want to support them.
Mary
Dear Mr. Gili,
Thank you so much for your generous gift on behalf of NYS
Hockey Players Support Our Troops for Pattie and Harper. I
will forward the money and the patches to them.
Nate was our oldest son and he was killed in action on April
24, 2004. At the time his wife Pattie was 3 months
pregnant. She gave birth to a Harper Natalie Bruckenthal
on 11/19/04. Pattie and Harper live in northern Virginia
where Pattie is attending nursing school. We established
the fund to care for Pattie and Harper. Harper will especially
like the patches.
Thank you for your efforts and for remembering. For your
information Nate was an avid NY Ranger fan. It was tough
because his last assignment was outside Miami, Panther
country, and the only other northerners were from Boston.
I assure you that your remembrance of Nate means so much
to those that knew and loved him. I have also attached a
biography of Nate so that you can know a little about him.
Very Sincerely,
Eric Bruckenthal (Father of US Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class
Nathan B. Bruckenthal, KIA in the Persian Gulf on 4/24/04
from Smithtown, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Hockey Players,
I want to thank you for what you are doing. It is nice to
know that we are not forgotten by all. Many, many thanks!
Niki McKeever (Wife of US Army Specialist David M.
McKeever, KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 4/5/04 from Buffalo, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie,
Hello, and thank you for taking all the effort to do
something so caring. I was Dwane's older brother and I
would be happy to put you into contact with his wife and
children. My name is Matthew.
---I spoke on the phone with Dwane’s brother Matthew in
February 2009. He expressed his sincere thanks to all who
made our gift possible. Matthew told me the story of how
his brother died and of his family being notified of his
brother’s death and how difficult it was for everyone.
He wants everyone to know how proud his family is of
Dwane and how proud Dwane was to serve. He thanked us
all for what we are doing for his family and for the other NY
Military families too. He said that what we are doing means
the world to families like his. (Charlie Gili)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
You are more than welcome. I will let you know when it
arrives and I have given it to Emma. Thank you for all you
do.
On a personal note, thank you on behalf of all families who
have lost loved ones serving their country. My nephew and
godson, SPC. Matthew Baylis was killed just 6 weeks after
Danny.
While they never met, they knew of each other through me
and always asked how the other was doing. Matthew was
the light of our family, just as Danny was the light of his.
Knowing they are honored and remembered is so very
important. Again, thank you so very muchSusan Lyons (Family Friend of US Army Private 1st Class
Daniel A. Fuentes KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 4/6/07 from
Levittown, NY -andAunt of Matthew E. Baylis US Army Specialist KIA on
5/31/07 in Baghdad Iraq from Oakdale, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
Your letter and wonderful program took me by surprise. I
am Shawn's mom. Even though the one article you have
doesn't mention me for some reason, I am alive and well
and living with my husband Bill and Shawn's younger sister
Michelle.
I'm sorry that I did not get right back to you, but if you see
the Military Support Group Emails, you know we just
had our annual memorial service for Shawn. On the 29th it
had been five years since he was killed.
The service was wonderful. I saw that you had donated to
Peter Tycz's family. We attended a special tribute with them
at a Buffalo Bison's game a few years ago.
Thank you for considering our family for your donation.
Someday I hope to meet you and maybe attend one of your
hockey games.
Please let me know if there is anything that my family or I
may do for you. I would very much like to purchase one of
the patches to put with Shawn's things. **Please let me
know the cost and I will mail you a check for it.
Sincerely,
st
(US Army Private 1 Class Dwane A. Covert Jr. died in Sahara
Iraq on 11/3/07 from Tonawanda, NY)
**************************************************
From The NY Southern Tier Military Support Group:
We are very pleased at receiving some very generous
donations lately. The Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
which is a fundraising campaign that benefits NY Military
Families gave us $150. This was with no effort on our part,
just very generous people who believe in our soldiers and
Candace Clemens (Mom of US Army Staff Sergeant Shawn
M. Clemens, KIA in Ghazni Afghanistan on 1/9/04 from
Allegany, NY)
**We always include some patches for the families, with our
donation.
**************************************************
Dear Charlie and NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
We just want to express our thanks to you and everyone. It's
a wonderful thing you are all doing for all the families and
trust me when I say it's an honor for me (and other families)
to have someone like you to stand by us and support all the
young men and women who gave their lives and are still out
there doing so. Thank you and bless you all.
Yours Truly,
Florika Dima (Wife of US Army Sergeant Catalin Dima, KIA
in Baghdad Iraq on 11/13/04, from White Lake, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Our family has recently been notified of your donation on
behalf of Timothy Moshier, our son, who was killed in Iraq
on 4-1-06. Your donation to his daughter’s trust fund is so
appreciated by our family. We have been so supported by
our family and by strangers such as your organization. For
you to have reached out to us and other families that have
endured our pain is so extraordinary.
We will be eternally grateful. There are no words—you
have touched our hearts—brought new tears to our eyes—
but tears of appreciation. There are so many wonderful
people in this sometimes-cruel world. Please extend our
deepest appreciation to those who made your contribution
possible.
We had a beautiful son. One who chose to serve—who truly
believed in his mission. I will never believe he died in vain.
He died fighting for a way of life he wanted for his family
and all Americans.
supporting them. I know how it feels when we got gifts
from our fellow Americans. I'm glad I had the honor to
serve, especially for people like you. God bless you and your
family and NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops!
Sincerely,
Angel Valentin (Close Friend of US Army Sergeant 1st Class
Bobby Mendez A in Baghdad Iraq on 4/27/06 from Brooklyn,
NY)
Charlie,
I am sorry that it took me so long to get in contact with you.
The new sports season has started up and the kids have me
in a million locations at once.
Thank you for the donation, I am at a loss for words. We
really appreciate the time and hard work that you and the
leagues have taken out to honor our fallen family members.
We will never forget this and are very grateful. Angel is a
long time family friend. Bobby grew up in the same building
that Angel lives in and they served in Desert Storm together.
Sincerely,
Jennifer, Thyiena, Quentin and Chyanne Mendez (Wife and
Children of 1st Sergeant Bobby Mendez, KIA in Baghdad Iraq
on 4/27/06 from Brooklyn, NY)
**************************************************
Hi Charlie,
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Moshier & Family (Mom of US Army Captain
Timothy J. Moshier KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 4/1/06 from
Albany, NY)
**************************************************
Hi Charlie,
Mike Swezey passed on your email regarding the
contribution to Natalie's Trust. Although I always write a
formal "thank you" letter I wanted to reach out to you to
say thank you for all of your work to support our family and
those of so many others who have been affected by the
conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I have worked with veterans though my job at STRIDE
Adaptive Sports and through my work in Tim's Foundation
and they are all so deserving of the continued support of our
communities. Thank you again; I look forward to meeting
you at some point.
Sincerely,
Katie Moshier (Wife of US Army Captain Timothy J.
Moshier, KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 4/1/06 from Albany, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie,
Well thank you very much Charlie and thank you for the
news about McCarren Park. Bobby and I grew up going to
that pool. I'm glad you got in touch with Jennifer; she's a
very nice lady and a wonderful mother.
I would also like to say on behalf of my buddies that are
serving and all the troops out there, thank you for
Thank you so much for what you have done. You can't even
imagine how touching this is for me to receive an email like
this to begin with. May god bless you and all involved for
what you do for our fallen soldiers' families.
If there is ever anything you need help with doing involving
our troops, please feel free to contact me. It sure helps to
know that people out there really do care.
Thank you all so much again. I have not told my daughter
anything. I will print your email and show it to her when
your package arrives. She will be in touch with you. The
name of her son is Vincent Justin Garcia. Once again, thank
you from the bottom of my heart.
Words are not enough to show how much you are
appreciated at this time.
Sincerely,
Donna Narciso (Mother-in-law of US Army Specialist Justin
R. Garcia, KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 11/14/06 from Elmhurst,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie,
Thank you so much for writing in my husband’s guestbook.
It means so much to my son and I to be in touch with those
that care so much about our Marines from New York.
What you are doing for our families is greatly appreciated.
My husband, Gunnery Sergeant Shawn A. Lane was proud to
serve and gave his life for all of us. We will always be
thankful for his sacrifice and yours.
I can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for our
families. God bless you and keep you!
With love,
Jennifer and Johnathan Lane (Wife and Son of US Marine
Gunnery Sergeant Shawn A. Lane, KIA in Anbar Iraq on
7/28/04 from Corning, NY)
**************************************************
Hello Mr. Gili,
I am Jacob Pfister's Mother. Thank you for taking the effort
to contact me. The past four years have been difficult, but
people like you help make dealing with this so much easier.
I was sitting here this morning trying to figure out how to
resolve a problem I have. I believe you may have helped
resolve this for me.
Jacob's only child, Maddison, was born 2 months after he
was killed in action. She resides with her mother in Florida.
We reside in Western New York, south of Buffalo. Needless
to say, it has been difficult to see Maddison on a regular
basis. My family & I have only been able to see her on 5
occasions in the past 3 1/2 yrs of her life.
Last summer her mother allowed her to start visiting with us
for 2 months in the summer. Due to her age she cannot
travel alone. At great expense & with the help of my
mother & sister we were able to have Maddison with us in
Western NY last summer.
In the past four years my husband and I have incurred
considerable debt due to lost wages and numerous medical
expenses that haven't been covered by insurance. Our
government does not give any help to a fallen soldier's
parents if he was married. We don't exist in their eyes.
Most people are not aware of this fact.
We are fortunate to be able to see Maddison as often as we
do but it hasn't been easy to do so. As of this morning I was
wondering how we would be able to afford the expenses in
order to have Maddison come to New York this
summer. We are grateful for your gift offer and would like
to use your gift to help pay for Maddison's travel this
summer.
Maddison is our first Grandchild and Jacob's only child. She
is so much like him it is incredible. She looks just like him,
walks, talks and has his mannerisms. She enjoys reading
and playing with his books and toys that he enjoyed as
child. She will tell you all about her daddy Jacob and how he
is an angel in heaven and how he watches over her and talks
to her.
She is very special to us and it would devastate us to not be
able to maintain contact with her. It has been difficult
enough already. I can't thank you enough for taking the
time and thinking of us.
Sincerely,
Amy MacGregor-Morrisey (Mother of US Army Specialist
Jacob M. Pfister, KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 4/19/05 from
Buffalo, NY)
************************************************
Dear Charlie and NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
Thank you for everything that you and your family are
doing. It is so heartwarming to know that there are people
that honor my husband’s service, just as I do. May God
Bless you and all who help you with showing such kindness.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Angela Howe (Wife of US Army Sergeant 1st Class Casey E.
Howe, KIA in Rustimayah Iraq on 9/26/05 from Philadelphia,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili- Thank you so much for your generous
donation in Matthew's name. I immediately told his parents,
who are very grateful. It means so much to the families to
know their loved ones are not being forgotten. Again, thank
you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Susan Lyons, Aunt and Godmother of US Army Specialist
Matthew E. Baylis, KIA on 5/31/07 in Baghdad Iraq from
Oakdale, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Hockey Players, Mr. Gili and family:
Thank you all so much for your sponsorship of remembering
the children of fallen soldiers. There are no words to let you
know how much this kindness is appreciated. It reassures
our family that George will not be forgotten. Maria is now 8
years old. We will explain to her about your family and the
meaning behind the money.
Again, I offer you my sincere gratitude. May God keep you
and yours safe.
Sincerely,
Maria Babula
(For US Army Captain George A. Wood KIA in Baqubah Iraq
on 11/20/03 from Utica, NY)
*************************************************
To whom it may concern,
I wanted to send you an email from twenty-nine palms (US
Marine Corps Base in California) for sending the post office
some of your patches! We do appreciate it and want to let
you know that your time you put into those weren't wasted.
Normally people forget about us postal marines until they
receive a letter or a package from us! Well you all take care
and from all of us here...
Thank you for all that you did! Sgt. Caseman, US Marines
**************************************************
Hi Charlie,
I just wanted you to know that we received your wonderful
package in the mail a couple of days ago and wanted to
thank you and all of the other caring folks who contributed
time, money, prayers, etc....in honor of my son, LCpl Jordan
Christian Haerter who was killed in Ramadi on April 22nd of
2008.
Jordan and Cpl Yale were subsequently awarded the Navy
Cross for "extraordinary heroism" for saving the lives of 33
Marines and over 25 Iraqi Police that tragic morning. The
fact that other lives can continue because of their selfless
act brings us some comfort but Jordan's loss has been
devastating to us and to everyone who knew him.
We truly appreciate the recognition that NYS Hockey Players
Support Our Troops has given Jordan and our family and
cannot convey in words the heartfelt pride that we feel for
all the young people who take the time to recognize the
ultimate sacrifice of our American troops. It's important and
it does not go unnoticed....It is groups such as yours that
make the burden of our loss lighter.
Be assured that we will make the generous donation that
you have sent to us go a long way in improving the quality
of life for a deployed Marine. Thank you again for your
support, Charlie, and please pass this note on to the many
other kind folks involved. If there is anything that we can do
to help your cause in the future, please don't hesitate to
contact me.
With respect and admiration,
Christian Haerter (Jordan's Dad) Semper Fidelis
jordansinitiative.com
(Jordan C. Haerter US Marine Lance Corporal KIA in Iraq on
4/22/08 from Sag Harbor, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie,
I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you. A campaign
like yours is something I have great respect for and the fact
that is run through New York State hockey is something that
I think is awesome. After reading your email I talked to my
Uncle, whose name is Randy White of Grand Island, NY, and
he remembers speaking with you at the Empire State
Games.
I always find it funny how small the hockey community
really is, as well as how it is filled with great people. You
are proving that with your campaign. Once again I would
like to thank you on behalf of my sister and I. It is nice to
know that people out there are still thinking about my
Father.
Jeremiah Crowe (Son of Lt. Colonel Terrance Crowe, KIA in
Tal Afar Iraq on 6/7/05 from New York, NY. Jeremiah is
currently a Hockey Defenseman at Clarkson University)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the Fallen Stars Memorial Project, I'd like to
thank you for your generous donation on behalf of NYS
Hockey Players Support Our Troops.
Ray Lenarcic FSMP
*************************************************
To NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops & the Gili Family,
We would like to express our thanks from the bottom of our
hearts. The gratitude we have for organizations such as
yours is beyond words. We are so sad at the loss of our son
last year & as a family, we are humbled by the outpouring of
support & love of so many. Keep up your efforts! It makes a
difference! Our family has been working hard to turn our
tragedy into a dream for other young men & women who
have either a military background or other hardships in their
lives, that want to return to college to pursue a dream of
their own. So we have set up a scholarship in Christopher's
memory & included your gift to help fund that scholarship.
Thank you & God Bless..."every good gift is from above, and
comes from the Father of light..." James 1:17
The Simpson Family (US Army Sergeant Christopher C.
Simpson was KIA on 3/17/08 in Baghdad Iraq from
Memphis, NY)
**************************************************
Hey Charlie,
I can't wait to see the patches. I've been telling a few close
friends about your patches and they seem highly interested.
I'm not sure if you knew this, but Jason and his family were
also big into hockey and have been associated with the fire
department since birth! (they were Sabres fans-yuck, I'm
from the Philadelphia area so my family and his clashed
during hockey season!) Anyway, I have built a HUGE
scrapbook for Kayla and I'm happy I'll be able to add them
to it for her. Many people have sent her letters and things
and I save everything! It has been about 3 years, so it really
does make me feel good to know that people never forget
about our fallen heroes. When she looks back, she will
understand about Jason's death, and realize it was for her
own well being to lead a happy life full of freedom.
Well, I should get going. I feel like I have been chatting with
an old friend! Please keep in touch, and once I have your
return mailing address, I will let my friends and family know
where to donate for their patches! Thank you so much
again, and please tell your family thank you also for
supporting a wonderful father like yourself!
-Colette (Fiancée of US Army Private 1st Class Jason
Hasenaur who died in Iraq on 2/1/06 from Hilton, NY.
Colette is the mom of Jason's daughter Kayla)
**************************************************
Dear Hockey Players,
Thank you to all that have honored our son Sascha and
shown our family such kindness and support. Your
contribution to his scholarship fund is greatly appreciated.
Your kindness and concern have meant so very much and
will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Mike & Teresa Struble & Family (Parents of US Army
Corporal Sascha Struble who died in Ghazni Afghanistan on
April 6, 2005 from Philadelphia, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie,
Just a short note of thanks for remembering and honoring
our son even after these many years. I wanted you to know
where and how the contributions are being used. So, on
behalf of the Murphy family I wish to extend our thanks and
appreciation for your generous contribution to the Lt.
Michael P. Murphy, USN, Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
Your contribution honors the memory of my son, a true
American hero, for which I am forever grateful.
This donation to Lt. Murphy's Foundation is going to provide
a number of scholarship awards for the college educational
costs of students/high school seniors in Suffolk County and
students/high school seniors of combat wounded veterans.
These scholarships have been set up to run in perpetuity. It
is with your generous assistance and other likeminded
individuals who have honored Michael's supreme sacrifice to
the causes of freedom that make these scholarships
possible. There are no administrative expenses and all
contributions go directly to providing scholarships to
deserving students.
Michael was not only an athlete and a Navy SEAL, but
believed in the value of education and this scholarship
foundation providing scholarships to students for their
educational needs will continue his legacy.
I wish to thank you and all your "kids" and hockey players,
teams and coaches for your kind contribution to our son's
foundation. Michael's family is grateful for your generosity
and support.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Murphy (Lt. Michael Murphy's dad).
PS from Charlie Gili: Michael Murphy was KIA in the HinduKush Mountains in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. The battle
in which Lt. Murphy was killed has become known as "The
Battle for Murphy's Ridge." Michael's dad (a Vietnam
Veteran and Purple Heart recipient) didn't mention this in
his thank you letter, but on that date, his son's tremendous
and gallant actions were so enormous, that US Navy SEAL Lt.
Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded The Medal
of Honor by the President of the United States. This honor is
the highest military honor that can be bestowed on any
military member.)
(US Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy was KIA on 6/28/05 in
Kunar Afghanistan from Patchogue, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Family & Hockey Players,
On behalf of the family of Corporal Reynold Armand we
would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks for
your donation. It is very nice to see how grateful everybody
is for our fallen soldiers and for the soldiers that are still
fighting for this beautiful country. This is well appreciated.
Thanks for not forgetting! God Bless you all.
Love,
Miriam Velez (Proud mother of Corporal Reynold Armand
USMC, KIA in Balad Iraq on 8/7/07 from Rochester, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Family,
Thank you so much for remembering my son and for keeping
his legacy alive. His memorial fund is able to help so many
charities and organizations. My son was not a hockey
player, but a dedicated football and basketball player. He
would be proud knowing your players support our military.
Thank you again,
Vicki Dimura (Gold Star mother of Sergeant David M. Fisher
US Army, KIA on 12/1/04 in Baghdad Iraq from Green Island,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
I would like to personally thank you, the NYS Hockey Players
Support Our Troops Campaign and all the sponsors involved,
for your generosity in helping all service-members and their
families. Your gift of the patches will be distributed to
deserving Marines and Sailors, both deployed and in
garrison. I commend you for your commitment to youth
sports and the far-reaching positive affect such involvement
has on future generations. Your unselfish contribution will
undoubtedly have an overwhelming impact on the morale
and welfare of our military forces. You are very kind.
Very Respectfully,
D. J. Hejlik Lt General, US Marine Corps
Commanding General
II Marine Expeditionary Force,
Camp Lejuene-North Carolina
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili, Family & Hockey Players,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your
support of the soldiers and families of JRTC and Fort Polk.
Your continued patriotism, commitment and dedication to
our men and women in uniform, reflects you personal
awareness and understanding of the sacrifices they make
each and every day.
Sincerely,
Kevin D. Sharkey CSM US Army Garrison
Sergeant Major Fort Polk Louisiana
David G. Sage Colonel US Army Commander
Fort Polk Louisiana
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
I am writing to thank you, your family and the NYS Hockey
Players Support Our Troops Campaign for your generous
donation to the Michael Oremus Foundation.
My son, Corporal Michael Oremus was killed by a sniper
bullet, while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq on October 2, 2006.
