OUR TESTIMONIALS

Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,

I am a sailor currently deployed with the USS Carl Vinson in the Western Pacific. I just wanted to thank you for your continued support and patriotism. From the Carl Vinson, we greatly appreciate what you are doing and you definitely put a smile on everyone’s faces. Thank You!

Stephen Vesper

To Whom It May Concern,

Thank you for sending the delicious cookies our way and for your patriotism. We all appreciate the comfort and reminder that people care about what we do. The cookies are definitely the best around here.

Matthew A. Flure

Thank you for sending us some cookies out here while we are deployed. As a Chief overseeing my work center It was a good thing to see all of my Sailors smiling and surprised at the cookie delivery. They were excited and appreciative.

AOC (AW) Moore, James

Dear Sir/Ma’am, We recently received some 1000 cookies from your organization. I would just like to say thank you so much for the work that you are doing.Being forward deployed is never an easy task, but your team made it easier. Something as simple as a well put together chocolate chip cookie can do wonders for a person who is having a hard day. That is exactly what your cookie did for me, and I can only assume all of our Sailors who had them as well.Thank you so much, and keep up the great work. It is much appreciated.

ENS Keith E. Villanueva

Gunner HSM-78 Bluehawks

Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,

Anonymous

Good afternoon Ma’am,I just wanted to say thank you for your involvement in boxes of cookies arriving aboard the ship which I am currently deployed. These cookies happened to arrive at a time when the ship store had been closed for days and all of the vending machines were empty. The chow hall line had started to become an hour long if you decided to wait in it to get chow. These cookies saved my life (sort of) and allowed me to continue on with my normal work schedule for two days. During this entire time I ate nothing but Grammy’s Cookies. I am still working off the calories from those two days. Lol. In all seriousness, the cookies were greatly appreciated and it is always heartwarming to realize that there are people in the US who have our back while we are out here deployed. Thank You

SSgt Jeremy P. Rockhill

Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, the Marines love them and are gobbling them up. They go fast. Thanks for sending them to us and for taking care of us, it does not go unnoticed!

Ben

Guess what? Your 35 boxes of cookies made it safe to my Camp yesterday. I have distributed almost ten boxes already to some of my Troops. I will give out more boxes today. The Service members love it so much. Thanks a lot for your support and God bless you and your organization.

CH (CPT) Richard G. Addo, USAR

TF TQ Chaplain, CJTF/CJFLCC – OIR

130th Chaplain Detachment

Al-Taqqadum (TQ), Iraq

Dear Marlene,Yes! Thank you so very much for remembering us when deciding where to send your delicious cookies!We went around delivering handmade Valentine’s Day cards from school children along with the tasty cookies you sent, and troops LOVED THEM ALL!!! We delivered to over 1,500 Sailors, Marines and Soldiers here at our location, and while not everyone got a card and a cookie both, they all were very happy to receive a small reminder that those back at home think of them.Attached are a few pics of folks receiving their cookies and cards.Again, thank you very much for remembering us and for providing my department with something so tasty and tangible to deliver.

Chaplain Monnin

Marlene,Received the cookies today!They are still soft and tasty!!!As soon as we placed the cookies in various sections around the hospital, they were gone in a flash!!! Thank you so much.

PETER E. BAEK

CH(MAJ), USA

31ST CSH/USMH-K

CAMP ARIFJAN

APO AE 09366

Marlene, Team Troops Project, and Grammy’s Cookie Convoy Family:Oh boy! Thank you so much to you and your team for the cookies and cards! The Soldiers went crazy for them. I think my Soldiers are really cookie monsters in disguise. We received 13 boxes today. You have boosted morale this day after Valentine as many are missing their beloved back Caution-home. Thank you for honoring our deployed Soldiers. As you may know, we are the XVIII Airborne Corps out of Fort Bragg, NC serving as the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) HQs managing all ongoing operations in Iraq and Syria in order to defeat ISIS and stabilize this part of the world. We are a coalition of many different countries, so the cookies were enjoyed by the French, the British, the Italians, and many more. Those from other countries are full of smiles and gratitude and awe of the support America provides for our deployed troops. Their countries, they say, don’t send care packages like our great supporters back home do. You have brought many smiles today and helped our Soldiers run one more day around the deployment track. You are the wind beneath our wings, the air in our sails, and we greatly appreciate you! Thank you. Lord’s continued blessings upon you and your team and loved ones!

