Christmas Care Package.....
Touching Email Letter sent on Dec 24, 2012:...
"This holiday season has been especially difficult for me and my little boys, 2 and 8. My babies are my life and its been difficult to tell them I don't have a specific food they like or can't buy a toy they want, like the singing toothbrush for my 8-year-old has been obsessing over. Today I walked into the commissary and when my little guy asked for a snack I didn't have to say not today, again. I wasn't nervous and scared of not having enough money. The gift cards for food were literally a blessing! The gas card allowed me to take the boys to the park they love which is 30 minutes away. It meant I could go out with my kids and not worry about how much was left in the tank. The Christmas Care Package meant I didn't have to choose between feeding my kids or fuel for the car and as a mother of growing boys the feeling of relief from these worries is indescribable. I am not sure what words would fully capture how I feel, but the three I can think of are
gratefulness, hope, and love."
Thank you, Linda (USMC Spouse)
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Social Media post from Steven Wagner;
Purple Heart Honor Hunt.
"What an adventure. No words to describe how amazing of an experience this was. Once in a life time event. Thank you to Amanda Wagner for signing me up for this. Huge thanks to Support U.S. Armed Forces & WildLifers for an outstanding hunt and a once in a life time opportunity. Hagen Watkins from Mellon Creek Outfitters made this hunt so fun and such a memory for me. Truly made me feel welcomed and did what he could every single day to lay the smack down on some great deer. When they say everything is taken care of for us they truly mean that. I can never thank them enough for the kindness they showed me. They are true supporters of the US military. I'll forever be thankful for this opportunity.
825 yard shot on a deer which is my longest passing my 100 yard longest shot. Never thought I would have ever made much less considered a shot that far in my life.
Can't wait to see the episode!
Nick Weaver Can't wait to see the work you put in behind the camera! Thank you for capturing this journey for me.
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Here are comments from attendee's at the
REACH Military Marriage Retreat...
Good morning Crystal, Bill & SUPPORT Team,
Thank you so much for this weekend. We appreciate the time & energy that went into making this such a warm & welcoming retreat for our family.
It was great hearing from experienced married couples who have navigated the challenges of marriage & reaped the benefits. We thank you for the Christ centered approach as well, without Him we would not have made it this far!
We had a great experience & learned new tips & techniques to improve our communication.
Thanks again! Chris, Elijah & Emily
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Recently my wife and I attended a marriage retreat at Lake Gaston sponsored by Support US Armed Forces. We have attended several marriage retreats put on by different organizations throughout the past decade, none of which have been very personal. This one was personal and more intimate with fewer couples which was a nice change.
When we arrived, Crystal and Bill met us in person to make sure that we got situated in our cabin and that we didn’t need anything else. The location was at Lake Gaston, which is a pretty lake with a very calming atmosphere. Though Sarah and I don’t have children, the childcare provided at the retreat was a huge benefit for other parents, allowing them to focus on their marriages. There was a good mix of different people and experiences there to draw from. Not all the military personnel attending were from special operations or even just from the Army, which made getting to know everyone more enjoyable.
This retreat was inspiring and uplifting to our marriage. A highlight of the marriage conference was getting to hear the wisdom and experience from a panel of four Christian couples. All of us in attendance were allowed to direct specific questions to these experienced couples and we all got to benefit from the decades of experience and situations that they have already been through.
My wife and I were able to establish some friendships with other couples at the retreat that have continued to this day. I found it very encouraging to interact with other couples who love Jesus and have similar values. The team building art project at the end was awesome. Not only did we get to work together with our spouses on a fun project, but it made a nice keepsake to take home with us. We left this retreat feeling refreshed and ready to make decades more memories together.
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to participate and to meet so many other wonderful people.
God Bless, Robert and Sarah Plotts
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SGT Allen E Greggs, USMC, commented: "Had such an amazing time at this event. The message was powerful and was presented in such a manner that you had no choice but to comprehend. Look forward to the greatness that awaits ahead for the organization and may God continue to bless each of you that are involved.” ______________________________________
Military Family Assistance Packages......
“Yesterday afternoon from my Family Readiness Officer (FRO) I and several of my Marines received a care package from you filled with various goodies (energy bars, multivitamins, etc.) I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you from my Marines and I. It is always a great feeling when we receive any kind of acknowledgment for the sacrifices made while we serve, and knowing we have support from the civilian community is what really keeps us going and helps us stay motivated. Thank you for what you do. It makes a world of difference for us.” Sincerely, Sergeant Stefan Davis, USMC
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“I am an active duty soldier getting ready deploy and on the eve of my deployment I received an awesome care package. I just want to say "Thank you" for your support and contribution for all that you do for all of us, men and women, who serve our great country. On behalf of my deployment team and all who have served and currently serving, thank you so much. People like you make us all feel appreciated and make our deployments feel more meaningful. Thank you again for your continued support.”
Sincerely, Janice T Apatang, SGT, US Army
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“Thank you so much for the wonderful care package! It was so sweet and thoughtful and full of wonderful gifts. I never expected to receive something like this! It is nice to know that people are thinking and praying for the family too.”
Thank you again, Hannah Lewis, Army Wife ______________________________________