On behalf of the men of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, I would like to thank you for your support.  We are currently deployed to Iraq and received a package from you.

The battalion is part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division Light out of Fort Drum, NY.  In August of 2003 we deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  The Battalion was based out of Qandahar for the 9 months that we were there with platoons pushing out into the country in smaller Fire Bases.  We moved up into the mountains to conduct combat operations against the Taliban enabling the Battalion to capture many large caches of weapons and ammunition.  We were redeployed back to NY in May of 2004 and immediately underwent transformation into one of the Army’s Brigade Combat Teams.

In August of 2005 we deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Our sector is around the Baghdad and Abu Ghraib area.  We conduct both mounted and dismounted patrols day and night 7 days a week.  We were responsible for securing 12 polling sites for the Referendum in October.  We are training and Iraq Infantry Battalion to take over in this sector, we hope sometime in the near future.

Everything in the package was greatly appreciated.  We do not get a lot of free time but treasure every minute we get.  The chess sets were quickly grabbed up by the soldiers.

Thank you for your support

Steven Cooper
SFC, USA
First Sergeant

On behalf of my Military Transition Team (MiTT), we would like to thank you and your organization for package that was received yesterday.  Indeed, everything inside the package will help us fill some downtime that we get to experience from time to time.

The patriotism of your organization is worthy of recognition.  We are truly blessed to live in a country where great Americans, like you and your organization, support the service members that are deployed abroad.  As a Marine, surely you remember the joy of receiving packages from home.  My words are not strong enough to express our gratitude for the gift and the contributions that made the gift possible.

We also appreciate your service to our country which allows us to wear the uniform today.  God Bless America!

Respectfully,

Chris M. Williams

Thank you, for the chess sets and the candy you sent to us here in Kuwait at Camp Patriot. We all ready had a tournament.
 

Thank you again. Ron Harmon

Thank you for the chess set.  We have a tent that we stay in while we’re on call.  Some days are busy, some aren’t.  When we’re not busy it gets pretty boring.  When we first got it there was no electricity, TV, DVD, AC, lights, games, or even chairs.  Your 2 chess sets were the first things we got.  They were big enough to put on the floor and not loose the pieces so they got used a lot.  It really helped us get through our first few weeks.  Now the action has picked up so we don’t have as much time but they’re still there waiting for the terrorists to take a break.  
 

Thank you very much!
Ryan Reser

Please find this letter to express our sincerest appreciation and great admiration for your sincere support of my troops that you recently shown by your gift of the chess sets. Allow me to speak on behalf of my platoon which is comprised of 32 great soldiers. Your thoughtfulness and generosity that you have expressed to us is nothing short of unbelievable. A "Thank You" is not a sufficient enough phrase to sum up our mutual feelings and thoughts. For the personal time that you have taken our of your day to just think of us and then follow through by contacting us with your thoughts of loyalty, support, and care is similar to a sense of family that is so desperately missed here.

Life here in Baghdad is hard. There is no true sense of a normal sleep pattern here, we endure 25 hour missions in 100+ degree heat, lack personal time to decrease our building stress, and have the ever constant dangers of close enemy contact. We as a unit miss our home life more than ever. There is nothing here that can make our life easier. However, efforts like yours are what make us get by on a day to day basis. You re-build that bridge that connects us back to our simple and sane lives. In a phrase that is shared around here after some much needed sleep, we say, "I can breathe again".

I am aware that the media shows quick shots of life here in Baghdad. It shows the explosions, mangled vehicles, and damaged buildings. What it does not show is the smells of the garbage heaps and sulfur pits that my soldiers walk through, the pain and anguish on local Iraqi families that have discovered that their loved ones have been killed, the sound of explosions, gun fire, and screeching metal that is flying in the air following an explosion. We get sick here from the bacteria in the dust, become heat causalities, and try to self-recover from our wounds, both emotionally and physically.

