a quick minute to thank you for all that you done for Soldiers forwardly deployed in harm’s way around the world. We have a host of young Soldiers, many away from home and family for the first time, who have really benefited from your efforts to get them free phone cards.
I am currently deployed to eastern Afghanistan as a combat advisor to the Afghan National Army and I’ve seen firsthand what your efforts have done in raising the morale of Soldiers over here. They are doing outstanding work to help the Afghan people, but we could not do what do here without the support of you and the rest of the American people. I am proud to represent the kind of country that has so many generous, caring people. I am humbled to call myself an American. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Major Steve Boesen
V/r,
S3, 1-203rd RCAC-E
ROUGHRIDER 3
"Carpe Diem" - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Kelly Sperry
Brittany and Robbie,
My name is Kelly Sperry. I am a navy wife and mother of twin girls. My husband was deployed to Iraq last year during the birth of the twins and during the holidays. We did have cell phone service, as he bought an Arabic cell phone with prepaid minutes. But had it not been for that phone card, I don’t know what I would have done. I was in the hospital for 6 weeks before the babies were born and my husband was able to call me every day to check in and make sure I was doing fine.
I wanted to give you a little history of how our family made it through a tough time because of the use of cell phones. I also want to tell you THANK YOU for what you are doing. I do know that there are military families that are not as fortunate as we were to be able to afford to call home very often, let alone, every day. What you are doing is such a blessing to others and I know that God will truly bless you and your family for your love and support of our troops at home and abroad.
Thank you so much for supporting those who are defending our rights and freedoms.
Will you please email me some information on your program? My Dad and I are going to try to rally his motorcycle club to participate and send some phones your way.
Thank you again and Have a wonderful New Year!
Kelly Sperry
Jacksonville, Fl - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Jacqueline D. Gardner
Dear Robbie and Brittany,
II wanted to take a moment to write to you and say a special thank you from the bottom of my heart. You see, I am the mother of an American Soldier who has been to Iraq. He was there for one year and now is safely back in the States serving in the US Army and stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. He was a soldier that received a free card while serving overseas.
I did not know it was from you until I did some research and found out that you were sending the cards to the battalions overseas. Now, let me tell you my story...
My son signed his name on September 21, 2005 to go active duty in the US Army. I could not have been any prouder of him than I was that very day. As he left for basic training, I cried because I knew that my son was no longer a baby, but a man accepting his responsibility. He completed basic training and A.I.T. and then received his orders to go to Iraq to fight for our freedom. That was a difficult day for me, but I stood behind him because I am not able to stand and fight anymore.You see I am disabled with a bone disease which is very painful. As my doctor has stated that I have the pain of bone cancer, but not the cancer, thank God!
But back to my story. My son was able to come home one time prior to his leaving for Iraq. He was able to see each family member and tell them that he loved them, as he said he wanted to be sure each one knew what they meant to him because it could have been his last visit.
I received word that he was leaving out sometime around the first of August, and the day he left was a sad day in our home town as my friend's son was coming home to be buried in his family's cemetery. So as you can imagine, it was very difficult for me to let my third born son leave....
But within a couple of weeks of arriving, his battalion received a box of phone cards and each one was handed a card and told to call home. I was so overjoyed to hear his voice that I was crying nonstop on the phone that morning! He was fortunate to have enough money to continue to add minutes to the card that he once received free. And that meant that I could hear from him about once a month, which was wonderful.
Now as the mother of a soldier who has received a phone card free, I felt it was my responsibility to contact you and let you know how wonderful you are... Your parents have the right to be very proud of you both. I am proud that AT&T gave you both scholarships to the college of your choice, too. We are now using AT&T as our cellular service as my son in the Army has now added us to his plan.
But the main thing I want to say is thanks for giving this mother of four sons hope for our future. I had begun to think that none of our youth were amounting to much but you have opened my eyes to the positive in this world... Instead of hearing about another shooting or stabbing, I heard about you!