The community in which we lived had lost two other young
men in Iraq, and when the news came of Michael's death,
the town was devastated. The outpouring of support was
tremendous. Since Michael and our family were very active
in community affairs, family and friends decided to start the
Michael Oremus Foundation, dedicated to honoring
Michael's spirit.
The purpose of the foundation is to provide High School
Scholarships and to provide funding for youth, recreational
activities in the town of Lloyd and surrounding communities.
I am so proud of what the Foundation is doing for our local
children and their families and that we are able to keep
Michael's spirit and name alive. I deeply appreciate all that
you and your organization has done for our soldiers, who
have served our country so proudly.
Sincerely,
Maddy Oremus-Palmese (Proud mother of US Army Corporal
Michael Oremus, KIA on 10/2/06 in Baghdad Iraq from
Highland, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & New York Hockey Players,
the world to us and we are grateful that you have joined us
in our mission.
Thank you so very much for you and your organization's
support of our Nation's service members as we continue in
this fight against terrorism and the defense of the values our
citizens hold so dear. It is heartwarming to know the hockey
players of the Empire State are thinking of America's sons
and daughters as we press on with our deployments to Iraq,
Afghanistan and other far flung places around the world.
We are blessed to help restore the dreams to those who
have sacrificed so much in their service to our great country.
This year, because of donors like you, we have been able to
expand our support. We are now able to assist beyond the
immediate crisis and recovery period, by helping with
handicap renovations to homes, handicap ready
transportation, computers and software for those with
vision or traumatic brain injuries and other adaptive
equipment.
I will ensure that Eric's (Eric A. Smith US Army Chief Warrant
Officer KIA in Iraq on 4/2/03 from Rochester, NY)
teammates in Alpha Company receive one of the patches
you provided to us. It will mean a lot to the soldiers of the
"Storm" team to know that others are thinking of them and
their fallen comrades, as they work tirelessly to fly and
maintain their helicopters.
Your donation will help us to continue expanding the reach
and focus of our assistance to improve the quality of life of
our service members and their families. The needs continue
to be great and your support ensures that we are able to
keep our mission moving forward.
I wish you the very best in the continued pursuit of this
campaign to support the troops. We are very appreciative
of your efforts supporting us, but more importantly, the
efforts supporting the families of the fallen. The Gold Star
Families of New York are blessed to have you in their corner.
Thank you for your support. We cannot overstate your vital
role in helping IMSFF to accomplish our mission of "Serving
Those Who Preserve Our Freedom."
Sincerely,
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
Thomas J. Smedley, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army,
Commanding, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia
**************************************************
Dear NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & NYS Hockey Players,
My wife Angela and I recently received a letter from Duke
University stating that the NYS Hockey Players Support Our
Troops Campaign had made a donation to the 1st Lt.
Matthew D. Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund at Duke.
We are writing to thank you for your generous contribution
to Jacob's Light Foundation in loving memory of Jacob S.
Fletcher. Because of donations like yours we have sent over
280,000 pounds of supplies in care packages to American
soldiers overseas, many of whom would not otherwise
receive mail. Hundreds of letters of appreciation from these
soldiers let us know that we are making a difference in the
lives of these brave men and women. Here is such an
example:
"I was overwhelmed with happiness when I received this
box, to know that there are wonderful people out there who
appreciate the sacrifice, the hard work and dedication we as
military service members put into serving this great nation
in the quest for freedom. Nothing boosts a soldiers moral
more than receiving mail and my moral was definitely lifted.
Thanks for your kindness." Quote from a deployed soldier.
Sincerely, Karen Guenther, Founder & Executive Director
The letter also enclosed a letter from you to our family and a
copy of the 10/4/08 program in which your organization
honored and named all those New York service men and
women who have lost their lives in this war on terrorism,
our beloved Matt being one of them.
For all of the above, the Lynch family thanks you. It is
especially significant to me that one of your young hockey
players read Matt's name aloud at a hanger located at Floyd
Bennett Field because the Lynch Family "roots" are traced
solidly to that field and to the beach communities just over
the old "Marine Parkway Bridge."
Thanks to NYS Hockey Players for your support of our
mission.
(Matt's dad describes the wonderful connections his family
has to Floyd Bennett Field dating back to his dad flying WWI
Biplanes from FB Field and of the connections his son Matt
had with many of the other New Yorkers who have been
killed in action)
Sincerely, Alyse Spinner for Jacob's Light Foundation
He continues:
(Jacob S. Fletcher US Army Private 1st Class KIA in Iraq on
11/13/03 from Bay Shore, NY)
It is a fine thing that you, your hockey organization and your
young hockey players are doing to remember and honor
these fine young men and women who have given their lives
for us in these perilous times.
**************************************************
Dear NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
Thank you for your believing in the Injured Marine Semper Fi
Fund and for helping us to assist our wounded heroes and
their families as they make their way through life-altering
crisis and recovery. Your generous donations honoring the
memories of Corporal Seamus Davey, Lance Corporal
Dimitrios Gavriel and Lance Corporal Ramon Mateo means
From a very personal standpoint, the attitude of all of the
fallen heroes listed in your program is for me, summed up by
the very last photo of our beloved Matt, taken by his best
marine buddy, Lt. Sean Maurer who was with Matt the day
he died.
Sean had just awakened matt to go on patrol. Matt is seen
in his "rack" having just rolled over. He is looking up at Sean
and he is seen flashing that wide, famous Matt Lynch smile.
His hand is held high and he is flashing a big "thumbs up"
gesture. He was killed very shortly thereafter.
It is that same can do attitude by which we can all
remember every one of the names listed in your program
and we can all be very thankful that our country still
produces such men and women.
We can only hope that our people, our politicians and our
government in general will rise to the same level of service
and commitment to our country as have those whose names
your young players have honored.
Angela and I are proud to have our "NYS Hockey Players"
patches and at least one of them will be filed with Matt's
memorabilia.
Again, the Lynch Family thanks you from the bottom of our
hearts.
Sincerely,
Bill Lynch
(Father of Matthew D. Lynch US Marine 1st Lieutenant KIA
in Iraq on 10/31/04 from Jericho, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Coach Gili & Family,
We received a note from the Food Bank of Western New
York that you had generously contributed to the food bank
in memory of our son, PFC Travis Krege. I can't tell you how
touched we were by your remembrance in his name. You
should know that our family loves hockey and our Buffalo
Sabers and Travis loved nothing more than going to Sabers'
games or playing hockey around the neighborhood. Our
garage door has the dents to prove it!
He came home on leave in October 2006 and the only
requests he made was to please go to some games. We
were able to go to one game as a family and Travis and his
dad went to another game with tickets given to him by Chris
Drury, who happened to live on my postal route at the time.
Six weeks to the day from the time he left for Iraq, he was
killed.
Although our sorrow is great, we are so touched by this
wonderful way you and the NY Hockey Players remember
our troops and in doing so, the families too.
God bless you all and thank you again from the bottom of
our hearts.
Sincerely,
Sandy, Mike and Shauna Krege
(Parents and sister of US Army PFC Travis C. Krege KIA on
12/6/06 in Hawiji Iraq from Cheektowaga, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of our entire family, we would like to thank you
for your generous donation to the "Cpl Christopher G.
Scherer Semper Fi Fund."
This nonprofit corporation will support the "Cpl Christopher
G. Scherer Scholarship" and the " Cpl Christopher G. Scherer,
Leave No Marine Behind Project."
The "Cpl Christopher G. Scherer Scholarship" will award
three scholarships each year to Northport high School
Seniors. One member of varsity boy's lacrosse, one member
of varsity girl's lacrosse and one member of the graduating
senior class will be eligible for the awards.
The "Leave No Marine Behind Project" will support our
troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Money contributed will buy
socks, underwear and any other supplies requested by Chris'
fellow Marines of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. It will
also support the Marines from the Northport and East
Northport area as well as other men and women serving in
harm's way.
We appreciate your help in not only keeping Christopher's
memory alive, but also supporting the men and women of
our armed services who are still defending our freedom.
Please keep all of them and their families in your thoughts
and prayers.
Thank you so much for your support. Your organization
does wonderful things for our troops.
Semper Fi,
Janet & Tim Scherer
(Proud Marine & Gold Star Parents of US Marine Corporal,
Christopher G. Scherer KIA in Iraq on 7/21/07 from East
Northport, NY)
Honor*Courage*Commitment
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thank you so very much for your generous donation to the
Aram Bass Leadership Scholarship. Aram graduated with
my son in 1999 and he was a wonderful young man. Your
kind words are greatly appreciated and I have sent a copy of
your letter to the family.
God Bless You,
Maureen Olsen
(Family friend of US Army Staff Sergeant Aram Bass KIA
on11/23/05 in Baghdad Iraq from Niagara Falls, NY)
************************************************
Dear Charlie & NYS Hockey Players,
There are no words enough to thank all of you not only for
the gift, but for honoring my husband, SSG Regilio Nelom.
It always feels good for me and my family to know that he is
not forgotten. This gift is going towards my kids education.
Thank you so much,
Cynthia, Megan and Brian(Wife and children of US Army
Staff Sergeant Regilio Nelom KIA on 9/17/09 in Asad Iraq
from Queens, NY)
************************************************
Dear Mr. Charles Gili & NYS Hockey Players Support Our
Troops,
On behalf of the Fisher family and the rest of the Board of
Trustees, Fisher House Foundation, Inc., please accept our
heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution through
the New York State Hockey Players Support Our Troops
Campaign on September 17, 2009 in honor of Lt. Col. Leon G.
James III. It is through donations such as yours that the
Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is able to continue having a
positive impact on the quality of life of "our greatest
national treasure...our military service men and woman and
their loved ones."
Your donation to Fisher House is even more meaningful as
our thoughts and prayers are with America's service men
and women engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The many military and veterans' families, who will benefit
from your thoughtfulness, join me in expressing our
collective appreciation for your generosity. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
I find it hard to put into words the way my heart truly feels,
but I will try. God works through people and you and your
family are a living example of that. My Love, My Hero, My
Soldier, My Husband is smiling down from heaven because
of the kindness you've shown.
He is forever missed and heaven kissed. God bless you and
yours.
Sincerely; from my heart always,
Kynesha Dhanoolal (Wife of Dayne D. Dhanoolal US Army
Sergeant KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 3/31/08 from Brooklyn,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops,
I want to thank you again for your kindness and interest in
Justin's cause. It means more to his family and close friends
than you will ever begin to know.
Justin, was an amazing human being. Someone we all
should aspire to be more like. He was truly one of a kind. I
miss him every day, but I'm so very thankful for individuals
like you, who continue to honor his sacrifice!
There aren't enough words for my appreciation..
Thank you,
David A. Coker President
Megan Llewellyn (Close friend of US Army Staff Sergeant
Justin R. Whiting KIA in Mosul Iraq on 1/19/08 from
Hancock, NY)
(In Memory of Leon G. James II US Army Lieutenant Colonel
died on 10/10/05 wounds received in Iraq from Sackets
Harbor, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charles,
**************************************************
Mr. & Mrs. Gili & Hockey Players,
Thank you so much for your recent donation to the
"Wounded Warrior Project" in memory of my son, PFC
Jeremiah Monroe. It was greatly appreciated.
I have a already let our daughter know that you received our
response and all she could do was say awe! OMG! This is so
awesome! She also said she is so glad that people such as
yourself are still keeping the Fallen alive in our hearts. She
said she is glad that you did not give up until you succeeded
in finding us. You, your family and your organization are a
Blessing! Thanks again.
With Much Gratitude & Sincerity,
Walter & Yvonne Watkins & Kynesha Dhanoolal
Hello, I am so pleased to hear about your special gift for our
Dayne. Yes he did make the ultimate sacrifice. We love and
miss him more than words can say. His wife is our daughter,
Kynesha Dhanoolal. Kynesha would love to hear from you.
"Dayne" was a special young man with a beautiful outlook
on life and a laugh that will stop you in your tracks.
(smiles) He is truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Thank you so much for your kind words and special gift.
Kynesha will be so glad to hear from you.
Thanks again,
Dolores Monroe (Mom of PFC Jeremiah Monroe KIA in
Afghanistan on 9/17/09 from Niskayuna, NY)
**************************************************
Dear NYS Hockey Players,
Mark was a dear friend, a fellow police officer and a true
patriot of this great nation and he will be forever missed by
all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
I wanted to take the time to personally thank you for your
generous donation to the Lt. Mark Dooley Memorial Fund.
We have established the fund in Mark's honor so that his
shining example of courage, honor and selflessness will not
be forgotten.
Warm regards,
Sincerely
Yvonne Watkins (Mother-in-law of Dayne D. Dhanoolal US
Army Sergeant KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 3/31/08 from
Brooklyn, NY)
Gregory Murano (Friend & race organizer for the Lt. Mark H.
Dooley Race of Remembrance. Lt. Mark H. Dooley was KIA
on 9/19/05 in Iraq from Walkill, NY)
**************************************************
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili, Gili Family & NYS Youth Hockey Community,
To the Gili Family & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your very generous gift to Rochester School
for the Deaf (RSD) in memory of my son, Army Corporal
Kevin S. Mowl. Your contribution to our school in Kevin's
name is such a thoughtful tribute to him and to other fallen
soldiers, a tribute that will provide great benefit to children
who are deaf and hard of hearing. On their behalf and on
behalf of my wife and family, I offer my sincere thanks.
Thank you also for your kind words of condolence, prayers
and warm regards. These mean a great deal to us as does
the beautiful "Support Our Troops Campaign" patch you
enclosed with your gift.
May you and your families enjoy a happy and healthy
holiday season.
Sincerely,
Harold Mowl Jr., Ph.D. & Superintendent/CEO/Rochester
School For the Deaf (Father of Kevin S. Mowl US Army
Specialist died on 2/25/08 from wounds suffered on8/2/07
in Baghdad Iraq from Pittsford, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
At Mohawk Valley Community College, we are profoundly
proud of the honorable service and selflessness
demonstrated by this nation's men and women in uniform.
So on behalf of President Randall Van Wagoner, the MVCC
Foundation Board, our Board of Trustees, our thousands of
volunteers, faculty, staff and students, I write to extend
heartfelt thanks for your donation to the Blaise A. Oleski
Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Please extend our deepest appreciation to those who
participated in the NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops
Campaign and generously donated to this fund.
Lance Corporal Oleski USMC was a former student of ours
and a graduate of Holland Patent High School. He perished
in the line of duty while serving our country in Afghanistan.
Members of Blaise's family have established this scholarship
fund to remember Blaise's dedication and exceptional moral
character; the fund will support future students who
demonstrate these qualities.
We are very proud of Blaise, saddened by his loss and
grateful to be part of this effort to honor his legacy.
Everyone at MVCC appreciates your help very much. Thank
you again for your support of this scholarship program--and
for helping to recognize Blaise's devoted service to our
country.
Sincerely,
Frank B. DuRoss, Executive Director of Institutional
Advancement, MVCC (In Memory of Blaise A. Oleski US
Marine Lance Corporal was KIA in Helmund Province
Afghanistan on 4/8/09. He was from Holland Patent, NY)
**************************************************
Hello to all of you and my apologies for taking too long to
get this to you. I actually bought a nice Thank You card and
then went ahead and lost it. Fairly typical of me, as
organization is not one of my strong points.
I cannot thank you enough for the level of support you have
shown. Both by personally coming to the hotels and airport
to greet our families and then for the donation you made. It
is especially sweet for me, as my husband Lou was a diehard
Rangers fan. We met in 1994, shortly after they won The
Cup. And meeting me always received second billing when
Lou would list 1994 as his favorite year ever.
Some of my favorite memories are at Madison Square
Garden. He would hold out his enormous Rangers banner
and run around the place, getting people to cheer. I know
he would be particularly proud of those people involved in a
sport he loved so much, for remembering our troops and
their families.
I hope you have a Blessed and Happy Holiday Season.
Sincerely, Barb Allen and the boys; Trevor, Colin, Sean and
Jeremy (Wife & children of Louis E. Allen US Army 1st
Lieutenant died in service in Tikrit Iraq on 6/8/05 from
Chester, NY)
www.louallenmemorial.com
*************************************************
1-07-10 DEAR CHARLES,
I RCVD YOUR MAILING & WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR
GENEROUS DONATION - EVERY CONTRIBUTION IS A SHOW
OF SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS & IS GREATLY APPRECIATED
BUT I WAS ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO READ ABT YOUR
CAMPAIGN & TO RCV THE PATCHES -MY DAUGHTER, MARIE, PLAYED HER FIRST 3 YEARS OF HIGH
SCHOOL WITH THE --SPINNAKERS-- OUT OF STAMFORD, CT.
BUT HER SENIOR YEAR, THE SEASON IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF HER BROTHER, NICK, SHE PLAYED
ON THE BREWSTSER LADY BULLDOGS -- I WAS SO HAPPY TO
SEE THAT THEY ARE PART OF YOUR CAMPAIGN - MARIE IS
NOW AT
U.CAL-SANTA BARBARA BUT SHE PLAYS ON A MIXED ADULT
TEAM IN VENTURA -- I AM SENDING HER ONE OF YOUR
PATCHES TO PUT ON HER JERSEY -I AM GOING TO SEE IF I CAN POST ALL 3 PAGES OF YOUR
LETTER ON OUR WEBSITE BUT I WUD ALSO LIKE TO POST,
SEPARATELY, THE PHOTO OF THE TEAMS WITH THE BANNER
WHICH HEADS YOUR LETTER - IF U CUD EMAIL ME A COPY
OF THIS PHOTO, I WUD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IT IS SO WONDERFUL WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH & FOR
OUR YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYERS -AGAIN, OUR SINCEREST THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR
TROOPS & THE CHILDREN IN IRAQ & FOR HELPING TO
HONOR NICK'S MEMORY & MAKE HIS WISH COME TRUE -BEST REGARDS
BILL MADARAS
(Father of Nicholas A. Madaras US Army Private 1st Class
KIA in Baqubah Iraq on 12/3/06 from Wilton, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Family & Hockey Players,
Union Savings Bank acknowledges your donation to the
Jason Lewis Memorial Fund. We will inform his family of
your generosity and remembrance.
Thank you for your wonderful letter. I have passed it along
to the family.
Sincerely,
Mary-Pat Cottrell Senior Vice President (Jason Dale Lewis US
Navy SEAL PO 1st Class was KIA in Baghdad Iraq on7/6/07
from Brookfield, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Friends,
We would like to acknowledge receipt of your generous
contribution to the Jeffrey F. Braun Fund. The family has
been notified of your kind remembrance.
Your Support For Our Troops Campaign is both unique and
at the same time very effective at raising awareness for this
fine cause. You should be proud of your contribution to this
exceptional mission.
Thank you for your interest and support of the Citizens'
Scholarship Foundation of Stafford.
Very truly yours,
Rosanne G. Roszczewski
Treasurer, CSFS
(In Memory of Jeffrey F. Braun US Army Private 1st Class
Died in Baghdad Iraq on 12/12/03 from Stafford, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Friends,
Thank you so much for your generous donation to "Mary's
Place" in memory of US Marine Corporal Stephen Bixler. We
are very touched and grateful that you chose to remember
him by sending a donation to our center. He will always be
remembered here as we continue to offer to offer support
services at no charge to the many children, teens and their
families who come to us at such difficult times in their lives.
Again, thank you for remembering us in Corporal Bixler's
memory. We will let his family know of your donation and I
am sure that they will be deeply touched. May 2010 be a
year filled with good health, happiness and many blessings
for you and for those you love.
Gratefully yours,
Lisa Peluso R.N.
Executive Director (In Memory of US Marine Corporal
Stephen Bixler was KIA in Anbar Province Iraq on 5/3/06
from Suffield, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Family,
Thank you for thinking of Jordan. It is such a wonderful
feeling to know we are still receiving word that someone
has remembered him and taken the time to donate the
monies to keep the Corporal Jordan C. Pierson Memorial
Scholarship going.
It is a huge relief to not have to worry about raising money
to continue his legacy. Again, Ethan, Eric and myself thank
you for your kindness. God bless you, your family and all the
hockey players!
