We here at Packages From Home would like to thank the many volunteers, Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout troops, donors and all the many organizations who have given their time and money to help with our cause. This year has been especially challenging since we depend so heavily on financial donations and in these tough economic times it is important to remember who we are doing this for. We're not doing this for us to "feel" good, nor are we doing this to make you "feel" good, we ARE however doing this to help our brave men and women overseas in harms way to feel cared for.

I was a United States Marine for nine years and was sent overseas many times and even spent some time in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. I can remember how it felt to get a package from home, to get some things that I couldn't get while deployed and to just know somebody was thinking about me.

I can also remember days, just sitting there feeling lonely hoping to hear from home or get a package and then "mail call" would come. "Mail call" came every day, and most days most guys wouldn't get anything, myself included and you could see the disappointment in our eyes when our names weren't called by the platoon Sergeant. And, you could see the joy in the eyes of those who did get something in "mail call".

Now over 17 years later I'm fortunate enough to be in a position that allows me the opportunity to change those feeling for the guys and gals who have so honorably answered the call to duty.

We here at Packages From Home are asking you to remember who we're doing this for and know that we really are making a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you.