Support Our Soldiers

Xmas Parcel Appeal 2007

Registered Charity Number 1120684

We'd like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who has contibuted to make this year's Appeal such a huge success.

We're delighted to report that the final number of parcels sent by SOS representatives was an amazing

**  15,351 **

Once again, our very sincere thanks to everyone who contributed in any way. This year it's been proved more than ever before that our lads and lassies are not forgotten but are being thought about by so many people.

Please read below just some of the thank you letter received and see how much the parcels have been appreciated!

Please also see Updates 2007 page for pictures of the parcels being put together!

Fab pic sent to Laura, our Nottingham representative

Royal Marines Comandos receiving the first consignment of gifts in Afghanistan,

sent to Peter, our Devon representative

Maria's son Phil with his QM in Iraq

Starting to distribute the parcels

Sent by Major Gittins at HQ RC(S) Kandahar with General Jackson in centre

The Queen's Grukha Signals sent by L/Cpl Birtwhistle 2 Signals

Just a few of the many thank you letters received....

From Lt Col Martin Bell, CO 1 CSMR

From Squadron Leader N A Rawsthorne MBA BSc RAF, Kandahar

"Your support is extremely well received by all of us here on this operation, and I would go so far as to say that your actions are having an extremely positive impact on the moreale of all my troops.  As I sit here, late on New Year's Eve, my trooops are out patrolling the ground around the Airfield, protecting the base against attack by insurgents.  They are all in working extremely hard to ensure we do our job to the best of our ability, and coming back in from a patrol to receive a parcel of goodies like the ones you sent is extremely welcome and a great relief from the harsh climatic conditions out here!

It is gratifying to be on the receiving end of your generosity of spirit, and it is particularly pleasing for us to be in your thoughts, at this time of year especially; we read in the newspapers that the great British public are not backing the Armed Forces in our campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, but you are living proof that support is definitely out there and we really do appreciate your generosity."

From Chief Petty Officere M Breed, Camp Alamo

"Thank you very much for the parcel.  It is greatly appreciated by all of the guys here at Camp Alamo.  As you may well be aware, it means a great deal to everyone, knowing that the work we are doing here is appreciated by others outside of our immediate families.  Once again, thank you for your kindness."

From Cpl Parkin, Afghanistan

"I would like to take the time to just say thank you for all your hard work at putting together the parcels that me and my lads have received out here in Afghan.  This time of year is always hard for the guys but through your hard work a smile has been brought to their faces.  It also leaves us knowing that we are not forgotten about and that what we are doing does still matter to those at home.  You have my utmost thanks and respects."

From Captain L C Fleming RE, 21 Engr Regt, Op Telic

"I wished to write to thank you for your kind thoughts and the Christmas parcel I received packed and wrapped by you.  I am sure you will be pleased to know that I received the parcel on Christmas morning, delivered with a smile by my Regimental Sergeant Major.

It is difficult to be away fromhome, especially at this time of year and would like to pass on just how much the support we receive means to us.  It mwans a great deal to us all to know that members of the public are thinking of us.  We almost expect it of our friends and family, but it is truly touching to know we have your support also."

From G Dunning, WO2 (RQMS) Ist Bn Scots Guards, Camp Bastion

"I wish to express my sincere gratitude and a huge thank you to you, your family and friends for the generous parcels which you have donated to our company group.  Our soldiers are at present currently deployed out on the ground, and they all greatly appreciate all donations that are sent to them whether in or out of camp.

We welcome all parcels, as you will know they provide a much needed morale boost to the troops, especially when they are out on Ops for long periods.  These generous donations are even more special at this time of year, as it is a little reminder of the home comforts that the boys are missing particularly at this festive time."

From Tpr Phillips, Op Telic

"I was just starting another long nights duty when I was given a parcel from you.  It was really nice to receive a parcel at Christmas out here and made me and all the lads really happy.  It also nice to know that the people back home have an interest in their Forces and a caring thought for the men and women serving over here and in Afghanistan. Thank you very much."

From LCpl McWilliams, Camp Alpha

"I cannot thank you enough for your Christmas gift box, it brought a tear to my eye that we are so well thought of back home. My boys and I are so appreciative for the effort which goes in to the presents and it makes us proud to serve for teh greatest nation of people on earth."

From Wing Commander A C Hine MA RAF, Op Telic

"I wish to thank you very much indeed for your generosity in sending such excellently filled Christmas boxes to us during our deployment on Operation Telic.  It meant a great deal to us knowing that our efforts are appreciated by those back at home, especially at a time of year where, quite understandably, we would have chosen to be with our families.  We are all very grateful for your kindness."