Chaplain Philio

CH (MAJ) Shannon K. Philio

CJTF-OIR Operations Chaplain

Good morning/afternoon/evening,

I am sure you are constantly receiving these types of emails because GRAMMY’S COOKIES are THE BEST!

I am currently embedded with 101 ABN 1 BCT (TF Bastogne) in Kandahar Afghanistan; we have had the pleasure of enjoying the delightful taste of Grammy’s Cookies. They have become the preference of everyone on “cheat day”, which is the day we are allowed to splurge after exercising for the week. Grammy’s cookies have the taste of homemade cookies, and are the best, most perfect cookie we have had since I have been deployed in Afghanistan… We have received one box a week, sometimes two boxes, however once the other office delivers the box and the word is spread, they are gone – just like that. I am writing on behalf of the unit to request another shipment of cookies to be sent to us. Grammy’s cookies help us endure this deployment and makes the time fly by because everyone looks forward to cheat day. I was just informed that once we receive more cookies we will all have Grammy’s cookies and ice cream day.

If you are able to send the cookies it will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of us…

Thank you for your support.

Andrews, Benita N CTR USA TF RAPTOR

The cookies are delicious! Thank you from the men (and lady) of the 58th Rescue Squadron.

Anonymous

From all of us here at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan I want to thank you wholeheartedly for the DELICIOUS, GIGANTIC chocolate chip cookies that came yesterday! Please let everyone know how appreciative we are over here in the sand for the delectable delights! THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

Dwayne “Jeff” Bell

United States Air Force

Kandahar Airfield, Kandahar Afghanistan

Ma’am,

I am a Civilian (Federal Civil Service ~ Department of Defense) Volunteer Deployed to Afghanistan.Yesterday the Camp received the kind donations from your organization.The Camp where I am staying is a bit unusual as we Americans are not only being supported by U.S. Forces but by Coalition Forces as well. In fact the Camp that supports my mission is almost entirely Australian.All I can say is that all the Cookies are very much appreciated and the cards, letters and even posters are overwhelming for me and many others in the camp regardless of nationality.Your organizations kindness and efforts will not be forgotten and I am humbled in the shadow of your dedicationIt is nice to know and feel the support that your organization provides. Thank you

Gary E. Fischer, CIV

Logistics Advisor,

205th CAT

Dear Sir or Ma’am,

Hopefully this email reaches you. My name is LT Morris and I am with the 101st Airborne Division in eastern Afghanistan. I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the work you are doing to raise spirits over here. I’m sure you get many letters, but I wanted to say that on our tiny FOB your cookies are famous. They are used for barter like currency as well as bribes. Nothing motivates a Soldier like saying, “Hey, run this down to SGT Jones and I’ll give you a cookie.” They are a great spirit lifter as well as energy boost to keep going. The intensity and hours that we work here mean that calories are extremely necessary. No one gets fat working all day every day. These cookies are the perfect sugar and fat boost to supply energy to Soldiers, especially as the temperatures creep close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Thank you for your hard work and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Almost there.

Jacob Morris

1LT, EN

TF Strike

FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan

CPT Ryan Meader

FOB Zangabad, Afghanistan

Thanks so much folks! What a GREAT gift to recieve! Our group cannot thank you enough. Such a huge blessing!

Travis Fielder

GOT THE COOKIES!! THEY ARE AWESOME THANK YOU! THEY ARE ALREADY ALMOST GONE SO I THINK EVERYONE ELSE LIKES THEM TOO, LOL.” CARDS AND LETTERS WERE GREAT! PLEASE TELL EVERYONE THANK YOU SO MUCH! – WESLEY

Our Grandson received the cookies last Friday… He said everyone in his platoon were so thrilled to receive the delicious cookies and thoughtful notes of appreciation for their service. He said there were plenty of cookies for everyone from the highest to the lowest ranks. Thanks so much for including his platoon in your shipment. – Charles and Nancy

The cookies were a HUGE hit…We shared them with another unit too. They were delicious and were gone super fast! Thank you so much, it is much appreciated! God bless you.

