We Share Your Hope

Happy New Year to our troops and their families. We wish you a peaceful 2008 blessed with your safe return home!

Today I came across this essay ("Hope Rides Alone") written in February '07 by a U.S. soldier serving in Iraq. Many of you may have already seen it circulating on the Internet, but I thought I would add the link here since the essay is so powerful and direct. Please don't feel that your sacrifices are not respected and appreciated. Hope does not have to ride alone and we will do our best to show our brave military families that we share their hope!

The author of this essay, Sgt. Eddie Jeffers, was killed in Iraq on September 19, 2007, at the age of 23. May we never forget Sgt. Jeffers and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation.

God bless,
Charlie

Hello Melissa and Bailey

Melissa and Bailey,
Glad to hear you enjoyed your holiday. We had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year! We visited Gramma in Southington CT ,spending Christmas eve through weds. morning there . My kids also received Wii from their grandmother and boy your right "What FUN!".
Bailey what is your favorite game? What disks do you have?
I'll have to ask Deanna and Matthew what their favorite is.

Glad to hear family was here for you and that you enjoyed your holiday. Thanks for the update,it's always nice to hear how you both are doing!
Do you ever get phone calls from Iraq? Have you heard how everyone is doing? Please send our hellos, love and support to everyone.

Hope you have a very Happy New Year....
Good night ,
The Dittrich Family
Denise, Paul,Deanna, Matthew, Megan

Happy New Year!

Hello ! HAPPY NEW YEAR ! How was every ones holiday? Ours was great! We had a nice time visiting our family. Bailey got a WII for Christmas! How fun that is! What a good workout I was sore for days hahahaha! My Dad came back for a visit for a week! It is so nice to have him here with us! He is such a big help getting all the little jobs done that I cant or I just don't like to do! He is such a blessing! I wish I had family closer here but it is always nice when they do come to visit! Now the count down begins! Hopefully time will start to fly! Just wanted to check in and wish you all a Happy New year! May the Lord Bless each and everyone of you!

Love Melissa & Bailey

Happy Holiday

Hello Hello Hello!!!!
Hope you are all doing well this holiday season?
The kids were wondering what you are all doing to celebrate Christmas in Iraq?
Do the people fron Iraq celebrate christmas?
Are there church services for different denominations? Do you have a big feast to celebrate like you did on Thanksgiving?
These are just a few of the questions the kids had when we were looking at the blogger.

We are all so happy to see you received the the care packages,it was great fun putting it all together for all of you. Thank You for sending Charlie all the pictures as it was great to see them in the slide show he put together .

Have you had a chance to try the Kiskadee coffee from Plymouth,MA? We just love the coffee ! If you liked it we'd be more than happy to send you some more. Our favorite is "Jamaican me Crazy" which has a very slight hint of chocolate flavor,very smooth flavor!

Well, Just wanted to drop you a few lines to let you know we are all thinking about you and your families over here in the USA and wish you Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New year!

Love, The Dittrich Family
Ledyard,CT

Merry Christmas to MWSS 272!!

A friend sent me a link to a very moving slideshow which seems perfectly appropriate at this time of year. Please view the slideshow here and remember the difference you are making in the world. Although you are thousands of miles from family and friends, please know that we are thankful for all that you do and we will keep you in our hearts and prayers during this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

God bless and be safe.

~Charlie

Even American Troops in Iraq Run on Dunkin'!!

Golfing at Camp KV

MWSS 272 was recently visited by some professional golf personalities as part of the USO Tour in Iraq. The troops were able to play mini-golf and visit with Tom Watson, Tom Lehman, Butch Harmon (Tiger Woods first golfing coach), David Feherty (announcer), and Howard Twitty. Many thanks to the USO for all they have done over the years to support our military men and women!

~Charlie

Thank You From Camp KV

Hello to everyone from Camp Korean Village Iraq. I hope that everyone is as excited about the holiday as I am. Even though it seems I am a million miles away, I still have the spirit of the Holidays. And that spirit was shown the other day when I got in a lot of BOXES. The holiday season is about giving and let me tell you guys gave. The response of all the boxes was overwhelming. Everyone was so appreciative and thankful for all of the gifts they received. I just can't express in my own words. Again, thank you for all that you do and have done. I am truly blessed to have friends as wonderful as you.

