04 Feb 2009:
I cannot say enough about your organization, as my time comes to an end it has been my "Honor" to be the middle man sending numerous boxes down range to the troops. Over time I have I have established friendships beyond reproach and feel blessed to have had these people in my life. I have seen smiles from troops and have heard of appreciation from those down range. I cannot thank the many organizations, people, and states that have done so much. Tara & CC, who are truly the "Dynamic Duo" of giving (I hope to meet you in person someday) and Zen "D" a.k.a Debra C., who has to be the wildest person but yet so calmest person ever, I hope our paths cross someday. Organizations such as Hearts and Hands, Cisco Organization, White Stars Mothers in Wagoner, Ok, the Veterans Association in Pensacola, Fl., and the now defunct Til-it-End organization, Cynda thanks for everything and may God continue to. I would also like to thank all of the children of schools from all over the United States with their support and the countless cards and pictures, just to name a few the Joyland Child Development center in Wagoner OK, Columbiana High School, Columbiana OH, Francis W. ParkerSchool, Chicago IL, Alton Memorial Junior High(Technology Applications Class) Mission TX, The Holy Cross Lutheran Middle School, Kansas City MO, Rita Drabek Elementary School Sugar land TX, and countless others.
I have heard of extraordinary people but I believe the number of out pouring states from Florida, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, California, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, and Wisconsin (hi Molly). The attached picture is of myself and new Air Force personnel arriving to Afghanistan. The Humvee that I have named "Frankenstein" is primarily used to move bags from one staging area to another, it had been hit by an IED, hence the green hood and mirrors.
This will be my last post, I have been given word that I will be leaving one month early. Again I "Thank you and Salute you" for everything that you do for us may you all be BLESSED.
Items received for Troops:
Books
Soap
Sunscreen
Deodorant
CD's
DVD's
Tooth Paste
Chapstick
Eye Drops
Kleenex
Shampoo
Body Wash
Chips
Noodles
Nuts
Orange Slices
Assorted Candy
Stuffed Animals
Magazines
Lotion
Toiletries (men&women)
Crackers
Note Books
Items requested:
Snacks (general)
Body and or Foot Powder
Energy Bars
Magazines
Games
Razors
Body wash/Soap
Dried Fruit or Nuts
Snacks/Candy
Lotion
Shaving Cream
Power Bars
Water drink mixes
Chips (any kind)
Vitamins
Books
Toiletries
Again it has been my pleasure serving and to those who continue to donate as well as to the Support any Soldier family "Thank You"! Thank you for everything you do, you are truly angels, take care.
09 Dec 2008
First and foremost "Thank You" and all that sacrifice their time to volunteer and/or donate. I hear all of the horror stories of the economy, but yet the American people still rise to the task. I have said it many times, but "you" are truly the heroes of this war. The first attached picture are of the volunteers of our Camp's 'Turkey Trot Run'. The second is a banner from the great state of Texas who sponsored the event. The third picture are the participants of the race. Lastly, the fourth picture (fallen soldier ceremony) reminds us that while we may do events that help us forget where we are, the reality is that we are in a warzone. Thank you again for all that you do for us.
Items received for Troops:
Snacks (Tks Anita Carlson)
Frisbees (Tks Zen "D")
Canned goods
Cookies
Flannel Sheets (Tks Tara & CC!!!!!)
Watch Caps
Hand Warmers
Razors
Drink Mixes
Candy
Coffee Pot (Tks Til-It-Ends)
Toiletries
Nuts
Chips
Dvd's
CD's
Sunflower Seeds
The following request from Troops:
Powder
Toiletries (Male/Female)
Candy
Snacks (General)
Hand Warmers
Drink Mixes
Shaving Cream
Vitamins
Music/Dvd's (No preference)
Games
Playing cards
Sunflower seeds
Chips (No preference)
Again, I would like to thank everyone. 'YOU' play a significant role whether you know it or not, besides our loved ones at home, just knowing that people care lifts our morale. I would personally like to thank Cynda Williams of Texas whose organization Til It Ends had to close its doors due to lack of donations. She like many of you was truly an angel and while her doors may be closed our lines of communication will NEVER close, she will forever be a friend. Again I cannot begin to thank the numerous people from the various states from Texas, New York, South Carolina, Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Florida. We salute you for caring and thinking of us. May God bless you all, "THANK YOU"!!
V/r
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
16 Oct 2008
The donations and letters are simply amazing! Sometimes its hard for me to imagine that people have time during this tough economic crises to take time to write or even send a package. You all have our heartfelt appreciation and our prayers. The first attached picture is of the Camp Volunteer Fire Department with t-shirts donated from the good people of up state New York. The second picture are more personnel attending the 911 Remembrance ceremony. The third attachment is again the Volunteer Fire Department, the equipment that stands alone is to represent all of those fire fighters who lost their lives during 911 and those who have died in the line of duty. Lastly, the last picture reminds us all that there are always unfortunate consequences for the price of freedom and that we voluntarily enlisted to protect the country we love. This picture was taken at fallen Soldier and Sailor ceremony. While we here have our own hardships we cannot "Thank You" enough for everything that you do for us.