However, we will live life a little more easily here because we are reminded of the love that exists between humans. The support that you all have personally shown. Thank you so much for your concerns, support, and love that was shown by your gift. I speak on behalf of all the soldiers here that fight for you. You have been successful in your breakthrough of the barrier between civilian and the military world. We wish you well in your endeavors and ask God to protect you and if he cannot, you can count on the "OUTLAWS" of 860th MILITARY POLICE COMPANY.

1LT JON R. COPE
860th Military Police Company
1st Platoon "OUTLAWS"

Thank You very much for sending the chess sets. I am stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan with Combined Joint Task Force-76 and with the US Army. We have an active chess club here on the base with players of all levels. The chess sets that your club sent come in very handy and are much appreciated.

Playing chess here truly adds an international flavor to the game as I’ve played with folks from Afghanistan, Egypt, Czech Republic, Romania, and Poland in recent months. While being able to speak the same language as your opponent is always nice, it is certainly not required and I’ve had some memorable games and experiences.

We are very busy and have parliamentary elections on 18 September. It will be a big day for the Afghan people as they become more and more self-reliant. Our tour is for twelve months and we are about half-way through. We are from an airborne unit stationed in northern Italy.

Thank you again for your generosity and I can assure you that military personnel across Afghanistan and Iraq sincerely appreciate your efforts. It is great to know and see the continued support for the Soldiers.

John C. Waters
Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army

Thank you, for your support and blessings. The moral of our soldiers strongly depends on the family and friends who are state side who show their appreciation. The little things, that’s what makes us work everyday to, win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi nationals when at times it feels we’re in a losing battle. The support, again those who show their appreciation, are the reason we can continue to keep our heads in the game making it that much easier to come home safely to our family.

I myself say, thank you, for helping my men, a small piece of this large puzzle, to keep their moral high. The importance of feeling like, “it’s worth it,” comes from you who are home worrying about us. Here not often can you see the impact you have on lives because it’s hard at times seeing through the smoke and dust. But you again who see our vision and see the mission importance are what keeps us ticking. How brilliant, chess, a way to relax the body and mind. A way for people to band in conflict with no guns and to set and develop friendship that will last a lifetime. Thank you. Thank you for your support and for those of you who feel like I feel, anytime we lose a soldier to combat the whole U.S. loses a friend a hero a brother or sister. In their name, the sacrifice of their family and friends, I say… it is you who put the smile on a soldiers face and allow him to see that, “the risk is worth it!” Thank you.
 

Your Friend,
Michael Bordner

I want to thank you for the packages that you sent me.  I really appreciate all your support.  I shared some of the contents with my fellow soldiers.  They loved it as much as I did.

Any Soldier is a very good program for the deployed soldiers.  We get all kinds of goodies and articles that we aren’t able to buy here.  The soldiers here enjoy all the gifts.

Thanks again for your gifts and your support.  Take care and I’ll talk to you again soon.
 

Sincerely,
Mark

Greetings from Afghanistan!  I just wanted to thank you for the chess sets and candy you sent me and my soldiers!  We appreciate the support while we are away from our friends and family!

We are part of a combat heavy engineer battalion stationed out of Fort Lewis, Washington.  We are a construction unit that build roads, buildings, etc. for the people of Afghanistan.

Despite the picture of snow on the other side [postcard], it is still very hot out!  We are hoping for cooler weather soon!  
 

Thank you again for the support!!
1LT Brandy West

We just received your club’s kind gift of two chess sets, and wanted to thank you wholeheartedly. This is by far the coolest care package we have received to date, and I can assure you that these will see lots of use as we have quite a bit of down-time and some chess players in the shop. We were actually talking about chess the other day and even those who hadn’t played before seemed interested in learning. Although I’m not a great player, I have enjoyed playing chess for many years, and welcome the opportunity to play some now as I unfortunately forgot to bring one of my boards with me.

Anyway, I just wanted to express out thanks, this is very thoughtful indeed and I will be dedicating my first Queen’s Indian Defense in Iraq to the Renaissance Knights!