~HM1 Curtis Thaxton

Wishing you well!

Hello to everyone! Hope all is going well just wanted to check in with everyone. We are doing well getting ready for Christmas Have been to many Christmas events in the past 2 weeks and have had Breakfast with Santa many times. Taking drives looking at Christmas lights and singing our favorite Christmas music. Christmas sure wont be the same without Curt , but he is in our hearts! . Bailey and I will be taking an adventure to Ohio! What a long 10 hours that will be ! What did we ever do without videos in the car haha! Hope that you all have a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your families and remember the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!

Love Melissa & Bailey

God's Work in Afghanistan

As you know, we were joined by Lori Hoekman and her children at our Scout Thanksgiving Dinner in November. Lori's husband, Keith, is currently deployed in Afghanistan on the Provincial Reconstruction Team. In addition to his numerous responsibilities, Keith has led an effort to collect and distribute important items to needy families in Afghanistan. To date, he has received about 100 boxes (over 3,000 lbs) and about 1,000 coats, 800 shoes, 900 hats/mits/socks, and thousands of female hygiene items. Truly amazing work!!

Keith and Lori have created a blog to share their experiences. Please visit the blog here.

God bless and keep up the great work!

~Charlie

Happy Holidays

Dear, Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 ~
Camp Korean Village, Iraq

Hope you all are doing well and staying safe? Hope you have received and are enjoying the care packages sent by the kids..... Just wanted to send a little note of holiday cheer, support and prayer your way to say THANK YOU-

OUR SOLDIERS
When the security of our land is threatened,We call on our soldier's might,To go wherever they're needed,To defend us day and night. They leave their loves ones behind,A great price our soldiers must pay.Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.
Each time we spot "Old Glory"Waving for all to see,Let's think of all the soldiers
that have kept it flying proud and free.
May god bless you and keep you safe....THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

to all the soldiers and their families !

Much love and thanks,
The Dittrich Family
Ledyard,CT

THANK YOU

We had a terrific time at the Mystic Pack 2 Cubscouts and American Heritage Girls Thanksgiving dinner feast. Thank you to all the children that did such a fantastic job serving all of us! The whole evening went so well,it was relaxing,enjoyable and yummy too!
The evening was made very special and was such a wonderful opportunity to meet two wonderful families that have husbands and dads serving to protect us ,the Thaxtons and the Hoekmans!! Thank you for take time out of your busy lives to join us ,it was very nice to meet you all. I really feel this has helped our children feel like the projects they have been working on are real and for real people like yourselves.

Thank you to Charlie and Heather Thompson for doing such a fantastic job in giving us all the wonderful experience of learning so much more about our US troops! Through the troop care packages,card making,special visitors, this blog,pictures,slide shows,thanksgiving dinner and the submarine field trip, WOW it has been a tremendous experience for our family. THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Denise and Paul Dittrich
Deanna9, Matthew 6, Megan 3
Ledyard,CT

Thanksgiving at Camp KV

Thanks to Curt for sending along these pictures!

Thanksgiving Message from Curt

Hello everyone, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know that this is the time for thanks and I am thankful for such a wonderful family, but I am also thankful for the wonderful friends that I have made and the support that is given to us out here in Iraq. I wanted to say thank you for opening up your heart and your house to my family. They where overwhelmed with the amount of support and friendship that was given. I look forward to the day that we meet and I can thank you in person. When I get back I want to continue this friendship and develop new ones with deployed service members. I want to show them the support that you have given us. Christmas is right around the corner and then time will fly by. Well take care and looking forward to the day our paths cross.

HM1 Curtis L. Thaxton
MWWSS 272 Medical

Run Silent, Run Deep

Well, we definitely weren't silent and the ship was docked so we didn't run deep either. However, our scouts had an amazing opportunity to tour a submarine this evening at the U.S. Sub Base in Groton, CT. Captain Rick Breckenridge, Commander of Submarine Squadron 4 in Groton, put together a fantastic tour of the U.S.S. Hartford. Our scouts learned about the ship and what life is like for the sailors who call the Hartford their underwater home. We were all amazed at how much equipment is packed into the sub and how so many guys can not only coexist, but function as a well-oiled and efficient machine.

