Photo By Cpl. Megan Murray | Navy Lt. Lawrence Sproul (center), Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Nolen and Lt....... read more read more
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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Six years have passed since coalition forces initially invaded Iraq, and the time when U.S. troops will make their way out of the country is drawing closer by the day. Though both military personnel and missions have changed throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, one thing has not — the great support and care U.S. citizens have shown forward-deployed service members.
Service members with Multi National Force - West, stationed in Iraq's Al Anbar province, continue to daily receive thank-you notes, care packages and well wishes from places like elementary schools, Boy and Girl Scouts troops, church groups and even individuals who simply want to show their support.
No one knows this better than Navy Lt. Lawrence Sproul, the environmental health officer for MNF-W.
"The teachers and principal in my son's school are very supportive of military families," began Sproul. "The teachers of my son's kindergarten class approached me to see what things the Marines and sailors out here would appreciate, and I told them socks, artwork and healthy snacks."
A few weeks later a box arrived at Sproul's office stuffed with care packages for both males and females, and of course, a large macaroni-art 'thank you' sign from the Charles W. Nash Elementary School kindergarten class in Kenosha, Wis.
Though this box held special meaning for Sproul, it is but one of many that circulate throughout Al Asad Air Base each day.
Nearly every building on base has a care package table that contains goods like snacks, shower items, books, magazines and thank-you cards.
"I check the care package table at least a couple of times a week and see if anything new has been put out," said Cpl. Lance Johnson, a financial management resource analyst with MNF-W. "We all really appreciate the effort put into these care packages, because they make life out here in Iraq a little easier for us all. It's good to know we have plenty of people back home supporting us."
Sproul believes care packages are one of the best ways for organizations and individuals in the U.S. to show support for their military.
"It gives people who can't otherwise come over to Iraq a chance to help with the effort," said Sproul. "People wanted to find a way to volunteer and they did that through the care packages and thank-you letters."
Sproul says the best way he can sum up the gratitude service members feel upon receiving these items is with two simple, yet powerful words.
"Thank you."
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2009 05:31 |
| Story ID: | 35651 |
| Location: | AL ASAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 198 |
| Downloads: | 175 |
This work, Deployed service members thankful for continued support, by Cpl Megan Murray, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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