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Our family would like to thank you and the Hockey Players
for remembering our son Stephan with your gift to Mary's
Place. Your thoughtfulness and generosity will never be
forgotten.
It is wonderful and caring people like you that help to keep
his memory alive and bring us much comfort.
Sincerely,
Linda, Richard and Sandra Bixler (Proud family of US Marine
Corporal Stephen Bixler was KIA in Anbar Province Iraq on
5/3/06 from Suffield, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Family & Hockey Players,
The Koch family thanks you for your concern and
condolences for our loss of our Fallen Hero, CPL Steven R.
Koch. Your donation will go to our continual effort to raise
money to distribute back to veterans and wounded warrior
programs. We now expend time to attend events, parades
and memorials to help raise awareness of the sacrifices
made by our men and women in the Armed Services along
with their families. CPL Koch may have volunteered for
service, but we were drafted with his spirit to carry on his
honor.
We feel your work is very vital to helping support the troops
and we not only congratulate you, but thank you for your
efforts.
Enclosed is a photo of the CPL Koch Honor Truck that we use
for special events and when we go to Arlington to see CPL
Koch. It was detailed in his honor by local businesses. If you
feel that our attendance with the CPL Koch Honor Truck will
help you in your fundraising efforts just let us know as it
would be an honor to "get the word out" with you.
My best to you and your family and keep up the great work.
"HONOR ABOVE ALL"
Bill Koch (Father of Steven R. Koch US Army Corporal KIA in
Sabari District, Afghanistan on 3/3/08 from Milltown, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
On behalf of Carlstadt Fire Department Engine Company
Two, I would like to thank you for your donation to the
Michael Schwarz Scholarship Fund. Your commitment to
helping the graduating students in our community is
sincerely appreciated.
Each year the scholarships awarded in Michael's name will
continue to keep his memory alive. Through our scholarship
program we try to help change lives for the better.
Thank you again for your support of the Michael Schwarz
Scholarship Fund.
Love,
Best Wishes,
Beverly, Eric & Ethan Pierson (Family of Jordan C. Pierson US
Marine Corporal KIA in Anbar Province Iraq on 8/25/06 from
Milford, CT)
Robert Moor (Michael A. Schwarz US Marine Lance Corporal
KIA in Anbar Province Iraq on 11/27/06 from Carlstadt, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your generous gift to St. Jude Children's
research Hospital in tribute to 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown.
St. Jude is dedicated to finding cures for children with
catastrophic illnesses through research and treatment. Your
donation is truly a gift of hope for thousands of children
around the world.
On behalf of the patients and parents of St. Jude, we thank
you for your support.
Sincerely, Rebecca J. Farrell Donor Services Director
(In Memory of Thomas J. Brown US Army 1st Lieutenant KIA
in Salman Park Iraq on 9/23/08 from Shelton, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili, Family & US Hockey Players Support Our
Troops Campaign,
On behalf of the Anthony Joseph Dixon Resource Center, I
would like to thank you for your generous gift. It does my
heart glad to know that people really do care. Your sincere
condolences on the loss of my son is much appreciated.
Anthony will never be forgotten; we honor his sacrifice every
day with our organization.
God Bless You!
Alex & Lynn Kelly (Proud Parents of Sean P. Kelly US Marine
Corporal Died in Service in Rutbah Iraq on 1/26/05 from
Pitman, NJ) PS: Thank you for the awesome patches!
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for
recognizing the loss of our son Brian and for honoring him
with your donation. The monies in the Scholarship Fund are
given annually to Senior Hockey Players and also to those
who enlist in the military and graduate from Boot Camp.
Brian loved hockey. He earned his Varsity Letter as a
Freshman. He played defense and had drive, dedication and
determination that made him a great Marine.
It is our hope that people like yourself will continue to
support our troops and their mission.
I will place the patch in his Marine Album. I am a Brooklyn
native (East Flatbush) so your gift was extra special. Thank
you again for recognizing not only Lance Corporal Brian P.
Parrello, but all who served before and after him too.
Through our programs we have seen many lives changed for
the better. In particular the Tutoring Program has enjoyed
great success in the past year. The students have improved
drastically in both math and reading. Our goal is to
continue to make a difference in the lives of others
throughout the community.
Fondly, Shirley "Proud Marine Mom" Love, The Parrello
Family; Shirley, Nino, Matthew & Anthony (Proud Family of
USMC Lance Corporal Brian P. Parrello KIA1-1-05 in Iraq
from West Milford, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thanks again for your support.
We are deeply grateful for your thoughtful gift to the Hole in
the Wall Gang Fund in support of programs at Camp
Ashford, Connecticut. We have processed your tribute gift in
the name of 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman as you have requested.
Sincerely, Jacquelyn Dixon, Director (Mom of Anthony J.
Dixon US Army Specialist KIA in Samarra Iraq on 8/1/04
from Lindenwold, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Thank you and the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops
Campaign for making a gift to VMI in memory of Ryan Doltz
'00. Your support of The Institute and its cadets is an
excellent way to recognize his devotion to VMI.
Your gift will be helpful in achieving the goals of Vision 2039
and will be an example to all as to what can be done to help
VMI sustain and advance an education that purposefully
prepares young people. On behalf of the beneficiaries of
your generosity--the faculty, staff and Corps of Cadets of
VMI--I thank you for your generous support of VMI as we
continue to serve Virginia and our Nation in these
demanding times.
Sincerely Yours,
Patrick F. Webb, Vice President of Alumni and Reunion
Giving (Ryan E. Doltz US Army Specialist KIA in Baghdad Iraq
on 6/5/04 from Mine Hill, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili, Family and Hockey Players,
Thank you so much for your generous gift to Sean's
Scholarship Fund and also for remembering our son.
Because of you and your generosity our son Cpl. Sean Kelly
will never be forgotten.
"I wonder what it would be like if I wasn't sick." Over the
last twenty years, I have heard this sentiment expressed
many times by campers. At The Hole in the Wall gang Camp
it is our great joy to provide a camp experience where our
campers can do just that--experience life without boundaries
or limits. Our campers have the opportunity to horseback
ride, climb towers, make woodshop and craft projects, sleep
next to a campfire, catch as many fish as possible and sing
and dance their hearts out on stage. Camp is a place where
the children, first and foremost, can simply be kids.
Certainly their medical treatments continue while they are
at Camp, but we try to make those treatments as
unobtrusive as possible. Our kids are at Camp to play.
In addition to our summer camp program that serves over
1,000 children, Camp operates twenty weekend programs
throughout the year for our campers and their families. We
have seen that behind every sick child there is a family in
crisis, so whatever we can do to support the families will
have a positive effect on our campers. We also bring Camp
to children in hospitals throughout the Northeast. Over the
course of the year more than 15,000 children and family
members will be served in a variety of programs.
Without your support we could not do what we consider a
privilege to do. We intend to create and share memories
that will last a lifetime.
Warmly, James H. Canton Chief Executive Officer (In
Memory of Keith N. Heidtman US Army 1st Lieutenant KIA in
Muqdadiyah Iraq on 5/28/09 from Norwich, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
from you. The patches are wonderful and are so special to
us. Please share our appreciation with the hockey players
and their families.
On behalf of Dutchess Community College we would like to
thank you and your organization for your generosity in
2009. Your donation supported the Sgt. Mark C. Palmateer
Memorial Scholarship for academic activities and special
projects.
Sincerely,
Maureen & Arthur Robidoux (Proud parents of Keith N.
Heidtman US Army 1st Lieutenant KIA in Muqdadiyah Iraq
on 5/28/09 from Norwich, CT)
Thank you for remembering Sgt. Palmateer and for your
investment in the students of Dutchess Community College.
Sincerely, Patricia L. Prunty Foundation Executive Director,
Director of Institutional Advancement
(Mark C. Palmateer US Army Sergeant KIA on 6/26/08 in
Afghanistan from Poughkeepsie, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Hockey Players, Charles Gili & Family,
Your touching efforts to honor our son Larry, his love of
hockey and his sacrifice for our nation is held close in our
hearts.
We thank you for your generous gift to his scholarship. We
are humbled by your support and it is that very support that
helps to keep us pressing forward.
God Bless You All.
With Faith, Hope & Courage. Ray & Leesa Philippon &
Family (Proud Family of Lawrence R. Philippon US Marine
Lance Corporal KIA in Qaim Iraq on 5/8/05 from West
Hartford, CT)
**************************************************
Hello Charlie Gili & Family,
Thank you so much for reaching out to me and trying so
hard to find us. I think it is awesome all of the efforts you
and your organization are doing for the families of our fallen
heroes. I looked at your organization's website and it is an
amazing program. It is so great how much you have already
done and would be thrilled to receive a gift in honor of my
husband for our daughter, Kadence.
Thank you for all of your efforts, I am truly blessed to have
such amazing people out there, like yourselves, caring about
us. If at any time you need anything from me or my
daughter please don't hesitate to call.
All my Best,
Melissa & Kadence (Proud Wife & Daughter of David P.
Mahlenbrock US Army Specialist KIA in Kirkuk Iraq on
12/3/04 from Maple Shade, NJ)
************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & Family,
We wanted to write and let you know how much the
contribution from the US/NYS Hockey Players Support Our
Troops Campaign in honor of our son, 1st Lt. Keith N.
Heidtman has meant to our family.
Keith loved working at "the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp"
while he was a student at UCONN. Working there really
changed his life so I know how much this gift would mean to
him as well.
Thank you so much for remembering our family in this
way.....words can't express how it lifted our spirits to hear
--The warm glow of your generosity shines brighter than
you'll ever know. Many thanks.-************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thank you for your gift. We truly do appreciate you and
your efforts on behalf of Vinny and other fallen heroes and
their families.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, generosity &
kindness! God Bless You!
Teri Frassetto
(Proud mom of Vincent M. Frassetto US Marine Private 1st
Class KIA in Anbar Province Iraq on 9/7/06 from Toms River,
NJ) PS: Thank you also for the pictures & patches. Please
tell the players & parents & supporters OO-RAH! And thank
you so much!)
--Grieve not...nor speak of me with tears...
but laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you.
I loved you so...'twas Heaven here with you-**************************************************
Dear Charles,
I'm writing you to thank you for sending us the patches in
honor of Derek Hines. He was an outstanding hockey
player, but he was an even better person. There isn't a day
that goes by that I don't think of him.
Charles, thanks again for the patches and also thank you so
much for what you are doing!
Best wishes,
Coach Riley
US Military Academy at West Point
Head Coach Black Knights Men's Hockey Team
(Former West Point Hockey Player Derek S. Hines US Army
1st Lieutenant KIA in Baylough Afghanistan on 9/1/05 from
Newburyport, MA)
*************************************************
Dear Charlie,
Loveland Center wishes to thank you for your memorial
donation in honor of Ronald Spino. Your gift will go a long
way in helping our students live their lives to the fullest.
Thank you for believing in our mission. We are privileged to
count you and your organization among our Loveland
Center family.
Sincerely yours, Colette Koltay VP Donor Relations & Special
Events (Ronald J. Spino US Army Staff Sergeant was KIA in
Bala Morghab Afghanistan on 12/29/09 he was from
Waterbury, CT)
*************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the Loveland Board of Directors, I would also
like to thank you as well as the US/NYS Hockey Players for
your generous contribution, made as a memorial on behalf
of Ron M. Spino. We greatly appreciate your kindness and
thoughtfulness.
Thank you again for contributing to our efforts in making a
"difference" in others lives.
Your wonderful gift will help our students "live their lives to
the fullest."
Sincerely,
Ida D Gonzalez, President
Proud Mother of SPC Michael L Gonzalez and Momma
Gonzo to her military sons and daughters. (Michael L.
Gonzalez US Army Specialist was KIA in Baghdad Iraq on
8/28/08. He was from Spotswood, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
With Warm Regards,
James V. Martin, Managing Director, SB Consulting LLC,
Member-Loveland Board of Directors (Ronald J. Spino US
Army Staff Sergeant was KIA in Bala Morghab Afghanistan
on 12/29/09 he was from Waterbury, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your generous donation in memory of US
Army Specialist Jason Johnston.
Sincerely,
Our sincere thank you for your contribution to Loveland
Center in memory of our son, US Army Staff Sergeant Ronald
J. Spino, killed in Afghanistan in December 2009. Your clubs
efforts are most commendable as our support of our troops
is so important.
Ron was a loving son, a good man and a great soldier. We
are so proud of the man he became.
Sincerely,
James, Rita Jim Jr., Gina & Marianne Spino (Mom & Dad &
siblings of SSGT. Ronald J. Spino)
PS: Your colorful patches will be sewn on our jackets!
Thanks!
(Ronald J. Spino US Army Staff Sergeant was KIA in Bala
Morghab Afghanistan on 12/29/09 he was from Waterbury,
CT)
**************************************************
Good Morning Mr. Charles Gili & Family,
Let me first apologize for not acknowledging your gift
sooner. Thank you and the New York State Hockey Players
for supporting the troops and also for your donation to the
Butterfly Circle of Friends. Our mission statement is to help
others in need both locally and worldwide. With our main
focus being on the military and their families at this time of
need. We also help out with our local food bank and soup
kitchen.
Teaching the children about making a difference in other
peoples life's is one of the most important lessons they can
learn. Even sharing a "smile", can make a difference in
someone else's life.
These are the words from a soldier I have adopted:
"You know Ida, a lot of people want to help with tangibles,
but honestly it's those intangibles that keep the soul alive."
"It's your words, your hand on a shoulder, a good hug, a
hand written note just to say "we love ya." "
How true they are even for the civilian world. The Adopt a
US Soldier organization has made me an official
Ambassador in NJ. Please share this with the hockey
associations and if each family can adopt one soldier...what
a great thing that would be!
It's being part of making history. If I could take an airplane
and fill it will little "pink" hearts that say "we love ya" and
drop it on Afghanistan and Iraq I would.
www.adoptaussoldier.org
The Albion Fire Department
(Jason M. Johnston US Army Specialist was KIA in
Arghandab Afghanistan on 12/26/09. He was from Albion,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your donation to the Ryan Doltz'00
Scholarship at VMI. It is our hope to keep Ryan's memory
alive for many years to come.
Your gift will help in this pursuit. Thanks again! Sincerely,
Cheryl Doltz
(Proud mom of Ryan E. Doltz US Army Specialist KIA in
Baghdad Iraq on 6/5/04 from Mine Hill, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
I can't begin to express how thankful I am for your support
of our family, but more so for our Troops!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Love, Sophia Brown ( For the daughter of Alan N. Dikcis US
Army Specialist was KIA in Marjah Afghanistan on 3/5/10.
He was from Wheatfield, NY)
PS: We will wear your patches with pride!!
*************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
The Family of David Bernstein thanks you and the US/NYS
Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign for your
generous contribution to the David R. Bernstein Memorial
Scholarship Fund. Your donation will be used to fund a
scholarship to be given annually to the valedictorian of the
Phoenixville Area (PA) High School graduating class.
As you may know, David had the honor of being the
valedictorian of the class of 1997. He excelled in academics
while competing in swimming and football. We believe that
recognition of those who, in future years, are the
valedictorian of their graduating class is a fitting way to
honor his memory.
A common theme has run through the correspondence that
we have received about David. It is how he inspired others.
David encouraged people to achieve and become better. He
led by example, led with integrity and those whose lives he
touched couldn’t help but want to strive to excel, as he did
in his quiet, strong and unassuming manner.
We want you, as we do, to rejoice in David’s life; to make his
sacrifice meaningful by fulfilling the best potential in your
own lives; and, to smile and be happy when thinking of him.
We, each of us, need to ensure that we are not
overwhelmed and pulled down by thoughts of “what might
have been” but are, instead, uplifted and inspired by the
“what is” of David Richard Bernstein.
Thank you again for your gift in recognition of our son and
brother.
Rich and Gail Bernstein, Doug Bernstein, Michelle and David
Lee (Proud Family of David R. Bernstein US Army 1st
Lieutenant KIA in Taza Iraq on 10/18/03 from Phoenixville,
PA)
************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Family,
Thank you so much for your beautiful note and donation in
honor of our son Sgt. Christopher Hrbek. You probably
didn't know this but hockey was a passion of Chris'. He
played in Monsey for years until it interfered with his
wrestling schedule in high school. He played hockey like he
did most things, with passion and heart. If he wasn't on the
ice he played in the street with his 2 older brothers. He
wasn't the best player but it never stopped him from giving
it his all.
We are very humbled that you would reach out to us and we
thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are
overwhelmed by the generosity of your organization and so
many others. Your campaign sets a wonderful example for
young people to recognize the sacrifices that are made by
men and women in the military every day.
Thank you for honoring our son and his sacrifice. I hope you
will share this letter with the rest of your organization.
Sincerely, Cheryl Hodges (Proud mother of Christopher R.
Hrbek US Marine Sergeant KIA in Helmund Province
Afghanistan on 1/14/10 from Westwood, NJ)
*************************************************
Thank you Charles, what a thoughtful thing to do. If I had to
pick a charity or project, it would be the Heritage Fund at
our church, Notre Dame. Nic was very involved at our church
before he entered the Marines. You could write in memory
of Nicholas Sovie. Would you please send me your address?
I would like to send you a Memorial Dog Tag for Nicholas.
Thank you so much and God Bless! Mary (Proud Mom of
Nicholas J. Sovie US Marine Lance Corporal KIA near Djibouti
on 2/17/06 from Ogdensburg, NY)
**************************************************
How are u doing Charles. Thank you very much for thinking
about my granddaughter. She is 6 yrs old. Her father was my
son-in law but he was more of a son. We still miss him a
lot. The date is coming up again soon OCT 1, OMG!! My
daughter and granddaughter and me will be crying
again. But, we will be okay in Jesus name. Thank you. Elsie
L.
(Mario Nelson US Army Sergeant KIA in Iraq on
10/1/06 from Brooklyn, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of Elliot Hershberg and the entire Board of
Trustees, I thank you for your recent contribution in support
of the John J. McKenna IV Scholarship Fund, benefiting
college-bound sons and daughters of New York State
Troopers.
I can tell you that this program has been enthusiastically
acknowledged by the State Police family. Those who have
received scholarships during the past seven years have
expressed tremendous appreciation for the opportunity--an
opportunity that would not be possible without the
generosity of people like you. Thank you very much for
helping us to make this gesture to our State police families a
great success in 2009.
Sincerely, Rachael L. Mincher, President, NYS Trooper
Foundation Inc. (For John J. McKenna IV US Marine Captain
KIA on 8/16/06 in Anbar Province Iraq from Brooklyn, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Thank you for your recent donation to the James Lyons '03
Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship Fund from the
NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign. Your
cover letter to the Lyons family meant so much. I have sent
it along to Mr. & Mrs. Lyons and I'm sure you will hear from
them soon.
Syracuse University has a long and proud tradition of
academic excellence, made possible by the support of
friends like you. Your giving enables us to offer outstanding
programs and opportunities for students, in particular highly
critical financial backing like the James Lyons Scholarship
Fund. Your contribution will help provide much needed
assistance to students of disabled or fallen parents who
have served in the armed forces, in honor and memory of
James Lyons.
We deeply appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Christina Walker G'05 Assistant Director of
Development/Office of Gift Planning (For James N. Lyons US
Army 1st Lieutenant KIA on 9/27/06 in Baghdad Iraq from
Rochester, NY)
************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Please accept our sincere thank you for the generous gift to
the Food Bank of Western New York in memory of PFC Travis
C. Krege, United States Army.
We can assure you that the monies will be well used to help
feed the nearly 90,000 less fortunate individuals our
member agencies service each month. What an appropriate
way of honoring the memory of this caring man!
The Krege Family has been notified of your donation and has
been sent the packet of information and patches you
forwarded to us.
Sincerely,
Marylou Borowiak, President & CEO (For Travis C. Krege US
Army Private 1st Class KIA on 12/6/06 in Hawiji Iraq from
Cheektowaga, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Family,
I am writing to thank NYS Hockey Players for the generous
gift to the Dutchess Community College Foundation's Sgt.
Mark C. Palmateer Memorial Scholarship Fund. Scholarships
make a big difference in the lives of our students, many of
whom struggle with finances, jobs and family life. It's
encouraging to know that organizations such as yours
understand and support opportunities for students of our
region.
