June 27, 2010
December 16, 2007
Dear Butch and Lud, my name is SSG Alvin J. Wilson and I am writing to say thank you for the packages that you sent for the troops. Everything was just great and it brought smiles to a lot of faces just to let them know that they are not forgotten. If you have any used DVDs laying around that would be great. We have a TV room where the soldiers watch movies. I work at the convoy support center where I have a lot of convoys coming and going all threw the day, so this is like a rest stop for them with billets and showers and we also provide snacks. So anything you can send would be helpful. Thanks again and may GOD bless you all and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
SSG Wilson
February 26, 2008
RE: Your 6 boxes sent on behalf of Payson Elementary School
Butch and Lud,
All six have arrived. Thank you very much. These items will go to use quickly.
Our immediate plans are to distribute first at the Air Force Theater Hospital (AFTH). The AFTH is the major regional hospital taking care of our injured personnel in forward operating locations. The AFTH also maintains a one stop shop for outgoing personnel into the field who will be able to go and get some of these items prior to entering combat. The AFTH also takes care of innocent Iraqi adults and children unfortunately caught in insurgency aggression or civil disputes. In some cases, Iraqi children will arrive injured and upon release can only go to next of kin such as a big sister or Uncle because they’ve already lost their parents. The gesture from Payson Elementary School will have a lasting impact on the “Hearts and Minds” campaign for Iraqi humanity. If we can change the mind of one child out of ten, eventually it will become even more out of ten and life can become better here for them, hopefully.
I’m currently stationed at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. I’m married, have three children and this is my second deployment in less than 24 months. My last was to Afghanistan. We get the Armed Forces Network (AFN) and will occassionally see “America Supports You” campaigns from various music artists, actresses, etc. I will have to admit I started to lose faith in the “America Supports You” campaign, insisting our Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM were becoming paradigms; especially during this 2008 election year where it seems most Americans would turn the television on, see a quick shot of something in Iraq or Afghanistan – hear the political rhetoric and perhaps get agitated. Your efforts with this have changed my mind. I’m a current resident of AZ, my oldest son is attending Community College in Mesa and you all are very close to getting me interested in becoming a member of your local VFW or American Legion. You’ve reinvigorated my spirit and faith in my fellow Americans. And your city is a great city, especially for those of us who enjoy biking and the great outdoors.
Peace and cheers to you – please tell Dixie thanks again for me and her, and her school’s gallant efforts.
Very Respectfully,
Melvin E. Jobe
SMSgt, USAF
April 19, 2007
Payson Supply Line,
Thank you so much for all the goods you sent. Wow, where do I begin to thank you. Everybody from the CO to the physicians to the Marines took a little of the goods. The books are in the patient library and the sign hangs over the entrance to the Emergency Room. The amount you gave was unbelievable. Thank you also for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Beatty
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August 2, 2007
Dear Butch and Lud,
Thank you so much for your open hearts and support. I am overwhelmed with your giving. Thank you. The packages were quickly opened and carefully looked through by all our physicians, nurses, corpsman and patients. Within a short period of time all the perks were used and appreciated.
Our command returns to the states mid-September and we are all looking forward to returning home. Thank you again and God bless.
LCDR Beatty
Maj. Paul R. Babeu & soldiers on marble staircase in one of Saddam Hussein's palaces
- Maj. Paul R. Babeu & Maj. Angela Archuleta, U.S. Army, Iraq – Camp Doha, Kuait
- Iraqi National Guard Training Site in Iraq, across the Tigris River
July 31, 2005
Dear Butch and Lud,
I received your very large care package today, with all the supplies. . . .wow! I opened the box in front of many gathering soldiers, who also benefited from the Payson Supply Line’s generosity. I was very surprised by the care package and all the items you included. I enjoyed your note and pictures of the 4th of July Picnic and the youth group who helped with the car wash. I will be sure to write and thank them for their support and prayers as well.
I am great friends with Chris Emmons – we serve together on the Chandler Police Department and in the AZ Army National Guard. I have become friends with his sister, Major Christina Emmons, since I joined her unit (42 Infantry Division) here in Iraq. They are both wonderful people and represent the finest in Arizona.
I have had the opportunity to meet soldiers and people from many different parts of the world. Most of these people and Iraqi citizens are grateful for the efforts of the U.S. and our soldiers. American soldiers serve as a force for good in this world, by supporting other people (Iraqi and Afghans) who greatly desire liberty. President Bush is right when he says we must continue to aggressively fight any threat to our nation, where it develops, rather than wait for the possibility of enemy actions against our citizens.
I enclosed some pictures for you too. The pics show; myself and Major Angela Archuleta (in front of our flag and Kuwaiti flag at Camp Doha, Kuwait), myself and other soldiers on my team (on the inside marble staircase in one of Saddam Hussein’s Palaces), Iraqi National Guard Training Site (located across the Tigris River) and a picture of a VBIED explosion (Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device) which rocked the Palace and hut many civilians and U.S. Soldiers.
