troop letter: Afghanistan

January 05, 2012

I am stationed mainly out of a base called Camp Leatherneck

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the wonderful Americans involved with Support the Troops, Inc.

My name is Katie and I am a United States Marine currently deployed for a year to Afghanistan.  I received a package through the Chaplain from your organization a few weeks ago and wanted to take the time to make sure that you knew how much your time and well-wishes are appreciated.

I am stationed mainly out of a base called Camp Leatherneck, but my job as a combat correspondent with Public Affairs (essentially, a journalist) takes me all over the country.  I have seen some beautiful parts of Afghanistan, as well as some desolate, war-torn portions.  My husband holds the same job (in fact, we met at our training school) and he is also currently deployed.  We are blessed to get to see each other from time to time when we are not both travelling and reporting.  Our deployments are both coming to an end in the next few months, and we look forward to heading back to North Carolina where we are stationed so we can enjoy our new sailboat and a few months of downtime before we head on to the next great plan the Marine Corps has in store for us.

I do not expect a reply, but one is welcome! Internet connectivity is iffy around here so I do not access my email daily or even weekly, but I do make a point of checking it whenever I can.  The important thing from this correspondence is that you understand that a your time, efforts, financial contributions, and most importantly your support, brought holiday cheer to MANY MARINES during an otherwise bleak time.  I was able to share items from your package with Marines at far-off patrol bases who do not have the luxury of receiving regular mail.  You touched many lives this year and we thank you.

God Bless,
Katie