The following entries are letters, notes or emails received

by Operation First Response from wounded Heroes

or their family members.  Operation First Response

shares these comments so YOU the public can see what

your donations have done to help. 

Peggy
 

386th CASF AEF ¾

Mr. Donoghue,
 

Peggy,
 

SPC. Aaron Kohrn

Kylie, Brandon, and Emily

10th Mountain Division

Peggy,
 

Hello,
 

Knyla Harris

Family Assistant Center Specialist

Chatham National Guard Armory

To: Carolyn
 

Dear Carolyn,

I just finished reading the Stars and Stripes article and had to immediately contact you.  What you did

for those soldiers was truly wonderful.  Your generosity and caring are greatly appreciated, not just by

the soldiers but also by fellow Americans who want the best for our military.  Thank you so much for the

cookout.  I am so glad those soldiers have people like you to remind them how much their sacrifices are

appreciated, respected, and honored.  When I read the article, I knew I had to make a contribution. 

I wanted to send my contribution directly to you, as I knew it would be in good hands.  After speaking to

someone at the hospital, I am confident that contributions sent to Operation First Response will be put

to good use.  Please let me know what is best for you.  Is it better for me to send a check directly to

you, or does donating to the site make it easier to deal with?  I didn't know if site donations were

subjected to "handling fees."  Thank you again and please know you will be in my prayers.

Maryann Slater

Peg,

Tonight, before the first of our soldiers return, I wanted to share a story with you. It is my

sincere wish that you share it with your organization who has collectively “adopted” our

172^nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team- The Arctic Wolves.  

The other day, when I was in my office at Brigade, a soldier walked in my office. I read

the name on his uniform and thought it looked familiar but  could not place it. He kept

looking at the quilts I had on display on the desk beside mine. I asked him if he had ever

heard of Operation First Response and he replied that he had not. I was explaining the

events that led up to me finding your organization and told him that while the soldiers

who were evac’d to the major hospitals in the lower 48 were inundated with donated items

from various groups, the ones who came straight to Fort Wainwright with less severe wounds

didn’t receive nearly the same needed items. I told him how these hand made, hand packed

gifts brightened many a soldiers day here.

He looked at me curiously and just then, it dawned on me where I knew him. He is one of our

soldiers who were classified as VSI coming out of Iraq. Very seriously Injured is a term reserved

for only the most gravely wounded soldiers. He had multiple serious injuries and as we first heard

it, was in very dire straights indeed. His wife came up to Brigade to get her orders to travel and

meet her husband in the lower 48. She was like most of these wives I have met who are in crisis.

Scared and shocked but very focused on getting her children’s needs met and her travel started

before she stopped to shed a tear for her own sake. She made it down there and I only heard bits

and pieces after that. Her husband, it was said, made remarkable progress but I never knew how

remarkable until the day he walked into this office to admire the quilts your volunteers made and sent to us.

This soldier talked to me about what happened that terrible day. He talked of his friends who died that day

and of the sensation of darkness he felt until he woke up in Germany. He did not receive any quilts or

anything else when he was at the hospital. He could not believe the backpacks and stated several times

how he and his friends could have used those when they were convalescing and going through PT, all

the while running his hands over the quilts and saying how nice they were. I asked him how many kids he

had. I gave him three of the quilts-one for each of his children. I normally do not do this but what I also

learned is that unbeknownst to us civilians, this soldier is the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star,

Purple Heart and another award I just cannot recall. He is but one of many decorated soldiers who have

sacrificed without wanting any public displays of gratitude.

Tonight, I think back to the 18 memorial services we have held and as these soldiers return, tonight’s group

being just a small fraction of our returning warriors, I am humbled at their determination and dedication.

I am also very proud to have been able to say we turned to you in some of our most trying times and

were never let down. Please share with your folks our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for the support you

have shown us.

I am out the door now. I will sit quietly in the assembly area and watch these families unite and say a

prayer that future deploying units may experience the comfort Operation First Response has given our

Brigade.

Respectfully,

Sharon A Paul

Dear Ms. Baker,

I just read an Armed Forces Information Service news article describing Operation First Response,

and I want to thank you for everything that you and your colleagues do to help wounded service

members and their families.

I personally know soldiers who have been wounded, and I know how difficult it is for them and their

families.  Thank you for all you do, and please keep up the good work!