Thanks again to you and the rest of the Payson Supply Line for your support, prayers and the care package. You have made a very positive impact on a number of your proud soldiers! It is great to know that we have so many friends and family. Know that we care very much about you. It is important to us that you continue to enjoy the blessings of our free and great nation. God bless.
Paul R. Babeu
MAJ, EN
421D, Aviation, EOA
November 26, 2007
Dear Butch,
Hi my name is SPC Richard Genua, from Branson Missouri. I believe you have done business with my parents embroidery shop, Designs unlimited. I want to thank you for all you have done for myself, and my fellow soldiers. Most of all, i want to apologize. You and your suppliers, and the people who work to send care packages, work very hard, and spend lots of time and money to the troops fighting in a whole other world. I am one of those soldiers. You have been sending me boxes for a couple months now.My apologies, is that, for all the boxes you have sent, i am just now getting around to writing this letter of thanks and appreciation. I am not one to write letters very much. I barely keep in contact with most of the other people i do know. That is no excuse. You and your staff have done an excellent job of sending boxes of supplies, necessities, and comforts of home, for people who dont have access to these things. I send my deepest apologies for not thinking of those, who took time to think of others first. I THANK YOU! MY HOSPITAL THANKS YOU! THE SOLDIERS THAT ARE FIGHTING, WOUNDED AND SICK… THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFTS TO US.
I wanted to tell you of the things that have been done with the boxes you have sent. I got together with one of my SGTs about a week or so after we got here, and we were discussing what could be done with the donations, gifts and care packages ent to us. SGT Takis, works with other suppliers who send backpacks for the wounded soldiers. Most times, the wounded come into our hospital, with nothing… not even the clothes on their backs. These suppliers send the backpacks with hygeine kits, and acd player, and jus little things to help them get by. There are other places that send multiple packages as well. We decided what we wanted to do, was set up a soldier swap meet. We take the donations from different organizations, combine them, and set up what looks like a swap meet!. soldier come in and can get things they need. We have things ranging from linens to hygeine. We provided donoations for those who need them. If the need tooth brush, or tooth paste..we let them have it. all that we ask in return is that they sign in on a roster, to show appreciation, they get a piece of mail from home, and we request that, instead of them throwing out the things they dont want or need or use, to bring it to us. There may be another soldier who could use it. The first day we did this, we had just over 80 people. we have been doing this now 5 times, on every other Monday. Today we started setting up at 530 am to catch the early crowds at shift change. By noon(closing time) we had almost 150 signatures..In all we have been able to assist over 700 soldiers by being able to provide wants and necessities, and all the thanks go to the suppliers like you. thank you very much
Happy Holidays from AL ASAD IRAQ
SPC Richard J Genua, UNITED STATES ARMY, 325th CSH
June 26, 2010
- SSG Matthew Binney with his Unit in Afghanistan. SSG Binney is front right.
A VISIT FROM PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH. Recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, DC. SSG Matthew Binney with his wife and mother.
LOCAL HERO!
SSG MATTHEW BINNEY
SPECIAL FORCES/MEDIC
U.S. ARMY, AFGHANISTAN
(Son of Star Valley, AZ residents George & Brenda Binney.)
SSG Matthew Binney was wounded in Afghanistan in July 2006. He underwent shoulder replacement surgery in Ft. Bragg, NC and spent much of his recovery time and physical therapy time at Walter Reed Hosital in Washington, DC.
SSG Matthew Binney received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his immense bravery during battle and for putting the lives of his fellow soldiers before his own.
SSG Binney received boxes from Payson Supply Line during his time in Afghanistan. Upon his return to the United States, he promptly supplied the Payson Supply Line with a name and mailing address of someone in his unit that was still in Afghanistan. A box was quickly sent to Sgt. 1st Class Brendan W. O’Connor as requested.
The following is the email that we received from SFC O’Connor who served with SSG Matthew Binney and received the box. He shares much about SSG Binney’s actions and courage during the battle with the Taliban fighters that injured him so badly.
August 1, 2006
Dear Mr. Klein and Mr Kafton,
I am writing you from Firebase Ghecko, near Qandahar, Afghanistan.
Myself and the members of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps with me, recently took delivery of your thoughtful gift box. We were pleasantly surprised and altogether humbled at your generosity, the kind words, and sentiments you relate in your note.
Staff Sergeant Matt Binney ,a medic who was recently assigned here, I believe is a native of Arizona and were he here I am sure he too would thank you profusely. But Matt was wounded in action and has since returned to the States for a challenging rehabilitation.
Matt received his wounds in a remarkable display of gallantry. He was wounded more than once, yet he refused medical attention and with great courage led a counterattack against a numerically superior force of Taliban fighters. His selfless and courageous act prevented an isolated patrol from being encircled and captured or worse, being annihilated. Though wounded in the counterattack he spoiled the enemy efforts and allowed time for the patrol to be recovered. You Arizonans all have reason to be proud of Matt. I am proud to have served with him and I remain inspired by his actions on that day.