Throughout the tour, I was impressed by the crew's courtesy, professionalism, and dedication, all of which made me feel proud to be an American. Many thanks to Captain Breckenridge, the crew of the Hartford, and their families not only for the tour, but also for their selfless service to our nation.

~Charlie

Thank You From Melissa's Parents

Hello Charlie and Cub Scouts. We want to say thank you and God bless you for all you are doing for Curt and his group, Melissa, & Bailey. They are being blessed so much and we are very grateful. Curt is a wonderful man who loves his Lord, country and his family, more than anyone could know.

Thank you for sharing your lives and your hearts with these deserving, precious men and women, who sacrifice so much to make sure we are safe...and for their families whose sacrifice is beyond what we can understand. We continue to pray for the safe return of all our military.

May God bless and return to you all that you are giving.

Keith and Joan Marshall
Stow, Ohio
Parents of Melissa Thaxton

Message from Sgt. Tim Bingham's Sister

Posted by Charlie for Donna Crawford:
Thank you so much to the one that took the time for this blog. It made me so happy to be able to see my brother, SGT. Tim Bingham (Timmy to me). I miss him so much. I appreciate all the sacrifices that the troops and their families make to keep life in some type of order. I pray that you all make it home safe.

~Donna Crawford

Donna-please email me by clicking the "Email Us" icon at the right. I'd like to send you an invitation to formally post entries on the blog, but I don't have your email address. Thanks for taking the time to visit the blog and post a comment.

~Charlie Thompson

272 Sgt saying hello

Hello everyone, my name is Sgt Anderson, Joshua and i am from Jackson, Tn. I have been in the Marine Corps three and a half years and i just re-enlisted for another four years to go to Norfolk, VA. I am a Combat Engineer and my job out here is to built any type of wood structure that they made need, anything from boxes, to shelf's, or to a swa-hut which is what most people live in. This is my second tour out here and it is defiantly much better out here then the last time i was here. So to all who reads this know that we are doing good and going to come back home soon.

Thank You !!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!

We just want to say thank you so much for tonight we had a great time.Bailey talked the whole way home about you all! Thank you we felt so welcome. Charlie and Heather thanks for all your hard work! Talk to you soon!


Love Bailey & Melissa

Pie Anyone?

Tonight we held our first Thanksgiving Dinner for the scouts and their families. We were joined by 2 very special guest families: the Thaxtons and the Hoekmans. Curt Thaxton is currently serving in Iraq and Keith Hoekman is serving in Afghanistan. The scouts served dinner to everyone and we had the opportunity to give thanks for our blessings. The opening prayer pretty much says it all:

Dear Lord, we give thanks tonight for our many blessings, including the food we eat, the lives we live, and the family and friends we love. Let us think of our military families who had an empty seat at the table this Thanksgiving and remind ourselves to be thankful for their sacrifice, not only at Thanksgiving, but everyday. God please continue to bless us all during this holiday season. Amen.

Many thanks to Lori Hoekman and Melissa Thaxton for allowing us to share this celebration with their families.

~Charlie & Heather

Thank You From California

Hello MWSS 272 and both Scout troops. I am a friend of Charlie and Heather Thompson and was invited to join your blog. First, let me say I have never done this before, so you youngsters, hold the laughter. I have to just say that I can't thank you and your familiies enough for all that you do for my freedom and safety. I only signed on to do this, so that you might hear from a lady resting comfortably in her California home say that what you do matters to me EVERY day. I pray for your safety each night and every morning. I will try to figure this "blog thing" out and know my thoughts are with you.

~Kelly Hogan

Hey Marines!!