Items received for Troops:
Magazines
Spices
Condiments
Candy
Individual Drink packs
Coffee
Homemade Cookies (DELICIOUS!!)
Ramen Noodles
Nuts
Easy Mac
Cereal Bars
House shoes (Tks Tara & CC)
Crackers
Popcorn
Sardines
Sunflower Seeds
Chips
Dried Fruit
Toiletries
Stationary
Countless cards and letters
Items requested from Troops:
Razors
Hand Warmers
Energy Bars
Chips (No preference)
Drink mixes
Sunflower Seeds
Games
Watch caps and/or stocking cap (black preferably)
Magazines
Toiletries (Body Wash/Shampoo)
Shaving Cream
Vitamins
Snacks/Candy
Music/Dvd's (No preference)
Dried Nuts/Fruits
Thank you again for all of your continued support. Through your program I met so many interesting people throughout our great country and I hope to continue to communicate with them once I return home. Your organization is not only helpful but truly beneficial to all of us.
Again we here cannot put into words are thanks and appreciation for all of your hard work. Those who contribute their time either through your organization, volunteering or those who donate are Heroes to us, with your efforts you keep us motivated, thank you again.
24 Aug 2008
Again I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done. I continually brag about your organization, those who are associated in any aspect should be commended constantly. The great people who donate, you have not only made a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine happy, but I feel that we have made friends for life. I would like to thank all of the GREAT organizations, Hand&Hearts, Til-it-Ends, William T. Davis schools, TroopSupport (Cisco organization), all the GREAT organizations and people in Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, Kentucky, and California (especially Tara and CC). While I still have 9 months left the letters and well wishes are at times overwhelming and to feel that support is truly a blessing. The attached photo is old but it (cold and snow) is slowly approaching and everyone is beginning to locate all of their winter gear to ready for the season.
The following items received for Troops:
Beanie Babies
Snacks
Drink mixes
Toiletries
Stationary
Nuts
Freezer Pops
Magazines
Lotion
Powder
Power Bars
The following request from Troops:
Snacks/Candy
Vitamin
Lotion
Shaving Cream
Toiletries (Male or Female)
Chips (any kind)
Magazines (Sports/Muscle)
Drink mixes
Shampoo and or Body wash
Tooth Paste
Hand Warmers
Again "THANK YOU" for all of your continued support your generosity is unmatched. I will continue try to send as many picS as I can, so those can share this journey with us here at camp. Thank you, all of you are truly angels on earth.
21 Jul 2008
Thank you again for all of your continued support. I was recently on R&R with my family and just returned a few days ago. When I returned the number of care packages that were here, all packages have been distributed and also sent downrange to other personnel. I am always blown away with the overwhelming support from everyone at home. Once I was home I now fully understand the financial burden of ever increasing gas prices. I shared this to my guys and to other personnel downrange so that they will never take any persons donation for granted. The attached picture was the Memorial day race that I co-coordinated the participants ranged from Army, Navy, Air Force, British soldiers, French Solders, Romanian Soldiers, and DOD Civilians. The winner of 10k Memorial day race was…………US ARMY, that was fitting for this day and event…Everyone had a great time, as you can see I'm on the ground joking around with a Romanian soldier.
Items received for Troops:
Magazines
Stationary items
Chapstick
Books
(1) camera
Puzzles
Soap
Lotion
Dried Fruits/Nuts
Chips
Beef Sticks
Drink Singles
Easy Mac
Dental Floss
Crayons
Powder
DVD's
Tooth Brushes
Tooth Paste
Shaving Cream
Playing Cards
Cocoa
Snacks
Items requested by Troops:
Snacks (general)
Body and or Foot Powder
Energy Bars
Magazines
Games
Razors
Body wash/Soap
Dried Fruit or Nuts
Frisbee or Football
Again, "THANK YOU" for everything that you and your organization do. Top to bottom you are a class organization who truly want to help our fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines by boosting their morale so that their individual mission is completed successfully. Again please thank the many volunteers and those who donate. We here are truly appreciate everyone's' hard work. THANK YOU.
V/R
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
08 Jun 2008
I sincerely apologize for my lack of writing, being busy to me is no excuse. I cannot express into words my gratitude to all of the volunteers, staff, and especially those who donate time and time again.
The generosity of those who have donated have been more than
overwhelming and at times simply amazing. It has been increasingly busy here as expected. Everyone here has been working endless for the success of their mission. Also, everyone here remains up-beat regardless of how hot it may be or the activity that is beyond the wire.
