WE THANK THE ORGANIZATIONS & INDIVIDUALS WHO SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS WITH THE VARIOUS DANDELION PROJECTS.  OFTEN TIMES, THE SOLDIERS SEND NOTES OF APPRECIATION, BELOW WE SHARE A FEW OF THESE WITH YOU!!!

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For Chanukah 2008, 12 electric menorahs, gelt and dreidels were sent to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Italy.

Dear MSAWI:

The Grinch who stole Chanukah was our Navy supply system. Despite the long standing order for Chanukah gelt, none appeared in the commissary.

Your Chanukah chocolates were an elegant variation on the theme and as the ad says, "Priceless!"

I hope that you heard the sound of delighted munching, as well as some envious moans from my Christian colleagues. With so much "Oy to the world" and worries about freedom's lights being extinguished, your Chanukah gifts and greetings gave me and B'nai Napoli a sweet repast and a memory kindler of celebrations past.

Todah Rabbah. May Hashem strengthen you for the days and the work ahead.

B'shalom,

Lieutenant Commander Seth P.

Dear MSAWI:

We've loved the lighted menorah.  Sheldon, a Jewish soldier from Brigade and myself have been lighting candles (bulbs) daily at 710pm.  We've had two other Jewish individuals and a few non-Jews come to our service.  My commander jokes that I've turned her hospital into the Base Temple. 

I also hosted a Shabbat dinner.  We had the Shabbat in the Operating Room.  I managed to piece together meals/food from past Army Passover boxes, Purim boxes and foods that we have received.  I went out to the Afghan bakery and talked the baker into making me Afghan challah.  It didn't quite taste the same but we wrapped the bread in the classical kneaded fashion.

I also obtained some kosher wine from the Catholic Chaplain.  I'm not too good at this stuff but it was truly a wonderful Sabbath and Chanukah meal.  I have the prayer book for Jewish Soldiers.  I went through the candle lighting ceremony (we all broke chem lights) for the Shabbat.  We sang some songs and did the prayers for the various meals.  It was really something special.

Before we began we dedicated our 1st Shabbat to your brother Stuart.  And then we dedicated it to you.  You see without your support and love it would not have been possible.  Your work in the Jewish community in your brother's memory made it all happen.  You see...I'm not very religious (in fact one of the guys had not done anything Jewish in 20 years) but because of the items sent I was inspired to make Chanukah and the Sabbath a community happening.  I really did not know what I was doing but managed to get a religious service going and dinner.  With the people and junk that we put together, we managed to make a little Jewish community from nothing.  Despite it all Chanukah happened; and it happened in a good way.  Next I'm working on a Havdallah service.  If I can't get any formal supplies, I think I'm going to get some spices from the dining facility and the coffee shop.  I may even braid some candles together.

You will really like the pictures from the Sabbath.  It's nothing formal but as you mentioned in your last letter, it gives testament to our people and our ability and determination to survive as a people and a religion.

Major Brian F.

US Army

Happy Chanukah to you and your entire family. I think about our situation in the world every time I say the "Prayer for Home" and "Prayer for our Country". It really hits me when thinking about the cumulative sacrifices that are made daily by our service men and women and the outstanding support given us by people like yourselves. It means so much to know, even as many in the US do not support the war, caring people support "the warfighter" - and that makes all the difference. As Jules used to tell me... even if we can positively affect one Iraqi each through our efforts, we have left a legacy. Thank you again for your gracious support to us in Iraq. Shalom,

Dear Morah Bev S. - I just wanted to send this note to say thanks to you and all the children of SAR Academy for the Chanukah cards and the gift of the Menorah.

I really appreciate your leadership as a teacher and the generosity of the kids.  All of you have made Chanukah here in the war zone that much more special and have touched our hearts.

Happy Chanukah!

Rich M. Cmdr, US Navy

Thank you to B'nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, Fl, for their Soldier Packages as part of their Yom Mitzvot Day (Community Service Day), November 16, 2008

I got a package with your esteemed brother's name on it from a synagogue in Florida.  Thank you for all your hard work!

Sincerely,

1LT Jonathan R.

Al-Asad Airbase

Thank you from Camp Black Horse (click here to view note)

Thank you from a base in Iraq (click here to view note)

I would like to thank you so much for the Veterans Day package, as well as the Socks for Soldiers donation that you made.  One thing we can't get enough of is socks, very thoughtful because they are always needed.

I was reading the newsletter that you sent with the package I received on Veterans Day.  The organization that you have set up in honor of your brother is both respectful and pays tribute to his sacrifice.

Every U.S. service member that is killed in Afghanistan returns to Bagram Air  Base before they make the trip back home.  We all fall out, no matter what time of day or night, and line the streets as the vehicle carrying the casket proceeds to the Aircraft.  Once the vehicle reaches each service member at attention, we all render a final salute to our fallen comrade.  That to me is a reminder of the sacrifice that both that service member and that member's family has made in protection of our freedom.  I can honestly say that I am proud to have served with each and every one of them.  They will never be forgotten, mainly due to the countless efforts and dedication that individuals like you and your organization provide to the preservation of their memory and sacrifice.

Thank you again for the packages and for thinking of us.  Also thank you for offering to send the electric menorahs, we will certainly have a happy Hanukah thanks to your donation.

Shalom

SrA Chris R, US Air Force

I received the Socks a few days ago.  They were gobbled up.  The items didn't even last the day.  There were many, many smiling faces.