Sylvia Moran

COL Sylvia Moran, U.S. Army

Military Assistant to the Ambassador

U.S. Embassy Baghdad

Mrs. Baker!

Thank you so much for your donation.  I received it today.  I'm in a tight spot, can't find a job, and so close to

losing my home.  Your help is highy appreciated.  My family also thanks you.  God watch over you, and thank

God for people like you.  Have a nice day.

Robert Shannon

SGT 2175th MP CO.

Dear Liz,

Again, I want to thank you so much for everything you did for us at

Thank you for all you are doing.

I am the Gold Star mom of LCPL Abraham Simpson, 19, KIA 09 NOV 04 in the battle for Fallujah.  We have been

blessed by organizations supporting KIA families, but I had hoped that there were things being done for the WIA's

which seems in some ways more difficult than what we have been through. 

I am greatly encouraged by the heart of so many to do so much.

Again, thank you for all you do.

Maria Simpson

Carolyn,

Thank you for taking PFC Landers and myself out to lunch and to your home on Saturday.  It was very nice to be

taken off base when everyone else had the opportunity to leave.  Landers is back in the States and I am back in

Iraq with my 'family'.  I told everyone about you and how great you made us feel. 

Thank you again and here are some pictures of Iraq.

Corporal Timothy M. Konetzny

(pictures can be viewed in the OFR Gallery)

Carolyn,

Thanks so much for the awesome experience you gave Corporal Konetzny and myself yesterday.  In the

short time we were with you and your husband I realized, no matter where I go from here...my duty to this

country will ot simply end with a piece of paper.  I plan to visit the VA hospitals in my area Christmas day

and let those guys know that we are still fightin' the good fight and people have not forgotten their sacrifice.

Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and Godspeed!

PFC Jason M. Landers

I just wanted take this opportunity to let you know that you have been a great stepping stone in my family's life

as well as in mine.  Peggy without you and OFR I don't know where my family and I would be right now.

From your generous supplies to generous donations you have given us more than we had expected and dreamt

of.  You have been a great person from the first day we spoke on the phone, you always kept your word and

promises.  It is hard nowadays to trust people, especially organizations that say that they are here to help

those in times of need, but you were one of the people that soldiers and their families can really count on.

Not one day goes by that I don't thank you.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  You will always have a

special place in our hearts..............

CPL. H. Manyoma

Thank you so much for making a difference in my life.  You answered right away when I shared with you

about not having seen my mother since I had returned from Iraq after being away from home for 14 months.

Even though my soldiers all returned home safely from Iraq, I was still on the battlefield but now I was

fighting against breast cancer. 

It was you who responded first to my needs and showed how much God loves us that He would never

forsake us.  It was by what you and your family did and those who contributed to my mental health and

love for my family by bringing us together was the show of true patriotism.  You did not ask for anything

in return only that we accept your love offering and share with others your willingness to help others in

need. 

You were the first to respond in providing me and others with refrigerators for our single hotel rooms,

while others responses have told us to wait, or we will look into it.  Your were the first to provide

transportation for twenty soldiers who wanted to go to the pentagon for a prayer breakfast to see

Charles Stanley, while others said that they could not support spiritual activities. 

You were the first to pick up the phone and say hello, how are you feeling today and can I help you in

any way.  It was you who responded to my need to have my mother present while I went through radiation. 

You understood my need and you responded in a caring and loving way, by being the first to respond and

all I can say is thank you.

Though it seems such a small thing to do, I hope and pray that you know how much you have helped me and

my mother come together and resolve some personal issues we had as a result of losing my father from

pancreatic cancer a year ago.  You see cancer affects the entire family it is not a disease you can bear

all alone.  And if not for you I would not have held my mothers hand as she walked with me to the hospital

to have my radiation treatment, nor would I have had the experience of seeing my mothers smile when I

awakened from my hospital stay.  But most importantly a mothers presence matters more than anything else

in this world.  Thank you for bringing my mom to me when I needed her the most. 

May God Bless you and all of you for being a part of our lives in a real and personal way. 

And thank You God for putting people like you in our lives.

Chaplain Gladys Lanier

1 Thess. 5:18

Gladys Lanier in Iraq- 10/15/2004

(photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Stephen B. Thornton)

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I truly believe I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would my family where we are today had it not been

for the intervention and compassion of Peggy Baker , Liz Fuentes and Bob O'Donoghue at Operation

First Response.