Again PLEASE FORGIVE my tardiness as time has flown. The picture contains the camp volunteer Fire Department. I was injured with an ulcer like sore on my foot, so that is the reason that I was in tennis shoes. Again, I cannot thank you enough for everything that you do for us, may you all continue to be blessed.
The following items received for troops:
1. Hygiene items
2. Snacks
3. Canned goods
4. Books
5. Playing Cards
6. Chips
7. Toilet Paper
8. Drink Mix
9. Tuna
10. Crackers
11. Magazines
The following items requested by troops:
1. Vitamins
2. Drink mix
3. Snacks (general)
4. Chips (general)
5. Tuna
6. Books
7. Music and/or DVD's (no preference)
Again, please forgive me your undying efforts to do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We here THANK YOU for all that you for us at home, the Any Soldier organization is not only a business but an extended family that we are happy to be a part of THANK YOU.
19 Apr 2008
To all of the Any Soldier family,
Thank you and all of who that take the time to volunteer and donate, please forgive me for my tardiness. We here at Camp have been going non stop. Many personnel have been coming and going and there is no rest to go along with our ever increasing normal duties. No one is complaining about the long work hours or the overcrowding of the camp, because we all know that we have a job to do. I cannot believe the generosity since the last time that I updated this page. While many volunteers or those who choose to contribute would like to remain anonymous, please pass along our heartfelt thanks. The attached picture is of myself and a Air Force Airmen, we are with Belgium soldiers who were kind enough to lend us oil (in the hand of the Airmen) for our Humvee (hood up), we were going on a mission that required a two hour one way drive to another camp. They were a great help and without their help our mission would have not been successful.
The following items were received:
Gum
Snacks
Magazines
Flip-flops
Stationary
Toiletries
Crystal lite packs
Popcorn
Wheat thins
Tuna & Sardines
Granola Bars
Shaving Cream
Dried Fruit
Cookies
Lip Balm
Brownies
Lotion
The following request from Troops:
Snacks/Candy
Lotion
Shaving Cream
Power Bars
Magazines
Water drink mixes
Chips (any kind)
Vitamins
Books
Toiletries
Please once again forgive my tardiness on updating this page. Thank you so much for all that you at home do for us, your sincerity and kindness is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. While faces may change the mission does not, nor does seeing the faces of those who cant believe the support from home. Imagine the smiles that I see when after a long day of work without much gratitude the expression changes before my eyes when a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine are given something from home. It doesn’t have to be much and many will not ask for much due to they do not want to appear to be greedy. As I type this last statement let me tell you this, what you do for us whether it be a care package or a simple letter continues to boost our morale and warm our hearts. Its hard to imagine that with all of the economic issues that we're having at home that there are people who still take the time to care. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
14 Mar 2008
Your sincerity and kindness continues to be overpowering, we (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines) here completely appreciative for what you do for us. As the weather begins to warm so does the activity, so I apologize for my tardiness on updating the web page. Everyone at the Any soldier network from top to bottom, the volunteers, and to ALL of the men and women who continue to donate YOU bring smiles to faces. The attached picture was a was a "Thank you" picture that was directed to a donation group from South Carolina, who donated the knitted hats. Thank you again for all that you do.
The following Items were received:
Cookies
Snacks
Music Cd's
DVD's
Checker Board
Sports Magazines
Candy
Canned Food
Popcorn
Playing Cards
Shampoo
Shoe polish
Eye drops
Toothpaste
The following are request from Troops:
Snacks (General)
Power Bars
Books
Magazines (Sports/Muscle)
On the Go Crystal light
Potato Chips
Vitamins
ALL OF US here appreciate and respect all of you at home without you our morale would be low. THANK YOU AND MAY YOU ALL CONTIUE TO BE BLESSED!
V/r
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
29 Feb 2008
Thank you again for everything the generosity of everyone has me speechless. I continue to be blown away with amount of support. Everyone within the Any Soldier family you are especially appreciated and no amount of thanks can express on how we feel. THANK YOU all and may you continue to be blessed, you are truly angels on earth. The following pictures are of volunteers and participants during the Super Bowl 5K run in zero degree temperature, we had a great turnout.
The following items were received:
Tuna
Canned food
Candy
Cookies
Gum
Time magazines
Sports illustrated Magazines
Trail Life Magazine
Chapstick
Drink mix
The follow are request from Troops:
Vitamins
Power Bars
Sports/Muscle Magazines
Lays Sea Salt and Vinegar chips
Books
Snacks (general)
DVD's/CD's (no preference)
Playing cards/Games
On the go Crystal Lite (no preference)
Thank you again for everything, you are the real HEROES that keeps us going.
