January 29, 2010

Payson Supply Line,

Greetings Butch and Lud.  I just want to thank you and praise! Jesus for all you are doing for the troops.  I received the two boxes a couple of days ago, perfect timing men, praise God!  It was no sooner than we just got out to our checkpoint in the field that I received your boxes and put the body warmers to use for my men.  We had no heaters and the body warmers have come in really handy.  All the soldiers in the platoon say thanks.  The Starbuck’s coffee, Wow!  On point!  The PSG and I and quite a few of my battle buddies, those who are coffee drinkers, have enjoyed the bold roast.  In true infantry men style, the PSG & LT were drinking coffee and smoking cigars and they said it couldn’t be a better day in the field with that combination.  The coffee is going quick and is a big hit, along with the snacks, shampoos, seed, Pringles, and word seek books.  Those little books kill a lot of time, thank you.  We will be out in the field until the elections are over in March sometime, and will probably get to be back on the F.O.B. in April sometime, Lord willing.  By sending the supplies and snacks you sent, it has put a lot of smiles on the soldiers’ faces, thank you.  Right now, at this point in t ime of the war, we are working with the Iraqi Army, Pash Merke (Kurdish soldiers) and the Iraqi Police to help them secure better relations and, Lord willing, work together to hopefully put their country back together.  Butch & Lud, Lord willing, this tri-latteral force-building works.  We’ve seen and heard things that most Americans will never see.  I only pray and hope that Americans know the sacrifice you, and we who are here, have given to defend America, even in the late hour, for people to know what being a true American is.  Sorry I don’t mean to get random, things just hit a man sometimes.

If both of you could send a THANKS from all the soldiers to all those who have pitched in on sending the snacks and supplies in those boxes.  I know economic wise times are tough right now for a lot of people, but when we come together as a people, we can accomplish great feats through Christ Jesus.

I will do my best to get pictures sent to you when I can get to a computer.  Thank you for everything you are doing, may God bless you and your families and those who put time into these boxes.

If you could send us some more Starbuck’s coffee, word seek books, body warmers, Rolaids, green tea would be nice, hot chocolate, chewing gum, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Country Time Lemonade, toothpaste, beef jerky, foot powder and wet wipes, it would be much appreciated.  One last thing, some good Christian books, if possible, Dr. Gary Smally, DNA of Relationships and Change Your Heart Change Your Life.  I think that is it unless you guys have some you could send.  The books on relationships or marriage are good for the married & single soldiers.

Well, I guess that does it.  Once again, thank you so much and may God bless you and those who are praying for us.

Sincerely,
SPC Eric B. Hoelscher