Hi everyone, Have been coordinating quite a few things lately and finally have a few minutes to write and bring everyone up to date on our efforts. -First, I'm proud to announce that the results are in from our last fiscal year and 98% of our funds went directly to our programs! I think that's about an A+ rating as far as charity's go. This is all because of the tremendous efforts of a handful of volunteers. Thank you to all of them. I do have to warn in advance that the numbers will go down a little for the current tax year though. We have had such tremendous success that we are now in a category that we have had to pay for CPA services and someone to help us keep up with the bookkeeping on a regular basis. -We've adopted another new camp - in Afghanistan. Please read the copied and pasted e-mail at the bottom to hear about their recent tragedy. I already shipped a package out to them last week when I got the message. -There is also a final message from Capt (now Major) Harvey in Camp Taji, Iraq. Please read that as well. Updates: -We are now concentrating on shipping out G.S. cookies that are coming in by the hundreds, along with our usual much sought after Beef Jerky, slim Jims, healthy snacks foods. -Special Collection - EASTER is coming up quickly! We are collecting indiv. wrapped hard candy, indiv. wrapped small chocolates (eggs, etc.) and plastic Easter eggs, decorations. We will be making Easter Baskets (bags) for as many as we can, along with shipping plastic eggs for Easter Egg hunts. In addition we will be co-hosting a dinner with Moe's SW Grill at Walter Reed on March 16h and I'd like to bring lots of Easter Bags/stuffed Eggs with me for the patients. Cards, letters, crosses, etc. would also be an added plus if you have a group that is interested in contributing anything like that. Shipping for these items will have to be done the very beginning of March to get overseas in time. Things for Walter Reed can be donated up until the 13th. I'll finally be updating the website in the next couple days with the Golf Tournament information and sign up forms if you are interested in playing or becoming a sponsor. We already have a new corporate sponsor this year so far and are hoping to attract more. We already have the bus lined up to bring the patients over from Walter Reed and Bethesda and are looking forward to another fun outing. Send your forms in as soon as possible so we can plan early. -If you are with a G.S. Troop that is donating G.S. cookies through the Gift of Caring program. Please call me to make arrangements for delivery (703-327-6628). Please do not deliver to our commercial drop-off sites. I think that is all so I'll let you read the letters. As always, feel free to call or write with any questions. Thanks again for your support...Mary....read below... Hi all: I'm presently in Pennsylvania because my Dad has taken very ill. If there can be good from bad (and I suppose there always can) in my case the plus is I get to speak to my brother Greg (who's serving in Afghanistan) on almost a daily basis as we keep in touch about Dad. That said, I offer you all a nice chance to help our men and women in the Military. Greg is at some little base? camp? I don't know, but it is accessible only by helicopter and they measure their snowfalls in FEET. When we spoke yesterday, I found out that their Mess Hall had just fallen victim to an electrical fire. They can't even break ground for a new one till the April thaw. Until then they all live on MRE's and care packages (he says they are eating LOTS of ramen noodles!) So if you happen to run by Wal Mart or Target or the Supermarket and find yourself in the junk food aisle, or feel like making a few batches of you fave cookies, I know some guys (there are only 3 women on the entire base) and a few girls who could use a show of USA love. Thanks, Laurel My brother is Captain Greg Minetos (they all put the goodies in one central spot and share) AND...
MARY HACKER, FOUNDER OPERATION PINECONE
Well, as we reach a milestone for our redeployment, the mail cut off date (today 15 FEB) I wanted to send out one last note to you and say thank you for all that you have done for HHC/2 BCT, 82d ABN DIV here in Iraq. Believe me, your efforts and tremendous support did not go unnoticed by the Paratroopers of this unit. On their behalf, please accept my most sincere appreciation for what you do for us and Soldiers everywhere. I was blessed to have all the support you sent us during this 15 month deployment.
I have included a couple pictures of my "goodie table". It seems to get a lot of mention in letters and notes with boxes. I thought maybe you would like to see just how immense it really is. To put it in perspective - the wall it is one is 18 foot long. It was always full thanks to your efforts.
As we return to Bragg, know that you had an impact on our time here. Thank you for having the vision to create what you have created and dedication to see it through.
All the Way... and then some!
Jonathan L. Harvey
MAJ, FA
Commander HHC/ 2BCT, 82d ABN DIV - Iraq
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