My platoon, family and I would like to thank everyone for their generous support for “Troops for Operation Freedom.”
The boxes arrived in Afghanistan, and my soldiers are extremely thankful. Each one of my 35 soldiers opened their own box plus other group boxes. The little snacks are great, because they are easy to carry when we go on missions.
All of my soldiers enjoyed reading letters from the Lincoln and Blessed Sacrament kids, friends and family. The support from people back home makes a 12-month mission more bearable.
A special thanks to Morton and East Peoria Krogers, Morton Community Bank, Morton Public Library, Morton Curves, Lincoln School and Morton High School, Mike Murphy Ford and Simmons Little Johnnies.
I would especially like to thank Patti Erwin for her hard work in organizing the troops for Operation Freedom. This community is a wonderful home as many family and friends donated their time and money to collect donations, pack boxes and create prayer cards.
Your continued prayers are cherished. If anyone wants to know how we are doing as we spend the next year in Afghanistan, they can check us out at www.alwaysfirst.wordpress.com.
Once again, I want to thank everyone for their support of our troops.
1Lt. Lance Dietz
A Co, 173D STB
FOB Airborne
APO AE 09354