Semper Fi,
David  Craik
GySgt, USMC

To the members of the Renaissance Knights Community Chess Club we (Banshees) would like to say thank you for your donations. Its organizations like yours, which we can tell, care about us, and what we are trying to accomplish here in Iraq, and else where. We have been in country for almost 2 months now. Below is m reaction after getting some mail.  

This place is a jewel in the rough. Literally. This place where we are was once Sadam’s jewel airbase. It was bombed during the 1st Gulf War and is now an operating airbase for us. Trying to make the best of it. I am also trying to keep my Marines focus on the mission, and when some down time rolls around, that’s when Marines start thinking about family and what’s going back home. Your support is greatly appreciated, and be assured that we all look forward to your letters & support.

Our daily lives are sometimes interrupted by rockets attacks once in a while. So far we have been OK. Please take some time to visit our website: http://www.2maw.usmc.mil/MAG14/vmaq1 to read the articles about the squadron taking part in the going effort of securing freedom for us all.

Thanks, God Bless, and stay in touch.

Respectfully,
SgtMAJ George Espinosa

Thanks so much for your quick response.  I would have written back sooner, but we've been occupied with the current offensive in Tal Afar.  Hopefully, things will quiet down soon and life will return to normal here at Forward Operating Base Sykes.  My eight soldiers and I are members of an adviser team training and mentoring an Iraqi Army battalion.  While that job keeps us busy, we do occasionally have some leisure time.  Sadly, our entertainment options are limited here at FOB Sykes.  So, I was pleased to hear that your organization has been distributing chess sets to soldiers.  If possible, I would love to obtain one for my team.  

Thanks so much for thinking of us.  Have a great day!  Yours,  Gordon

Gordon E. Hannett
CPT, MP, Commanding

We received the boards and game pieces you sent us in the mail today. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

We will certainly spend many hours strategizing on the maneuver and elements of war associated with this fine, ancient game. Moreover, it was a very heartfelt gesture and that alone gives a tremendous feeling of support.

As a matter of fact, our unit currently has the all Armed Forces Chess Champion, his name is MSgt Adkins and he has been very kind in giving us all lessons!

Our country is indeed the finest place in the world, as her citizens, like the members of your organization, are rallying to the support of our military regardless of their viewpoints on this war and that to me defines a family unit; right or wrong, blood is
thicker than water.

I would like to thank you for your service to our country, once a Marine always a Marine! Semper Fi!

In closing, we thank all of you for your generosity and kind words. It really does impact us in a positive way.

Respectfully,
Terry Huston
GYSgt USMC

Thank you very much for your support. Chess is a popular sport among the pilots of F CO 159 Aviation. Our unit flies the CH-47D helicopters, known to most as Chinooks, across the skies of Afghanistan. We are grateful to have chess sets we can pack and move with us to facilitate enriching competition and interaction that keeps our minds off the battle, but all the while preparing us for it. There is no tool for fun or better, in my opinion, to train the mind at solving problems, analyzing opponents, and working through a plan, and adapting much like operations flow.

Thanks for your support. We will get some good usage out of the sets.

Sincerely,
CPT J. Abrami

I would like to than you all in behalf of my squad members. You would not believe how many soldiers in my battery play chess. Some of the soldiers have chess tournaments when they have time & can find each other to play, the games seem to take along time when both guy’s can’t be there all the time.

Thank you for the chess sets & they will be well used.  I would also like to thank David & all others that served in the military.

Thanks again,
SSG Rod Cox

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and everyone else involved in your efforts.  The chess sets were a huge hit.  As a token of our appreciation I have included a keychain that I made for you.  I only sent one however, if you would like more, let me know how many and I will get them made and sent out as soon as I possibly can.  Again, thank you for everything you do.  You will never know how much we appreciate your efforts.

Sincerely,
SSGT Ryan Swan

Thanx so much for the chess sets you sent…They were both timely & greatly appreciated. They have been set out in our common area for all to share. Keep us in your hearts & prayers!

Sincerely,
SGT. M. A. Villarreal

Thank you for everything.