V/r
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
21 Feb 2008
Thank you again for all that you do, I am taken back when I see the generosity of the American people. In these times when gas prices have no end and job employment is not that great, the sincerity of strangers across this great nation is overwhelming and appreciated. The following picture is of the First Class Association in which part of our duties will be to mentor those and to help them succeed with their military career or their own personal career.
The following items were received:
Baby Wipes
Tooth Brushes
Foot Powder
Liquid hand Soap
Peanuts
Chapstick
Deodorant
Puzzles
Tooth Paste
The troops would still like to request:
Vitamins
Books (any kind)
Snacks (general)
DVD's or CD's (no preference)
Dried Fruit
Power Bars
On the go Crystal Light (any flavor)
Sports/Muscle Magazines
Lays Sea salt and Vineger Chips
Again your continued support is never taken for granted here and we here SALUTE YOU.
V/r
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
10 Feb 2008
Your kindness and generosity is forever appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thank you again for all of your support during these times when troops are away from home. The picture attached is from our USO show headlined by Robin Williams, also there to entertain were Kid Rock, Lewis Black, Lance Armstrong, and Miss USA. We are eternally grateful to all of you there.
The following items were received:
Reisons chocolate
Lotion
Shampoo
Mouth Wash
Deodorant
Hand Warmers
Hard Candy
Toiletries
The following items that troops request:
Jalapeno Cheetos
Lays Sea salt and Vinegar chips
Vitamins
Sports Magazines
Snacks (general)
Books
DVD's or CD's (Troop's have no preference)
Dried Fruit
Power Bars
On the Go Crystal light packs (any flavor)
Again we here the Navy troops in Afghanistan cannot say THANK YOU enough to all of your kindness and sincerity. We appreciate all that you do.
03 Feb 2008
I cannot begin to thank you for all of the support that you given troops all over the world. I continue to share your agency with others and profess that you all are definitely angels on this earth. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The following items were received:
Deodorant
Gold Bond foot powder
Shampoo
Soap
Sun block
Toothbrush
Cards
Razor
Baby Wipes
Drink Mix
Wash Clothes
The following items are items troops would like to request:
Reisons chocolate
Jalapeño Cheetos
Vitamins
Sports Magazines
Snacks (General)
Books
DVD's or CD's (Troop's have no preference)
dried fruit
Power Bars
27 Jan 2008
This was operation Christmas Cheer, we went around camp to deliver stockings and goody bags to all of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian personnel during the Holiday season. I'm the one with the Rudolph antlers and the blinking red nose. This was a very special day for my friends and myself. Christmas music played in the background as we drove all around camp, we laughed and joked the entire night, making Christmas feel as much as home as possible. Thank you again for your support.
22 Jan 2008
Address Has Changed
I thank you again for all of your efforts and generosity. I have spoke with my squad and there were a few request items listed below. However, I did make a mistake on my zip code. I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you again for your support and have a great day.
1. On the go Crystal light packs (any flavor)
2. Any lotion that contains either Vaseline or Aloe
3. Vitamins
4. Sports/Muscle magazines
5. Jalapeno Cheetos
6. Johnson and Johnson Baby powder
7. Rieson's chocolate
8. Power Bars
I cannot express enough the gratitude myself and others feel toward your undying dedication. Again I apologize for the incorrect zip code and I thank you for your support.
V/r
PS1(SCW) Bobby Manning
21 Jan 2008
The conditions here are as a expected but not too bad. The winter season is here and you combine the air with water quaility and you have a combination of extremely dry skin. Anything that keeps your skin moist is great. The electricity here is 110. We live in whats called a B-huts constructed of plywood and a tin roof. Everyone here within my B-hut are extremely supportive we share all snacks, because one person's least favorite snack will be a favorits of someone else. Recently my roommate received a microwave, so are now able to pop our popcorn inside instead of having to go outside to the harsh 8 degree weather that we have recently been receiving. I am merely representing the small squad that resides within our hut, but we are expected to receive an additional four, however, that has yet to be determined when that will happen. Unfortunately we have no females within our squad, but I do know some female soldiers/sailors within our camp, so any contributions Im sure would be helpful. Having civilian clothes would be nice, but we are not allowed to wear them. With that said I have noticed that a number of personnel who I see on the walk to the latrine are begining to wear Crocs(size 10). I was told that they are easier to put on instead of having to put on your boots, so I guess that would be my other request to go along with everyone's favorite snack of chocolate..:)
I am from a small town in Oklahoma and a Sooner fan through and through, so I am still heart broken that my beloved Sooners fell to the University of West Virgina. My home station and most of my squad are from San Diego, CA. Everyone within the squad has a host of jobs such as training Afghans, computer programmers, and my job is to push supplies, ammunition, and people to northern Afghanistan. My job is extremly fulfilling, so I have decided to extend my duty. I thank you for your time and charitable contributions and that you are the true heroes in this fight. I salute you!