Thank you for your gift to the Ronald Winchester Burse on
behalf of the New York State Hockey Players Support Our
Troops Campaign.
Your support and involvement means much to all of us on
the faculty. You are a close partner with us as we seek to
help the young men who are today's students to become
leaders of tomorrow by providing them with a strong,
Catholic liberal arts education and with many opportunities
to participate in athletics and other activities.
Again, thanks to your organization for their support of
Dutchess Community College. Your organization is an
exceptional supporter and an important partner in our work.
On behalf of the Marianist Community of Chaminade and
the entire Chaminade faculty and staff, thank you for your
thoughtfulness.
Sincerely,
Sincerely yours,
D. David Conklin, President (For Mark C. Palmateer US Army
Sergeant KIA on 6/26/08 in Afghanistan from Poughkeepsie,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear NYS Hockey Players,
Rev. James C. Williams, S.M. '87, President (Ronald D.
Winchester US Marine 1st Lieutenant KIA on 9/3/04 in Anbar
Province Iraq from Rockville Center, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous
donation on behalf of Nathan Brown. Not a day goes by
that PFC Brown isn't greatly missed and he's talked about
often in his military family.
The University of Georgia is honored to acknowledge receipt
of your contribution made in memory of Major Douglas
Sloan.
Your generous donation will go a very long way toward care
package postage!
The students, alumni, faculty and staff of the University are
honored to be associated with this meaningful
remembrance.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
The National Guard Family Group (For Nathan P. Brown US
Army Private 1st Class KIA on 4/11/04 in Samarra Iraq from
South Glens Falls, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Arthur M. Horne, Dean (For Douglas E. Sloan US Army Major
KIA on 10/31/06 in the Wygal Valley Afghanistan from
Evans Mills, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Family,
Thank you so very much for your gift to the Jim Regan
Scholarship Fund on behalf of the New York State Hockey
Players Support Our Troops Campaign and foe helping to
memorialize him in this way.
On behalf of the members of the family of Marine Cpl.
Joseph S. Tremblay and the American Veterans Aid Fund, we
would like to thank you for your contribution on behalf of
the NYS Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign. Your
support of our organization does much to strengthen our
veterans and their families.
I speak for the entire Chaminade Family when I express our
sincere gratitude for your generous support. In recent years,
such gifts have made a great difference for Chaminade High
School. They have enabled us to assist needy students with
tuition aid, thus making the benefits of a Chaminade
education a possibility for them. Very frequently we receive
words of thanks and gratitude from these young men and
their parents. This is very humbling for us since the people
who really deserve their thanks are the generous
benefactors whose gifts have created the scholarships that
we are now privileged to offer. We thank you and the many
other donors who have supported and shared in our mission
in such an important way. May our Lord and Our Lady richly
bless you and your family for your kind generosity.
Sincerely,
Fr. James Williams, S.M. '87, President (For James J. Regan
US Army Sergeant KIA on 2/9/07 in Iraq from Manhasset,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Sincerely,
Gregory M. Kelly, Director USA-Sgt 1982-86 82nd Airborne
Division (Grenada) 2nd Inf. Div. DIVARTY-HQ (Korea) (For
Joseph S. Tremblay US Marine Corporal KIA on 4/27/05 in
Hit Iraq from New Windsor, NY)
*************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Please forgive the delay in writing you to express our
gratitude to you, your family & your organization for the gift
to the Memorial Fund in honor of Michael Glover.
I will send your letter and the handsome patches you
enclosed to Michael's mother, Margaret Glover. I am sure
she will be most appreciative for your thoughtful, generous
kindness.
Your gift will be added to an endowment in honor of
Michael that will benefit students for many years to come. If
I may ever be of service, please contact me. Thank you
again for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Jim Hanley, Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations,
Pace Law School (Michael D. Glover US Marine Lance
Corporal KIA on 8/16/06 in Anbar Province Iraq from
Brooklyn, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the entire Southern Tier Military Support Group
family, thank you again for the wonderful donation from the
NYS Hockey Players organization. Our entire "Troop Group"
family sincerely appreciates all your work on behalf of our
soldiers, sailors, airmen and women.
Your donation will keep those packages, scholarships,
support for families and the wounded flowing to America's
bravest and all those who love and support them.
Our Deepest Thanks,
Ruth Snyder
**************************************************
Dear Friends,
On behalf of our sick and injured troops, I would like to say
thank you for your generous donation. It is wonderful you
chose us to help honor Ben Schuster's memory. It means a
great deal to our hospitalized veterans. We appreciate your
support.
Please check out our web site and remember we can always
use help even with just cards and letters.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Lepsch, Senior Vice Commander DAVA 120 Veterans
Advocate, Jammies For GI's (For Benjamin C. Schuster US
Army Private 1st Class KIA on 2/25/06 in Ramadi Iraq from
Williamsville, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
Thank you for the recent gift to the First Lieutenant
Matthew D. Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund at Duke
University from the New York State Hockey Players Support
Our Troops Campaign.
I will mail your kind letter, the booklet and the patches to
Matthew Lynch's family. We appreciate so much your
organization's generosity to the fund honoring Matthew
Lynch. Best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Sasser, Assistant Director, Donor Relations, Duke
University (For Matthew D. Lynch US Marine 1st Lieutenant
KIA in Iraq on 10/31/04 from Jericho, NY)
*************************************************
Dear Hockey Players,
I do appreciate what you have done for families of NY that
have lost a loved one. Irving was my world and our kids and
I miss him dearly. Thank you once again.
Yes Alaska is a long way from home in New York, but after
Irving was killed the kids and I decided to stay here in
Alaska. I do return home every so often. All our family still
lives there.
I do have something I would like to ask you, how did you get
the organization started. I would like to help raise money for
"snowball express." They help families of fallen soldiers to
have a special trip to meet with other families. I would
appreciate your advice.
Thanks, Susan Hernandez & Family (Proud Wife of Irving
Hernandez Jr. US Army Sergeant KIA in Mosul Iraq on
7/12/06 from New York, NY)
**************************************************
Hello Mr. Gili,
My sincere apologies for not responding earlier. First of all, I
want to thank you for contacting my family. We really do
appreciate what you and your family do. Although it has
been 6 years since my husband died not a day goes by that
we don't think about him and my girls truly do miss him still.
We would be honored to accept your gift. The state of New
York has been so kind and generous where as I was able to
set up college funds for the girls. So your gift will go to the
college funds for both my daughters. We are so grateful for
Americans like yourself and the NYS Hockey Players that
continue to support the families of fallen heroes. It is just
wonderful what your organization does and we are truly
grateful. Again, thank you so much.
Mahalo,
Brandy, Mya and Monica Williams (Proud family of Eugene
Williams US Army Sergeant KIA in Najaf Iraq on 3/29/03
from Highland, NY)
************************************************
Dear Charles & Family,
This is a long overdue thank you for your letter, patches and
donation to the Justin Whiting Patriot Award. We
appreciate you thinking of us and letting us know that
Justin's sacrifice is remembered. We would like to take this
opportunity to tell you about Justin and our family.
Justin entered the Army after high school and earned his
Green Beret in 2003. He was a medic and had completed
two tours in Iraq when he decided to come home and give
civilian life a try. He loved to hunt and he hunted October,
November and December of 2006. In the spring of 2007 he
decided that he was needed more in the Army than he was
in the woods and re-enlisted. He was a medic and worked a
lot with the civilians in Iraq. He found this to be very
rewarding. To many he was the only medical attention they
could receive. He was killed on January 19, 2008 in Mosul
when the humvee he was driving was struck by an IED.
The morning of his death he had breakfast with his youngest
brother, Nate, who is also a Green Beret. They hadn't seen
much of each other in Iraq, but just by chance were able to
spend a few hours together that morning. Justin told him all
about an Iraqi vehicle that had overturned the day before
trapping an Iraqi commando underneath. Justin was able to
help remove the vehicle from the soldier, treat him for
massive head injuries and have him airlifted to a hospital.
We also have another son, Greg who is in Iraq now. He is a
Green Beret with the 4th Battalion stationed at Fort
Campbell. Our son-in-law, John who is presently in
Afghanistan, is a Green Beret with 1st Group stationed at
Fort Lewis, Washington. His wife, our daughter Amanda is
the only officer in the bunch. She is in Afghanistan and a
Captain, also stationed at Fort Lewis. Our Service Flag in the
window holds four Blue Stars and one gold. As you can tell
our dedication to our country and defending what it stands
for is very important to us.
Along with the Patriot Award we have erected a 70-foot,
lighted flag pole at our farm in French Woods, New York. It
is dedicated to Justin and all the others who have given their
life to advance the cause of freedom. Although nothing will
take away the pain, the pride you feel does help to ease it.
sorrow, Sharing our prayers, Today and tomorrow, God
gives us comfort In the form of good friends, May His peace
be with you, His love never ends.
Our fathers fought in World War II. We have many
memories of the stories they told and the sacrifices that
many families made. Although you pray that the sacrifice
will not be yours to bear, when that day came we tried to
face it with the same courage that Justin and our other
children go into battle with. That is where we get our
strength. That is what pulls us through the dark days.
Letters from others who care help too. Thank you for your
dedication to this cause. And thanks again for thinking of us
and remembering Justin. God Bless You and God Bless
America
Our Sincerest Thanks,
Randy and Cindy Whiting (Proud Parents of Justin R. Whiting
US Army Staff Sergeant KIA in Mosul Iraq on 1/19/08. He
was from Hancock, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie and family,
I am honored and humbled that you would seek to honor my
son Brent Adams by contributing to his son Daniel's trust
fund. My brother who was very close to Brent started the
fund for our precious grandson Daniel.
It does my heart good to see that someone still cares about
my son and grandson. We just had our grandson Daniel
here over the weekend for a visit. He lives in Pittsburgh and
we don't get to see him as often as we would like. When he
comes here he spends his time between My husband Jack
and I and Brent's Dad Bill and his stepmother Pam. Needless
to say he is spoiled by all four of us. We drove Daniel to
Bedford Sunday to meet his mother to return Daniel and he
got very quiet.
We all went in to McDonalds to get something to eat and
when we were done and his Mom told him it was time to go,
the tears were streaming down his checks. My husband
and I could not hold back our own tears at that point.
Daniel was in the car looking at us through the window still
crying and he kept looking at us until their car was out of
site. That was the second worst day in my life except when
we found out that Brent had been KIA. My heart was
shattered into a million pieces that evening and will never
be whole again until Brent and I are reunited in heaven.
Somehow we keeping putting one foot in front of the other
and continue to survive the worst nightmare any parent can
ever face.
Brent always had this beautiful smile on his face that could
melt a mother's heart. He grew up to be a terrific son and a
amazing father. Daniel was the light of his life. Brent was
highly thought of by many people, most of all by his family,
his fellow soldiers and his church family. Even strangers
who have never met Brent by reading his story and by
looking at his smiling picture. He was truly an American
hero and was such a treasure in our lives. Brent's birthday is
April 29th and that was a very glorious and memorable day.
He weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and was 21 and 1/4 inches long He
arrived at 3:39 a.m. Thank you so very much for what you
are doing and God Bless you.
Beth World (Proud Wife & Family of Sgt. Frank J.A. World
US Marine Sergeant KIA in Helmand Province Afghanistan
on 4/1/10 from Buffalo, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Charles Gili & Hockey Players,
On behalf of the Officers and Board of Directors of the Lead
The Way Fund, Inc. I would like to thank you very much for
your charitable donation. I understand that this donation
was made in honor of Cpl. Michael Jankiewicz who died on
April 9, 2010 while serving with Company A, 3rd Battalion,
75th Ranger Regiment. I speak for the entire Ranger Family
when I express our sincere appreciation for your generous
support of all Rangers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice
in furthering the freedom and security of our country.
Lead The Way Fund is a 501c3 not for profit institution. This
organization was established to raise funds in support of
families of U.S. Army Rangers who have died, have been
disabled or who are currently serving in harm’s way around
the world. The funds raised will provide spouses and
children of deceased, disabled and active duty Rangers with
assistance for health and wellness programs and other
financial aid programs. The Lead The Way Fund, Inc. was
created in honor of Sgt. James J. Regan, who was killed in
Iraq while serving with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th
Ranger Regiment.
We thank you and the numerous other donors who have
supported and shared in our mission in such a significant
way.
Sincerely,
Mr. James P. Regan, President (Michael D. Jankiewicz US
Army Corporal was killed in a plane crash in Zabu
Afghanistan on 4/9/10. He was from Ramsey, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
I just found out from the bank that your group (US Hockey
Players Support Our Troops!) has donated to my son's
Memorial Fund. It never ceases to amaze me and to warm
my heart that there are some American's who still think of
my son and the sacrifice he made for our freedoms and to
help others in our world.
Thank you so much for your generous donation. Our fund
supports two scholarships at Bobby's High School and his
Technical School and the Amigos de Jesus Orphanage and
Wounded Warriors Project.
Thank you for continuing to remember and support our
fallen heroes and their families.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Barbara Benard
(Proud Gold Star Mother of Sgt 1st Class Brent Adams
KIA 12/01/05 in Ramadi, Iraq)
**************************************************
Dear Hockey Players,
Frances M. Dembowski (Proud Mom of One of Many Who
Gave All; Robert H. Dembowski US Army Private 1st Class
KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 5/24/07 from Ivyland, PA)
************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
A friendly smile, A casual touch, These are the things That
mean so much, To know you are with us in our time of
Thank you so much for your gift to the Michigan 4-H
Foundation in memory of Troy Nealey. We have notified
Troy's family of your generosity. Not only is your kind gift a
celebration of Troy, it also supports 4-H and its life-changing
opportunities.
Your gift will truly make a difference in the lives of Michigan
4-H youth and volunteers with the resources and training
that makes it possible to open doors for youth through all
Michigan 4-H projects and programs.
Please note that your gift will be recognized in the 2009-10
Michigan 4-H annual report. Our thanks again!
Sincerely, Cheryl D. Howell, Executive Director (US Marine
Lance Corporal Troy D. Nealey was KIA in Anbar Province
Iraq on 10/29/06. He was from Eaton Rapids, MI)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the Foundation at Monroe County Community
College, I would like to thank you for the generous donation
to the Dennis J. Miller Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Your letter
has been passed on to the family of PFC. Dennis J. Miller Jr. I
am sure that remembering their loved one with this
wonderful tribute will comfort them.
Scholarships are vitally important to our students, often
serving as the catalyst to get them started toward their
educational and career goals. Your generosity in assisting
us with the very important mission of providing students
with the financial resources to pursue their educational
goals is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your generous donation and your support of
Monroe County Community College and The Foundation at
Monroe County Community College.
Warmest Regards, Suzanne M. Wetzel Executive Director
The Foundation at MCCC (Dennis J. Miller Jr. US Army
Private 1st Class was KIA in Ramadi Iraq on 11/10/04. He
was from LaSalle, MI)
*************************************************D
ear Mr. Gili and the US Hockey Players,
Thank you for your generous contribution to Sgt. Brent
Dunkleburger Memorial Fund and your kind words. Your
"Support the Troops Campaign" is an admirable effort that
honors soldiers and their families who gave the ultimate
sacrifice for our great nation. This campaign is instilling the
US Hockey Players with important values of patriotism,
dedication, selflessness and respect that is lost in much of
our youth. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated and
recognized.
Sgt. Brent Dunkleberger gave the ultimate sacrifice
defending our country in Iraq on December 12, 2006. The
Brent Dunkleberger Memorial Fund was established to
support his four children; Alex, Kelli, Zoe and Belinda. Your
contribution will go towards providing our grandchildren
with a college education.
Again, thank you for your contribution.
Sincerely yours, William & Susan Dunkleberger (Proud
parents of Brent W. Dunkleberger US Army Sergeant KIA in
Mosul Iraq on 12/12/06. He was from New Bloomfield, PA)
**************************************************
To the Gili family,
My brother Ron Wimer received your lovely letter complete
with pictures and the check for Daniel's fund in memory of
his daddy Sgt. 1st Class Brent Adams. I really enjoyed the
pictures of the kids. It is wonderful to know that there are
people, such as yourselves, who give so freely of their time
and resources to support the families who have lost loved
ones and to teach our youth that "freedom is not
free." Brent enjoyed hockey and always watched the
Philadelphia Flyers no matter where he was.
Daniel is now 8 years old and loves to play baseball and
soccer. He is very athletic and all boy. Brent would be so
proud of him now, not that he wasn't from the day Daniel
was born. They even had a boys' night out together.
My husband and I were on the Wreaths Across America
convoy this year with stops and venues from Maine to
Arlington and somewhere along the way someone gave me
one of your patches. Since you sent four of them I am saving
one for Daniel and gave my daughter's three children the
other three patches. The youngest one Michael who is five
loved it and I had to sew it on his shirt right away. He was
so proud to wear it.
Your kindness and compassion is greatly appreciated by our
family. Brent lives in our hearts and we carry him with us
each and every day. I keep busy with the Gold Star Mothers
doing what we can to help our veterans and their families. I
hope and pray that you can continue your work of
recognizing the sacrifices of our troops. Thank you doesn't
seem to be enough
God Bless you and yours,
Barb Benard
Proud Gold Star Mother of
Sgt 1st Class Brent Adams KIA 12/01/05 in Ramadi, Iraq
from West View, PA
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players,
On behalf of the Mattawan Public Education Foundation, I
would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your gift to
the Jimmy Arnold Memorial Endowment. Also I want to
thank you for the information on the US/NYS Hockey Players
Support Our Troops Campaign. I have forwarded the
information on to the Arnold Family along with the patches.
It's only through the support of many of our friends that we
are able to enhance the level of education and services
available at Mattawan Consolidated School. Your
generosity is truly an investment in our children's future.
Again, thank you for your gift. We wish you all the best in
the new year.
Sincerely, Ronald J. Kuhn, President MPFE (James L. Arnold
US Army Private 1st Class KIA in Baghdad Iraq on 3/15/07.
James was from Mattawan, MI)
**************************************************
Hello Charles,
10 June 2010
Thank you for the care package! I received it a couple of
weeks ago, but I was unable to open it until just the other
day. I was busy working outside my normal working area. I
was very happy to receive it!
I am currently at Camp Leatherneck located in the southern
part of Afghanistan. We are very busy compared to the rest
of the country, but I think we are coming along just fine.
Our mission is to win the hearts and minds of the local
people using counter-insurgency operations.
I am stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.
Southern California has it all--beaches, big cities, deserts,
mountains, snow etc. My family is staying on base housing
at Camp Pendleton, while I do my part here with the rest of
the NATO forces for a whole year :-(
I have been in service for over 20 years now and getting
ready to retire soon as I return next year:-). My family and I
are planning on moving to the Philippines for retirement.
My wife Eliza and my 3 kids (Kiana 9, Akina 5 and Akian 1)
will live overseas and return to the US for vacations.
It's getting really hot here. With the wind blowing all the
sand at 120 degrees Fahrenheit heat, it feels like a hot hair
blow dryer on full blast right in front of my face and another
on the back of my neck and also on each side of my ears!
They say it will be like this for approximately 4 months :-(.
The nights are great--the temperature is just right. I can't
wait until the winter time.
Your letter and patches meant a lot to my sons and I during
this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Yesenia Rivera
(From the wife and sons of US Army Staff Sergeant Edwin
Rivera who died on 5/25/10 in Bethesda Maryland of
wounds suffered on 5/20/10 in Laghman Province
Afghanistan from Waterford, CT )
****************************************************************
Dear Charlie & US Hockey Players,
The Waterford High School community appreciates your
support of our graduates & our men & women in uniform in
Ahn's memory.
It is a great program & you all should be proud. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Thank you again for the care package and for your
continued support. We are here because people like you
care about our people and our great country.
Thank you!
Norman Tuzon-I MEF (fwd) G-4 Contracting-Unit42511-FPO
AP 96427-2511
**************************************************
The family and friends of Marine Lance Corporal Jordan
Christian Haerter thank you so much for the generous
contribution that you have so kindly made to the Memorial
Fund established to honor his spirit...