SPC Crockett, Lindsay

I just wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU for the care packages with the cookies. I / we greatly appreciate the support shown by you and everyone involved with making the cookies, writing the cards and sending the packages.The cookies were a big hit and everyone enjoyed them tremendously. In fact the four boxes of cookies were opened and offered to all the Soldiers and were gone in hours. I just wanted to thank you again for showing the support to the troops.With being over here in Afghanistan, the Soldiers sometimes need reminding that there is support back home and that we have not been forgotten. Your selfless support has been a great reminder that there are people that care, think of and support the Soldiers until everyone returns home.Thank you again and GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Roger W. Kaley

MSG, USA

Mayor Cell NCOIC

Camp Pratt Base Cluster

USFOR-A North Garrison

Camp Marmal, Afghanistan UNCLASSIFIED

Mrs. Marlene Summers & Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,

I would like to start off by saying Thank You for everything you do for myself and other soldiers like me, but mostly for your support! Sometimes it becomes hard to remember why we are here thousands of miles from everything we know and those we love. However something as simple as a letter or a package from a few great Americans is all it takes to remind us that America has not forgotten!My name is Josh Wheeler, I am a pilot in a Blackhawk helicopter Medevac unit out of Ansbach, Germany currently deployed to RC-N (Regional Command North) Afghanistan. Our mission is to provide support to Americans, Germans, Dutch, Belgians, Mongolians, Swedish, Norwegian and several other NATO allies. We also support local Afghan military, civilians and yes even enemy wounded. Our job basically consists of picking up injured people and transporting them to a hospital as fast as possible. We operate with a crew of 4 or 5: 2 pilots, a Crew Chief who is our maintenance expert, a US Army flight medic and just recently we have been supplemented with German flight surgeons for an added level of care. The Flight Medic & Crew Chief are the real heroes of the Medevac mission, without them the helicopter is nothing more than an expensive taxi. These remarkable soldiers are tasked with exiting the helicopter, locating the injured patient (sometimes while under fire from the enemy) and quickly get them to the helicopter. From that point until reaching the hospital they provide emergency care to control bleeding, open airways and any treatment the patient requires. It is due to their expertise and dedication that we have an approximate 98% survival rate for both Iraq & Afghanistan when a patient gets into a Medevac helicopter. It is an honor to work amongst such amazing individuals!Our company (Charlie Company, 5-158th Battalion, 12th CAB) is currently spread out in 5 locations all over RC-N in order to reduce our response times from patient pickup to the hospital. My group is located in the eastern portion of RC-N on a German base called Kunduz. Our Medevac team of 19 is the only American contingent on a base of over 1000 personnel, however the Germans take very good care of us and treat us as their own, perhaps even better.As for me personally, I have been in the US Army since March of 2005. I have deployed twice before to Iraq and Afghanistan for 12 months. There are times I miss my friends, family and a normal life, but the opportunities the Army has provided me (living in Korea & Europe) outweigh any of the “inconveniences”. I have not regretted a single day I’ve spent in the military. I do not come from a long line of military, my Grandfather was in WWII and talked a lot about his experiences but mostly about the people he served with. It was easy to see his pride in the fact that I decided to follow in his footsteps. My Mom, Dad & brother are also huge supports and I am really lucky to have them.You will be happy to know that 100% of your package was shared amongst the soldiers here. Between my family & friends I can honestly say I want for nothing while deployed. If I need something, all I have to do is put it in an email and it’s here for me as soon as the post office can deliver it. Unfortunately, not all soldiers have the same luxury. That is where groups & people like you make such a difference. A package or letter from a stranger, with no ties to that individual is a great reminder that people still care and they are supported, for that I would like to THANK YOU!I hope this letter finds you all well and in the mist of a wonderful Texas holiday season. My brother used to live and work in Port Arthur and his wife is from that area. I am a Maryland boy myself from a little town on the Eastern Shore called Cambridge. Of course we would all prefer to be home with our loved ones during the holidays, but I can say without a doubt we are as strong as any family and will take good care of each other until we are back in the arms of our families.

Thank You!

Josh Wheeler

C Co 5-158 AVN

Bavarian Dustoff

Camp Kunduz, Afghanistan

I received a quick phone call last night from my son to tell me that he received the “Choc. chip hugs” and he asked me to thank you.

From my son and me, thank you for being so thoughtful!

