Dear Friends of Leaf

As the Marines of Company D 2nd LAR approach our much anticipated rotation back to CONUS, I felt it necessary to thank all you one more time via this forum.

As Many of you know we have proudly became your adopted family of Marines. You have showered us with love and support, that has forever left us indebted to you.

We have, as many of you know, been the tip of the spear in the fight for Iraqi Freedom. Our successes have not came without sacrifice.

We recently received another package from OFTH and a fine package of Cigars from two gentlemen in Richmond Virginia. The package was marked as containing 2 pair of gloves, I couldn't help but laugh when I opened it.

We have been out of the area for the last 10 days. We were sent to another FOB where they desperately needed the type of fire power, muneverabilty, and bravery your adopted Company possesses.

Needless to say your Marines performed flawlessly and saved lives in the process.

You have definately stepped out from behind the shadows and became doers of deeds. You have greatly impacted the lives of these young warriors. At times the ispiration and instestinal fortitude you have provided for these young hard chargers through your support and kind words has ensured they did not waiver. You should be proud of yourselves.

Once again I say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, God Bless you, God Bless President Bush, and God Bless The United States of America.

Semper Fi

Michael

Michael,

And the rest of the Marines of Company D 2nd LAR

God Bless You and the Men and Women who are making the Sacrifices, the being away from your family's and doing the things that have to be done to bring a freedom and democracy to the Millions who have Never lived it....

I did not get a chance to send into the groups shipments on these pasts... I will have time on my hands as of late to join in the many more though...

as I have read your thank you to the group it is hard to hold back the water in my eye's....

1. Because after 18 1/2 yrs I myself just yesterday had to hang up my Shootin Irons and stuff away my uniforms for the services to this Nation... One thing that will never be taken away is the memories of those years of service nor the months away from family to serve for what I know and felt was Right...

2. The Pride I read in your post of the Unit and Accomplishments.. Please just remember and pass the word on through the ranks... Your Not Home Yet and let No Man be packing in his mind while the Job is not completed... Once your all a Half Hour off the Ground then it will be time to reminisce about the things at home and what its going to be like...

Again God Bless and Thank You All for your Service and Making America what it's all About!!!!

Hog

^

1st Sgt,

Am honored to have been able to contribute to our effort in some small way. I have kept you all in my thoughts & prayers these past weeks.

Another letter & a few smokes are on the way. You should get the package in a week or so.

Maybe I can get another out to you in August as I have been composing another letter regaling more Hatfield family antics.

The wife has been so kindly disposed with me for sharing my cigars with you guys, that she gave me her blessing to buy more! hehe

I told you I had an ulterior motive!

God bless the United States Marine Corp & you tell those boys that THEY ROCK!!!!!

i can't tell you how proud i am of you guys. not a day passes that i don't think of all you're doing, all you guys sacrifice and put on the line. god bless each one of you!

i hoped that OpFTH would be a success -- by that, i mean i hoped that a few folks would kick in and write a letter and maybe a couple would send boxes over and join in the effort. never did i think that so many great folks here would give so much. i'm proud of them, too, especially bill for stepping up to help run this wacky show. lol

thank you, cbid brothers, for all you've put into this effort.

thank you, our adopted marines, for the many, many sacrifices you've made and still continue to make. may god watch over you and bring each of you home safely and soon.

thank you, first sgt., for distributing the letters, cards and goodies to all the men there. thank you for the photos and for the letters and emails and letting us know the impact OpFTH has had.

i am humbled at how a small idea grew into such a successful mission and am grateful to hear that OpFTH participants really did make a difference. thank you!

tony

p.s. the 1 aug box is loaded and will head out monday a.m.! enjoy!