An ever-growing collection of notes the troops have sent to The Ships Project.

  We received a box of hats from The Ships Project today and I must write and thank you. These days it has been very cold here in Qatar and as you can guess, many of us keep our hair cut very short. That, combined with the fact that my work area has a huge air vent blowing on me for 12-14 hours a day means my head gets cold. Your hats arrived just in time!! I got one of the blue ones (air force) and am wearing it right now... nice. Even in the summer, we go from 100+ heat to super-cooled tents so we can wear them year round here.

     It's obvious someone, somewhere took the time to hand make these hats and I just wanted to let you know that your works are very much appreciated here. It is amazing that what may seem like a small thing to some, really is a huge morale booster for us. I wouldn't trade this hat for anything that is "store bought" because it is my constant reminder that great Americans such as you know we are here and support us. Thank you once again from my heart and most importantly... from my warm head!
 

     I'm a sailor on-board the Harry S Truman (CVN75). The other day I was asked if I would like to receive a hat hand knitted by a supporter of our cause. I said of course I would and they issued one to me. I received a black and brown striped cap that is extremely comfortable, stylish, and appreciated. I used to freeze in my rack when I went to bed, but not anymore. So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for thinking about us while we are out here. It's people like you that remind us why we are out here fighting the good fight. So, once again, I just want to say thank you and God bless you for all that you are doing.

     Please let all the people know how appreciative we are for these bands. The temperature here in Iraq is an average 120 degrees and most of us all work outside during the day under the sun. These bands have kept us a lot cooler and more productive. We have another couple of months left in this country and the temperature is going to rise and the risk of heat related injuries and illnesses are going to rise also. I am certain that these bands will reduce the number of these sorts of injuries. Let everyone know they are lifesavers!!

     The other day we had gotten a package with all these head and neck bands inside. We have been using them non stop since they have arrived. All the troops over here have gotten at least one. I was looking for a letter or an address to write to personally thank you. I have this one sticker; “The SHIPS Project” c/o Ellen Harpin.
 

     First, let me say thank you for all the headbands that were sent to us. I am a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Air Force stationed in Iraq and I am very grateful for what you and the students have done for the men and women serving over here.

     The Ships Project is such a great thing. I can't tell you how much it means
when you receive something from home (USA) when you are deployed. The fact that people donate their time to say thanks and send any form of appreciation does wonders for morale. There are also many people on ships who don't have family or don't have family who have the means to send things. Your kindness touches so many people on so many levels. Again thank you for your time and support ~ and to your network of stitchers.

      I want to thank you for the hat that you donated to the armed forces. Thank you for the hat, and on behalf of all my soldier in and me I want to thank you and the Ships Project for you very thoughtful gifts. I have since returned from Iraq and I still have the hat, and I plan to have it for a very long time.

The Ships Project:
      Thank you very much for the donations. We here at the medevac and all the patients we see thank you and your organization. We appreciate all the people involved offering to help out in any way possible. Its nice for people to take time out of their lives to help and support the mission. Your donations will dramatically help out in keeping the patients comfortable during their time of speedy recovery. Every little bit of comfort will make the recovery process that much faster. Thank you all again and have a wonderful day

      I apologize for not writing sooner. A couple of weeks ago, I received the latest of three boxes from The Ships Project. The hand-knitted hats you sent arrived at a perfect time, when the temperature here in Iraq dropped substantially.

      My Marine Corps unit has been involved in the assault on Fallujah since it began in early November. Typically, we would spend 3 weeks clearing block by block, looking for insurgents and weapons caches. Then we would spend 24-48 hours in the Fire Base, followed by another 3 weeks' continuous operation.

      Your thoughtful gifts were really appreciated by the Marines. On behalf of all of us, I want to say a deep and heartfelt thank you for all of your support. Please continue the good work. Believe me when I say we all appreciate it.
 

      I wanted to take the time to write you a heartfelt note of gratitude and thanks for the wonderful hats you have made and sent to our service members overseas, and to let you know that all of your hard work and compassion in this project has provided myself and many others with a beautiful token to be cherished...and with the knowledge that Americans not only support, but think about, and care for troops deployed around the world. God bless all of you for all that you do.
 

Second page coming soon!