Aglaee

He got the cookies!!! He said they were amazing and to tell you thank you very much. He is in an area with no internet access but gets a once month phone call. He just called on monday and said they were all sharing them. Thank you so much. He isn’t allowed pictures because of his job but he said trust him, there were smiles all around!

Michelle Welch

Dear Marlene,Amazing God! I wanted to send you a message to let you know that Andy got the cookies. Thank you so much.He said he opened them up in front of his Gunnery Sft., and the sgt said… You know you are going to have to share those, don’t you? Of course they totally enjoyed your cookies and devoured them all in one day. Andy said they all read the notes out loud that they received from little children.Andy wanted me to thank you for the blessings. That was very encouraging to them all.May God’s revelation and insight be upon you,

Elvia Mary Trujillo

Hi Marlene, I just talked to Sean and the cookies arrived yesterday. He said they were gobbled up in record time and everyone was thankful they were on the list! Hopefully you will hear from Sean soon but the good news is he is getting ready to vacate Afghanistan. Since things are in a state of turmoil, he may not have access to a computer for a while, thus a delay in the thank you.

Again, my heartfelt thanks.

Claudia

I just wanted to write and thank you and your organization, Grammy’s Cookie Convoy Inc. We received them and a number of hearts a few days before valentines. I am from Texas and it was great to see something that is supported from my home state. The entire company thought the cookies were great and you guys are doing a great job.

CW2 Max Hall

U.S. Army, AV

MFO Egypt

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Jesus and the other marines got their cookies! He said, “ just got them today, we were out on missions for the past week and we are enjoying them. They have got to be easily the best cookies I’ve ever had!”I just wanted to let you know that the guys were really excited and loved the cookies!Thank you very much for sending them the packages.YOU ROCK!!!!

Anonynous

I just received a care package from someone very special. I have no clue who she is, but she is a student from Montgomery Middle School in Montgomery, TX! She put a huge smile on my face and touched my heart. I know what we do is great and its for a good cause. It just means more when someone takes the time to write you and tell you how special you are. This is why we do what we do for America. We Fight for those who believe in us. Thank you Whitney for this lovely letter. You will definitely hear from this Marine. Semper Fi…OOHRAH!!!

Anonynous

The Cookies were good! Grammy cookies always hit the spot. It was 3 packages full of cookies…i passed it to all the Marines here. They all loved them. Thank you very much.

Eder Vargas

We received the cookies, cards and letters. Thank you! They were a big hit and the cookies went very quickly!Thanks so much for sending them!

Steven Uhlman

Mike Sperlak: Hey, I got a few packages the other day from Grammy’s Cookie Convoy, a texas group supporting soldiers. Saw you were the contact for it. Thanks! The cookies and letters from them were great. Hope everything is going good for you and Max!!

Andy Gorrospe: “Hey Buddy! …I received 3 boxes of yummy, Texas-sized, chocolate chip cookies! … “THANK YOU” from me and the guys here at the TOC and E Co (yes I had to share it between 2 companies). They went fast

Max’s Response: … I got some too and they were definitely Texas sized, haha. Did you get the hearts? We were making it rain quilt hearts in flight ops, lol!

Max - Andy

Just spoke with my brother in law, Duran, they did receive the packages. He said they were like little kids on Christmas opening up the packages. The cookies were a hit. He said many many thanks to all you do, he can’t thank you enough. He also said that he will be sending thank you letters in the future. I know he said they have a facebook page, but not sure what it is under will find out because he said will be posting pictures of them opening the packages.Once again, thank you!!!! What you do truly makes a difference it their lives when they are away from home.

Anonynous

WOW! I cannot tell you how much my son and his “shop” of guys in Afghanistan are loving all the cookies!!! Grammy’s Cookie Convoy is amazing.THANKS to you, all the communications/radio repair guys at his base over there are ALL blessed with yummy cookies from TEXAS!I told him you all were praying, too – that means so much.