They literally saved our marriage (my husband and I remarried after two years of divorce thanks to the

donation made to ultimately pay for our license and courthouse ceremony!), saved our dignity (bill

collectors have a way of dehumanizing a person no matter the situation.  Even getting shot in the

head for your country doesn't matter to them!), saved our sanity (Peggy first met me when I was in

a deep depression and I was still in my pajamas and fuzzy slippers), and saved our family from

spiraling further into a dark fathomless pit of despair.  Our children will never forget the day their

Mommy and Daddy remarried.  Our children will never forget the day Mommy DIDN'T have to have

her car repossessed.  Our Children can now enjoy a mother who glows and smiles each day.  We

may have had to give up our home, our livelihood, income and support network of friends and

family to move to Washington DC, but we are now part of another family with OFR.  It's a family of

the greater good...

Thank you, OFR, for giving us our family back.  It's not just about helping us with a bill....it was

about so much more.  The world would benefit from more of what you give!

God Bless you all.

Torrey Shannon, US Army Spouse

Mother of three special-needs children

The Shannon's

My son was wounded in Afghanistan on 8/6/04 and was sent to Walter Reed Hospital in

them for their service to our Country.

Barry Cook & Family

I am a Liaison for the Ft. Carson soldiers that come to the hospital from "down range".

and Gold bless you!

V/R

LRMC, Germany

Thank you is not enough for what all you've done and what you are continuing to do.

of your endless support.

Always,

Hello,

Words can not express the love and gratitude that we have felt from OFR.  My husband

you ALL who support OFR, thank you for caring for our Heroes!

Jim and Diana Thomas

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Hi O.F.R.

lack of funds) OFR is there to help.

This organization has done so very much for my family and I.  People out there truly

do not understand what kind of predicaments the soldiers have to face on top of the

medical problems.  This has been a very difficult task since I've been home, not only

for me but my family as well.  We the Jackson family really would like to thank

EVERY ONE involved in this organization, from the smallest donor to the people

that run the organization, I can not say THANK YOU enough, you are FANTASTIC!

Thank You,

Yesterday, 7 June, while driving I was wounded by an explosion next to my truck on my way back

to my camp from a mission.  My truck was basically totaled with holes on the driver side rocks

behind my seat, the bottom floor opened up and the windshield came rushing at me.  I sustained

minor injuries with shrapnel what went through my boots and barley penetrated my right foot. 

No broken bones were the results.  My face suffered cuts, but nothing that will scar and my left

shoulder has sand imbedded in it.  Over all I was able to limp out of the situation considering

the mess my truck was in.  The cargo I was carrying was intact so I feel good because my mission

was still accomplished.

Thanks for your bag, the medics took me to an aid station, performed medical aide and they gave

me your bag which basically calmed me down mentally because someone cared enough to send

me something like that and that's worth in my mind to get up and carry on in the next two days

or so into the mix of things in Iraq again.

Thankfully,

Smedley Muller

SGT, U.S. Army

Thank you so much for all your help when my husband was injured in Iraq and I had no clue

you for your support to all our troops.  I am attaching a couple of pictures.

Estrada Family

A big word of thanks to all who go to the hard effort to ship stuff over here to Landstuhl Germany. 

booster.  Keep up the good work and a big salute to all those who make it happen.

MSG Mieto

Hi,

I am Staff Sergeant Tim Squires, an Operation Iraqi Freedom soldier, here at Walter Reed Army

Hospital and I am really grateful to the OFR.  Easter week I had taken a Greyhound bus to go

home in North Carolina, the 16 hour ride was painful and unforgettable, for I received no assistance

since I was disabled.  I had just had surgery and had a neck brace on, and a brace on my right leg

and had a cane so sitting in the back of the bus and being uncomfortable plus no one assisted me

with my bags.  It took me two days to get to where I could move again.

I had received the OFR business card just before I left Walter Reed, so I called OFR and received

compassion as I told them of my ordeal with Greyhound.  After I told them of my ordeal, Elizabeth

told me that they would fly me back, she worked fast and efficient to get me the flight I wanted.

I was able to fly back to Walter Reed Army Hospital.  Also Peggy and Elizabeth are helping me

to receive my money back from Greyhound since I paid for a round trip ticket.