"This is courage in a man: to bear unflinchingly what heaven
sends." Euripides
Gene Ryan, Coordinator of the Kemaphom "AHN"
Chonawongse Scholarship, Waterford HS, Waterford
Connecticut (Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse US Marine
Corporal was Killed in Action in Nasiriyah Iraq on 3/23/03.
He was from Waterford, CT)
PS: I forwarded your letter & patches to Ahn's parents.
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family,
Thank you so much for your memorial donation for Tom to
the Military Ministry. This organization meant a lot to Tom
and Margo and your thoughtfulness and support of them
means a lot to all of us.
God bless you for your compassion and generosity.
Dear Charles,
Sincerely,
Once again you and your family have honored my son
Jordan. Thank you so much. I will make sure that the
money is spent wisely and I will be sure to include the
patches in the packages we send out to our troops.
Don and Sharon Belkofer, Margo, Alyssa and Ashley (Proud
Parents, Wife and Daughters of US Army Lt. Colonel Thomas
Belkofer KIA in Kabul Afghanistan on 5/18/10)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Hockey Players,
Thank you for your continued support. It is truly a great
thing you do.
Sincerely,
Chris Haerter (Proud dad of US Marine Lance Corporal
Jordan C. Haerter KIA in Iraq on 22 April 2008)
PS: May God Bless *Corporal Rodriguez and his family and
may we always remember his sacrifice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------*US Marine Corporal Robert M. Rodriguez was KIA on
3/25/03 in Nasiriyah, Iraq. He was from Maspeth, NY and
he was 21 years old.
Thank you so much for the very generous check for my grand
daughter Samantha. I sent it to her mother for her and I'm
sure it will be put to good use.
What a wonderful thing you are doing to honor our heroes
and their families. You can't imagine how much it means to
us to know they are not forgotten.
And, I just had to tell you what a hockey fan Michael was as
a child. He loved to play street hockey and later on he was a
big Philadelphia Flyer fan. God bless you and all you do.
Sincerely,
We were unable to locate his family, but Jordan's Initiative
provided us an appropriate avenue to honor his sacrifice and
his memory. Semper Fi
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Hockey Players,
Irene Egan (Proud mother of Michael Egan US Army
Sergeant who was Killed in Action in Ramadi Iraq on
9/19/05. He was from Philadelphia, PA)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Charles,
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and selflessness in what
you and your hockey players do to honor our fallen soldiers.
I am the widow of Sgt. Michael Egan~ my name is Maria
Egan,
My daughter and I are truly honored that the US/NYS
Hockey Players remember our Military Hero's and their
Families. I recently received your gift for my daughter in the
mail from my mother in law .
She also sent me a copy of the letter you sent, which was a
little too dark for me to see the patches in the picture.
Would you please email a picture of those patches if
possible?
I wanted to personally Thank You so very much and All
involved in the Support Our Troops Campaign.
Mike loved Hockey, I'm really amazed with Sammi who is 8
years old now & enjoys watching the Flyers with me when
the games are on! She is very much her father's daughter!
I am Truly Blessed.
Many Americans have no idea of the traumatic domino
effect it has on our military families , our lives & futures. We
have a great support system through my family & my late
husband's Brothers in Arms.
They have become our family and understand with great
compassion knowing the situation.
I will be going back to school for photography next spring
and one day dream of writing a series of books. We all have
a dream...I know Michael would be very proud of Samantha
and I.
God Bless You & Your FamilyRespectfully Yours,
Maria Egan (Proud wife of Michael Egan US Army Sergeant
who was Killed in Action in Ramadi Iraq on 9/19/05. He was
from Philadelphia, PA)
**************************************************
Dear Charles and members of the Hockey Players Support
Our Troops Campaign,
We have recieved your gift in memory of Specialist Chad
Fuller. It is a fine way to honor him and his life. Your
family's efforts to establish this campaign are very
commendable and a huge comfort to famlys left behind. We
are grateful for this donation.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Dusharm, Potsdam Humane Society
(Chad C. Fuller US Army Specialist was Killed in Action in
Shkin Afghanistan on 8/31/03. He was from Potsdam, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Players and Families,
On Behalf of Jesse & the Church of the Epiphany we thank
you for your gift to the Taylor Miller Memorial Scholarship
Fund.
**************************************************
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for making a special contribution to the
Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Your gift in memory of lance
Corporal Nathaniel "Nate" Joseph Schultz will help us
continue making a difference in the lives of needy and
deserving children. A personal acknowledgment of your
kindness has been sent to Ms. Lisa Natkin and Family along
with the patches and personal note. I am sure the family
will be very appreciative of your kind words.
Nate was a resident and honor student at our Safety Harbor
campus for nearly two years. He was an honorable and goal
oriented young man. Nate completed our program at the
same time he graduated high school. His dream was to
enlist in the Marine Corps. Although we are all saddened by
the news of his death and will miss him, we know he was
very proud of serving our country.
Together we are giving the boys and girls in our care the
opportunity to become productive and successful members
of our community. I appreciate your personal commitment
to our work with children.
Once again, thank you so much for your gift to the Florida
Sheriffs Youth Ranches in memory of Nate.
Sincerely,
Roger Bouchard, President (Nathaniel J. A. Schultz US
Marine Lance Corporal was Killed in Action in Helmand
Province Afghanistan on 8/21/10. Nate was from Safety
Harbor, FL)
**************************************************
Dear Charles,
Thank you and the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops
Campaign for your generous contribution to ClearWater
Initiative. Your gift helps us forward our mission of
providing sustainable, long-term clean water solutions to
people in northern Uganda, who are struggling to rebuild
after a brutal twenty-year war.
ClearWater Initiative's five-year plan is to provide potable
water to 50,000 people, and with your donation, we are well
on our way to making a difference. Your gift also honors our
founder Ben Sklaver's vision of giving hope for a better,
healthier and more productive life to thousands of people.
We thank you for allowing us to touch other lives in this very
real way.
In addition, thank you for donating in Ben's honor. We have
sent a note to his parents and fiancée acknowledging your
kind contribution.
For the Family,
With sincere appreciation, David Abraham CEO, ClearWater
Initiative (Benjamin A. Sklaver US Army was Captain was
Killed in Action in Murcheh Afghanistan on 10/2/09. He was
from Hamdon, CT)
**************************************************
To: The New York State Hockey Players Support Our Troops
Organization,
Fr. William C. Crites, Rector, Church of the Epiphany (D.
Taylor Miller US Army Private 1st Class was Killed in Action
in Lar Sholtan Village Afghanistan on 6/21/10. He was
from Wilton, NY)
We would like to thank you for the generous donation to our
son Zach's Scholarship Fund. Thank you also for the
beautiful patches. The letter that we received with your
check was very heart-warming.
We are notifying his family and sending your letter and
patches to them.
Zach was killed in January and every day is just difficult to
get up and start the day--knowing that our perfect life we
had is no longer. We are in hopes to keep Zach's name alive
forever and with donations such as yours---it is really
helping us, so thank you for assisting us.
Please relay our thank you to the organization. We really
appreciate the support at this most difficult time.
sometimes do not manifest themselves for months or even
years and has been called the signature wound of the
current conflict. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence
is a $60 million facility dedicated to research, diagnosis and
treatment of TBI. The Center will be a focal point for the
Department of Defense's efforts in addressing this daunting
challenge. The Fund will continue to provide support to our
nation's wounded heroes and their families.
Thanks so much,
Chris, Kim, Nate, Anne and Grace Smith (Proud family of
Zachary D. Smith US Marine Lance Corporal Killed in Action
in Helmand Province Afghanistan on1/24/10. He was from
Hornell, NY)
**************************************************
Charles,
During this time of sorrow we learn how much our family
and friends mean to us. Your kindness and sympathy will
always be remembered by our family.
Thank you for the donation to Steven's Memorial Fund.
Your generosity will help to keep his "giving" spirit alive.
Prior to this effort, the Fund provided close to $20 million in
support for families of military personnel lost in service to
our nation and more recently designed and built a $50
million advanced physical rehabilitation facility for wounded
service members and veterans. This facility, called the
Center for the Intrepid, opened in 2007 at Brooke Army
Medical Center in San Antonio.
Again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. We are
grateful for your thoughtfulness and for your remembering
our service members and their families.
Sincerely,
Thank you for supporting our troops!
David Winters, Executive Vice President
Sincerely,
The Family of Steven J. DeLuzio (US Army Sergeant Steven J.
DeLuzio was Killed in Action on 8/22/10 in Paktika
Afghanistan. Steven was from South Glastonbury, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Family & Hockey Players,
On behalf of the Millville Army Airfield Museum we would
like to thank you for your generous donation in honor of US
Army Staff Sergeant Thomas Walkup. The patch is great
and we will display this proudly in Sgt. Walkup's display
case.
This is such a wonderful campaign that you and your family
have started and I am sure it has touched many hearts since
2007.
Our museum preserves WWII history for years to come by
honoring veterans, educating and promoting aviation for
future generations. Donations received will help us in our
mission.
The Millville Army Airfield Museum holds a 501c-3 status as
a non-profit organization and all donations are tax
deductible. Also enclosed is some information on our
Museum to share.
Regards, Lisa Jester, Executive Director for the Walkup
Family (Thomas A. Walkup Jr. US Air Force Staff Sergeant
was killed in a helicopter crash on 11/23/03 in Afghanistan.
He was from Millville, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Hockey Players,
Thank you for your latest very generous gift to the Intrepid
Fallen Heroes Fund. We very much appreciate your
continuing sharing in our mission to support the men and
women of our Armed Forces and their families.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund recently completed
construction of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, a
project dedicated to supporting wounded warriors who
suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (YBI). Many of our troops
suffer from TBI, from mild to severe and these injuries
cc: Richard T. Santulli, Chairman
(For Vincent M. Sullivan US Marine Lance Corporal Killed in
Action in Anbar Province Iraq on 7/23/04. He was from
Chatham, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the Zilinski family and the Middletown
Reformed Church, thank you so much for your donation. The
US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign appears to
be a wonderful organization which recognizes the sacrifices
our soldiers have made. I have given the enclosed patch to
the Zilinski family.
The donation has been added to our scholarship program
which provides annual scholarships, in Dennis' memory, to
church college students who exemplify the standards that
Dennis set while a church member and youth group
member.
Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and best wishes in
your continued work for the campaign.
Sincerely,
Cindy Reya, Financial Secretary
cc: Marion and Dennis Zilinski
Dear Mr. Gili and Family,
Thank you for your recent donation to the Middletown
Reformed Church which has been gratefully received in
honor of our son, Lt. David W. Zilinski II.
All deaths and losses are difficult, but your contribution to
our church will enable our youth program to continue the
scholarship programs that are in place in Dennis' name.
Your gift is more than monetary support, it assures us that
we are not alone in our grief over Dennis' death or in our
being proud of his accomplishments in life. Your thoughts
and consideration honor his memory and will help us as we
continue our journey to healing and wholeness.
Thank you again for your support of our Church.
Very truly yours,
Dennis and Marion Zilinski (Proud Parents of Dennis W.
Zilinski US Army 1st Lieutenant Killed in Action in Bayji Iraq
on 11/19/05. He was from Freehold, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili and Family and US Hockey Players Support
Our Troops Campaign,
We would like to thank you for your donation made to the
Jacob's Light Foundation Inc. in honor of US Army PFC
Raheem Tyson Heighter who was killed in action in
Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 24, 2003. We also thank
you for the beautiful photos of your team and the patches
too. We did include them with our boxes in October. We
appreciate your ongoing devotion and support in Raheems
memory.
To date, we have sent over 385,000 pounds of supplies in
"care packages" to American troops overseas, many of
whom would not otherwise receive mail. Hundreds of
letters of appreciation from these heroes lets us know that
we are making a difference in the lives of these brave men
and women. We would like to share a few excerpts from
letters that let us know we are achieving our mission.
"...I would like to extend my gratitude for the care package
that we received. Nothing brings up morale like mail and let
me assure you that your packages are the best we've ever
seen. It means a lot to us to be able to see how much
thought you've put into the contents of your boxes,
although I think the biggest morale booster are the phone
cards. They never fail to fill the room with happiness,
knowing that we can talk to our loved ones back home...I
just want to ensure you that you are making a difference to
us and it means so much to us that you have been taking the
time to put these boxes together for us. We thank you all
from the bottom of our hearts. God bless..Staff Sergeant,
US Army..."
"...I am a married father of two and I would like to thank
you for your support. I recently received one of your
packages and I am extremely grateful to have received one.
I am currently stationed in Afghanistan...About 4 years ago I
received a package from your organization. At that time I
was stationed in Iraq. I am glad to see that your
organization is still around supporting the troops. I thank all
who participated...SFC US Army."
"...Thank you for the care package. I put it out to give to the
soldiers and it was empty within minutes! Thank you for
supporting us over the past year..."
Thanks again Mr. Gili for your financial help with our
mission.
Dear Mr. Gili,
Thank you for your donation to the Lance Corporal Scott
Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Scott Lynch was a member of the Class of 2006 and is
remembered for his quiet and friendly manner, helpful
disposition and his positive attitude and radiant smile.
The scholarship fund will help keep Scott's spirit alive by
providing financial support and opportunities to deserving
graduates of our school.
We appreciate your generosity, kind consideration and
support of our school and students.
Sincerely,
Denis M. Petrilak, High School Principal George F. Baker
Tuxedo High School
(For Scott Albert Lynch US Marine Lance Corporal KIA in
Helmand Province Afghanistan on 10/6/10. He was from
Greenwood Lake, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and US Hockey Players,
Thank you for believing in the Injured Marine Semper Fi
Fund and helping us to assist our wounded heroes and their
families as they make their way through life-altering crisis
and recovery. Your generous donation in memory of
Gunnery Sergeant Robert L. Gilbert II was received on
10/19/2010. Your support means the world to us and we
are grateful that you have joined us in our mission.
We are blessed to help restore the dreams to those who
have sacrificed so much in their service of our great country.
This year, because of donors like you, we have been able to
expand our support. We are now able to assist beyond the
immediate crisis and recovery period, by helping with
handicap renovations to homes, handicap ready
transportation, computers and software for those with
vision or traumatic brain injuries and other adaptive
equipment.
You donation will help us to continue expanding the reach
and focus of our assistance to improve the quality of life of
our service members and their families. The needs continue
to be great and your support ensures that we are able to
keep our mission moving forward.
Again, thank you for your support. We cannot overstate
your vital role in helping IMSFF accomplish our mission of
"serving those who preserve our freedom."
Sincerely,
Karen Guenther, Founder & Executive Director
www.semperfifund.org
Jacob's Light Foundation Alyse Spinner, Secretary/Treasurer
(For Robert L. Gilbert II US Marine Gunnery Sergeant Died
3/16/10 of wounds suffered on 3/8/10 in Badghis Province
Afghanistan. He was from Richfield, OH)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
(For Raheem Tyson Heighter US Army Private 1st Class Killed
in Action in Baghdad Iraq on 7/24/03. He was from Bay
Shore, NY)
The students and staff of Susan E. Wagner High School
would like to thank you for your generous donation to the
Corporal Thomas E. Saba Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your
Very Truly Yours,
contribution honors the memory of Corporal Thomas E. Saba
and will go a long way towards helping a worthy student
receive the college education he or she deserves. The
burden of paying for college is now more daunting for a
family than ever and the scholarships we offer make a real
difference in many student's lives. Many of our students toil
diligently for four years. Scholarships that are made
possible by contributors like you, give them something to
strive for and also serve as a reward for a job well done.
Again, on behalf of the students and staff of Susan E.
Wagner High school, I thank you for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Ken Zapata, Assistant Principal Organization
cc: Thomas Saba Scholarship Fund
I called Salvatore home on a Red Cross Leave in March
because "Big Sal" was on the verge of not making it. It was
a blessing in disguise because Salvatore was home for 3
weeks & we got to visit with him daily at the hospital. 24
days after his return he was killed by the IED. His orders to
"Get behind cover" while he placed the marker on the IED
site so the bomb squad could disarm it, resulted in 19 men
in his platoon were saved. We talked about these IED
missions when he was home & I said that he should delegate
the task since he was their leader. He said, "Mom, you can't
lead from the rear. I couldn't write to one of the guy's moms
saying they died doing what I wasn't willing to do. You have
to lead from the front." I said, "OK, but stay close to God &
be careful."
3 weeks later he was with God & a hero to his men. Thanks
again for your rememberance of him and all the soldiers.
They all do a heroic job keeping us free.
The Saba Family
Dear Charles and family,
We just received copies of the wonderful letter and donation
you sent to Susan E Wagner HS, in honor of our son, Cpl
Thomas E Saba.
We want to thank you very much for your donation and
most especially for thinking of our son. He was very special
to us and we miss him so much. It is great when we know
others appreciate his sacrifice.
Tom loved the holidays, so your thoughtfulness came at just
the right time.
God Bless you and your family for all you do.
Anthony and Barbara Saba (Proud parents of Thomas E.
Saba US Marine Corporal was killed in a helicopter crash in
Anbar Province Iraq on 2/7/07. He was from Toms River, NJ)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili and Family and Hockey Players,
Thank you for your recent gift to Kennedy University
Hospital in memory of Lt. Salvatore S. Corma II on behalf of
the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign. This is
a fitting means to honor the bravery of Lt. Corma; by
continuing his legacy of helping others.
The Corma family has been notified of your thoughtful
donation and I have forwarded your message and patch
onto them. We applaud you organization's extraordinary
efforts.
Sincerely, Trudy & Sal Corma (Proud Parents of Salvatore)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
We have received your donation in memory of 1st
Lieutenant Ashley L. Henderson Huff. 1st Lieutenant Huff
will be remembered in the lives of the horses that will be
helped with this generous and thoughtful gift.
Thank you,
Kathleen Howe/Days End Farm Horse Rescue
(Ashley L. Henderson Huff US Army 1st Lieutenant was Killed
in Action in Mosul Iraq on 9/19/06. She was from Belle
Mead, NJ)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Your kindness has brightened these dark days and brought
us comfort. With grateful hearts we remember your kind
expression of sympathy and tribute to the man who will
always be the light of our lives.
The family of Kyle, who we deeply loved, is so very grateful
for the gift to his memorial fund. We were so very touched
to read about the campaign you have begun to honor the
memory of those who gave their lives in service to their
country.
Very truly yours,
Even as a young boy, Kyle always dreamed of becoming a
Marine pilot. He worked very hard to achieve his goals. I
am sure that these young hockey players will do the same.
Our warmest thanks for your kindness and consideration.
we strive to continue Kyle's legacy.
Julia Lineman, Special Projects Coordinator
Sincerely,
(Salvatore S. Corma US Army 1st Lieutenant was Killed in
Action at FOB Bullard Afghanistan on 4/29/10. He was
from Wenonah, NJ)
Ruth Ann Van De Giesen (Proud mother of US Marine
Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen Killed in Action in Helmand
Province Afghanistan on 10/26/09. He was from North
Attleboro, MA)
On behalf of Kennedy University Hospital, please accept our
sincere gratitude for your kind donation.
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Players, Thank you for your
donation to Kennedy Hospital in memory of our son; 1st Lt.
Salvatore Corma. Your generosity, kindness & empathy are
much appreciated. Kennedy Hospital took great care of my
husband after the amputation of his right leg due to Diabtes
& poor circulation & Majee Rehab has been wonderful in his
rehab.
"MAY HIS COURAGE BE OUR COURAGE"
SEMPER FIDELIS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your gift to the Endowment: Lt. Col. John C.
Spahr '81 endowment Fund. Gifts like this are vital to the
mission of St. Joseph's Prep, allowing us to increase our
financial capacity and fund critically important programs for
our students and faculty. Your gift allows us to fulfill our
mission to "develop the hearts, souls minds and characters
of young men in their pursuit of being men for and with
others."
Gifts to our endowment help ensure there are sufficient
funds to support our annual operating budget. We are
grateful to you for helping us grow our endowment and
support for Preppers for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Albert J. Zimmerman '73/Director of Development (On
behalf of John C. Spahr US Marine Lt. Colonel who died
when his F/A-18 Hornet aircraft crashed in Iraq on 5/2/05.
