Time to give thanks

Just wanted to take a moment tonight to share some thanks. There are some amazing organizations that support those of us who are deployed, and they deserve some "public" acclaim. Lots of people ask me what they can send - truthfully, we're pretty well set here, but you wouldn't go wrong supporting these organizations. I can say first hand that they deliver. :)

USO: Probably the best known of the bunch. Although we don't have a USO here (and have yet to see any USO shows!) the support we received in Kuwait and Qatar was professional, friendly, and exactly what was needed. :)

Operation Gratitude: I had never heard of this group before I arrived here in Afghanistan. Individuals sign themselves up to receive a package, so you know it's going to someone that wants it. :) I signed up (yes, I was curious!) and literally within a few weeks had a terrific care package.

AnySailor: Individual Sailors (or Soldiers/Airmen/Marines) sign themselves up as liaisons. Mail sent to them is then passed to other personnel who aren't receiving much. There are websites for each of the services, but obviously I'm biased. :)

Sister to Sister Secret Santa Project: No website to link you to, but just wanted to mention this group. They're a small group out of Oregon that used the AnySoldier link to send a bunch of packages this way just for women. Great goodies in the box and very friendly people answering the thank-you email.


I'm sure there are many others, but these are just the ones I've come into contact with personally. It is truly inspiring to see the amount of support here - charities, church groups, schools - you name it, they've probably sent packages. It really does make a difference.

I'll close with just a couple of pictures, both taken today. The first was at sunrise, and the second was this afternoon after the haze had blown away. Yep, I'm a sucker for a good mountain picture. :)