I found this wonderful poem which was written by Ms. Francine Pucillo and wanted to share it with you! Please visit her website, she has written some beautiful poems!!
Prayers now rise to heaven
For all in life who serve
Battles for their country
As freedom is preserved
Each one of you our heroes
Who sacrifice each day
Life and soul with dignity
Such courage you display
Hearts are always with you
In any place you dwell
Saluting you with honor
With love unparalleled
Each day a special blessing
Upon those we call "our brave"
Our countries greatest freedom
With memories engraved
Thank you for this honor
You give with pride each day
Those of all our "seasons"
Will never fade away
For each of you our promise
Of all our freedom saved
Each battleground now sacred
By footsteps that were paved.
I have been in contact with my niece Megan, and was hoping to have a picture to post for this event, but unfortunately they are not allowed to take pictures ~ so I will try to describe this very special young lady to everyone ~ she is about 5"3", dark brown hair and big beautiful brown eyes with a slender build and a big heart! I remember when she was little, she would look at you with those "big brown eyes" and my heart would melt. Then other times when she may have done something she was not supposed to and knew it, she would "cut" those big brown eyes at you, knowing she was in "trouble", but she was and will always be my "other daughter" and I am hoping each of you will find it in your heart to let her know how much we all appreciate what she and her fellow troops are sacrificing for us.
I think the poem states exactly how I feel and I am hoping each of you feel the same! Doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the war, it's about supporting each and every Soldier, Marine, Navy or Air Force personnel who truly give of their lives on a daily basis, so we can enjoy freedom and safety in the United States of America! My hat is off to the Troops and to each of you, and for that I say "Thank You"!
I have also found out one of the most requested items is a AT&T International Phone Card ~ make sure they are for calls from the Middle East to the United States of America.
Other items which are high on the list are:
Pre sweetened powdered drink mixes ( Crystal Lite, Gatorade, KoolAid…)
Hot Chocolate mix in single serve packets
Coffee ( ground, vacuum pak or small cans
Beef Jerky ( small packages)
Foot Powder (Gold Bond etc)
Eye Drops (for desert environment)
Lip Balm ( Blistex, Carmex, Chapstick etc.)
Here is Meggie's address where you can either email or send a "care package" if you like. She is aware of this event and asked me to tell everyone thank you for showing your support and truly appreciates anything you would send, including an email. I know she would love to hear from you!
PFC Megan Donnelly
47th CSH
COB Speicher
TF Tikrit
APO AE 09393
I know at times, I don't hear back from her for days, and it's because of the email system they have! At first, I must tell you, I was worried because I didn't hear from her and of course, thought the worst. But she is doing good, trying to adjust to being in a desert or "Sand Box" as it is referred to by others.
I am sending her a gorgeous chenille quilt, some Puffs Tissues with Lotion, candy, toiletry items and a few other things (which I won't mention, because I am not sure if she will be able to read the post or not), so I want some of the items to be a surprise! My box will be going out on Monday and am hoping it will arrive in time for Easter!
I have found some valuable information on shipping from USPS:
Before you send a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, make sure you’re aware of certain restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail. Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code™ (APO/FPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials.
Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
Pork or pork by-products.
For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion.
Use the service member’s full name. The Department of Defense cancelled the Any Service Member program so mail must be addressed to someone specific.
Include the unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code™ (if one is assigned). Click-N-Ship® customers should be advised that the Postal Service and the Military will continue to add and update valid APO/FPO addresses for your online labels.
Include a return address.
For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion or print a postage-paid label online with Click-N-Ship®. (Please note that ZIP Codes 093XX and 964XX are currently unavailable for electronic labels. We apologize for the inconvenience.)
Tips on Packaging from USPS Website:
There are certain factors to consider when sending packages to our troops overseas. To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take these into consideration.
Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.
The Box: Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.
Cushioning: Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. We recommend fragile items be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.
Batteries: Battery powered items will sometimes get turned on during shipment. Remove and wrap the batteries separately.
Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2 inch wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.
Include a card describing the contents: Improperly wrapped packages can fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside, listing the sender’s and recipient’s addresses plus a description of the contents, helps in collecting the items. Here is a picture of the box you can get from the Post Office, it will save you on shipping, it's approximately $2.00 less expensive than the regular flat rate large box and also has a Logo on it which says "Support American Troops"! Here's a picture of the box and can be found here: http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10152&productId=36604 
Listed below are other wonderful fellow bloggers who are also paying tribute to "Support Our Troops" Day Blog Event ~~ I want to thank each one who took the time out of their busy schedule to participate in the special event "Thank You"!
Things have been a whirl wind for the past three weeks, my mother is not doing well and it's with a very heavy heart I tell you, she will be going into assisted living on Tuesday. I have been traveling back and forth to Virginia, with my last stay being over a week. It's so hard to have to make arrangements for something you just don't believe is happening to you or your mom and truly never thought would.
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