Keep up the good work and we will be donating something to your cause very soon. Due to our limited funds as a disabled couple, we must budget for the donation... So be patient because we will be supporting your cause! Even if it is nothing more than sending you some old cell phones!
I hope that knowing one soldier's family who appreciated your work and efforts is comforting to you both. Thanks again, from the bottom of my heart, for all you are doing to support our soldiers abroad! God bless you both!
Gratefully yours,
Jacqueline D. GardnerPROUD MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Gale J. Howard
I was so glad to see that you each got a $100,000 check for college education. I could tell by watching you (on The View) that you do it without thought of reward, but I'm glad you got it anyway. When your parents were asked what they did differently when raising you and your father explained that they'd taught you to consider others' feelings, I was so glad. My parents raised me that way, and I'm a much happier person. I've heard it explained this way: There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who walk into a room and say "Here I am!" and those who walk into a room and say "There you are!".
II hope more young people get this message as I'm afraid we've failed the younger generation in giving them what we didn't have when we were young, while forgetting to make sure they considered others and didn't just become selfish. Thank you so much not only for your efforts for the soldiers, but the message it sends to everyone.
Gale J. Howard
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Sarah S.
Dear Brittany and Robbie,
I received an email with a link to your appearance on The View. I watched in amazement. To a military family a phone call is priceless. To hear my husband's voice is comforting, reassuring, and simply makes me feel closer to him. Your program makes that possible for so many. I commend your efforts and success. You not only realized that something should be done... you put it into action. I think you both are incredible. Thank you for your service.(And, I will be donating our old cell phones!)
Thank you,
Sarah S. - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from 1st Sgt. Devon A. Holson
Good day,
I am 1stSgt Devon Holson with Supply Co. 2D Supply Bn. Here in Al Taqaddum Iraq. We run convoys here in Anbar Province and spend most of our time on the road. I have just received 220 Phone cards for the Marines and Sailors in my company, and behalf of all of them I would like to say thank you. We appreciate your support and encouragement, and these will be extremely helpful as we come into the holiday season. Again thank you and SEMPER FI!
1st Sgt. Devon A. Holson - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from MSgt Brian McGee
Brittany and Robbie;
I signed up on your website to get cards for the troops in my unit stationed in Kuwait. They arrived today and I have already started passing them out. Thank you very much for your time and effort in this amazing project you have started. Two years ago I was deployed to Iraq and my mother started a similar project. She started collecting money for phone cards to send to my unit back then. She did a pretty good job setting up booths in front of the local Wal-Mart and K-Mart in Parkersburg West Virginia but she never reached the numbers you have.
Once I get all the cards handed out I hope to get some photos of the troops with the cards or using them to email to you. Thank you again for your unending support to the troops overseas.Sincerely,
Brian McGee
MSgt Brian (Intimidator) McGee, USAF - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Eric W. Joy
I can only say that your program touched my heart so much that I had to call your father and speak to him directly.
I hope you know there are many people out here that think that supporting the troops is the best thing we can do and the real problem comes from “how do we do it?”. You have solved that and I think this is the greatest program ever.
Please keep up the great work as you have many fans out here.
Eric W. Joy
FCC (SW), US Navy, Retired
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from CPT Timothy A. Wood
Dear Brittany and Robbie Bergquist,
I want to personally thank you for what you do for our servicemen and women serving in the Armed Forces. I am the Company Commander for Co B 163rd Logistics Task Force, a unit serving in Afghanistan. We are helping the Afghanistan people to rebuild and secure their country. We received your calling cards from our Family Readiness Group and distributed them to our soldiers within the last month and they are grateful for your support and this wonderful project you started back home. They are using the cards to stay in contact with loved ones and families. It makes us proud to serve our great country knowing there are wonderful citizens such as yourselves. We also feel that supporters like you are our heroes and give us the inspiration to do our best for our country. Thank you again for all you do.