From Danny Clough, 21 Engr Regt, Op Telic

"I am just writing this letter to say thanks for packing and wrapping all the gifts for soldiers this year.  Your efforts have ensured that thousands of soldiers woke up on Christmas Day with something to open.  Christmas is a lonely time on tour, but with your help it made it feel a little bit closer to home."

From Capt A J Pike, HQ ISAF

"This is just a few short lines to say a big thank you for your efforts in sending parcels to Afghanistan.  Some of your parcels arrived at my small team on Christmas Eve and I can assure you that they were very well received.  The contents aside, all of which have been put to good use, my personal thanks are sent to you for the warm words that were contained within each parcel.  More than a few people had a lump in their throats when they were reading these.

It makes the average soldier proud to serve our country when we receive such kind words.  We serve our country, regardless of personal circumstances and personal beliefs and it is reassuring to hear that some of our country folk appreciate what we do.

It would be easy for people back home to forget about us out here, especially during the festive period but I can assure you that what you may think is a simple gesture has a far more positive effect here in Afghanistam."

From Pte Araujo, 25 Sqdn Force Protection, Op Telic

"Thank you ever so much for the pressies.  It really made my day when we had presents from people who are thinking about us and appreciateing the hard work that we are doing.

This is my first Christmas away from home and I miss my parents dearly but I cannot say how grateful we are to receive the presents.  To see the look on my friend's faces was the best feeling I've had in ages.

Thank you again, you have made our Christmas one to never forget."

From Capt Tom Skinner, 14 Sigs Troop, Camp Bastion

"Thank you for the gifts you kindly sent through to us.  I don't think people realise back home how nice it is to receive these parcels and we are indeed very, very grateful.

Christmas Day was good fun, it broke the monotony of everyday life at least!  We had church service which I made all the lads go to (albeit with some grumbing!), then we had a Xmas lunch, played a few games and watched an Indiana Jones film, nothing too different from back home really!  It was even nice to have a lovely clear blue sky and a fresh head (first Christmas Day without a hangove for 8 or so years!)."

From SSgt Burrows, HQ NSC, Op Herrick

"You have really made my day today.  Your parcel put a huge smile on my face, you are all extremely kind and thoughtful.  This is my third tour of Afghanistan but my first Xmas away from family.  Christmas time is for families and I miss mine all the time.  Thank you very much for not only making my day, but making my year."

From Major P T Smith, Officer Commanding, 25 Support Squadron, Op Telic

"I am writing to thank you on behalf of all my soldiers that have received a parcel over the Christmas period from Support Our Soldiers.   It is wonderful to know that there are so many people willing to support us over this time of year.  Particularly as Christmas can be a pretty lonely time on operations for a young soldier.  It is really important for them to know that there are people outside their immediate family and friends that support them in their duties.

I have personally witnessed the parcels being handed out to a large variety of soldiers across the ranks and can vouch for the fact that the contents were all well received.  Chocolates, sweets, toiletries and a good book are just the sort of things we need out here, and they have all helped to make our Christmas."

From WO2 Edmunds, HQ ISAF

"Every one of my lads received a box from your organisation.  We are all Territorials from the Home Counties and Scotland.  Everybody is impressed by the efforts of people like yourselves in supporting the British Troops.  As we are reservists, we consider ourselves to be citizen soldiers, we just want to serve our Country the best way we are able so we consider people and organisations like your to be one of us, just doing our bit.

Many of our number have not spent a long period away from our family and friends before so any extra lift like the one you have provided is most welcome."

From Sgt Daly, HQ ISAF

"We as British Soldiers (Sailors and Airmen) do not expect to receive gratitude as we are only doing our job.  That means when such gifts as yours arrive we ever the more grateful.  Times can be hard but your support has helped to lighten our moods and to look at the positives.  When we leave Afghanistan it will be withour heads held high and our chests puffed with pride as we can see the results of our actions and gentle friendliness from the local population as we strive to help them to help themselves.  I want you to know that through sending us a parcel, you have helped, and are just as crucial to our overall success."

From Cpl Dicken, KAF, Op Herrick

"I just wanted to write you a quick letter to thank each and every one of you for the fantastic job that I think you are doing.  We have been overwhelmed by the number of parcels and level of support that we have received out here over the Xmas period.

