LAKE COUNTY – After nearly seven years of sending care packages, it is still emotional and heartwarming to hear how much the support means to our troops and their loved ones.

A few of the most recent communications to Operation Tango Mike remind us all of the importance of supporting our troops and their families.

“Operation Tango Mike, Lake County people are so friendly! Must be why I fell for my Kelseyville, CA husband. Every month we get the box of goodies and letters that you send and I just want to write and tell you how much we appreciate it. Every box is like a little bit of Christmas. We have 5 more months out here before we head back home and I can almost start counting down by the clockwork boxes you send. Thanks again for all the support you give me, my husband and other fellow soldiers for serving. With care, SSG Tristan Ambrozewski and SGT Hannah Ambrozewski.”

“Thank you for the packages and letters. Please extend my thank yous to all the others that partake in this. As you may have seen, my address has been updated. If you don’t know I went to Lower Lake High for 10th and 11th grade and lived in Clearlake Oaks and Cobb Mountain. I have been wanting to make a trip up to the area for quite some time now, but that is easier said than done. Take care and God bless. Your friend, Matthew Sampson.” (Matthew Sampson is a United States Marine.)

The following is from a local Army mom: “Hi and thanks for all you do. Jacob received his Tango Mike box and wanted me to thank you for the wonderful luxuries he received. He is paired up with an agent from Poland (Jake is in a NATO unit, not with many Americans) and the Polish soldier was awed by the support from home. Isn’t that neat? Thank you all from the bottom of this Soldier’s mom heart. Debbie Bridges.”

The following is from an Army mom anticipating a long awaited reunion: “Hi! It is with great pleasure, anticipation, tears of joy and much appreciation for all your hard work, that I can say the 149th EOD unit is coming home the first week of December. They have asked to be removed from the packing list as they will be on their way home about the time the packages would arrive. They will be forever grateful for everyone’s part in the packages to them. They were so delighted every month when the packages arrived, filled with goodies, (especially the trail mix), needed supplies and well wishes from home. It was truly something they shared with one another and looked forward to. They will be wearing their OTM shirts proudly around Fort Carson. Again, thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. Suzie Defrancisci, proud Army mom of SFC Chuck Cossette.”

“I wanted to say thanks. I received the box on Sunday. My Soldiers have already went through a few times. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Can I add one more name? The look on her face when my box came in, was like the little puppy that didn’t get picked.” CW3 Colin Bergstrom.”

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the continued support you have shown me and my unit. We greatly enjoy your care packages, goodies, cards and letters. We’re coming up on month 10 of our yearlong deployment and with the holidays right around the corner, knowing that people back home, even complete strangers, are keeping us in their thoughts is very comforting. We truly appreciate everything. I hope all is well back home and thanks again. 1st Lt Margaret Seymour.”

“Operation Tango Mike, I would like to thank you for all your support during my deployment. I looked forward to receiving your packages every month! I returned to Oahu in the early morning on November 7th and let me tell you it was great to be back! Although it was raining, you have no idea how happy I was to be in warm weather!

The deployment was rough, but it would have been a lot harder without such caring individuals as those participating in Operation Tango Mike. Your packages gave me something to look forward to. I never knew what I would be getting in my packages which made it half the fun!

I am hoping to return to Lake County during my leave block for a visit in December. Hopefully I will be home during one of your meetings so I can make a point to stop by and express my thanks in person.

Again, thank you to all who participate in Operation Tango Mike! I think I speak for all troop[s when saying you have made a big difference in our lives and have helped give us hope during deployments.

With Sincere Thanks, Sergeant Courtney T. Dingwall, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Fox Company.”

No one expects to be thanked for the simple act of sending care packages. However, these notes from troops and their families remind us that little things really do mean a lot.

Ginny Craven is the founder of Operation Tango Mike. Visit the group online at http://home.mchsi.com/~operationtangomike/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html .