CPT Timothy A. Wood
Kabul, Afghanistan
Company Commander
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Pete Luginbill
Good Morning Brittany and Robbie,
I'm Master Sergeant Pete Luginbill, US Army (Retired). I just wanted to express how thankful I am with what you both have done. Your parents must be extremely proud of you. I know I am. It's nice to know that there are young adults in our society that will actually stand up and make a difference. You are our future, so please don't stop making a difference in anything you choose.I wanted you all to know that my son is now in the Army, serving in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Brigade out of Fort Benning, Arial. He's just a private with a wife and son back home at Fort Benning, and a daughter on the way. Because of what he does, he doesn't get many chances to call home, but when he does it means everything to him to hear his wife and son's voices. Your program will certainly help him enjoy those moments more as any time is priceless to all soldiers needing to hear the comforting voice of a loved one back home.
Last of all, for everyone supporting this cause, thank you. I will be using the website to make a request for my son and his unit, as they seldom have access to the internet. Additionally, I will be making a donation to support this program seeing I can't be there in your kitchen to help out.
With Best Wishes,
Pete Luginbill,
Civilian, GS-12
US Army HR Command
Combat Arms Training Analyst
Alexandria, VA - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Pat Becker
Dear Brittany & Robbie,
As a mom of a US soldier, I would like to take the time and thank you for all the hard work you have put into this project. I know that your parents are very proud of your accomplishments… My son is currently stationed in Iraq himself, and I know what it is to bring awareness of how important it is to support our troops. I would like to share a website with you as well – I pray that you will check it out in the continued effort to support our troops. The website is www.prayforthetroops.org. Again Thank you for what you are doing, and may God bless you and your family.
Pat Becker
Wilmington, NC - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Mark, Viet Nam vet
Brittany & Robbie,
As a Viet Nam veteran who didn’t have the caring benefit of what you guys are doing for our current soldiers, I beg you to keep up your excellent work.When any soldier is away from friends, family & home for over a year, when “the bad guys” are trying to kill you on a daily basis, when you understand that the next minute may be the last one in your life, you can not yet fully appreciate how unbelievably meaningful, what you are doing, really is.
You are very, very special & kind people. You are an example not just for other kids, but for all generations, including mine, and yes, including all adults as well. What you have done transcends all ages.
And to your parents, tell them they have raised two of the finest people in America!!! If only there were more like you… I hope Harvard or MIT notices, and give you guys’ full scholarships; you are obviously very smart and very motivated…
As but one American ~ Thank you!!!!
Kindest regards,
Mark
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Christine Whipple
Hi Brittany and Robbie,
I am the wife of a retired army soldier of 30 years service. I am sending several cell phones I have owned over the past years. I just want to commend you for the service you are doing for the deployed soldiers and their families. My husband was in the Gulf War and I spoke with him only a few times then and it was so delightful to hear his voice each time. I am thankful he can no longer be deployed! But, now that there are so many soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for longer periods of time and more frequently, the calling cards are a most important link to some sort of normalcy in their life, even if it is for only the moments they are able to hear their loved ones voices. You are what being a true AMERICAN is all about, what our ancestors would be proud of, to see young people like you making a difference in others lives! I know from your good work as young ADULTS, you will go far in life and life will be wonderful for you, because you both are such wonderful and caring teens! Keep up the good work and you will always find happiness.Sincerely,
Christine Whipple, Olympia, WA - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Joshua Wise, Sergeant
Thank you for what you started. I read an article in the paper about it. It was quite inspiring to read what you did and the goals you have set. Please know what you do is appreciated. People like you are what make servicemen and women proud of what they do and help us hold our head a little higher knowing individuals as giving and caring as you do exist.
Thank you again. You have made a difference in my life.
