Tuesday I received three care packages in the mail. The first package I received was from Ms. Karen Harris and the NorthBay Management Team. I mentioned to Karen that although the hospital received hundreds of donated Christmas stockings for the staff here; none were available to my Army Task Force staff.
Karen et al. volunteered to send Christmas stockings and all the stuffing to me. This charity will allow me to spread a little Christmas Cheer to my soldiers who have worked so hard for the past 12 months and will not be home with their families until February. Thank you to all of my NorthBay Family.
The second box I received was from a business that I have never heard of in Fairfax, VA. This business must have gotten my name from a military website and sent a box of goodies to me. Several of my soldiers also received packages from this same business which means that this organization purchased all of these items for soldiers that they do not know; merino wool socks, books, coffee, candy and snacks, and a Christmas DVD and microwave popcorn in each box. The sentiment and action was incredibly moving and much appreciated. We have decided to hold a Christmas Eve movie marathon here in our conference room with all of the movies that were sent to us.
The last box I received was from the Wounded Warrior Project and erroneously had my name on it. This very large box contained the travel packages that we provide to the "Wounded Warriors" that come into the hospital. Many of the casualties that arrive here have had their uniforms cut off them during their treatment, or just cannot get back into a uniform because of dressings or IV lines, or casts and hardware. This standard package contains the wounded warrior cloths, toiletries, and footwear for them to be evacuated in. Certainly not a disappointment because that is why we are here, to provide the best care in the world to our warriors that have sacrificed so much for their country, the box just wasn't for me.
The bottom line is that I want to thank all of you for providing some Christmas Spirit all the way over here. It is difficult to be away from home and loved ones for this long and the Holidays are particularly hard. Your packages, prayers, and wishes mean a lot to us.
Enjoy your Christmas and New Years spent with family and friends; we will, thanks to the love and care sent to us and those treasured calls home.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all
