troop letter: AW2 (AW/NAC) Rob

March 25, 2009

ATTN: Bob Williams (if available)

I received your package on Friday, the 14th of March. I wanted to
write you and say Thank You. All our guys here including me appreciated
your thoughtful gifts and snacks. The cigars were a big hit along with
the movies (which I am currently holding onto and will distribute after I watch them) and the compact travel toothbrushes.

I’m sorry it took so long to write you back, but I have been busy the last few days. The care package was very uplifting. Seeing the Tampa Tribune took me back to a happier time. I’m sorry to read that I missed the Strawberry Festival. I
had some good times all around Tampa, Ybor, and Wesley Chapel. I met my
wife at Wendy’s in Wesley Chapel when I used to work there as a manager,
in 98-02. My mother-in-law still lives there, and she is the one that
sent you my address. I used to live in San Antonio, just one exit north
on I-75. I really miss Florida and Wesley Chapel, so thank you for sending
me some good memories and my guys also thank you for the smile’s sent
from Florida.
I am slated to move up north to Iraq next month along with half
of our detachment. Once I have the address there I will send it to you.
Our Detachment here is a combination of over 4 Commands throughout the
Navy. We currently have about 115 sailors here and are expected to have
150 next month when we split and half of us move up north. Our
detachment is 95% male servicemen. Thank your staff for me and our
sailors here at the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment. Attached to
this email are some photos of us at work and play, and as for a list of
stuff that is desired, needed, or required, I have enclosed a list below
of ideas. I sure could go for some Hungry Howie’s Pizza right about
now, just joking, by the time it made it here it would go bad, so please
don’t send it. Thanks again.

Stuff to send. Remember the smaller the package (travel size) the
better. These are just ideas and recommendations, in the end it’s up to
you what you would like to send. One thing I would like for your
organization to send us is a small to medium US Flag (3x5 at the
biggest).

Stuff we are not allowed to have in Kuwait and stuff that is not allowed
to be shipped here: pornographic material, alcohol, and self explanatory
stuff like drugs, fireworks, fruit and / or vegetables, guns and ammo.

A reminder: Our command is 95% male servicemen

Inexpensive stuff we need:
personal hygiene products: sunscreen\sun block (it’s going to get real
hot), skin lotion, foot care (Dr Soles/ foot powder), flushable baby
wipes/small packs of normal baby wipes, liquid soap and lufa’s(the soft
squishy thingy), deodorant, cologne, more compact travel toothbrushes,
toothpaste, shaving cream, soft toilet paper, dryer fabric softener
sheets, air fresheners / car fresheners / room fresheners / Stick-ums)
ect.

Clothing: pre-packaged white or black socks (unopened/unworn),
pre-packaged underwear (unopened/unworn), chocolate brown or white
undershirts, T-shirts, sunglasses (they have to be of a military
regulation, non faddish), back packs/gym bags, bathrobes, ect.

Stuff we would like (but don’t necessarily need):
more movie’s, more cigars, iTune’s gift certificate’s, music cd’s, Veet
(hair removal product), books, puzzle books, Bicycle chips (for poker),
board games, video games, Christian literature (small bibles, tracks),
nitro RC Cars, mini RC Helicopters, water guns (super soakers), misc
toys, DVD player.

Heath products (Most of us are athletic and like being fit and in shape)
GNC products: Muscle Milk, fish oil, Amino acids, electrolyte drinks,
protein drinks, energy bars/protein bars.

Snacks (remember chocolate melts and it’s getting hot here soon).
Corn Chips, Doritos, Nutty Buddies, sour gummies, M&M’s (they don’t
melt), candy, ect.

Stuff we have plenty of right now (please don’t send more of, at least
for now).
coffee and Kool-Ade / Crystal Light drink packets.

Thanks again for your support and may GOD bless you and your
organization!
VR,
AW2 (AW/NAC) Rob