He was from Cherry Hill, NJ)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili, Park Employees & Hockey Players,
2 December 2010
I would like to extend my gratitude for the care package
that you and your colleagues sent to me. Nothing brings up
a Soldier’s morale like mail and let me assure you that your
package is the best I’ve ever seen! It means a lot to me to
be able to see how much thought you all put into the
contents of your box. I just want to ensure you that you all
are making a world of difference to me and it means so
much that you took this much of your time to put this box
together. Words can only say so much, but please know
that your care package brought a big smile to my face!
As a hockey fan myself, I hope to see one of your games
when I visit New York (I’ve never been, so a group of us are
going for a road trip), hopefully next year. Maybe we can
see some of your Parks too. I’m a huge Anaheim Mighty
Ducks fan, quack, quack! And a big Paul Kariya fan! As you
can tell, I’m from Los Angeles. Although some might say
that I should be an L.A. Kings fan, having a movie named
after your team is a lot cooler! (The Mighty Ducks is one of
my favorite movies.)
Thanks again to your family, your fellow NYC Parks &
Recreation colleagues & your New Jersey Rockets hockey
team.
God Bless!
Signed: Mark R. Garcia Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
(Afghanistan)
This was in response to a "care package" we sent to the
SSGT. The package was dedicated in the name of Luis A.
Perez US Army Private 1st Class who was Killed in Action in
Fallujah Iraq on 8/27/04. He was from Theresa, NY.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Step forward Soldier,
for you have borne your burden well.
Walk the streets of heaven,
for you have served your time in hell."
----------------------------To Those I Love & those Who Love Me:
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have shown,
But now it's time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home."
Dear Mr. Gili & Players, Words cannot express our
appreciation for all the support from family and friends. The
outpouring of warmth, help and concern has helped us get
through this difficult time. We wish to thank you for your
sincere expressions of sympathy.
Sincerely, The Family of SPC. Dale J. Kridlo
(Dale J. Kridlo US Army Specialist was Killed in Action in
Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 11/7/2010. He was from
Hughestown, PA)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
Your generosity for the Brian Schramm Scholarship has
helped to raise enough money to provide four annual
scholarships to students who reside in Greece, NY, Brian's
hometown. Thank you for your donation.
Each spring, four seniors will be chosen for this honor. These
students will demonstrate the qualities that Brian exuded: a
sense of service to his school, family and community; a
strong work ethic and a minimum grade point average of
2.0 Each student will also need to explain why he/she is
worthy of the award.
Thank you for showing your honor and respect for a fine
young man whose presence continues to inspire so many.
Sincerely,
Donna Murano
On behalf of the Brian Schramm Scholarship Committee
****************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players, Thank you so much for
your generous gift to Brian Schramm's Scholarship Fund.
Through the generosity of organizations like yours we have
been able to award thirteen students from Brian's home
town an opportunity to further their education and help
foster the spirit of community service.
Thanks again,
Keith & Mary Ellen Schramm
(Brian K. Schramm US Marine Lance Corporal was Killed in
Action in Babil Province, Iraq on 10/15/04. He was from
Greece, NY)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Mr. Charles Gili & Family & Players,
On behalf of the Fisher House family and the rest of the
Board of Trustees, Fisher House Foundation Inc., please
accept our heartfelt gratitude for your generous
contribution in honor of Eric R. Wilkus. It is through
donations such as yours that the Fisher House Foundation
Inc. is able to continue having a positive impact on the
quality of life of "our greatest national treasure...our
military service men and women and their loved ones."
Your donattion to Fisher House is even more meraningful as
our thoughts and prayers are with America's service men
and women who are deployed throughout the world. The
many military veterans' families, who will benefit from your
thoughtfulness, join me in exppressing our collective
appreciation for your generosity. Thank you!
Sincerely, Fisher House Foundation Inc., David A.
Coker/President www.fisherhouse.org
(US Army Private 1st Class Eric R. Wilkus died in service on
12/25/06 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center/Germany,
from injuries suffered on 12/22/06 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was
from Hamilton, NY)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello Charles Gili and Family,
My name is Kate Serwinowski and I am the sister of LCpl Tim
Serwinowski who was killed in action this past June. I am
writing this email to thank you for your very generous
donation to the memorial scholarship fund in Tim's name at
North Tonawanda High School.
Your campaign to support our troops is a wonderful thing- I
myself have started an adopt a platoon organization in my
town and we are now sending 4 platoons weekly care
packages and letters and cards.
It's important for people to understand what our military
men and women go through overseas, and to show them
our appreciation for the sacrifices they are making.
Thank you, again for your kind words, support and donation
to our efforts; the world is a better place because of people
like you :) Best wishes for a warm and safe holiday!
Kindest Regards,
Kate Serwinowski
(Proud Sister of US Marine Lance Corporal Timothy G.
Serwinowski Killed in Action in Helmand Province
Afghanistan on 6/21/10. He was from North Tonawanda,
NY)
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family,
Thank you so much for the care package as well as the
Christmas card. It's unbelievable the amount of support we
get from people just like you. We have been receiving so
much stuff for Christmas including decorations that I'm
beginning to think it may feel like Christmas after all this
year.
My unit is here conducting route clearance in Afghanistan.
We clear the roads so supplies can be safely transported
from (FOB) Forward Operating Base to Forward Operating
Base. It's a very dangerous mission and we have already
lost 4 soldiers in the short time we have been here. We
arrived in Afghanistan (FOB Sharana) in August and we will
be here until July, so we're about half way through.
I'm in the Ohio National Guard, but I am in the AGR program
working as a fulltime supply Sergeant. I have been in since
2001 and I plan to do at least 20 years. I also have a
bachelor's Degree in business management from the
University of Akron, so I figure that I always have a back-up
plan.
I have an older brother who lives in Memphis, Tennessee.
My mother and step-father live in Cooperstown, NY. They
have a bed and breakfast there and my stepfather works at
the local hospital. He is a physician there. My father still
lives in Ohio. He works for the City of Cuyahoga Falls. He is
an engineer which is ironic because that's the type of
Battalion I am in. All in all our time here is passing quickly
and I look forward to coming home, but I understand that
our mission here is very important to the success of this war.
Thank you and your family and friends so much for the
support. We truly appreciate all you do.
Sincerely,
Staff Sergeant Arica Ulrich, Afghanistan
**************************************************
BagramAirfield/Afghanistan
14 Dec 2010
Dear Mr. Gili & Friends,
First, on behalf of C Co 3-10 AVN Mountain DUSTOFF,
thank you for your continued support of the troops! My
soldiers would like to thank you, your staff, the Brooklyn
Office of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and
the US Hockey Players for your generous care package.
We are especially grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of Sgt.
Linda Jimenez. Thank you for including a picture of your
office!
Without the continued support of organizations such as
yours, our mission over here would be nearly impossible.
Thank You! DUSTOFF!
1st Lieutenant Michael P. Brisson/US Army
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your kind and generous donation to the Ben
Osborn Memorial Fund. Your charitable contribution will
be used to help children in need.
Our targeted demographic is school-aged children five to
eighteen who, with a little lift, will experience more of the
advantages the rest of us enjoy. It is our hope that over time,
those benefiting from your donation will themselves reach
out to help others. Your monetary contribution will be used
exclusively to achieve our mission statement because there
are no administrative costs to limit what your donation will
achieve. On behalf of the officers and board of the Ben
Osborn Memorial Fund, We Thank You!
Sincerely,
Bill Osborn (Proud Gold Star Father of US Army SPC
Benjamin D. Osborn-Killed in Action in Konar Province
Afghanistan on 6/15/10. He was from Queensbury, NY )
PS: What an honor to hear from you. It has been groups
and individuals like you who are making a difference as we
continue to achieve our mission of giving kids a little lift.
Thank you for your help!
Our Mission:
The Benjamin D. Osborn Memorial Fund has been founded
as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization aimed to support
youth with “NEED.” This fund was created in loving
memory of SPC Osborn who was killed in Afghanistan, June
15, 2010, while serving in the United States Army during
Operation Enduring Freedom. It is our mission and hope
that the values being learned such as discipline and pride
will be encouraged and passed on through Ben’s legacy. As
he taught us through example and selfless sacrifice, we
simply wish to do our part by “Giving Kids a Little Lift” in
honor of Ben’s memory, as the man who planted the seeds
within our hearts that inspired us to do so; we wish to carry
on his legacy and Make Him Proud. We Thank You.
**************************************************
Mr. Charles Gili and Family,
My name is Vincent Thompson and on behalf of my family, I
wish to thank you and the US/NYS Hockey Players Support
Our Troops Campaign for recognizing and remembering my
son, US Army Specialist Blair Thompson.
Know that it has been Patriots such as yourself and
organizations such as US/NYS Hockey Players that have
made such a trying time a bit less daunting. To have you
remember my son touches my heart, and being that
HOCKEY IS THE GREATEST SPORT IN THE WORLD
and the fact that I am a life-long Rangers fan makes this
that much more special.
Blair has two younger brothers, Noah and Gavin, and as I
have done with other donations, yours will go to their college
education. Knowing Blair and how much he loved them, this
is what he would want.
Again Sir, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and your
family and the hockey players. This truly is very special to
me and will never be forgotten.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!!
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!!
VIN (Proud Gold Star Father of Blair Thompson US Army
Specialist who was Killed in Action in Konar Afghanistan on
6/25/10. He was from Rome, NY.)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & Family & Hockey Players, Thank you
for your generous donation on behalf of US/NYS Hockey
Players Support Our Troops Campaign to the Andrew J.
Zabierek Foundation. The Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation,
through academic scholarships, honors those that have
served their community or country, making positive
examples of their selflessness, as they grow into leaders in
society.
The Foundation began in 2004 after the death of my brother,
Lance Corporal Andrew J. Zabierek, during combat
operations in Al Anbar, Iraq. Because of his sacrifice, our
family and friends sought to do something positive in his
memory.
Each year since the Foundation began in 2004, two seniors
at Andrew's alma mater, Chelmsford High School, in
Chelmsford, Massachusetts, have been awarded the Andrew
J. Zabierek Memorial Scholarship based on their leadership
and achievement in community service. Additionally, the
Foundation has awarded veteran and active members of the
United States Marine Corps scholarships based on their
service to the nation and continued commitment to serve
their community. In addition, in 2010, we chose to help
veterans by donating to the Boston Fisher House and
Wounded Warriors.
Presently, the trustees of the Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation
are considering ways to expand the scope of our scholarship
program so that we can reach a wider base of students and
servicemen throughout the Massachusetts and Northeast
region. We believe that our program has a meaningful focus
and we hope you will agree that your donations are being
well spent.
I would like to express our gratitude for your help in
creating opportunities for noble young people as they pursue
their education.
Thank you,
Mark J. Zabierek
President, Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation
www.ajzfoundation.org
(Mark is the brother of Andrew J. Zabierek US Marine
Lance Corporal Killed in Action in Anbar Province Iraq on
5/21/04. He was from Chelmsford, MA)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thank you so very much for your generous donation to the
Aram Bass Leadership Scholarship. Aram graduated with
my son in 1999 and he was a wonderful young man.
Your kind words are greatly appreciated and I have sent a
copy of your letter to the family.
God Bless You, Maureen Olsen (Family friend of Staff
Sergeant Aram Bass)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Gili & Family,
For some reason, the letter and donation that you had made
on behalf of my brother; Staff Sergeant Aram Bass, to
Niagara Catholic, has just reach my hands! Though this is
long overdue, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness
and generosity.
The hockey players and their campaign has moved me more
than you know and from the bottom of my heart, I thank
you.
Again, I am sorry for how long it took to get in touch with
you, however, keep me in mind anytime your players need
anything.
God bless,
Jodi Bass-Daniels
J Bass-Daniels BSN, RN (Proud sister of Aram J. Bass US
Army Staff Sergeant Killed in Action in Iraq on 11/23/05.
He was from Niagara Falls, NY.)
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players,
Thank you so much for the wonderful cards and "Care
Packages." There was everything that we needed and stuff
we didn't think of that will come in handy! It really made
our day I hope you have a happy holiday and thanks
again!!
Sergeant Marissa Stuart (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Your support and care package really makes everything we
do worth it. I would like to give my thanks for all the support
you guys give to us here in Afghanistan. Especially us
Marines!
Your thoughtful care packages truly bring smiles to
everyone's faces and really does make a difference. For all
your thoughts, prayers and support, I give you an
OOHHRAH and Semper Fidelis!
Gunnery Sergeant Terry Flanary (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Thanks for everything!
Corporal Anthony Wills (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Thank you for keeping the Marines in your thoughts during
this holiday season!
Sergeant Tyler Wagers (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Thank you for thinking about us during this holiday season
and thanks for sending us this great care package! It really
means a lot to us out here during this Christmas season!
Captain Charles Higgins (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Thank you so much for your support! We hope you have a
wonderful holiday season.
Corporal Cari Sisson (US Marines, Afghanistan)
-----------------------------------Thanks you for your thoughts and support. Have fun on the
ice!
Lieutenant C.G. Olszta (US Marines, Afghanistan)
--Above: Thank you notes sent to us by US Marines in
Afghanistan just after Christmas 2010 in response to Care
Packages we sent to them honoring some of our service
members who were killed in service.
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Members of the US Hockey
Players Support Our Troops Campaign,
We were recently informed of the wonderful gift you made to
the Lance Corporal Chris Cosgrove III Scholarship Fund at
Whippany Park High School. Thank you so much for your
beautiful letter and for thinking of Chris. We greatly
appreciate the support of all the hockey players, their
families and friends in taking the time to do something so
thoughtful and for all you do to support Gold Star Families.
Chris was 23 years old when a cowardly person drove up to
the checkpoint he was manning and took our son's life. He
was engaged to be married to Jessica, who lives on Staten
Island. In addition to the WPHS Scholarship, we created
our own organization in memory of Chris, so that we could
always honor him by trying to help other military and first
responders who are in need.
God Bless you, your family & the US Hockey Players for all
you do. Thank you again for your donation in memory of
Chris.
Semper Fi,
Art & Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie (Proud Mom & Step-Dad of
Lance Corporal Chris Cosgrove III Killed in Action in
Anbar Province Iraq on 10/1/06. he was from Cedar Knolls,
NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Hockey Players
Jan. 11, 2011
I received a box today here in Afghanistan. Not from my
family or my friends or anyone I know. I received it from
you. I had hoped for an email address and if the internet
resources had been available this would have gotten to you
the same day. Still, it's poetic that the same post that
brought the gift would return the thank you and I do thank
you.
The kids (Soldiers under the age of 21) plowed through the
candy and chips in short order....faster than Gretsky can
score a hat trick. Much of it was squirreled away for a
future time for each to enjoy at his own leisure. Aside from
the "normal stuff" your package was unique and as such
deserves comment.
First the package label- US HOCKEY PLAYERS SUPPORT
OUR TROOPS- and the weight of the box gave rise to
humor. "What's in it Bill- ice skates?" taunted one of my
privates. "You better hope it's not hockey pucks- that's some
ammo I could use on your head," was my reply.
As I opened the box I was amazed. Now here in my hand I
had patches from a hockey support group- eagles with
crossed sticks- cool- and a picture of the NJ Rockets 16U
women's team. In my youth I had been a hockey fan of an
IHL team-The Dayton Gems (a team long gone) then a
decade ago of the Quad City Mallards. Now I watch the
games played by Weber State and sometimes the University
of Utah. I could go see the Grizzlies, but I prefer the sport,
not the pros. More of a fan of raw energy I suppose.
Back to the picture. Based on their faces I'm guessing 16U
means 16 and under as the smiling face staring back at me
could hardly be out of high school yet. As a father and new
grandfather ( November 2010), with a teenager at home, the
picture and comments mean more than anything in the box.
The smiles are genuine and the girls are still in their gear
and on the ice. It says "I'm proud of what I do and I like it."
"I'm a happy part of the team."
Some of my soldiers still don't know that. And then they are
confused as to how I can be thrilled at a picture of 11
FULLY CLOTHED teenage girls. Let's face it, in fact that's
all you see of each of them, the face. Each smiling face a
story to be told, in fact the smallest face has on the most
pads, the goalie. I've seen both my daughters in similar garb,
though not hockey and know some of the joy.
Here's what makes it special considering where I am, the
way the girls and I are alike. Each of us wanted to do what
we are doing. Each of us made a decision. Each of us puts in
effort. Each of us has good days and bad days. Each of us
volunteered. We may have been encouraged, but we were not
forced to do what we are doing. Each of us has a future, but
treasures "the now" (Why else smile for the camera!). Each
of us is part of a team and knows that we have skills that
when added to others with different skills, the team gets
stronger. Some fool once said there is no "I" in team. I
guess his team had all goalies or all wings! Each member of
a team is an "I" and each has a special value.
Your package was one of thousands we (the team I call the
US Army) received today. You may have sent 10 or more
yourself to really make a positive impact here on us. But all
that aside, I received YOUR package today.
One soldier half way around the world and one package and
I was reminded that there are people I don't know and may
never meet, thinking about me and now I am thinking about
them. More pointedly, about each of you. Each of you is now
part of my team.
Here's an email address that coach Charlie or Coach-T can
share with the team. I'd love to hear from any and all of
them. (See coach Charlie for email address.)
There is a web page that explains some of what I am
involved in over here.
Fair warning; there are links on that page to equipment that
I feel my men need and like new skates, pads and sticks,
"stuff" has a price and our stuff is expensive. Tell the girls
to ignore the "stuff" links. I use the site because it's one of
the few not blocked by the security we have here and I can
get our story out there. If I can find a site that's not blocked
that I can put pictures and stories on, I'll send that link to all
that write me.
Well, it's late over here and I have another full day ahead of
me, so I'll close the way I opened.
I received a box here today in Afghanistan. Not from my
family or my friends or from anyone that I know. I received
it from you. The words cannot express the feelings it brings
forth, but they are the only thing I can use.
Few things have ever touched me the way your package did
and with every fiber of my being I say those simple
words...Thank You.
I covet your prayers for my men and me. Likewise, we will
remember you in ours.
Signed, Bill Williams Lt. US Army
I have enclosed a "coin" like the one I carry.
Every time I pull it out I pray for the safe return of my
troops. Would you be so kind to do likewise?
Thank you.
http://anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/DynamicMinus.cfm?SE
QNO=81588&popup=no#NOTE1
By the time you get this I'll have had my 53rd birthday
(January 25th) and will have answered that age old question
another 100 times; "Bill, what do you really want for your
birthday?" This year I want the people here in this country,
to finally "see" that they can have freedom. I know it sounds
"cheesy", but it's the way I am. What I can't have until 1
October 2011, is the knowledge that I have gone to war with
another 129 souls and brought them all back home. Every
time my Company has gone--we have all come back. Older
yes, injured some, but alive and grateful. I want that, again.
The guys want:
*AAA batteries (We have tons of AA)
* Two Harley Davidson calendars (I've ridden every year for
30+ years, but this year I won't even get the chance. Oh well,
I sold my bike before coming here (just because I think it
needs to be ridden while I'm gone)
Bill enclosed this prayer coin (above) with his letter to us and
taped the coin to the box top we sent to him. The words
around the edges of the coin say: "American Defenders of
Freedom Be Strong And Courageous." The middle of the
coin has an Eagle, very, very similar to the Eagle on our
campaign patches. The words "PRAY, Trust in God, Isaiah
41:10" are above the Eagle. The flip side of the coin has the
US Army coat of arms and the words: "UNITED STATES
ARMY-FAITH-COURAGE-STRENGHT-VALOR." The
coat of arms is dated 1775. (Dating back to the First
Continental Army formed during the American Revolution)
He also enclosed these photographs:
* Half a dozen mouse pads. We took over 40 computers to
war. Where did the mouse pads go? (Send one of the girls to
the recruiting office. Have her smile sweetly and snag us a
handful. Barring that, get 'em from the dollar store and I'll
pay you back. ;-}
Our training took us through FT Dix in September 2010.
And like many before us we took buses up to the ferry, visited
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (I have digital
pictures). We then crossed over to Battery Park and walked
up to Ground Zero. The last time I was in NYC, the
"Towers" were there too. We were greeted with warmth,
handshakes and hugs. Many thanked us for our service. It
was awesome. We, the 744th Engineering Company-Chaos
Company, love NYC and New Yorkers!
