To: All Oneida County 912ers, You and You and You

From: Will Dahlke and Peg Roberts

Date: December 5, 2009

Re: Hearts for Heroes/Operation 912


The Oneida County 912ers in partnership with the New Hartford American Legion Post 1376 is sponsoring Operation 912--HEARTS FOR HEROES. Through our joint efforts and your most generous support, we are hoping to send care packages to 912 of our military in Afghanistan or Iraq. Yes, that’s right----Nine hundred twelve. Impossible, you say! For Americans--anything is possible.

A $20 donation will send, in the name of the individual donor or family, a gift box to our heroes in need. Each box will contain at least $20 in cookies, candy, fruit cups, jerky, and other goodies, along with a small pocket size flag depicting an angel holding a heart. It is through their hearts that our military has come to serve and protect us. Now, through our hearts, these gifts of love and gratitude will be but a small token--all made a reality through your generosity.

Utica National Insurance Co., in a one day drive, sponsored 77 boxes.

If you, your organization, or your place of employment might like to help, please contact Peg Roberts at 735-0790, 941-6360 or Will Dahlke at 507-6668 for further information. Thank you!

Also let us know as soon as possible if you might be able to volunteer to seek donations and/or prepare the boxes. We need strong hands and strong hearts committed to this project.

God bless!!!

Dear 912ers,

On behalf of every Marine at Camp Mejid, thank you for the wonderful care packages. We've been tearing them up since they arrived here 2 days ago. We are members of Military Transition Teams, training the Iraqi Army's 7th Division to be able to defend their country. Most of us are leaving Iraq today. After tonight, there will only be about 20 Marines left on Al-Asad Air Base. Suffice to say they will still be eating the treats you've sent for some time.

Special thanks to Nick and Eneliza for the beautiful cards. They're currently brightening our MWR hut where we go to relax and unwind, use the phones and internet.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

1stLt Al Bellamy, USMC
27th Brigade MTT
Al-Asad, Iraq