Respectfully yours,
Joshua Wise, Sergeant
United States Army Military Police - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Kimberly
Dear Brittany & Robbie,
I want to thank you very much for all you are doing for our troops overseas. My husband is a SSGT for the USMC and is 14 years in the Corps. The hardest thing in the world is not being able to contact a family member when they are fighting in the war. My husband’s unit was one of the 1st to go over to Iraq in 2002 and he has been back 2 times since then. When he first went over the only way to communicate was by mail, and that wasn't too good yet either. I had to wait almost 3 months until I knew that my husband was fine and alive!! I can't even begin to tell you how many letters I wrote and how many he received. It wasn't the same number. The first time I heard from him, I was at work and he was on night watch. I don't recall the time difference, but I do remember him telling me how nice it was to hear my voice. My husband is due to go back in April of next year, just around our daughters 1st birthday. I just want to thank you for all you are doing and keep up the great work.I am mailing a box of cell phones to the Dexter, MI office from my office in Stamford, CT. I hope you can use them!
God bless you both.
Kind Regards,
Kimberly - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Linda Willemain
Hello Brittany,
Thank you for the extra cards as I do indeed know who to send them to. Most will go to a Chaplain in Iraq to distribute to Marines. Some will be sent to a young man in our church who was just deployed to Iraq. We will save and keep some behind to send to his chaplain once he gets us the address. And lastly, we are making some available to members in our church to pick up and send to those that they might know of (nephews, nieces, cousins children, grandchildren etc).All in all, it was a well received project. I cannot thank you enough for helping to make this so successful. May those who receive these cards know that they are much appreciated!
Thanks again,
Your sister in Christ, Linda Willemain
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from TSgt Beth A. Kilgore
Good morning!
I just saw the clip on Fox News this morning regarding the 'Cell Phones for Soldiers' program you've set up. I wanted to say THANK YOU! My husband and I are currently serving in the Ohio Air National Guard (Air Force). We both take turns going overseas. I personally have been to many, many places where I had no access to land lines from the military to call home. It's very lonely to say the least! We miss our children & families terribly. It makes it so much easier to be over there & stay focused on the mission when we can call home & know that all is well at home! I have been on the end where we did not have access to phones, so I know how beneficial it would have been to our bases over there. What you are doing for our troops is WONDERFUL!
I am trying to see if we can set up a box here to Join the Fight, but have to wait on official word since we have a lot of red tape since it's a government facility. If not, I plan to go out to some local stores & see if maybe I can set up a box there & be the POC for the phones to get them to you as we do not have a local drop-off point in our city.
Your story has truly touched my heart and I can't thank you enough for supporting us! I am going to pray that the Lord blesses you tenfold for your contributions to American Soldiers! The dictionary defines a hero as: a man (or woman!) of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You are true HEROES! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your support!
B.A.Kilgore
Beth A. Kilgore, TSgt, Ohio ANG - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Curtiss C. Potter
Dear Brittany & Robbie Bergquist,
I would like to let you know that your phone cards are having a positive impact with the 250 US Coastguardsmen located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain is an island in the Arabian Gulf that is home to several thousand US Servicemen and women. It is a critical base for ship patrols throughout the Gulf and provides a welcome R&R location for our Soldiers and Sailors who are doing the dirty work throughout the region.
While living in Bahrain is hardly difficult, it is still not "home." Even from a non-combat zone like Bahrain, it can take hundreds of dollars to call home on a regular basis. Your calling cards make it directly into the hands of my Coastguardsmen and have definitely made a difference.
Thank you for your dedication, efforts, and service. You make us proud and remind us of why we do the job that we do.
Very Respectfully,
Curtiss C. Potter, LCDR
Deputy Commander
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Ed Hawkins
Hi Brittany & Robbie,
I just read about your wonderful endeavor to help out our troops. I have a few cell phones laying around that I didn't know what to do with. I now see a great way to get rid of them. It's young folks like you that give me hope for the future of our world.
Thank you so much for your efforts and for getting this idea started. I know our guys and gals serving over seas are very much appreciative of your efforts to help them stay in touch with their families they have been placed so far away from. With the growing contempt of this war, and our troops in general, it makes my heart happy to know that there are still people that support them and appreciate their sacrifice for our freedom.
There's an old term from back in the 60's called 'Karma', which basically meant what goes around-comes around, in the definition of the times. What you have done will enhance your life in later years as you've established in yourselves an energy that will be repaid ten-fold. Thank you for your thoughts and willingness to help our troops.