It is great to know that there are still a lot of people back home who appreciate our efforts, even if perhaps not everyone agrees in our troops being in Iraq and Afghanistan.  At the end of the day, we just go where our Country sends us and it is nice to know that there are still lots of people who are thinking of our men and women overseas.  Thank you for all your wonderful efforts, keep up the good work!"

From WO1 Hodge, Op Herrick

"I would like to thank you all very much for the parcel and tell you how much it cheered me up.  I have served in the Army for 20 years now but I want to tell you how much it means to us Soldiers when we receive a letter or parcel from the public.  It reminds us all that there is some support from the people back home and people like you who have made all the difference."

From David Dominy, Commanding Officer, HMS Manchester

"I am writing to convey my thanks to you for all you have done for Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen serving overseas at this time of year.  We were overwhelmed with the number of boxes we received in time for Christmas, and the time and effort that must have gone in to their preparations.

We were at sea on Christmas Day; it was a 'normal' working day for my Ship's Company, which was broken up by a traditional Christmas dinner, church service and the Queen's speech.  Many of the sailors had received parcels from home containing presents, but for those who didn't the Christmas boxes sent by SOS were priceles."

From Woody, Op Telic

"I'm currently serving on my first tour of Iraq.  I'm only 19 and it was the first time I've not been with my friends and family over Christmas.  The best thing about Christmas was an unexpected gift from someone who I didn't know.  The fact that people really care about us even though we've never met made me and all the lads feel really good.  I'd just like to say THANK YOU to the people who sent me and all my fellow comrades these gifts, it's so nice to know you care."

From Fus Bell, Op Herrick

"Thank you first of all for making me smile on Christmas Day by sending a wonderful box over to Afghanistan.  I'm 22 years old and on my first tour which makes this my first Christmas away from home and my family.  Receiving the box has helped make this day one the more happier days of my tour so far.  I have just come in from out on the ground so the fresh socks and shower gel are a God send."

From Cpl Farmer, Camp Alpha

"I would like to say thank you very much for the parcel.  Everyone received a parcel from the MOD but it's really quite touching when somebody makes the effort and takes time out to put together something to remind us squaddies that somebody at home we don't know, cares that we are over here.  I'll hopefully be at home next Christmas but it's nice to know that the kindness of good people like yourselves will help those on operations next year fell better about spending Christmas away."

From 2Lt Raven, 1st Btn The Mercian Regiment

"I just wanted to send you a letter on behalf of our company to say thank you for the parcels that were sent to us through yourselves this Christmas.  Being away from home for a long time is never easy and there is nobody who would choose to be away at this time of year.  One reliable form of morale for all the lads over here is receiving mail from home, but even more so when it's a box of goodies.  It means a lot that these parcels were donated by people who we have never met, and who are simply giving out of their own kindness.  It is a big boost for all of us to know that so many people back in the UK support us whilst we are away."

From CSgt Ahan, KAF, Op Herrick

"Thank you so much for the wonderful and caring work you all do for us whilst out here.  Not that we want recognition - as at the end of the day it is our job.  Yet the support you give to the awareness of the general public for what we do is very, very much appreciated.  I will take great delight in opening my parcel on Christmas Day and jope that all your team have a wonderful Christmas, many hangovers, a great Boxing Day oand of course a fantastic New Year 2008.  Thank you so much for all the SOS team do."

From ANON!

"I'm just writing to say thanks for the parcels.  The gifts were fantastic and well appreciated.  They came at a time when I wasn't expecting much as I don't have much family and just go divorced so presents are a bit on the thin side!  It's thanks to angels like you the troops feel as though people actually appreciate the work we do.  Once again, thanks very much."

From all the GEO Lads, Camp Bastion

"Just writing this thank you letter in response to all the parcels we have received here in Afghanistan.  What a wonderful organisation!  We have never heard of you but now everyone is singing your praises!

It's tough to be away at Christmas but what a morale boost all these pressies are - especially the sweets!

So all in all a huge thank you for your support, we couldn't do it without you!"

From Cpl Matty Taylor, 40 Cinnabdi RM

"I wanted to send you a thank you from everyone at 40 Commando for all the things you have sent out.  We have been genuinely AMAZED at how wonderful everyone has been back home.  I cannot begin to thank you all enough, and thanks to the great British public I think we will have as merry a Christmas as could be expected in Helmand province!

Thank you all so very much... to everyone who contributed.  We won't forget it."

These really are just a small selection of the letters that the SOS teams across the UK have received.  Hopefully the message is very clear, your contributions have been much appreciated and really do make a difference!