CPT Stevens and I were pleasantly surprised yesterday when we came to work and found two giant boxes full of toiletries, snacks and cards. That is actually an understatement, as we both were overwhelmed. I wanted to personally thank you for everything you and Operations Shoebox do to support us. I am one of 3,000 New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers currently serving on active duty with the United States Army in Iraq. It is wonderful to receive support from our fellow New Jersey patriots back home. CPT Stevens and I took what we needed and shared the rest with our fellow soldiers. I loved reading the notes from Girl Scout Troop 346 that were included in the boxes too. The 3,000 plus members of the New Jersey Army National Guard's 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team entered active federal service at armories all over New Jersey on June 16, 2008. Prior to that time we spent a total of several months training, equipping and preparing for our deployment. Once on active duty, we flew to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas and spent a little over two months training in the harsh New Mexico desert (Ft. Bliss crosses into New Mexico). From there we traveled to Kuwait for two weeks of additional training and climate acclimatizing (the temperature in Kuwait often exceeded 120 degrees). From there, myself and several hundred soldiers moved to the Green Zone in Baghdad. The remaining units are spread all over Iraq performing a variety of critical missions. Many of these soldiers are in harm's way on a daily basis. Being away from home for birthdays and Thanksgiving was difficult. The bonds between us as New Jersey National Guardsmen, soldiers and New Jersey citizens is strong. We spent the holiday together. Together we will complete our mission and return home, hopefully in late May or early June of 2009. I cannot put into words how much we appreciate your support. I hope someday to be able to thank you personally. Please extend my thanks and gratitude to the volunteers of your orga