I know you've probably received a ton of email so there's no need to feel obligated to reply to this. Just keep up your efforts.
Ed (Hawk) Hawkins
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Bob Brewbaker
Dear Brittany and Robbie,
Thank you for sharing such a great gift to those that are giving of themselves and protecting our freedoms.
I have a 21 year old son, Joshua, who is in the US Navy. Josh is currently stationed in Saratoga Springs, New York and is in the process of completing his last phase of Nuclear Engineering training and will be heading out to sea sometime after August, 2007. We are extremely PROUD of our son... and yet we selfishly hate to see him leave as he plans to be stationed on a Nuclear Submarine. And, do to the safety and security of all of those on board the sub, our abilities to communicate will be through limited emails.
Josh started his boot camp training in January of 2006. During this 8 weeks, our communications with him was limited to letters about every other week. However, during his 7th week of boot camp, I received a phone call from him while at work. And, after 7 long weeks of not hearing his voice, words cannot explain my emotions when I answered my phone and heard him say two simple words.. "hi dad". And, knowing that he will be leaving soon for the open waters, it may be upwards of 6 months without hearing those words again.
That phone call from Josh while in boot camp touched my heart forever. And, your "Cell Phone for Soldiers" provides other families and friends with loved ones serving abroad the opportunity to also be able to hear those similar words from their brave soldier serving our great country. Through "Cell Phones for Soldiers", you are touching the hearts of many people through a phone call.
Thank you and may God bless you for great works!
Bob Brewbaker (proud father of USN Brewbaker, Joshua C.) - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Spc. Jennifer LaRoche
Dear Brittany and Robbie,
My name is Spc. Jennifer LaRoche, originally from New York City. I am currrently deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division in Baghdad, Iraq. I'm just writing to thank you on behalf of all the troops that you are helping out here. It's a great thing that you two are doing and I'm not sure if you realize what a tremendous difference you're making in these soldiers lives. It's a really good thing to see kids take such an active role in helping those of us that are deployed. Rather than (like some adults) who choose to point fingers at us (their own) , like we're the bad guys. You both deserve much recognition .. thank you so very much. I continue to pray for you both for having such good hearts. God bless and take care. J. L. - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Anonymous Soldier
Hi: I just wanted to write you and say thank you. You have helped me out so much in a time of need. I really appreciate it. The communication that I keep with my loved ones is the only thing that keeps me sane around here. With my dad in very poor health, and my fiance in the hospital, it's really great to keep in contact with them. You have helped me out alot. I'm not very good at letter writing, but I wanted to say these few words with a deep thanks. Thank you very much, and may God bless. Take care, and enjoy the holidays. M.T.
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from 1st LT Craig Klascius
Dear Brittany & Robbie,
Thank you for your gift, it was very kind of you two. I do love to call home as often as possible, but sometimes that is only 1 – 2 times a week. I truly appreciate what you are doing, helping soldiers keep in contact with their loved ones. The more support they receive from home the higher their morale is. The higher their spirits, the easier they accomplish any mission given. Your program is helping soldiers out here in Iraq and I am truly grateful for what you are doing. It is good to know that even with all of this controversy over Iraq that there are some patriotic Americans who still care about soldiers doing their job. Thank you.
Sincerely, 1st LT Craig Klascius
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from 1st Lt. Randy Carlson
Brittany & Robbie,
On behalf of all the airmen, soldiers, and marines stationed here at Balad Air Base, Iraq, THANK YOU for your cell phone program. We got the phone cards and sure appreciate them! 1st Lt. Randy Carlson
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from AC1 D.B.
