Thanks and Appreciation from the 82nd Airborne!

From Richard Honan, who frequently organizes care packages to be sent overseas to our troops.

Enclosed is a letter from Winthrop resident Alex Bloch. Alex is with the US Army and is currently deployed to Afghanistan with the the famed 82nd Airborne Division. As you can read, and I can reiterate, thank you to everyone that either takes the time to purchase and drop off items to be placed in our monthly care packages or the individuals and groups like the Boy Scouts, the Emblem Club, the Daisies and the Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh that donate their time to help fill the boxes.
We provide a positive link to these soldiers who are thousands of miles away from family and friends. I like to think that we put a smile on their face, a smile in their heart and a smile in their stomach.

Dear Mr. Honan,
I cannot begin to express my appreciation for all the wonderful things that you and all the incredible folks of Winthrop have done for my unit and I. Care packages keep our spirits up, and knowing that there are people back home who care enough to take time out of their day to send us well wishes is motivation for us to push on through the hardships we are facing. I am currently deployed in the Zabul Provence of Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne, and am slated to return to Ft Bragg, NC in mid April. Our tour is almost finished, and I can't wait to get back to my wife and loving family. I should be able to take leave starting sometime in June, and I would like to see and thank you and your organization in person. Once again, thank you so much for all the outstanding support, and we will continue to fight hard for all the great people back home.

With respect and admiration,

SPC Alex Bloch
82nd Combat Aviation Brigade
82nd Airborne Division
US Army