Hugs From Home

"Packages received, thank you very much.
Task Force Southwest CE"

Letter from the Troops :)

"Good Evening,

I just wanted to express my gratitude for the care package we received. The
letter was very nice and we hope the author did well on her math test that
she wrote about. Life over here is somewhat similar to back in the United
States, but it definitely has its differences. We wear the same uniforms
every day, eat at the same locations, and work every day. We cannot drink
the water from the sinks, do not have kitchens, trees, grass, or anything
else of color over here. It's all dirt and sand! The one interesting thing
we do have over here, are camels! They live in the wild out here! The breaks
are very enjoyable when we get to read letters and enjoy the care packages
that are sent to us.

We work every day with the knowledge that we are not doing it for ourselves,
but for everyone back home. We want to make the most out of our time and
ensure you all are safe. I like to write down five topics that I am thankful
for everyday and five topics I am working on. I will definitely put your
contributions to the list of what I am thankful for.

Very Respectfully,

Captain Karl J. W***e

Latest update from Hugs from Home newsletter :)

Sorry for our absence! Here is a recent update with some thank you notes from our troops :)

Every year, the Oceanside Elks Lodge hosts a Thanksgiving meal for our active duty military and their families to thank them for their hard work and sacrifice. Here are some photos of this years event :)

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Pictured is from left to right:
John Eastman, Val Alley and Sandee Murphy.

Hugs from Home Elks #1561 Director, Sandee Murphy is presenting John a blanket for his service in the Army during WWII.

"G'day from down under,

Thank you very much for the packages that you and your supporters sent to our company! Joker Company, 2/4 is very appreciative of the love and support we receive from the home front. Your contributions have helped lift the spirits and provide a moment of relaxation, to the Marines and sailors currently forward deployed. The dedication of our supporters at home
continues to help us drive forward. Please share our thoughts with all those who contributed.
Semper Fi!

Respectfully,
First Sergeant B. P. Holloway
Company G 2d Bn, 4th Marines
"Joker 8"

Thanks and appreciation are given to all of those volunteers who made this wonderful time possible, and to our chef Paul who put on a terrific meal!

Pictured are from right to left: Lou Cordova, Sandee Murphy, David of Amphibious Assault Battalion School aboard Camp Pendleton and Dorothy Traver.

Presentation by the ladies of Hugs from Home Elks Lodge #1561 to Marine at Thanksgiving dinner put on by the Lodge. Thanks and appreciation are given to all of those volunteers who made this wonderful time possible, and to our chef Paul who put on a terrific meal!

"I would to thank you very much for the morale box Steve Allen sponsored and the Elks Lodge sent to us at the 15th MEU. It was the best box we've seen by far. It is being shared by many Marines and has been a huge hit.

We greatly appreciate everyone thinking about us out here.

Very respectfully,

David C. Segraves
Maj, USMC
Staff Judge Advocate
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit"

"Our platoon sends the deepest gratitude for the care package we received in Okinawa sent from you! It's awesome to know that people are thinking of us back in the states during the time we are away from family and friends. We are all greatly appreciative of your thoughts and efforts, and how a simple gesture can brighten our days.

Thank you again, and enjoy your week!

-The Marines and Sailors of 2/1 Golf Company, 2nd Platoon"