We ran out of time before I could take my platoon to 42nd
Street to find a pool hall (Jim Croce anyone?--Charlie, you
may have to play that song for the girls).
(Above) Sunrise After the Flag Went up on Dec. 13, 2010.
(Below) "My" Room 8' x 9', 1 outlet, no windows...a
plywood box!
Andrew H. Cohn
Colonel, US Army, Retired
Deputy Director for Finance/Treasurer (Brian M. Connelly
US Army Specialist was Killed in Action in Adhamiya Iraq
on 2/26/09. He was from Union Beach, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Charles Gili & NYSHPSOT,
(Below) Mountains to the South of Bill's Location in
Afghanistan. If you look closely at the bottom of this photo,
you can see the perimeter, security fence around Bill's area.
Your donation in memory of Cpl. Robert C. Pope Jr. lets his
spirit live on with our efforts to help families with medically
frail children. Your generosity will also touch the families
heart seeing the good coming from your gift.
It's through donations such as yours that we are able to
purchase equipment necessary for these special children.
Your support allows the special staff of ATDC/Angela's
House to maintain their commitment and goal of providing
the best quality of life for these children and their families.
An acknowledgement of your donation will be sent to The
Pope Family. Thank you for your generosity.
(Below) Some of the "gifts" we sent from home: Our
Campaign Patches, a black T-Shirt from my office and the
center piece...our NJ Rockets Team photo; autographed by
most of the girls.
Bob Policastro, Executive Director (Robert C. Pope II US
Army Specialist was Killed in Action in Baghdad, Iraq on
11/7/05. He was from East Islip, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Friends,
On behalf of the Chautauqua Region Community
Foundation and those who will benefit from your generosity,
we thank you for your contribution recieved on 12/31/10.
Your gift will be placed in the PFC Charles S. Cooper Jr.
Memorial scholarship Fund in memory of PFC Charles
Steven Cooper.
Your interest and support of the Community Foundation will
help to enrich the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region
for generations to come. Thank you for making a difference
in our community.
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players,
Sincerely, Randy J. Sweeney/Executive Director (PFC
Charles S. Cooper was Killed in Action in Baghdad Iraq on
4/29/05. He was from Jamestown, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie Gili & Family & the NJ Rockets 16U Women's
Team,
On behalf of the Board of Managers of Army Emergency
Relief, please accept our sincere appreciation for the
contribution you made in memory of Specialist Brian M.
Connelly.
Thank you for your support & prayers! Good luck this
season!
Donor generosity makes it possible for AER to provide the
full range of financial assistance to Soldiers and Families to
include emergency funds, children and spouse scholarships,
grants for Wounded Warriors and survivor assistance
support. In 2009 Army Emergency Relief distributed $79
million to over 71,000 Soldiers and Family members.
Contributions from generous donors make all the difference
in ensuring that we can continue to maintain the same high
standards of financial assistance that has been the hallmark
of Army Emergency Relief for 68 years.
Sgt. Allen, Michael US Army Signal Afghanistan
This letter provides verification that you received no goods or
services in return for your contribution. A letter will be sent
to the family notifying them of your donation.
Thank you again for your contribution and support to Army
Emergency Relief.
Sincerely,
All the Best,
**************************************************
Mr. Gili;
Just wanted to let you know that the donation made to the
Brian Baker Children's fund has been forwarded to Amy
and the children. It is wonderful that he has not been
forgotten.
We pray for all our servicemen and women every day.
Thank you for thinking of Brian and his family. We greatly
appreciate it.
Holly Baker
Proud Army Mother
SPC Brian K. Baker KIA
(Brian K. Baker US Army Specialist was Killed in Action in
Baghdad Iraq on 11/7/04. He was from West Seneca, NY)
"On the shoulders of the few, stand the freedoms of the
many."
Dear Mr. Gili,
On behalf of the entire Baker family, thank you for the
recent donation to Amy for the children of our son Brian. It
means a lot that he has not been forgotten. The money goes
for the children's education.
Please let the players support campaign know how much we
appreciate it. Thank you!
Holly Baker (Proud mother of SPC Brian K. Baker 07 Nov
04 KIA. Brian was from West Seneca, NY)
**************************************************
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Greetings from Afghanistan Mr. Gili!
Thanks for all the care packages that you, your Family and
team have sent me.
My Soldiers are enjoying every single thing that are in the
boxes.
I cannot tell you enough how we're very thankful to have
wonderful Americans to care about us and our fellow
service members.
Sorry it's been a while since I wrote, but it's been very busy.
Camden to attend these schools. Along with tuition
assistance, the funds of Project: Heal Camden has granted
individual projects for each school, allowing them to better
accommodate curriculums, classrooms and security features.
These schools enable the students to have a safe, nurtured
and enriching education that they otherwise would not
receive. We firmly believe in the education that they are
receiving at these schools--an education that will empower
them and encourage them to succeed throughout high
school, college and later in life. Education truly is an escape
for these children of Camden. It is only through faith-based
schools, both Catholic and private, that these children have a
fighting chance. You have helped to give them this chance.
We at the Domenica Foundation believe the future of Project
Heal Camden is as bright as the futures of these students!
On behalf of them and their families, we thank you for your
contribution.
Sincerely, Elena Piperno/Director/Domenica Foundation
"Helping Those Less Fortunate Improve Their Quality of
Life, While Always Remembering to Respect Their Dignity."
(Gregory T. Dalessio US Army Captain was Killed in Action
in Baghdad, Iraq on 6/23/08. He was from Cherry Hill, NJ)
**************************************************
Thank you SOOO much for the care package. I took a few
things out, and shared the rest with the guys at my work
center. They all said thanks also!!! Please thank the gent
who sent it or runs that program. It all went to good use.
Someone actually wanted the puck!!!! Lol!! By standards
set “up north” of here, (afgan., Iraq, etc.) , we have it pretty
good here. Thanks for all !!!! keep in touch, love, Jeff
But, know that you are all in our thoughts.
*********************************************
Hope to watch one of your games one day, and cheer for
your team.
Be safe and Godspeed.
v/r
SSG Garcia, Mark R.
S1, Task Force Knights, 1-66 Armor
Task Force Raiders
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Supporters of Our Troops,
Because of you, someone was honored today. because of
your generosity, the children of Camden are receiving the
opportunity to a safe and nurturing education in the city's
Catholic schools.
The Domenica Foundation would like to thank you for your
donation to Project: Heal Camden in honor of Captain
Gregory Dalessio. The family of Tom and Maureen Pagano
have been notified of your contribution in Greg's name.
Greg heroically spent his days in Iraq trying to heal its
situation and bring a better life to its people. We are
honored to spend our efforts to heal Camden in celebrating
his life.
Project: Heal Camden is an initiative by the Domencica
Foundation started in the summer of 2007. The money from
this fund goes to support the six parochial schools of
Camden city and has helped over 50 new students in
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
The Allegheny Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America,
gratefully acknowledges your gift in memory of Lance
Corporal Aaron M. Swanson.
This is a gracious and loving tribute to the character and
attributes of the one thus honored and is a living memorial
of unending significance. Please be assured that we shall
count it a sacred trust to invest the gift in the lives of youth
in such fashion that it will truly prove an enduring and
noble monument to one who deserves our highest tribute and
emulation.
Scout Executive, Allegheny Highlands Council (Aaron M.
Swanson US Marine Lance Corporal Killed in Action in
Helmand Province Afghanistan on 2/7/11. He was from
Jamestown, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your support of the Connecticut National
Guard Foundation/Sgt. Felix Delgreco Scholarship. We
appreciate your generosity. This gift will help us
tremendously in reaching our funding goals for this year.
With your commitment and support we, at the Connecticut
National Guard Foundation are able to assist the
Connecticut National Guard family program in a
comprehensive and responsive system to provide aid to
family members, soldiers and airmen of the National Guard
and Organized Militia in the State of Connecticut.
Thank you again for helping to make it possible for the
Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. to assist in
supporting our service members and their families and in so
doing, honor an American hero; US Army Sergeant Felix M.
Delgreco.
does. Finding an IED before it explodes is like
scoring a goal. I'm not sure what your uniform regs
are for your team, but it would honor us if you found
a way for the girls to wear these (hey! There's even
velcro on the back, so they can come off easy) You
can call it me "adopting" the team.
Sincerely,
More About Us:
Thomas P. Thomas, Executive Director (Felix M. Delgreco
US Army Sergeant was Killed in Action in Baghdad Iraq on
4/9/04. He was from Simsbury, Connecticut)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thank you very much for your terrific gift to Dana-Farber
cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund in honor of Brian J.
Ouellette. Your gift will be directed to cancer research and
patient care.
As Dana-Farber ushers in a new era of personalized
medicine--using advanced genetic information about each
individual to identify the right drug, for the right patient, at
the right time--your generosity is paramount in helping us to
conquer cancer. I am truly grateful for your extraordinary
passion and commitment, which is providing the Institute
with the ability to close the gap between lab discoveries and
the availability of effective new drugs for all types of cancer.
You are making a very real difference in the lives of our
patients and their families by providing them with renewed
hope for a much brighter future.
I am so proud to stand side by side with you as we continue
to advance Dana-Farber's lifesaving mission. Thank you
again for your wonderful support.
Best Wishes,
Susan S. Paresky, Senior Vice President (Brian J. Ouellette
US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class was Killed in Action in
Kandahar Afghanistan on 5/29/04. He was from Needham,
Massachusetts)
**************************************************
Charlie & Girls,
Well quid pro quo as it were! Seems like I have a
few patches for you too!
The BN cheer is "Daggers Forward!" indicating our
willingness to take the fight to the enemy--like the
front 3 of a hockey team. My company cheer is "Into
the Breech!" Breeching is what engineers do to
mine fields, barbed wire and all kinds of obstacles.
First we create an opening (the breech), then we
pass through it and secure it for our troops to
follow. We leave troops on both sides and in the
initial opening--our defensemen and goalie.
Like the Rockets, if we don't "play" as a team, we
can't win. Also like the girls, each game is a onetime
event. And while in sports you may get a chance to
play again, if we are not on our game, we may not. it
is a fact, the truth that we have "made friends with."
We play to win and have no problem running up the
score.
The guys love the patches--an eagle with hockey
sticks is so cool. We can't wear them on our
working uniforms, but they are cool none-the-less
and we thank you for them. (We sent Lt. Williams
enough patches for his 130 person contingent)
Yes, the CIED patches came from the war zone, but I
only had time to wear the one with the elastic hook
on it. I ordered them when I first got your box back
in December 2010. It seemed like the right thing to
do at the time and now that they're here, i know it
was!
Well, I need to close and get the package in the mail.
Tell the girls that I said,
"Play with heart, but keep your head in the game!"
Looking at the team picture again and it occurs to
me to ask--are you the Coach Charlie that signed it?
Not that it matters, as you are as much of the team
as any player on it.
You honor me sir--and I will come back with my
shield...or on it.
All the best,
The one with the sword on the image that looks like
the top of a castle is the 18 Engineers Brigade. It
serves for my Bd and my Battalion (BN). Except for
the 2 in the bag, I have worn each of these on my
right sleeve! What's special about that is we don't
get to wear a patch there 'till we've been in the
combat zone for 30 days. (I replaced the 3rd Signal
Corp patch on the last deployment)--20 patches and
50 plus days of combat.
50 plus days of taking the "dagger" forward, so
another people could be free. The patch is worn
point up and it would honor me if you would pass
these out to the girls!
The CIED means Clearance Improvised Explosive
Device. This is what the 744th Engineer Company
Bill Williams, US Army 1st Lieutenant
****************************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
Thank you all for your support! We received your
box today! Thanks for all the great goodies inside.
It's always the highlight of our day.
Again, thank you for all you do for the troops. It is
greatly appreciated!
Very Respectfully,
GySgt Rekard, USMC Afghanistan
****************************************************************
Mr. Gili & Family & Players,
On behalf of the men and women in the 313th Joint
Movement Control Battalion, I wanted to take a
moment and say Thank You for the toiletries, snacks
and our US Hockey Players Patches!
We are 7 Airmen assigned in an Army Battalion
working there for operations on their behalf. We
always share any goodies or items received with our
Airmen and Soldiers from the Battalion. Oh and we
now have one Marine too, so we are truly a joint
force.
major hockey fan in our unit that tried to take them
all, but we made sure other people got some too. It
means so much to have you support.
Thank you for everything your doing for us and
giving us a piece of home over here in Afghanistan.
Sincerely,
LCpl Roxanne Parvizi USMC
2D MLG G-3 LRC/COC Air Clerk
****************************************************************
Again, everyone says thank you and we truly
appreciate the support!
Thank you all and God Bless America!
Captain J.C. Henry, US Air Force Afghanistan
****************************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players,
Thank you so much for all the stuff you sent! Wow!
You guys really out did yourselves. My soldiers
were stunned at all the stuff you sent. Especially the
patches! They were a big hit and disappeared
quickly!
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to put
together all the goodies and get them sent out. It is
a nice reminder that folks back home have not
forgotten about us and realize we are here, doing the
best we can to support and pay back our country,
which has provided so much for us.
We're a reserve unit that does transportation
logistics work. We coordinate convoys to, in and
around and out of Iraq. It's nice to have a mission
that involves sending Soldiers home. We are right in
the middle of the operations to draw down the forces
here in Iraq. In fact, the tempo has picked up quite a
bit lately and we're working hard to get everything
down the road, tracked and accounted for.
Occasionally we receive mortars to the base here,
but often they do not explode. The ordinance that
Iraqis' have access to seems to be old and of poor
quality--something we are all too happy about.
So, we are fine. The weather here has warmed and
we have sunny 70 degree days. That will change
though as we approach summer.
Thanks again for your support! My Soldiers really
appreciated everything. Thank you for your
kindness.
All the Best,
1st Lt. Ian Remler, US Army, Iraq
****************************************************************
Dear Gili Family,
Thank you SO much for you care package! Everyone
in the 2D MLG G-3 loved the goodies! You hockey
picture was awesome, by the way.
It’s great to see girls out there doing what the boys
do. We passed out your patches too. We have a
Hi Charlie,
We received your donation this weekend. Thank you
so much for the check and patches! We will be
attaching those to our shirts when we participate in
the walk/run for sure! Thank you so much for
thinking of us!
Denny was an amazing guy and a great friend. We
loved him so much and I really want to thank you for
helping us memorialize him. Helping others has
always been Denis' way and so we have now made it
our mission to continue doing what Den did best.
Thank you again! We really appreciate it. We have a
Facebook page you can check us out on. We are
going to have a 10k run/5k walk in August in Toms
River, NJ. You should come down!
Desiree DiGenio (Friend and Co-founder of the Denis
Miranda Memorial Foundation. US Navy SEAL Petty
Officer 3rd Class Denis Miranda was killed in a
helicopter crash in Zabul Province Afghanistan on
9/21/10. He was from Toms River, NJ)
****************************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
Thank you for your kind donation that was received
on 1/1/2011 in honor of US Army PFC Charles E.
Bush Jr. The "Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief
Fund" was founded October 23, 2003 in an effort to
help provide College Grants to surviving US Military
children whose lives have been affected by the loss
of a parent in the Afghanistan or Iraq wars. Our
program has been expanded to include spouses and
families of severely disabled OEF or OIF veterans.
Our second objective is to help the surviving
members of these families in need of financial
support. Other individuals, firms and member
associations offer donations and contributions
throughout the States which enable us to continue
our Mission of support. It is our hope and dream
that our combined efforts will enable us to give a
"gift" back to all the children that have been
affected.
Please visit our website at
www.childrenoffallensoldiersrelieffund.org or
www.cfsrf.org. Thanks again.
(Charles E. Bush Jr. US Army Private 1st Class was
Killed in Action in Balad Iraq on 12/9/03. He was
from Buffalo, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
THANK YOU is a simple phrase but still, it's meant to show
that we appreciate your help, your thoughtfulness and
generosity are greatly appreciated for your gift honoring
Benjamin G. Moore.
Sincerely,
comprehensive care centers being built to provide surgeries
to children year round.
Mr. Gili, Hockey Players, on behalf of the Operation Smile
family, we want to thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The Officers & Members of the Hope Humane Co. NO.1;
Stations 602 & 609 (Benjamin G. Moore US Army Private 1st
Class was Killed in Action in Ghazni Province Afghanistan on
1/12/11. He was from Robbinsville, NJ)
William P. Magee Jr. DDS, MD Co-founder and Chief
Executive Officer and
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Team,
(Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan US Army Specialist was Killed
in Action in Baqubah Iraq on 8/6/07. He was from
Manahawkin, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family,
Not sure if I emailed you from this account or my personal
account but wanted to check in again and thank you for the
care package. Me and my marines enjoyed it very much and
we thank you and the girls hockey team for getting it
together. With me being from south jersey it really hit close
to home. Everything is going great over here just gets lonely
at times but we are all sticking together and cannot wait till
Sept and Oct comes so we can go home to our families and
friends.
Again thank you very much. If anyone of you or the girls
would love to write please give them my email address and
also here is my personal email. XXXXXXXXXX
SSGT THOMAS K. LEWIS JR.
Kathleen S. Magee Med., MSW Co-founder and President
Thank you again for your continued Support of the Troops!
We can't thank you enough for your tireless efforts. We will
continue to do our part until freedom is achieved! All the
best to your family and the New Jersey Rockets. We have
your patches up in our office and have handed them out too!
Take care and thanks again!
Very Respectfully,
Jason C. Henry, Captain US Air Force
313TH MCB FIXED WING
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan
ADMIN CHIEF
3RD BN, 2D MARINES
MUSA QAL'EH DISTRICT CENTER
HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Hockey Players,
*********************************************
Dear Mr. Charles Gili and family and Hockey Players,
Thank you for your much needed gift honoring Kareem
Rashad Sultan Khan US Army Specialist It is because of
generous friends like you that Operation Smile is able to
travel to remote locations around the world providing free
cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to children who would
otherwise be destined to live lives of heartbreak and shame.
Instead, their lives are full of promise and endless possibility.
As you know, we reluctantly turn away thousands of
children every year for lack of time, resources and funds.
Each of these little ones comes to us with a dream that they
will receive a free surgery that will change their life. It is
heartbreaking to see their faces when that dream is
shattered. That is why Kathy and I are extremely grateful
for your generous partners like you who, through muchneeded donations, allow us to return to medical mission
sites to give these kids a second chance.
Please visit our website, www.operationsmile.org to see
how your donations help change lives. Your support is
needed now more than ever. We have set ambitious goals
for the upcoming year with an increased number of
missions, more international physician training and more
We have received your check for the Hicks Monument.
Thank you for your generous donation to the Waterford
Township Memorial Fund in honor of Jon T. Hicks Jr.
Our mission is to honor, support and pay tribute to Veteran's
of the United States Armed Forces. To render support,
assistance, guidance, grants, gifts and other forms of
comfort to those veterans and their families.
Sincerely,
The Waterford Township Memorial Committee
(Jon T. Hicks Jr. US Marine Lance Corporal was Killed in
Action in Anbar Province Iraq on 9/10/07. He was from
Atco, NJ)
*********************************************
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Greetings From FOB Ghazni,
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for
your support for us. We’ve been receiving care
packages and it helps tremendously!
All of us at FOB Ghazni, Andar, & Warrior truly REALLY
APPRECIATE all the treats and support provided.
Without these, life on these small FOBS would be less
eventful. It is nice to know that there people out there
who care for us soldiers beside our own family (some
don't get anything). Please keep the boxes coming.
The US Hockey Players patches are pretty cool! Our
sincere thanks goes to all the Hockey Players who
helped with the donations, Charlie Gili & Family, and I
don't want to forget Muggs the dog.
(Daniel J. Shaw US Army Sergeant was Killed in Action in
Iraq on 11/5/07. He was from West Seneca, NY)
**************************************************
Gili Family,
I received your second care package you sent me
and my marines. Again I cannot express enough
what these mean to us. They bring light to our day
and make this mission that much more enjoyable.
Again thank you so much. Words cannot express
enough what they mean to us. You guys are the
greatest.
SSGT THOMAS K. LEWIS JR.