Capt. J. Alexander

Thanks so much for the chess sets my Marines and I play a lot now that we have a set to play on. I am not the Best Player but getting better. I am also teaching my Marines to play and they are fast learners. We are here for another 6 months and then back to Cherry Point NC. We all sure do miss the states. It is funny because you never know how good some thing is until you don’t have it any more.

Well thanks once again,
Sgt Doughty A.M.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for the chess game. I have several men who love the game. This was a great treat for them. Heaven knows how busy the men are and the game allows the men to escape for awhile from the realities of war.

I expressed to my men your gratitude for the work they do. I know that each of them greatly appreciated it. Thank you for your support and gratitude and we feel honored to serve this country and our countrymen and women.

Thank you,
Taylor Simpson
1 LT. U. S. Army
Platoon Leader

Hello, I have to tell you, those chess sets will most likely be greatly coveted often. Everyone fancies themselves as great tacticians and strategists, but everyone seems to get beat by someone else. It’s a great game.

I gave one set to a friend of mine in a different squad, so he could let more people use it.

So I noticed you were from Northbrook, IL. Is that where Medieval Times is? I don’t know my wife she has been there. We are all from IL, mostly from the Effingham, but my wife and I just moved from there to Murphysboro. IL is a great state but I think I might leave her for another state.

 

Any way, thank you so much.
Thomas Stead

Hello! My name is LCPL Preston.  I work at the MWR here in Korean Village, Iraq.I just wanted to write you all to say thank you on behalf of my unit and the other marines, soldiers and corpsmen that utilize the MWR and its resources.

Without caring and thoughtful people, such as you we would not be able to provide a place for troops to relax and have a little fun.

So again, thank you all. Your actions are greatly appreciated, and not forgotten.

Yours Truly,
LCPL PRESTON, J USMC

PS. The MWR does hold Chess Tournaments!

I just moved to this area and I found this chess set & Rules Packet which someone had left after going home. I wanted to write you to let you know how much it means to me and my fellow soldiers to have the support of those back home. My Battle Buddy is a Vietnam Vet and he tears up every time someone says “Thank You” to him or any of us. Every little thing our fellow Americans do to show us support makes leaving our families & loved ones a little easier.Again, thank you, for your support & kindness. When it is my turn to return home, I will pass your chess set off to someone else!

From 1-148 Field Artillery 116 Brigade Combat Team in Idaho

Thank You,
Sgt Loosli

My soldiers and I thank you for your patriotic support of what we are doing (And thanks again for the Chess Boards).  For most of us in uniform we are where we can do what we have been trained to do. Not too many soldiers (including myself) will admit they enjoy being in the middle east where the last 2 days showed us what 100+ degrees w/dust in the air feels like. Just like the packages we receive from our loved ones so far away, it is a blessing to know that there are grateful Americans that haven’t taken all the freedoms that we enjoy for granted.

The Ground Maintenance Platoon of an Aviation Unit that is a mix of units from Fort Bragg, Alaska, Michigan NG and TX NG.

CW3 Robert J Atkinson & 37 hard working soldiers

Thank you for sending the letter and the chess boards in response to our anysoldier.com entry. We are happy to get letters from just about anywhere. Junk mail, old sears catalogues, anything to get something in the mail. The Squadron has been in Iraq for a little over 30 days, so we are really just getting started. I will post your letter of encouragement so that all of my Marines can read it. It is important that the Marines see letters like yours and know that their efforts here in Iraq are appreciated. We are working 12 on, 12 off here, so their free time is minimal and any encouragement helps. We are a heavy lift helicopter squadron, so basically we move the beans, bullet, and band-aids around the battlefield. We do most of our work externally, which means we hook things to the helicopter and drop it off someplace else. This is the Squadron’s third deployment to Iraq since 2003. My job is as the Executive Officer, which is basically the number 2 guy behind the Commanding Officer. I am a pilot within the squadron and have been with this squadron since November of 2004.

