04 Sep 2006:
Dear Michael and Candy,
I noticed that you sent your package out on the 4th of August; for some reason it really took a long time to get here, but rest assured that the timeliness of its arrival could not have been better. Your gift lifted spirits and its contents were enjoyed by sailor and soldier alike. We just wanted to thank you for taking the time and effort to remember the men and woman; Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines serving here with the 10th Mountain Division, CJTF-76 Afghanistan.
Dear Smith Family and Friends,
Mrs. Smith please let your daughter Joanna know that her story of hope, courage, and survival really touched us. No one so young should have to bear so much. I personally read all of your letters before passing them along, and it was very thoughtful of you to send them. At least one of the other soldiers here has stated that your letters touched him in a very personal way and he intends to write you. Thank you for sharing your story with us; and thank you for the other contents of the package you sent. I saw people enjoying the pineapple later that same day. Most of all, thank you for remembering your nation; and thank you for remembering us.
P.S.,
I am sorry I did not email this note to you directly. I thought for certain I had written your email address down before passing out the letters (I know it was masmith???@???), unfortunately all I can find now is Joanna’s testimony and Grandpa Smiths letter. I hope that you get a chance to read this note on the webpage and know that not only did your package reach us; it also touched us. Thanks again.
Dear Bonnie,
We received you package and your letter. Vielen Danke. Ihr Brief ergriff mich und rührte meine Sohle. Vor lange Zeit war Deutcher mein lieblingsfach…and I still like to speak the language when I get a chance. Since you summer in Germany, you will probably be able to easily translate what I wrote, but my German is a little rusty; so in case I got it wrong, let me succinctly translate my thoughts back into English: THANK YOU. It is really is an honor for us to serve our country, and to have a chance to interact with people like yourself; people who hold fast to the ideals that others take for granted. We truly believe that all people everywhere have the inalienable right to be free.
From your letter, it sounds like we share similar ideas about democracy and its place in world. I strongly believe that democracy is the end-state of an enlightened society. As Americans, we are extremely lucky to live in a society that subscribes to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And although, it may not be feasible for Americans to directly free every nation that currently oppresses its inhabitants, we can sow the seeds of enlightenment throughout the world through our actions, and through education. Educated people will not stand idly by and be oppressed, nor will they standby and be silent. Once people are sufficiently educated, they will stand-up and be heard, and they will work to free themselves from oppression. The Afghan people have stood up, and America’s troops are standing beside them; thank you for standing beside us. Bonnie, Thank you for supporting freedom and democracy throughout the world.
V/R,
Hasan
LT HASAN ABDUL-MUTAKALLIM, USN
CJTF-76 CJ6 BATTLE CAPTAIN
23 Aug 2006
Lynn and Mike,
It was great to receive your latest package, and the letter that came along with it. Thank you so much for taking a personal interest in the lives and the welfare of the soldiers and sailors out here in Afghanistan. I wanted to let you both know that neither the healthy snacks, nor the sweet ones went to waste; and if it really is the case that I am eloquent, then it is because the things that the American people are doing for us are so inspirational.
When we listen to the news, everything sounds so very hectic right now; not just on the international front, but also on the domestic one. For the two you to take time out of your lives, to do something for the soldiers overseas; not because someone asked you to; or because you signed your name up on a dotted-line; but simply because you care, that really speaks volumes about the type of people that you two are, and about the nature of your characters.
We really feel honored to be remembered by you and we think that it’s important that you know that we are doing so much over here. We are working alongside the Afghan people; helping to restore their sense of freedom and normalcy. We are performing our jobs everyday with honor, courage, and commitment; and you can be proud of the work that we are doing in Afghanistan. Your packages, and others like them, make it easier for us to bear the time away from family and home. They put smiles on our faces when we are feeling the weight of what lies ahead; and they let us know that we are not forgotten. You represent the idealic spirit of the American people, and the work that you are both doing for the morale and welfare of our soldiers and sailors in combat makes me proud to be an American. Never change; and in the words of my adopted family here in Afghanistan, the 10th Mountain Division, “Climb to Glory”.
V/R,
Hasan
LT HASAN ABDUL-MUTAKALLIM, USN
18 Aug 2006
Preston,
OUTSTANDING MATERIAL!!! The diversity of the reading selection will hopefully spark everyone to expand their minds and their point of view. Truth … actual truth, is a quest; moreover, it is a responsibility of free thinking people. Especial free thinking people intent on bringing democracy to the world. Our mission here in Afghanistan is truly a noble one; our generals are fair and balanced individuals who really talk and think about the welfare of the Afghan people. I am glad I came here and I am proud to be a part of the effort to bring actual FREEDOM; freedom to do and to be whatever one wants to do and be. You can be proud of the efforts of the men and women here in Afghanistan. We have prosecuted the mission to liberate the Afghan people alongside the Afghan government; and we have prosecuted that mission honorably. I really appreciate the literary material that you sent. The only way to really know the truth is to read many different points of view. I wish more people would open themselves up to that idea. We are not all alike, and that is the beauty of the world; that is the seed that when improperly cultivated, germinates into misunderstand, conflict, hatred, injustice, and many more of the unspeakably evil things that people do to each other. If more people could find a way to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, perhaps we could learn to really communicate; and we would find a way to eliminate the need for war. Please feel free to send more material at anytime.
