Just chocolate chips. Note says:

I woke up with such a scare when I heard Santa call...

"Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

I ran to the lawn, and in the snowy white drifts,

those nasty reindeer had left "little gifts".

I got an old shovel and started to scoop

Neat little piles of "reindeer poop."

But to throw them away seemed such a waste,

So I saved them, thinking you might like a taste!

As I finished my task, which took quite a while,

Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled.

And I heard him exclaim as he rose to the sky

"Well, they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!"

I got a care package yesterday from my very first pen-pal ever! It was so exciting!

See what was inside! : missminie.blog.com/

Also, it just so happens that this month's Project De Colores colors are yellow and blue! So I HAD to take this :)

Like my photography? Then 'Like' my photography page!

www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-by-Minie/1055463694829...

care package treats for a friend.

Comedian Dan Smith donated a bunch of his DVDs and CDs to be included in our Holiday Love care packages.

contents of care package i received from a friend in america...mini bunny bento box with bunny chopsticks.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) assembles a care package for a serviceperson in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

contents of care package i received from a friend in america...cookie cutters (used in bento)

Preparing my husband for the zombie apocalypse, even though he's stationed in another country.

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott Schlup, a load master with the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, assists a member of the Polish air force prepare a pallet for transport on a Polish Air Force Casa 295. The Polish air force flew here for the initial stage in airlifting holiday care packages to Polish troops stationed in Afghanistan. The 2,000 packages were flown back to Poland by the Polish air force's Casa 295 aircraft and will be delivered by Polish military airlift in the country's recently acquired C-130E. The packages, provided by the American Polish Forum in the U.S., contain sweets and comforts items, as well as a handwritten card and an "oplatek (OH-PWA-TEK)," a traditional Polish wafer shared on Christmas Eve. Held under the slogan "Adopt a Polish Soldier," the care-package initiative was financed by $25 donations collected from people across the world. The humanitarian mission has gained the support from foreign affairs officials both in Washington and Warsaw, with backing from former U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Pfc. Cecilia Morales, a medic with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and native of Escondito, Calif., sorts packages for fellow Soldiers on Camp Striker, Iraq. A Syracuse, N.Y., radio station, Big Frog 104, sent packages to the 210th BSB as a way to show their support for the Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Amanda Nalls, 210th BSB, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI))

I did a ridiculous amount of cooking since Thursday because I packed the food into one huge care package for a good friend who got injured recently.

Contents included:

- 5 servings of Tangy Spiced Brisket

- 2 servings of Chicken Braised with Taro & Coconut Milk 香芋椰雞煲

- 2 servings of Zha Jiang Mian 炸醬麵

- 1 serving of Shandong Shredded Chicken With Smashed Cucumbers 山東燒雞

- 5 servings of Asian Slaw With Marinated Tofu

- 2 servings of Stir Fried Broccoli Mushroom & Chicken

Read more at Dessert By Candy.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

I got this awesome care package from my best friend, Kelsey and his amazing family! Awesome goodies. =)

Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing and employees from Best Buy Corporate joined forces to support Operation Gratitude at the Best Buy Corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Lynette Olivares)

My Dad and his wife send us a care package each year with lots of Christmas goodies in it. It arrived today, full of Extra Strong Mints and Marmite and lots of other hard-to-find-UK-things. Splendid Stuff! If everything looks a little "dusty" it is because one of the "Instant Whips" seems to have leaked a little in transit, but no harm done, it is all wonderful stuff.

RALEIGH, N.C. –Volunteers with BB&T’s Light House Project, a community service program, teamed with Military Missions in Action Fill the Footlocker Program, pack more than 1,500 care packages for deployed North Carolina National Guard Soldiers. “It is nice to give back to those who supported me when I deployed,” said BB&T Lead Identity Access Management Developer Ricky Blue, top center, also an Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the North Carolina National Guard who returned from deployment with NCNG’s 113th Sustainment Brigade last year. The BB&T volunteers provided the planning, labor and bought the gifts but MMIA provided the transport and shipping through donations for postage. “The program brings together businesses and volunteers for a wonderful cause,” said Mendy Rausch, MMIA executive assistant. (U.S. Army National Guard by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan / Released)

My big brother sent me the coolest care package from back home in the U.S.: Burt's Bees Baby Butter (for stretch marks, obviously -- and not to put on bread!), an adorable pregnancy journal (even if I'm already nearly 6 months along!), some of my favorite Goldfish crackers, the Once movie soundtrack (we rented it together while I was home in January), some Wet & Wild lipliners, and a gift for my boy, the 3:10 to Yuma DVD -- seriously, he thinks of everything!