Sir: My name is AC1 D.B., currently deployed onboard the USS Essex (Iron Gator) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While reading Reader's Digest, I came across the story of what Brittany and Robbie are doing. I have 20 guys in my shop that are in the same situation as me. We are deployed on a navy ship in the middle of the ocean, working 24/7, and thinking about our loved ones back home. Phone calls are a rarity as port visits are few and far between as we complete our mission. When we do get the chance to call home, the fees and charges easily empty our pockets in minutes. It is my deepest desire to be able to show these sailors that people back home do care about what we are doing in the Middle East. Therefore, I would like to put in a request to your fine program. Can you send me some calling cards to offer to my guys as a token of appreciation and to lessen the financial burden for 1 or 2 phone calls. Your time and work are greatly appreciated. Very respectfully, AC1 D. B.
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Christine Hill
Dear Cell Phones for Soldiers,
Thank You for sending my husband 2 calling cards. He received them just this past week. It was a pleasant surprise for him, and we are both very thankful. He called home the very next day! Thank you again, Christine Hill :) - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from April
Hello, my name is April. I am 18 yrs old and I live in Southern California. The 29th of Feburary was one of the hardest days I think I have ever had to go through. My fiance of 1 yr was sent to Iraq. Derek Gardner is almost 20 yrs old. He has extreme knee problems, but that did not matter; he went anyway. All in all, in the 3 months that he has been there we must have must spent close to, if not more than $1500. We had to purchase gear, razors, shaving cream, the whole 9 yards; which brings me to the subject of phone calls. The second day Derek was on his way there, he called me from Ireland, International Collect. Since I was worried about him, I felt like I needed to hear his voice because it could be the last time for a long while. Well as it goes the phone call turned out to be $45 for the whole 3.5 minutes that we talked. I was blown away, $50 for a phone call? That's crazy! After a few different calls of that cost we needed a another solution. Phone cards right? Wrong. Very few phone cards actually work from a Iraq unfortunately and the ones that do, well they don't really last as long as you would expect. We (his mother and I) must have spent $150 on different phone cards trying to find the one that would work. We would purchase one for 150 minutes or whatever and he would get maybe two uses out of it! Derek and I have been weathering the storm. As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow stronger, I love Derek with all my heart and pray every day and every night that he will come home safe and sound. We keep faith in his return and hope that other families are doing ok as well. Thank you for your time, April
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Lafayette, Louisiana
Brittany,
I am the wife of a soldier who will soon be mobilizing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Let me say how very proud it makes me to know there are people like you in this world. I am part of our Family Readiness Group. We help the soldier's families while they are away. Through different events we watch and are a part of the process of being without our soldiers. I know personally the difficulty of having to say goodbye to my husband. We are currently trying to come up with different procedures to allow more frequent contact between families and soldiers. Also to get information more frequently about our soldiers from the commanders overseas. This program is a wonderful undertaking. The hope that you are giving soldiers and their loved ones. Being able to talk with each other during deployment is a difficult task and it is very hard to endure. I want you to know that what you are doing is wonderful and a great service to our military. By giving soldiers the opportunity to call home without being limited by the huge costs...that's a huge morale booster. It also gives the families left behind a little more peace in their lives. Most of our soldiers spouses are fearful everyday that someone will come knock at their doors and tell them their soldier isn't okay, but in being able to speak with them the family knows that they are okay. Believe me this makes the day much better. Spouses are taking on a lot of extra responsibilities while the soldiers are gone and knowing that the soldier is doing well makes it easy to do these things. It's always the not knowing that makes life difficult. I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. You and your brother are the type of people who make me proud to be an American, proud to be a mother, and proud to be a soldier's wife. I hope you are truly blessed in life for this wonderful deed. We are truly blessed to have you. Sincerely, A Soldier's Wife, Lafayette, Louisiana - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Joy Bodley
To Whom It May Concern:
I just want to thank you for what you're doing. My husband is a soldier currently serving our country in Iraq. He leaves behind our 3 yr old son, our 1 yr old daughter, and myself...currently expecting our third child this July. My husband has an AT&T calling card and calls home often. I am constantly reloading his card, which is getting expensive. I'm just grateful the Army pays him enough money that I can reload his card. But sometimes money gets tight and we have to go a little while without talking. So I think what you're doing is great! I donated $10.00 to your foundation. I know it's not much, but I hope it helps! Thank you again! Sincerely, Joy Bodley - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Amanda Nix
Good Day!