Thank you for your prayers. Know that we send prayers back your way. Please be sure to include the many good people of Afghanistan in your prayers. They suffer and struggle for the slightest sip of freedom. We here hope and strive so that someday they might drink deeply from a well of liberty.
Once again we all thank you for your package.
Sincerely,
Sergeant First Class Brendan W. O’Connor
ODA 765, 2d Battalion 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
More Payson Supply Line boxes were sent during SFC O’Connor’s tour in Afghanistan and in October of 2007 we received the following note from their Commander, Sheffield Ford:
October 1, 2007
Dear All,
Thank you so very much for your packages. The soldiers were very grateful and many of the items were sent to a nearby orphanage. The kids were very thankful along with the workers at the orphanage. Thank you again. Say hi to Matt for us.
Take care,
Sheffield
SSG Matthew Binney left the U.S. Army on a Medical Discharge and returned to Star Valley, AZ for a short time. While in the Payson area, Matt gave us the honor of riding in our Payson Supply Line float in the Payson Rodeo Parade in August of 2007 where he received standing ovations. Matt has recovered well from his injuries, although has less than 100% rotation ability in his shoulder. Matt now works and resides in Tucson, AZ with his wife and children. His parents continue to work and reside in Star Valley, Arizona, just outside of Payson. Matt is a wonderful young man and a true hero!
We thank SSG Matthew Binney for his service to our country.
From Wikipedia Encyclopedia:
The Purple Heart is a United States Military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military.
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy. The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
June 25, 2010
October 15, 2007
Dear Payson Supply Line,
After fifteen long months of deployment here in Iraq, the Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment are preparing to return to their families and loved ones in the United States. Day after day, our men have walked the dusty streets in this desert land. Night after night, they have boldly pursued those who have sought to do them harm. Theirs has been a tough job, indeed. And they have served with honor and distinction in every condition imaginable.
You have played a key role in their success. Your encouragement of our Paratroopers through your kind words and tangible expressions of love and support have lifted morale and – most importantly – reminded our Paratroopers that they are not forgotten.
On behalf of the entire battalion task force, it is my pleasure to share with you a word of heart-felt thanks and gratitude. Your actions have meant so much to us, and I want to say “thank you” for all that you have done for us.
Sincerely,
Scott A. Harris
Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry
Commanding
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
82nd Airborne Division
1st Lt. Trent Fensler with their dog, "Lucky"
November 3, 2007
Mr. Klein and Mr. Kaftan,
Just wanted to say thank you for the packages that you put together and mailed to us. Everything in there is useful and we’ve all had our chance to grab what we need. I am an advisor to the Iraqi Army and I have a small team of Marines with me to help do the job. We’ve seen some very brave things from the Iraqis in the company we advise, and most of them are risking their lives to serve (their families have to lie about where they are so that they don’t get killed by militia or insurgents). On the plus side, things are really looking up in our area. All of the sheiks have banded together (you may have heard of the “Awakening Movement” in the Anbar Province) and are committed to fighting Al Qaeda. It has been months since any American advisor or Iraqi soldier has been killed or wounded here.
Please keep up your prayers. The progress we’ve seen here is picking up steam across the country.
Semper Fi,
1stLt Trent Fensler, USMC
Joshua Paap, U.S. Air Force, Iraq - at right
June 22, 2007
Payson,
I have received the care package you put together for my myself and my fellow troops. We would all like to send our appreciation for your gift. It is nice to know that people back home are thinking of us and care enough to supply small comforts from the states.
I am a computer systems administrator attached to an intellegence flight. I have been blessed with a job that keeps me relatively safe and working indoors most of the time. I have also been blessed with opportunities to see a lot of the Area of Responsibility (AOR). I have attached a picture of myself (right) with some of the people I work with. We are standing in front of an A10 Thunderbolt, one of the many aircraft kicking butt in Iraq.
I hope this note finds its way to everyone that helps put these wonderful boxes together. I have not seen anyone else receive this kind of support from their hometown. Everyone here was very impressed to see that an entire city can show this kind of support for what we are doing over here.
Thank you again,
-Joshua Paap
March 15, 2007
Butch and Lud,
Thank you very much for the spectacular assortment of personal and… “gut” hygeine items. This was an awesome surprise! It has already been diminished significantly and I’ve only had it for about 30 minutes. I took a few choice items and allowed my staff to have at it and I was ready to call in an armed guard and medic for assistance.
I don’t have any pictures and unfortunately due to the media componentry, position and security I am unable to send pitures with out them being previously scaned and authorized. I’ll work on some for you.
Thank you again,
SFC Salazar, John Paul
222nd Trans. Co.
Truck Master