HI Marines at Wing Support Squadron 272. Charlie invited me to send a note to all of you. I was happy to hear about the blog and support group for you. I'm retired Air Force, but please don't hold that against me:) My husband, Manny, just retired from the AF this summer and we returned to San Antonio to transition to civilian life in the great state of Texas. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you or send you from San Antonio. I'm not sure tacos would make it, but if they would, I'd send over a bunch!!! Take care and know that we appreciate the sacrifice all of you are making for us. Go Cowboys!! Later, Sue Montoya

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we all prepare for Thanksgiving, we hold a special place in our hearts and prayers for the brave men and women serving in our nation's military. We hope you and your families know that your sacrifices are appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thanks for doing what you do to protect our freedoms here at home and for others around the world. May God bless you and your families on this special day of thanks.

With gratitude,
Charlie & Heather Thompson

A Beautiful Story from New Jersey

Click here to read the heartwarming story of a Dad's return from Iraq and his surprise visit to his children's school. His little girl's reaction in the picture pretty much sums it up and brought tears to my eyes. In addition to supporting our troops, we must also remember the sacrifices made by the family members waiting at home for the return of these brave men and women.

Thank you!

~Charlie

Thanks from Curt

Posted by Charlie for Curt:

Everything that you are doing for the troops is so special and I want you all to know that. I still have not seen the slide show since it does not show up on my computer. Of course our computer is ancient, but it works. Thank you for all that you have done and are doing for us out here. Take care and talk to you soon.

~HM1 Curtis Thaxton

If you guys are having trouble posting from Iraq, simply send me an email and I will post it for you. God Bless and be safe.

~Charlie

You're Great

Hello ! Hope everyone is well. Wow the boxes look awesome, and let me tell you good coffee is their number one request over there! Thanks again for all your hard work! Also you all look great in the parade. I hope you stayed warm. Take care and see you all soon!

Melissa & Bailey

Thanks To Our Contributors!!

I'd like to recognize the generosity of our scouts, their families and friends, and, in some cases, complete strangers who donated goodies, supplies, and cards for our care packages. Thanks to our local businesses, Dunkin Donuts (http://www.dunkindonuts.com/) and Tim Hortons (http://www.timhortons.com/), for their donation of coffee. In addition, thank to you Derek and Mark Anderson, owners of Kiskadee Coffee (http://www.kiskadeecoffee.com/) in Plymouth, MA, for the gourmet coffee! If you are a coffee lover, please consider supporting these businesses either locally or online. All three of these companies made their heartfelt donations to the troops without hesitation. Thanks for being such an important part of our community!!

Here They Come!

No, not the kids! But rather the 6 boxes of goodies, cards, and supplies packed in the truck behind them. They're all being shipped to Curt this week. We hope these care packages brighten your day and put smiles on your faces (especially the cards the kids so proudly made). Please let us know when you get them!

~Charlie

P.S.: I hope you all like coffee!!

Thinking of You on Veteran's Day Weekend!

Hi everyone. The scouts marched proudly today in our local Veteran's Day Parade. They braved the 40 degree weather and threats of rain without complaint. As we marched, I couldn't help but think of the physical and emotional challenges you each face on a daily basis. Similar challenges have been faced over the years by previous generations who have bravely sacrificed to serve our nation. On this special weekend, we are thinking of you and those before you who have laid the foundation of freedom that allows us all to do what we do. Thank you!

God bless and be safe,
Charlie

Hello From Melissa & Bailey

Hello there to everyone! How is everyone doing? Bailey and I are well and anxiously awaiting to meet each and everyone of you! You guys are very busy making great stuff for the troops. Let me tell you that makes their day. Receiving any type of mail is the best! Well hope you guys have fun marching in the parade. Stay warm. Take care

Melissa

Packing Up The Goodies

The scouts have been hard at work collecting supplies and making cards to send your way for the holidays. As you can see, they are very excited! We hope to get the care packages off to you very soon.

God bless and be safe.

Lessons From Our Veterans

Our scouts had the privilege of being joined by two Iraq veterans, Sergeant Eric Watts (U.S. Army) and Chief Randy Dierking (U.S. Navy). Eric and Randy gave the children (and adults) great insight into the job being done on a daily basis by our brave men and women overseas. We are grateful for their time, their commitment, and most of all their sacrifices made on our behalf. The scouts will now have a greater sense of purpose when we march in the Veteran's Day Parade on Saturday.

Eric and Randy-thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Update from Connecticut

Hi everyone. Hope you all are doing well. It's starting to feel a lot more like fall here in Connecticut (50's during the day and upper 30's last night). Is the weather changing in western Iraq?

Our scouts are very excited about the special visitors joining us on Monday night. Randy Dierking (U.S. Navy) and Eric Watts (U.S. Army) will be visiting the scouts and sharing with us their experiences while in Iraq. Please let us know how things are going at Camp KV-we look forward to hearing from you!!

Thanks again for all that you do. God bless and be safe.

~Charlie

It is really heart warming that we all get a chance to meet each other through pictures. The pictures really put a sense of realness and closeness into the Adopt-a-Unit program,especially for the kids! We just wanted to THANK Heather and Charlie for all there amazing work with this tremendously worth while project.
Hope everyone is doing well and keep safe!
Sincerely ,
Denise,Paul, Matthew, Deanna and Megan Dittrich
AHG,PACK 2 MYSTIC

Your group is great!

What a great looking group you have! The pictures are great! I love the campfire ones! That is one of our favorite things to do! Hope you all have a great week!
Thank you for the suppport you are all showing!

Melissa & Bailey

Thanks

Hi I'm LCpl Bullington with MWSS 272. I just wanted to thank everyone for their support. It means a lot to us to be sponsored. Have good and safe travels on all the roads ahead of you.

Greetings from Iraq

Posted by Charlie for HM1 Curtis L. Thaxton:

Hello, my name is HM1 (FMF/SS/SW) Curtis L. Thaxton. As you know, I’m currently in the Navy and stationed in Iraq. My homeport is Groton, CT at the Submarine Base, New London. First of all I would like to thank Charlie Thompson for setting up this E-mail Blogger and giving us a means to communicate, even a million miles away. Next I would like to thank HMC Dierking who recently got back from Iraq for giving Charlie my e-mail address to get the ball rolling. Most of all I would like to thank Cub Scout Pack 2 Mystic, American Heritage Girls Troop CT0001 and everyone who is home supporting me and MWSS 272 Detachment. Also, the overwhelming support to my Wife, Melissa and my son, Bailey who you have graciously open your hearts and invited to your Thanksgiving Day Celebration. What an honor it is to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. I am very thankful for all that you do.

Hi Curt , Melissa, and Bailey
We are the Dittrich Family- Denise and Paul,
Deanna(9yrs old),Matthew(6yrs old)+Megan(3yrs old).
We are very glad to meet you, at least in cyberspace for now. We are very much looking forward to the Thanksgiving feast on the 26th and opportunity to meet Melissa and Bailey. THANK YOU for giving our children and our family the wonderful opportunity and exciting experience to give back and find the true meaning of THANKSGIVING. We thank you for all you do and your courage through these times that you are separated as a family! Welcome to our scouting family.

Sincerely,THE DITTRICH FAMILY

Hello

A big thanks from Bailey and I for letting us join your group! I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate you all and your thoughtfulness! God Bless You!

Melissa Thaxton

Holding Down the Fort

While Curt is bravely serving our nation in Iraq, his wife, Melissa, and his son, Bailey, are holding down the fort back here in Connecticut. Their sacrifices, especially during the upcoming holiday season, do not go unnoticed. Our family and our young scouts are greatly appreciative of all that they do and we're very excited that Melissa and Bailey be joining our Scouts' Thanksgiving Dinner in November.

~Charlie & Heather Thompson

About This Blog

Cub Scout Pack 2 Mystic and American Heritage Girls Troop CT0001 proudly support our military men and women and their families at home for the sacrifices they make for us all each day. We have "adopted" MWSS 272 as a show of this support and have created this blogger to enable our troops to better communicate with friends and loved ones at home. MWSS 272 is based at Camp Korean Village in the western Iraqi dessert. Our primary contact is HM1(FMF/SS/SW) Curtis L. Thaxton, Hospital Corpsman First Class in the Medical Department. Please visit this blog often and show your support for their efforts! Feel free to email us at pack2mystic@snet.net.