Don’t get me wrong, I love all those care packages I get from friends and strangers. It’s like Christmas each time I get one — not knowing exactly what is inside. No matter is inside, Soldiers appreciate the thought….and the packages almost always include things the Soldiers have been wanting — or pass on to a buddy in need.
If you want to send a package, feel free to let me know and I can connect you with a unit here in Iraq that would appreciate your support and concern (leave me a comment and I will respond). I have plenty of SGM colleagues who have Soldiers that have not received a box in a while.
As for me, a few weeks ago — somewhere around Easter — I got a package from a friend in California with a carrot-shaped package of orangle-flavored jelly beans and a jar full of bite-sized chocolate mints with a crunchy coating. Thanks Elizabeth!
And before that, I got a package from a volunteer group with an assortment of toiletries and some books. I’ve already read one of the books (and the new tube of toothpaste was perfectly timed).
A few pictures of care packages from friends, family and strangers — making the lives of Soldiers better!
But, I have to tell you, my favorite packages come from my mom. She will be the first to tell you I don’t hold the truth back from her. So, when I tell you her fudge is delicious and is snatched up by everyone who works in or visits the Combined Press Information Center, you know I am telling the truth.
Just today, one of those special $11 U.S. Postal Service boxes arrived. When I saw the name of the sender, I knew what it was, and a big smile spread across my face. It took me about 10 seconds to grab the scissors from my desk drawer and cut open the top. There inside were the 3M wall hangers that I asked for….and two huge Gladware containers filled with my mom’s incredibly delicious fudge!
My doctor tells me I should cut back on my sweets and fats, but just the thought of eating that fudge throws all his advice out the window. I know she probably puts a ton of sugar and butter into the mixing bowl with each batch she makes. I can’t help myself — it just tastes decadent — with that chocolate and those walnuts chunks swirling and melting in your mouth.
And it smells great, too. I gave a piece of it to my boss LTC Perez. He put it up to his nose and sniffed it long enough to get a chocolate “contact high”. A minute later he was eating it, and asking me to send a big ”thank you” to my mom in Minnesota. When I got back to my desk, I realized that the carboard box it came in was permeated with the same smell.
And, it the taste and smell were not enough, I also get a visual treat. Each piece of the fudge has been loving wrapped in a piece of waxed paxed that has been folded like one of those Christmas presents we all try to create with the corners perfectly shaped. Then the pieces are stacked carefully to ensure that the maximum calorie-load can fit into each container.
I walked around the CPIC after I had eaten a couple pieces and offered some to the staff. Those who had eaten some the last time it arrived a couple months ago ran up, asking if they couple have two this time. How could I say “no”? Within 15 minutes, one of the two containers was gone.
The other one is stored safely in the mini-refrigerator here in the office. Luckily there is a cypher-lock on the door. Maybe this time, the fudge will last more than a day!
ADDED BONUS FOR READING THIS BLOG ENTRY!
AND, for my nephew Bazil — hope you had a good time at your 8th grade dance. At the bottom of the box of fudge my mom sent me was a picture of you and your date for the evening Nicole. I thought I would share it with the world.
On the way to the dance...
Wednesday, 20. May 2009
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 05/20/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Friday, 22. May 2009
I can almost smell the fudge from your description.
Tuesday, 26. May 2009
Fudge is always good. But I would like to see someone blog on what you eat day-to-day. I actually cannot find a reliable source via the internet search engines.
I was fortunate to be stationed at Wiesbaden AFB (though in the Army). And every Thursday at the hotel by the hospital was “Mexican Food Night.” As a native Californian it kept me sane, as it were.
And by food I mean both as presented and the raw ingredients. (one can always whip up ethnic food if the raw ingredients are available).
Your Army is quite different than mine was, but I assume that certain things do not change.
regards, 71Q
Friday, 12. June 2009
I can smell your mom’s fudge right thru the computer. It is wonderful.
For your friends that don’t have anyone sending them packages, ontact http://www.soldiersangels.org. I send stuff to your unit thru Jeremy Fowler, I am a Soldiers’ Angel. I am sure we can adopt your other members who don’t get boxes too.
Vicky Brolick (Soldiers’ Angel)
Friday, 12. June 2009
Thanks Vickie for all you do. If there is anyone out there that has not heard of Soldiers’ Angels, I encourage you to visit their website and learn more. Vickie has made a big difference in the morale of our unit, but they can use your support, too. I’ve seen the smile on many faces when their boxes arrive. The motto of Soldiers Angels says it all — “May No Soldier Go Unloved.” There are plenty of Soldiers over here that have not received a box, a card or even an email from back home. Thankfully there are organizations like Soldiers’ Angels that fill that void and share their love.
Tuesday, 16. June 2009
Troy, It is a blessing to help you guys. You are very welcome.
I do agree with you about sending a letter or a card or a package. Postage isn’t that much but the joy that goes into the sending and receiving of that package is beyond compare. There are ways if you don’t have time to pack a box, some companies will send a box of their product for you. Please everyone send a box or letter to the ones who don’t have any.
Vicky
Tuesday, 30. June 2009
hmmm I can almost taste that fudge. I am looking forward to a taste of the next batch. This goes out to poor Bazil please forgive your uncle the sun, heat and dust we have been getting here in Iraq……then again maybe you are used to him by now