Brittany you are an amazing young lady! Thank you for your support of our soldiers.
My step-dad and brother both served in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. They have been told that they will be going for a second tour in July. My brother-in-law was just sent to Afgahnistan. I know how important it is for them to be able to hear their loved one's voices and not just read letters from us. I would get to talk to them for about 2 minutes each! It is not long but it is enough for us and them to know that they are well and say I love you!
I am going to contact our local Tulsa, OK NBC station and ask them to run a segment regarding your effort. I will give them your email addresses and the addresses to send donations and cell phones to. I cannot tell you how your kindness has touched my heart. It is nice to know that young people like you and your brother want to make a difference in another person's life. Thank you is not enough but I will say it anyway..THANK YOU!!
God Bless you and your effort! You will be in my prayers! Amanda Nix, Broken Arrow, OK - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from SPC Edin Alegria
You're the type of Americans that keep me going day-to-day. Who would ever think two teenagers would start such a program. I thank God for people like you, because of your action and of others I can keep in touch with my family. Thanks, SPC Edin Alegria, 137th QM CO., Operations.
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Soldier
I was able to talk to my mother on Mothers Day and soon to be wife on our anniversery and I just wanted to say thank you for letting our little special moment be possible. Thank you and keep up the great work! ET3 Faulkenberg, USN, US NMCB 74, S6 Shop, IMSO / S. Admin.
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from SPC Dikty and family
Brittany & Robbie,
I haven't heard my husbands voice very much at all lately. I think its importaint for our 4 yr old and almost 15 month old to hear his voice. I dont know if they can understand when I tell them dady says hi, when i get a message from him online. They cant get happy about it without hearing his voice.My husband is in the National guard. I very much look forward to my husband in Iraq getting a phone card. We have a lot of bills to pay off so we cant afford to keep buying phone cards. I am so greatful to you two and to everyone who donates.
That was such a great thing you guys did when you started out. Raising money for that soldier's high phone bill.
I know you have heard it all...but I hope you know that you are really helping people and putting smiles on their faces. For some families making it through a deployment is easyer just from being able to hear loved ones voices.Thank you so much,
Renee, Mason, Lillie and my husband SPC Dikty.
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Kristen
Dear Brittany & Robbie,
I live in Dedham, MA. I loved your idea, your thoughtfulness and selflessness when I first heard about it 4 years ago. I am part of the Dedham Junior Woman's Club and we have been donating cell phones for a few years now. Well, I want to tell you I am very grateful to you and your program because I have been the recipient of a phone call from my son who is now in Iraq and used one of your cards! He was quite surprised to see the message on the card he used that it was from your program. He had read about you in the newspaper and felt it was part of home reaching out to him. He called me on Mother's Day and my birthday. I didn't expect to hear from him and needless to say, it made my day! It brings tears to my eyes now thinking about it. Thank you so much for the wonderful idea and program you started. I'm sure it is hard work but please know that your efforts, and those who help you, are greatly appreciated by the families who are recipients of those phone calls. Thank you and God bless you. Sincerely, Kristen - Dedham, MA - -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Major Bob Risdon
All,
Here is a picture of the Soldiers who received the cards - again, thank you so very much for thinking of us. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity!
I can't tell you thank you enough!! This picture was taken behind a Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle at a Joint Security Station outside Baghdad. The Soldiers pictured are from 1/21 Infantry and very appreciative and happy about thier cards!
Thanks Again,
Major Bob Risdon
- -Date Unknown-
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Letter from Viola Lewis
I requested Some Phone card's for my son Ronald Joe Lewis II,& his shipmate's, they are on the Aircraft carrier the Kitty Hawk, they are out too sea, on a mission, but he just e-mail me and told me he received the phone card's, he said he gave them out, too all his shipmate's, and that they were very happy too get them, all 500 sailor's said Thank you, and that they are so happy too know that their are good people, out their that support our Troop's, they will be calling their loved one's, very soon,
Viola Lewis