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

New additions to my desk montage, wheat Elevator magnets and 'You're optimism is killing me' card courtesy of an Edmontonian friends.

I was lucky enough to have one of these in Heidi's Blog Givaway

Blogged

- - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Fui una de las afortunadas en tener esta bolsita que Heidi Kenney regalo en su Blog!

ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.

Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.

Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.

U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Ian Shay, 143d ESC

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing and employees from Best Buy Corporate joined forces to support Operation Gratitude at the Best Buy Corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Lynette Olivares)

ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.

Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.

Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.

U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Ian Shay, 143d ESC

USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (background) watches as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader, of California, signs a greeting card to be delivered to troops downrange. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler

Pictures of herself, boxers, teddy bear, colorful socks, letter, LOLCat page, and you can't see but a ton of candy

Also please note the hello kitty key chain on the corner. It's rocking Kanye's Shutter Shade glasses

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Elated Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard's Headquarters-Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, toss their Project Minagof care packages into the air Nov. 20 at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. Close to 600 Guam Guardsmen received packages from a program sponsored by Guam's lieutenant governor, Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Eddie Siguenza/Released)

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

Thanks Emilybeee for the awesome carepackage! You are rock :)

POUTINE GRAVY MMM!

He's mapped out where all my siblings and I are and used our nicknames that I thought were a secret to only us kids. He even knows that we call him "Ahpps". The smarties because they make you smart and is one of my dad's favorite candies. Tootsie rolls because I love those. PB was a request, extra crunchy. I did receive a few practical things and of course, my father's signature gift of books. Looking forward to going home in November to see my Ah-ppa.

Soldiers from Watertown’s Bravo Troop, 105th Cavalry, pose Aug. 23 with a few of the many care packages sent to Iraq by the hometown VFW and American Legion posts. Soldiers are, from left to right, Pvt. Jeremy Jenson, Spc. Daniel Sorensen, Spc. Howard Strum, Pfc. Joseph Cascario, and Spc. Nicholas Pawelski. Photo by 1st Sgt. Thomas Bruss.

北海道滝川市一の坂町

ブラッドから貰ったお菓子です。

Look at all this crap!!! Got it in the mail from Cananada. Gaijin4Life is da man! :D

(most of that disappeared that day)

;)

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.

Official Presidio of Monterey Web site

Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook

PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.

USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (L) joins Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida to sign a flag to be sent to troops downrange. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler

I put together a care package for my brother who was in Afghanistan over the Christmas period.

Back row l to r: Homemade Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti, Cake Mix Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies, Homemade Spicy Cashew Nuts

Middle: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Front row l to r: Homemade Fudge, Bombay Mix, Marshmallows for Hot Chocolate Mix

All packaging and labeling was designed and made by me using Photoshop CS3 and cardstock.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

ROCK STAR package from Matt (aka Fanboy29).

www.flickr.com/photos/stevedave/

OMG!! I was pretty much crapping my pants when the post man delivered this to my door. AHHHH!!!

My mum and Kels are the best!!!!!!!!!! :D! I can not thank them enough for gathering all this together for me! :)

I got the Mamegomas, Bami (the plushies were on my wishlist for a while!!), and tins from Tamaya <33 Excellent pricess!!! I am sooo happy I was able to find them (and soooo happy Johan got them for me!!! I love him! <3)!! But they only could ship to the states so I had them shipped to my mum! :)

My friend Kels picked up the Rilakkuma snacks for me!! HE IS THE BEST!! I am not sure if I even want to eat them since they look so adorable!!!! :P

The Kogepan bread guy is for Lorri, the battery dog memo is for Riki <3.

The other small goodies are for swaps (sticker sheets, deco tapes)

I ordered the Mamegoma grab bag and those two sticker sacks on LJ but they didn't reach me in time before I left to Sweden, so I had to wait.

LOL MUM for including that book. LOL. "10 Coversations You Must Have Before Getting Married" so silly of her! :P

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.

Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.

The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.

After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.

Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.

Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.

Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (R) joins Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader, of California, in the queue to jelp stuff packages. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler