Honor and Comfort

From the Front

Real letters from real soldiers, moms, dads, doctors. See for yourself how YOU can make a difference. For security reasons, names have been X'd out. More letters can be seen here: http://www.operationquietcomfort.com/FromTheFront.html

Stamp Letter and United States Flag received November 9, 2007
AFGHANISTAN

Dear Mrs. Pate and all working with Operation: Quiet Comfort:

On behalf of the Camp XXXX Medical Team, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude for your care packages. I am sure that you will be glad to hear that the items we received not only benefited our soldiers but those circulating on this camp as well. Your dedication in supporting the troops serving in Afghanistan is heart touching and a breath of fresh air. Too often the public is polarized by political opinion and the service members get caught in the middle. Either way we appreciate your support for what we do.

As a token of appreciation, we would like to present you the enclosed American Flag, flown on September 11, 2007. Please accept our gift as a symbol of our united effort to support each other as American citizens. On behalf of my team and those who benefited from your
supplies...Thank You.

Best regards,

2LT XXXXXXX., MS
Platoon Leader

Letter postmarked October 23, 2007
IRAQ

I just wanted to take a moment to thank your operation and all the wonderful people who donated their time and items to us. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to get a small piece of home. Words cannot express our gratitude and everything people do for us back home. The cards, gifts, and prayers are an encouragement and a blessing, and I can't say thank you enough.

I am one of the emergency room physicians over here in XXXX and I have seen terrible things. But to see our troops smile when we can give them that piece of home is an unbelievable thing and a blessing.

I speak for all the troops that you all have touched when I say thank you. May God bless you all.

Thank you,

CPT XXXXX

Message received October 12, 2007
IRAQ

First of all let me say thank you very much, really. And let me tell you a little more about our team. We are a small 4 man medical team. We have the world's greatest Physician's Assistant and three medics including myself. We see quite a few guys - a lot of daily sick type stuff, and we are also set up for level 1 trauma. We have seen a lot in the little time here. We treat locals and military.

We really are appreciative due to the fact that we stay on this combat outpost and never leave. We are not able to drive back to the FOB when we like or just get a ride, we are all these guys have for medical support out side of the major hospital, therefore we cannot go to the PX or store like most soldiers, we depend on support of family, friends, relative and anyone with a big heart for support.

Thank you again to you and your support group.

XXXXXXX
Foward Aidstation NCOIC

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Message received September 5, 2007
IRAQ

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for all your generous donations to the XXXXth CSH. You have helped us change lives. Your commitment to us is overwhelming. It's difficult for us to really tell you how much you are appreciated by the patients and staff of the hospital. You've been a valuable asset to the mission behind us and before us.

As we are getting ready to end this adventure we realize how blessed we have been. With the hospital redeploying we ask in complete appreciation and thankfulness of your support thus far that you withhold any more contributions to the XXXXth CSH until after the new Chaplain arrives.

Thank you again for all you've done for the American Soldiers.

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Message received September 15, 2007
IRAQ

Thank you so much for your email, I appreciate it. It is great to hear some feedback from the American people and the support. I see it sometimes in the newspaper, but to actually write a letter to a supporter is great and feels good in my heart.

I don't know how much longer I have on this earth here in Iraq as everything is in God's hands, but I hope that I do return to my family alive.

Thank you for your support Ms. Lori and your organization!!

XXXXXXX

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Message received September 15, 2007
AFGHANISTAN

Tell everyone Hi for us and that we really appreciate the thoughts and the support that you are sending out. There is so much in the media now ...and many feel of us feel that with all the dissention going on at home among the politicians that we are not supported. All of us made the choice to be in our branches of the military and ultimately to be here. We of course being in the medical arena, BELONG here to support the warfighters. It is surprising to hear how much better the troops feel when they have a medic with them in convoys or know that the doctors and nurses are close and ready to take care of them.

...We will use the shoes and anything else you all will send. If we can't we will pass it on. Nothing goes to waste or is thrown out around here.

Again thanks for caring.

XXXXXXXXX

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Message received September 23, 2007
AFGHANISTAN

Thank you for the words of encouragement. It must be great to have the support you have while giving support. I imagine it is just fun to have them there and talking and working together for something that they all believe in.

We have again been busy. Another mother will get sad news and other mothers will be suddenly afraid and then relieved. Keep them in your prayers tonight. It is my job to be there at these times and help my soldiers get through what can only be explained as a difficult time for us as well. Hopefully these events won't be for nothing.

XXXXX

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Message received September 25, 2007
from the mom of a wounded soldier in the
Burn Unit Brooke Army Medical Center Fort Sam Houston, Texas

NOTE: We regret to report that this soldier passed away September 26, 2007, at the age of 21 due to combat injuries. His memorial can be seen here.

Lori,

I am PFC Mathew XXXX Mom. I wanted to take the time to send you a big Thank You to you and your group. The quilt is so beautiful!!!!! I can't wait to show Mathew!!

Right now he isn't able to have anything in his room, due to the infections that he has. They don't want anything coming in contact with him. I will never be able to find the words to Thank You for everything you all are and have done. I know that Mathew is going to enjoy this quilt. Please keep up your wonderful work, I am sure that everyone you give these quilts to will enjoy them. Thank you again and please keep my Mathew in all your Prayers!!!!

Love,

Patty XXXXX

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