ADMIN CHIEF
3RD BN, 2D MARINES
God bless you, your supporters and the USA!!!
MUSA QAL'EH DISTRICT CENTER
LTC Richard J. Kramer
HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
3-401st AFSBn
FOB Ghanzi
APO, AE 09364
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
*********************************************
******************************************
THANK YOU!!! (UNCLASSIFIED) Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
I just got handed a big colorful patch from a friend of mine.
Thank you.
Good Morning Mr. Gili,
We did receive your donation and it could not have come at
a better time. We are getting ready to send out flyers for
our upcoming event!
I think that what you are doing for the troops is wonderful,
We can Never forget them.
Thank you so very much!
Sincerely,
Anita & Greg Dziedzic
I am currently stationed in Afghanistan at Camp Mike Spann
working with MRAP fielding. In a few months I will leave
here and return to Alaska. The patch I was given will be a
WELCOME addition to my motorcycle vest which I wear
proudly at the local high school hockey games (I mean, it is
ALASKA).
I just wanted to say thank you for your support and efforts.
I have personally planted a few Soldiers who were friends of
mine as well as too many friends who happened to be
Soldiers.
Again, thank you for your support.
www.sgtdavidcoullard.com
(Proud Mother and Step-Father of David J. Coullard US
Marine Sergeant who was Killed in Action in Haditha Iraq on
8/1/05. He was from Glastonbury, CT)
**************************************************
Dear Gili Family & Supporters,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your gift
to the Sgt. Daniel Shaw Memorial Fund at the Community
Foundation for Greater Buffalo. We sincerely appreciate
your support of this important fund.
MICHAEL P. FRANK
MAJ, FA
MDA GBI
US Army
"One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with
his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars;
and the world was better for this."
- Don Quixote
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Our sincere thanks for your compassionate generosity.
**************************************************
Kate Masiello
Charlie,
Director, Donor Relations
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
I would like to say thank you for your package. It meant a
lot to me to receive mail. I see that you are from Brooklyn. I
used to live in Queens in the O-Zone park area. Man, I really
miss the City!
I eventually moved to upstate near Utica and then to Buffalo
to go to college at D'Youville. I miss New York City so bad! I
moved away in '06. I visit every so often. I'd love to go
more. I miss so much from there; the food, oh God I miss the
food! The cloths! Starbucks and Barnes & Noble! I miss it
all!
Anyway, thank you again. It really means so much to me. I
hope to hear back from you. Your friend from Afgan.
Cpl Manderville, Jody A.
US Army
**************************************************
To the Gili family and all of Brooklyn;
Dear Gili Family & Hockey Players,
During a time like this we realize how much our friends and
relatives really mean to us...Your expression of sympathy
will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
The Family of SSG Joshua Gire
(Joshua S. Gire US Army Staff Sergeant was Killed in Action
in Logar Province Afghanistan on 3/22/11. He was from
Chillicothe, Ohio)
**************************************************
Dear Charlie & Family & Supporters,
We would like to thank you for your prayers, kindness and
generosity at our time of sorrow.
Your generous donation was deposited into a trust fund for
the children; Savanna and Michael. Thank you again.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
We really appreciate your continued support and thoughts.
I’m the “old” guy here, and I remember watching the
“Bowery Boys” !! That was a great show!!
Thanks again!!!
Msgt. Kasper and the “MOC Boys”, 379 EMOS.
**************************************************
Dear Charles & Fellow Supporters,
On behalf of Sgt. Jerome C. Bell Jr.'s entire family, our
committee and our entire community, we wish to express
our sincere gratitude to you and the US Youth Hockey Player
Community for your very generous contribution to the
Marine Sgt. Jerome C. Bell Jr. Scholarship Fund.
The support your community has shown proves that the true
American Spirit is alive and well and the sacrifice that this
brave hero has made, was not in vain.
Thank you again for assisting us in perpetuating the
memory of this brave Marine.
Very truly yours,
Matthew P. Cheche, Chairman
Marine Sgt. Jerome C. Bell Jr. Scholarship Fund
c/o Tompkins Trust Company
88 North Street
Auburn, NY 13021
(Jerome C. Bell Jr. US Marine Staff Sergeant was Killed in
Action in Farah Province Afghanistan on 9/19/08. He was
from Auburn, NY)
**************************************************
Kendra Speck & Melissa Lammerts
(Mother-in-law and Wife of US Army Staff Sergeant Michael
Scott Lammerts Sr. Killed in Action in Faryab Province
Afghanistan on 4/4/11. He was from Tonawanda, New
York)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili and Family,
Hello there. Well, here it is May 1 and I am just now writing
to thank you for the very wonderful and thoughtful gift you
sent to me back in January. Your note and patches actually
arrived in my mailbox on 10 Feb, what would have been our
28th wedding anniversary had John not been KIA in Iraq in
2006. I was so very, very touched by your kind note and
what your organization: US/NYS Hockey Players Support
Our Troops Campaign is doing to support the families of our
Fallen War fighters. I should have sat down and written
back to you immediately. Instead, having arrived as it did on
our anniversary, I have just hung onto it and reread your
note many times. I cannot put into words how very much
that meant to me to receive your note on our
anniversary...so many people have told me to move forward
from 'those dates' and that our anniversary no longer really
exists. That always hurts, and it was so uplifting to me to
receive reassurance that it is important for me to still
celebrate that day.
However, it is also time for me to share your good works
with others. I sincerely apologize that it took me this long to
be able to let go of your note. As you noted in your letter, I
do indeed work with families of the Fallen through the Army
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program. We assist
Families with long term support as they work through the
loss of their Solider. We have SOS teams in every state now
and overseas as well. The nearest team to you is at Ft.
Hamilton if you'd ever like to make contact with them...I'm
sure they would love to hear about the work you are doing
with the US/NYS Hockey Players. Here is a link to a short
story on the program from an event we held in 2009:
http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/19/28985-armyleadership-listens-to-survivors-at-sos-summit/
I would be happy to introduce you to the team at Ft.
Hamilton.
One of the things I most enjoyed about receiving your note
was that you all are such big hockey fans! I moved to San
Antonio, TX a year ago when our program headquarters we
reassigned here. I am from Minnesota, and yes, a big hockey
fan. I thought all was lost until I learned that they have
hockey here in San Antonio! Yep, minor league, The San
Antonio Rampage. It helps make it feel more like home here.
One of the things I do with SOS here is outreach to
community organizations and businesses on Survivor issues.
One project I've been working on here in San Antonio is
building a Survivor awareness campaign. Folks are good at
remembering the Fallen and their Survivors around
Memorial Day, but as you know, we are here all year long,
and many of our Survivors are hurting, and a kind word and
remembrance goes a long way toward their healing process.
I was recently able to tap into the AT&T Center that hosts
all of the San Antonio Spurs home games and that of the
Rampage too...I've spoken with the Spurs foundation. I'm
now trying to reach the Rampage organization...I would
very much like to tell them about your note and the US/NYS
Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign, may I? It
would be wonderful to see them wear your patch...if that is
a possibility.
You may have noticed too that I have not cashed your very
generous check. It has been sitting in with the note and I
wanted to use it for just the right thing and think I have
found it. One of our local Desert Storm Veterans is
sponsoring a hunt for Wounded Warriors and Gold Star
Family members...remember, it is Texas, and they do that a
lot here. :) I was able to connect with a widow from Ft.
Eustis, VA, Caterina Studer, whose husband taught her how
to hunt. They did not find each other until a little later in life
and then her husband, Stu, died of Gulf War related illness.
We consider Caterina one of our Gold Star wives. I'd like to
put the money towards Caterina's trip here to Texas...she
told me that going hunting in Texas was on their 'bucket list'
and now she is going to do this without him...but she will
have all of us here to support her and realize that dream.
What do you think?
Again, thank you so very much for your wonderful gift, and
for taking the time to find me and send it. My daughter,
Nicole and II will be up at Ft. Lee, Virginia this week as the
Army hosts a memorial ceremony to induct John into the
Army Ordnance Hall of Fame. My son, CPT Patrick Engeman,
nominated his dad and did all the research and write up for
this project. I am incredibly proud of both of them. It will be
5 years for us on 14 May...a rough road, but I am comforted
by knowing that others care about his sacrifice and
that John died doing what he most loved: being a Soldier.
Not many people get to spend their lives doing what they
truly love, and he was able to do so for 28 of his 45 years.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Donna (Gold Star wife of John W. Engeman US Army Chief
Warrant Officer 4 Killed in Action in Baghdad Iraq on
5/14/06. He was from East Northport, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family,
On behalf of our church I would like to thank you and the US
Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign for you gift in
memory of Eric Jones. I have informed his parents of your
kind and generous deed.
With Sincere gratitude,
Joy Stosz for John Wesley United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr.
David V. Calhoun
(Eric A. Jones US Marine Captain Died in Service in Helmand
Province Afghanistan on 10/26/09. He was from
Westchester, NY)
**************************************************
To the Gili Family…
MAY 2011
Thanks for your special gifts, candies and food items sent in
several care packages. It's people like you that brighten our
day and make the journey here a little easier to tolerate.
Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
Donald Joyner
Lieutenant Colonel
FOB Shank Afghanistan
LTF Commander (Logistics Task Force)
**************************************************
Hi Everyone! As you can see I am the only female in the
picture! I am SFC (Sergeant 1st Class) Brewer and these are
my soldiers. Together we are a team defending our country.
I want to say THANKS for the support! We loved it and
needed it! Thanks for sharing and caring! GO ARMY! WE
ALL WE GOT! SFC Brewer June 2011 Afghanistan FOB
SALERNO
**************************************************
Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation to Lorenzo
in Louie's memory! We greatly appreciate it.
Dear Mr. Charles Gili & Family,
Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Although
our loss is great, we take solace in the fact that good people
have taken the time to honor his sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Love,
Stephanie & Lorenzo Marciante (Proud Wife & Son of Luigi
Marciante Jr. US Army Private 1st Class Killed in Action on
9/20/07. He was from Elizabeth, NJ)
**************************************************
Jim, Chris & the Fike Family (Robert J. Fike US Army Sergeant
1st Class Killed in Action at Forward Operating Base Bullard
Afghanistan on 6/11/10. He was from Conneautville, PA)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & US Hockey Players,
Dear Charles & Family & Supporters,
Your kind package touched our hearts and we are very
grateful for your gift of money towards Jesse's scholarship
fund. We are blessed to know about your efforts to raise
money in honor of the soldiers who have given their lives for
our freedom.
Thank you for our box! We are a little more than half way
over with our deployment and we all are getting anxious to
get out of here. The heat is unbearable. It's well into the
100's!
Our grief has been profound and deep, but God's grace and
comfort have been sufficient to help us and sustain us in our
loss of Jesse. Enclosed is a testimony of our son's personal
faith. He was a wonderful son!
Thank you again for your support!
Thank You All So Much! God's blessings to you--
GySgt Reckard & The Marines of Mails 40
**************************************************
Mr. Charlie Gili,
You and your family are the greatest! The Soldiers here in
Afghanistan really appreciate all the wonderful gifts and
care package items you and your organization took the time
to send.
We sincerely appreciate all that you do for us. Please
continue to pray for our safe return to the States. May God
bless you and add a special blessing to your life for
remembering those who are far from home.
Once again, THANK YOU!
Respectfully,
Donald L. Joyner Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry
FOB Shank, Logistics Task Force Commander
Your Gift Encouraged Us In Our Grief
And Will Help A Worthy Young Person
In Their Pursuit Of A College Education
God Bless You,
The Jesse Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund
Nate and Vicki Strong (Proud parents of Jesse W. Strong US
Marine Sergeant Killed in Action on 1/26/05 in Anbar
Province, Iraq. He was from Irasburg, VT)
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Family & Players,
On behalf of the Fisher family and the rest of the Board of
Trustees, Fisher House Foundation, Inc., please accept our
heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution through
the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campiagn.
It is
through donations such as yours that the Fisher House
Foundation, Inc. is able to continue having a positive impact
on the quality of life of "our greatest national treasure....our
military service men and women and their loved ones."
Your donation to Fisher House is even more meaningful as
our thoughts and prayers are with America's service men
and women who are deployed throughout the world.
**************************************************
The many military and veterans' families, who will benefit
from your thoughtfulness, join me in expressing our
collective appreciation for your generosity. Thank you!
warriors, you help these men and women move back into
the mainstream of the great American life they protected for
you and me.
Sincerely,
Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
David A. Coker, President
(Richard C. Emmons III US Army Specialist was Killed in
Action in Logar Province, Afghanistan on 5/31/11. He was
from Granby, CT)
**************************************************
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: FOUO
As soon as wounded warriors leave the war zone and arrive
at a hospital, you're at their bedsides hand-in-hand with
WWP. through a broad spectrum of WWP programs, you
stay with the wounded throughout recovery. Many people
use the phrase, "Support the Troops," but you put those
words into action as combat-injured troops work to build
new lives.
Charlie Gili & Family & Supporters,
I received your packet and shared it with the Soldiers in my
section. I passed out the patches to everyone in the section.
They were very happy to know that we great supporters in
NY since we're stationed in FT DRUM. Never been to
Brooklyn but I hear a lot of great stories about it. Our
Soldiers are very thankful for the support you have
continued to provide. We are drawing down and getting
closer to redeploying back to NY. 10th MTN DIV Soldiers are
very anxious to go home and spend time with their families.
Your care packages does makes us feel that people care and
believe in what we're doing out here. Thank you very much
and have a great summer!
MICHEAL THETCHAMPA
SFC / USA GEO SUPPORT CELL NCOIC
OPS CO., HHBN, 10TH MTN DIV (L) RC South
"A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE, IT ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN
IT'S OPEN" Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: FOUO
**************************************************
Dear Mr. Gili & Supporters,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your
generous donation to Walter Reed's Soldier Family
Assistance Center in memory of US Army Staff Sergeant
William R. Neil. Your generosity has directly supported our
wounded, ill and injured patients who've been evacuated to
Walter Reed from the Middle east and their Family members
who come to aid and comfort them.
Please be assured that it's extremely gratifying to see such
an out-pouring of affection from Americans like you for
these men and women who serve our country so bravely.
And it is certainly a pleasure to know first-hand that the
support you have given us, contributes so tangibly in the
physical and psychological recuperation of those who have
sacrificed so much.
Again, thank you for your kind thoughts and heartfelt
generosity.
Sincerely, Stephen C. Maguire/Director, Soldier Family
Assistance Center
(US Army Staff Sergeant William R. Neil was Killed in Action
on 3/22/08 in Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan. He was from
Holmden, NJ)
**************************************************
Dear Caring Friend,
In this time of war, few things are more vital than reaching
out to America's wounded troops as you did with your
generous gift in memory of PFC Eric D. Soufrine KIA 6/14/11.
For these troops, many of them young adults, your patriotic
kindness means a hand up as they begin new lives after
severe injuries and trauma. As a partner in the Wounded
Warrior Project mission to honor and empower wounded
Imagine a warrior who sacrificed limbs or sight in Iraq or
Afghanistan now skiing down the side of a mountain,
starting college, helping a fellow warrior or beginning a new
job! Expressing the power of your recent gift to WWP, those
images come to my mind as I offer my gratitude to you
today. You have my deepest appreciation.
Saluting Your Generosity,
Adam Silva, Chief Development Officer/Wounded Warrior
Project
(Eric D. Soufrine US Army Private 1st Class was killed in
Action on 6/14/11 in Farah Province Afghanistan. He was
from Woodbridge, CT)
**************************************************
Dear US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campiagn,
It is with deepest gratitude that Hope For The Warriors
extends our appreciation for your generous donation on
7/13/2011 to support our mission. Through your
contribution and support, you play a key role in helping
Hope For The Warriors to fulfill its mission of enhancing the
quality of life for the many US military members and their
families nationwide, who have been adversely affected by
injuries or death in the line of duty.
Together we will ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and
fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nr
their needs unmet.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and everyone at Hope
For The Warriors, thank you.
Sincerely, Robin S. Kelleher/President & CEO
(US Marine Sergeant Mark A. Bradley died at Bethesda,
Maryland on 6/16/11 from wounds suffered on 6/3/11 in
Helmand Province Afghanistan. He was from Cuba, NY)
**************************************************
Dear Caring Friends,
In this time of war, few things are more vital than reaching
out to America's wounded troops as you did with your
generous gift in honor of Sgt. James W. Harvey.
For these troops, many of them young adults, your patriotic
kindness means a hand up as they begin new lives after
severe injuries and trauma. As a partner in the Wounded
Warrior Project mission to honor and empower wounded
warriors, you help these men and women move back into
the mainstream of the great American life they protected for
you and me.
As soon as wounded warriors leave the war zone and arrive
at a hospital, you're at their bedsides hand-in-hand with
WWP. Through a broad spectrum of WWP programs, you
stay with the wounded throughout recovery. Many people
use the phrase, "Support the Troops," but you put those
words into action as combat-injured troops work to build
new lives.
Dear Charlie & Family & Players & All Who Support Us,
August 7, 2011
Imagine a warrior who sacrificed limbs or sight in Iraq or
Afghanistan now skiing down the side of a mountain,
starting college, helping a fellow warrior or beginning a new
job! Expressing the power of your recent gift to WWP, those
images come to my mind as I offer my gratitude to you
today. You have my deepest appreciation.
Greetings from Ghazni!!
Saluting Your Generosity,
Adam Silva
Chief Development Officer
Wounded Warrior Project
(James W. Harvey II US Army Sergeant was Killed in Action
on 6/20/11 in Ghazni Province Afghanistan. He was from
Toms River, NJ)
**************************************************
Gili Family,
August 9, 2011
Our group has 2 months left. The thought of home is on very
one's mind, but we stay focused. My next stop will be either
Kandahar, Bagram or Kuwait (somewhere). Lucky my wife
supports my decision to stay longer.
As always, all of us at FOBs Ghazni, Warrior & Andar
appreciate the many boxes of goodies provided by you and
the volunteers from the US HOCKEY PLAYERS over the time.
The care packages have helped brighten many a day around
here. Our coalition forces partners, the Polish, get very little
from home, so we share with them.
We appreciate all your prayers - for the Soldiers and
Families safety & well being. God bless you, your supporters
and the USA!!!
v/r
I want to say Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. My
son has played hockey since he was a mite all the way to
Midget AA and then got scouted this past year to play at
several Division III colleges. He graciously had to decline
those offers because he made the ultimate sacrifice and
decided to serve his country instead and is with the USMC.
Currently he is in Afghanistan and due to OPSEC I cannot say
much as to where specifically but he still have till after the
end of the year. He is a Gunner or what they like to call a
Grunt and works on the front line. I send packages weekly to
my son but also adopted another marine (he has no idea it is
me) because his wife cannot afford to send stuff and it upset
my son so he asked me to take care of this guy too. I proudly
have my blue star flag in my window, the yellow ribbons on
my porch pillars, the marine emblem and sticker on my car,
and wear a lapel pin on my lab coat. This past weekend,
unfortunately, my son a PFC, was injured and shot. Thank
God he is ok and is already healing and unbelievable but
going back on the front line this week. (he is stubborn and
wants to be out there!!!)
It is people like you, that make deployment for our sons,
daughters, wives, husbands, nieces, nephews and
grandchildren easier on them to get a piece of home. It is so
hard for them to be away and trust you and me, getting
clean socks, clean underwear, books to read, snacks, candy,
food, games, is essential to keep up their morale.
I too have gotten involved with supporting our troops and
have gotten a lot of departments at my work to donate and
send out packages too.
I am going to forward this email on to my sons old hockey
coach, who coincidently, also has a son who joined the
USMC and went to Parris Island just 2 weeks after my son
started at Parris Island. I believe he is coaching again this
year and I am hoping he will have his team purchase the
patches for the jerseys.
Thank you again for what you are doing….Oohrah and
Semper Fi to your family!!! Proud Mom of PFC Matthew 3/6
Weapons Co-CAAT
Beth Rajt, CPC Proud Marine Mom!
Certified Professional Coder Specialty Associate II Physician
Educator HFMG - Hospitalist Units
**************************************************
LTC Richard J. Kramer--LTF Ghazni CDR Afghanistan
**************************************************