They have called me to ask if I needed anything else and have brought me snacks I've wanted.

I thank them for all the assistance they have provided me.

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I am the Family Readiness Group Leader at the 961st EN BN.  I have had the pleasure of working

with this organization on behalf of my families.  They are truly cognizant of the needs of the troops

and their families.  I cannot say enough good about them and the work they are doing.

As a volunteer, I know the amount of time and energy that goes into caring for all these people

that I've grown to love.  So, when I say Good Job, I know what I'm talking about.

To all the volunteers: Good Job!!!

To the public at large, Please, take the minute to do what you can to assist these wonderful

people.

Hugs to my Heroes,

Mary

www.961st-engrbn.com

Operation First Response is a guardian angel that watched over the wounded soldiers while

they are being treated at the MTF (medical treatment  facility) in the war zone. It provided

comfort and assurance that you will  be well taken care of. While in Baghdad,

Operation First Response provided that need to wounded soldiers in my clinic. I was

able to provide the medical care they needed but also provide the special items

I am Sgt. Joseph Bozik's mom, Gail, and I was one of the unfortunate mother's who received the "call"

on October 17, 2004 that my son, Joey, had been hurt south of Baghad and had lost both legs and

right arm in an anti-tank mine explosion while patrolling his humvee.  I rushed to Washington, DC

preparing to meet my son upon his arrival at Walter Reed on November 1.  I stayed by his bedside

for 3 months, sleeping in a chair and alternating the three outfits I brought with me.  I met you, Peggy

Baker, during this period and you immediately said that you were looking for Sgt. Bozik because a

nurse friend in Germany at Landstuhl, where Joey spent 3 days after the explosion, wanted you to

find Joey and let her know his condition.  I was moved and touched by your telling me that a chaplain

had stayed 3 days and nights, sleeping on a cot and praying that Joey would make it.  I immediately

wanted to know this chaplain, Joel Warren.  I have been corresponding with them and plan to visit

them this summer to personally thank them for helping my beautiful son, Joey Bozik.  God Bless

you for your work for our troops.

Love,

Gail Bozik, Sgt. Bozik's Mom

A visit to the White House to see President Bush on June 29, 2005.

from left to right

Gail Bozik, President George W. Bush, Joey Bozik, N.C. Senator Elizabeth Dole and Jayme Bozik

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I wanted to write and tell you that your backpacks full of goodies, that all soldiers needed was

extremely helpful during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.  I know that all the patients that I took care of

that received them were grateful.  It was nice having clean clothes and toiletries.  The quilt and the

CD were both nice touches and a nice reminder of America, our home.  :>)  The kindness from all

those involved was truly heart felt and I know that the packs meant a lot to all the soldiers....

Sincerely,

CPT Mary Johnston

ER Nurse

31ST CSH  Jan04-Jan05

OIF II

Good Afternoon Ms. Peggy Baker,

I would first like to say thank you for all your help and efforts and the kind words they are greatly

appreciated.  I was fortunate to meet Carolyn Crossley when one of my Marines was in LRMC by

the name of ********* who was 3/7.  With leaders like yourself and great staff members like Ms.

Crossley, I know that Operation First Response will go a long way in taking care of our military

personnel.

We feel that we have all been blessed to be around these motivating Marines returning from Iraq.

But I must give due credit where it is due and would be remiss if I didn't mention the outstanding

efforts of the motivating Hospital Liaison Team (Sgt. McConnell, Sgt. Marks, Cpl. Ryan, LCpl Cuevas,

RP2 Kuhl) who work hard to make things happen to take care of our Marines.

Thank you so much and hope that we keep in touch.

V/R

Gunnery Sergeant Velazquez

Very Proud Gunnery Sergeant of MARINES

Thank you so much for the help you gave me.  I sincerely appreciate your assistance.  It is

wonderful that there are organizations like OFR that come to the aid of soldiers.  Thank you

again.  May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

SFC R. McLendon

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the assistance you gave my husband when he was

sent to a hospital in Germany from Iraq.  He had no extra supplies with him and was given a

backpack which had your organization's name in it (OFR). 

For my husband-SGT David Gambill, HHC-140th Aviation

myself and ALL the Soldiers...

THANK YOU!

Sandi Gambill