V/R,
Hasan
09 Aug 2006
Lillian,
I received the picture of the Alamo. The Alamo is a very special place where a group of amazing, courageous, and unforgettable people made one of history greatest stands. As we make our stand here in Afghanistan it is good to know that amazing, courageous, and unforgettable people still live in Texas. Thank you.
Thank you Cisco Systems Inc
We received several packages from the RTP branch of CISCO systems yesterday. I could only make out the names on two of the slips, though I am sure that there were more contributors, we would be sorely remiss not to thank Helen and Giselle by name. Though you may not be aware, the sailors and soldier that received your packages already have a very special relationship with your company; or at least the routers and switches that CISCO makes. To the men and women here at CJTF-76, CISCO is like an old familiar friend. The many pounds of snacks and clothing items that you sent were very well received. Thank you for the Atomic fire balls, and for the gum; and thank you most of all for not forgetting us.
Thank you Marra Design Associates
Lynn and Mike,
Every time we receive a package we are always stunned and amazed by, as well as extremely grateful for, the overwhelming generosity of the American people. We know that you don’t know us; nevertheless you take time out of your day to send us reminders of home, of life, and of normalcy. You gifts mean the world to us, because they are physical reminders of America; and of the people and the places that await us once we return. Thank you for being who you are, and thank you for not forgetting us.
Thank you Bob's Hobby Shop
Robert,
I spent about ten years of my life right there in Western Michigan; and some of my earliest, and fondest, memories are of Climax, Fulton, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, Paw Paw, South Haven, and more places than I can really name right now. The whole area is just beautiful, but nothing is more beautiful than the hearts and minds of the people. I still have many ties to that area and I hope you don’t mind if I stop in your store next time I’m in town. I want to thank you in person for never forgetting us; until then thank you for all the snacks and gifts. Please know that just like you have not forgotten us, we will never forget you. Thank you and thank you to everyone in your shop. Your support makes the time go by easier and it makes home seem a little closer. Please take care of yourself.
V/R,
Hasan
LT HASAN ABDUL-MUTAKALLIM, USN
CJTF-76 CJ6 BATTLE CAPTAIN
03 Aug 2006
Thank you Edward Jones Investments
We received the magazines you sent us. There is such a wide range of interest here; and the different varieties of magazines that you sent are sure to satisfy everyone. Thanks for the reading material, and thanks for remembering us.
Lillian,
Thank for the postcard. I went to flight school right there in San Antonio; so needless to say, I have very fond memories of Texas. I hope the day finds you well; and thanks for the reminder of quieter times and peaceful scenery. Have a stroll down the boardwalk for me.
V/R,
Hasan
27 Jul 2006
To Janice and the Packerland Parents Playgroup,
Your package found us; and its contents were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by everyone here. Thank you for being so thoughtful and selfless. It really is the little things that mean a lot; and knowing that there are Americans out there that keep the troops in their thoughts and there hearts means a lot to us. Thank you for remembering us.
V/R,
Hasan
05 Jul 2006
It’s easy to forget what home is like out here, but the support your organization provides us is a concrete reminder of the American spirit … a reminder of home. The words “Thank you” could never say enough; they could never convey our gratefulness for what it is your organization does for us. Everyone has opened up their hearts, and even though we are thousands of miles away, we feel connected, and we know that we are not forgotten. I wish I could be more eloquent. I wish that I could tell you exactly what it meant to each and every sailor and soldier that was here when the packages came in on Memorial Day. Everyone seemed down. I think we were all thinking about family. There just seem to be certain days when it’s harder to be away from home than others, and Memorial Day was one of those days. Your organization did a fantastic job coming together to support the troops. People sent puzzles and popcorn; magazines and cookies; Kool-Aid and a variety of healthy snack foods. It was great. We decided to have a mock picnic, and a movie night complete with popcorn and Kool-Aid. Your contributions really made our day, and they lifted our spirits. We wrote back to each and every person that sent us a package, and we hope that you received our notes. Thank you. Thank you for remembering us.
V/R,
Hasan
LT HASAN ABDUL-MUTAKALLIM, USN
CJTF-76 CJ6 BATTLE CAPTAIN
05 May 2006
Mostly CONEX boxes, some B-Huts, some tents.
We have electricity (110V/60Hz)
We have microwaves in some of the offices
Representing the CJ6 Battle Staff
Most the unit is from 10th Mountain in New york, but I am a volunteer out of COMPACFLT in Hawaii.
Everyone is really happy to be here doing our part, but we all miss home.
Some people love popcorn, starburst, skittles, atomic fire balls, healthy snacks would be greatly appreciated. Shaving cream and razors are always in short supply. As are feminine hygiene products. Things that remind us of home, or can make the time pass quicker. Snacks we can't get, crossword puzzles, math books, Su Doku, novels, and junk food. We run the gambit when it come to age. It's kind of amazining to a part of such a diverse group work toward such a noble goal. Well, thanks for listening, and thanks for your support.
Hasan