Something about me personally, I am 38 years old father of two, happily married for 15 years. My wife’s name is Heidi. I have an 11-year old girl and a 5-year-old boy. Monika and John. They live in Ramona, California, which is just outside of San Diego, California, which is where we are based when we are home. We have lived there since 2001. We have also lived in Stafford, Virginia which is just south of Washington D.C. and Mission Viejo, California which is south of Los Angeles. I am originally from Washington State. I have been in the Marine Corps for 16 years. This is my second deployment to Iraq.

I will see that your gift is put to good use down at the barracks. Thank you also for your service as a US Marine. Thank you for taking the time to assist those serving our country. Take care of yourself and Semper Fidelis.

LtCol Roger McFadden
“Hadji”

Thank you for your support. It’s nice to know that we are supported and it makes all that we go through worth it. We also have a chess club so if you have anymore, Please send them.
 

Again Thanks.
Sgt Shirley R. Ayers

I received your package today, and wanted to say thanks for all your support. I know being an ex-marine, well never ex, being a marine it comes natural to support fellow comrades. Well I greatly appreciate it. Some of my soldiers are already using the chess games.

Just a little back ground info. We are a communications Company from Fort Hood, Texas and are currently serving in Mosul, Iraq. Things are quiet right now which is always good. Well I will close.
 

Very Respectfully,
James Everidge

First off thank you for what you're doing. I found your website and once again I think it's great what you're doing to support the troops. I took the chess sets and gave them to the chaplain because he's got a little hut set up for the marines and sailors to relax in and what better than a few chess sets to help a marine relax. I'm sure someone will lose the king or queen in about a week but at least they will be used.

Thank you again for what you're doing.

R /S
Matt Slayton
Cpl USMC
Maintenance Management Chief
RCT-8 Camp Fallujah Iraq
3602-804/ 840

I would like to thank you for the chess sets. They will surely be put to good us. We have a very important mission here and it is always good to cool down with a game of chess, checkers or dominos.

Thank You for your support,
SSG Tara Sutton

This is Pv2 Arbuckle, Christophes. I thank you for the chess pieces and Boards. I love chess and my son will love the beanie baby. In the future if you’d like you can send anything you like to me or my team. There are four members of my team. You all know the address and you can make it out to me if you’d like. I think it’s great what you all do for us.

Thank you from the Bravo 11 Battle Sen.

Pv2 Arbuckle Christophes
ACO. 327th Sig BN (ABN)
APO AE 09333

Thank you for the great Chess boards and Chess pieces. They will surely come in handy. The soldiers and I appreciate your generosity. Thanks to many caring and giving Americans such as yourself, it brings a little of home to a far away place. All of our soldiers are in good spirits and are staying safe. During their down time they enjoy playing cards and board games. This will definitely be a welcomed addition.

Our unit is from Texas and have been away from home for quite a while. It will be nice to get back home and enjoy the things we always seem to take advantage of. We are a National Guard Unit and doing our part. It is really amazing how once you get in a combat environment that things don’t determine if you are National Guard or Active Army. We are all Americans, and we are all doing our part for our country and each other.

I was previously deployed on active duty during my enlisted years with the 82 Airborne Division. It was during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I can say that our living conditions have greatly improved as well as the chow. The danger still exists, but we are doing well. Thanks you Mr. Heiser for your service, and thanks for your support.

Sincerely,
1LT Roel Resurez

Thanks for your support and we appreciate your gesture. The two chess really came in handy seeing as we only had two kings and a chessboard over here, thank you, and my female marine liked the beanie baby. Now thanks to you we can one day have our own little chess tournament. One more thing, me and my marines will send you a picture so that you can see who you are supporting.

Thank you once again,
LCPL Manuel E. Mercedes

I do not know whom this letter will be delivered, but to who ever reads this I would like them to know that the encouragement and gratitude they have shown by sending us something as simple as a couple of chess sets is greatly appreciated. It is the things like this that makes it worth being a service member. The appreciation given by friends and family is great but knowing there are people who don’t even know us, are grateful for my active duty, is some how just that much more rewarding. Well this will be the end of this letter; I need to get what little sleep I can before another day at work.

Thanks Again,
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Elliott