I wanted to share with you something my mother has done for our soldiers. Most of the time you hear talk about parents being proud of their kids. Sometimes, the kids get to be proud of their parents. Im fortunate that my parents have given Patrick and I so much to be proud of. This is just something else that makes me proud of MaMaw. She has spent hours and hours sewing scarfs for our soldiers in Afghanistan. I mean hours. Below is a total of the amount of scarfs she has sent, each with a personal note. She received an email from one of our men over there, it is copied below. We love you MaMaw, we are so proud.
All together -
2010 - 35
2011 - 412
2012 - 306
Total 753
From: Bailey, Danette D CSM USA 3-401st AFSBn CSM <danette.d.bailey@afghan.swa.army.mil>
Date: Wed, Nov 21, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Subject: (U) Thank you for the hand made scarf,
To: OpGrat@gmail.com
UNCLASSIFIED
Ms. Ayers,
I wanted to take this time out to say thank you for the beautiful scarf,
that I received in a care package sent to me from Operation Gratitude.
I am the Bn SGM for my battalion here in Bagram Afghanistan. It is a
great feeling to know that our American people still show care, love,
gratitude and support for the Warfighters of this great nation we fight
so hard for as an American Soldier today. I never take for granted how
bless I am to continue my duty, loyalty and selfless service after 31
years of service and still continue to live the Army values while
serving here in Afghanistan. Although I have only been here for a
little over 2 months with 10 months to go, it feels like eternity.
However I have a mission to complete and I plan to do just that. The
Soldiers, DA Civilians and Contractors who serve under my leadership, I
am thankful for their support as well.
Please know that I appreciate the time and care that you took in making
this scarf that I will carry in my bag during my BFC's (Battle Field
Circulations) until I am back home to the states to wear it proudly for
all to see.
I am very thankful, God Bless you and thank you again.
SGM Danette Bailey
3-401st AFSBn
Bagram, Afghanistan
APO AE 09354
DSN (312)-864-5294
MMCS: 644-5294 Cell: 079-619-6536
SWA:Danette.d.bailey@afghan.swa.army.mil
"First to the Line"
UNCLASSIFIED
I am so excited. I have now received three thank you letters. More than I ever received in a year before, all in a week. And, I am so happy to see some going to soldiers from Ft. Campbell. So, the soldiers are just now getting the first shipments. I do write a note to each one and say a little prayer over each one. I figure it's the least I can do, but it's also something really good I can do. I will top 1,000 in 2013, and I will keep going at least as long as the yarn donated by Kathy Parker's mother (God rest her soul) holds out. As far as being proud, I am flattered, but I have expressed many times that this is an honor. I see a little bit of you all (you, Patrick, Brooke and Cass) in each one of these soldiers, and I want to honor each one for the huge, huge sacrifice they are making. Giving them a little bit of home is the best thing I can do.
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