Anonynous

Mrs. Summers,Thank you so much for the cookies. I know that I am extremely fortunate to have been blessed with such a wonderful group of friends and family. This becomes even more evident when the extention of those individuals are also supporting me and this great group of guys over here. What an incredible organization that you have and what a wonderful person you must be to be so thoughful.The cookies you sent us were gone in less than 24hrs. Everyone wanted me to tell you thank you and in so many words echoed my aforemntioned thoughts. I wish you and your organization all the best and I can only hope that everyone is as thankful to y’all as we are out here. Thank You and God Bless

SPC Sean Haydon

COP Mizan, Afghanistan

Ms./Mrs. Summers,I just wanted to let you and everyone that helped in sending us all those cookies know that it was much appreciated. The time that you put into thinking of us was unforgettable. Again, thank you for everything. Your the best. Take care and GOD bless.

CPT Lott

Department of the Army

Headquarters

Task Force RUSHMORE

United States Forces Afghanistan

Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan

Please accept my deepest thanks and gratitude for your recent generous contribution and support given to the South Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers of Task Force RUSHMORE serving in Afghanistan. Your consistent, kind and sincere care packages have helped us get through the long months separated from our families and homes we love and miss so dearly. As the Task Force Chaplain, I want to personally thank you for providing me the means to keep unit and Soldier morale higher than I could do on my own without your efforts. You can never fully know what a difference you make to us over here. We are gone so long and so far away that we tend to forget some of what we left behind to serve our country. However, your gifts and notes remind us that we are not forgotten by you. It really means a LOT MORE than just whatever you put in the boxes to send us. It means you care about us all! Thank you for that!!Find enclosed a photo taken of our unit as they stood in Patriot Square during a formation in July 2010. This photo was taken as I spoke a prayer for God’s protection as we began our mission to support the work of Operation Enduring Freedom. Now our mission here is almost over, we will be returning the United States very soon.

David E. Gunderson

Chaplain, Lieutinant Colonel

196th MEB TF RUSHMORE

Cp PHX AFG

Hi MarleneOne of our Blue Star Moms asked me to let you know her son received your cookies. He said they were among the best he’s ever had and he really appreciated them She also said he never says much about the packages he receives so that speaks volumes!Thanks for all you do. I know it’s from the kindness of your heart. Just know it’s very much appreciated although you may not always here back from those who receive them.Ma’am,In behalf of Supply Company I would like to thank you for the kindness and support you have shown us. The Marines loved the snacks you and the rest of your team sent us. It feels good to know there are people other than our families thinking of us and taking their time of day to do this. Thank you for sending a little piece of home to us.Thank You,

The Marines from Supply Company

Cpl Lunavaldez Xareni

SMU Fiscal NCO

CLR 15 (FWD)

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

I received a package from you yesterday. i can’t tell you in words how much a box full of goodies from home can make someone feel so supported. now a days people throw freedom around like its just given out for free. anyways just wanted to say thanks for the support and the cookies : ). I don’t know if you have any relation to the kids that sent the cards that were in the box but if you do please tell them thank you as well. i have two kids myself and couldn’t be more excited about kids that are patriotic and love their country. there should be more like them. thanks again, bye for now.

Anonymous

Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,Our Sections received a care package with your amazing cookies in it. I just wanted to say thank you for all your support! It’s people like you that give us strength.

SSgt Izaguirre

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”

Ma’am,I just wanted to thank you for another round of delicious chocolate chip cookies. Thank you! My fellow Marines and I gobbled them up at record speed! We return to the States pretty soon but absolutely appreciated your thoughts, prayers, and great baked goods!Thanks again!

Rob Casper

To Whom it May Concern,A civilian that I work with on base recently gave me a box a your cookies and I must say they were quite delicious. I shared them with my fellow Marines and we made short order of them. Thank you for the time and effort put into making and sending out these treats. Take care and Semper Fi!

GySgt D.J. Miller

2d Battalion, 3d Marines

FOB Geronimo, Afghanistan

Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,217TC thanks you for the generous and patriotic support of our unit. The Soldiers are enjoying the cookies tremendously. As I was passing them out Soldiers faces kinda of lit up…it was the middle of the afternoon; a waining point between lunch and dinner. Soldiers were hard at work. The Soldiers were commenting at how good and soft the packaged cookies were. After passing out 9 boxes worth to the the Soldiers in my unit and those adjacent to us, I decided to have a bite as well. Wow! what a cookie. A couple more boxes came in today and as they were brought to my office a trail of Soldiers followed…sir do you have anymore of those cookies? I passed out many more this afternoon to those hard at work at thier desks preparing for tommorows labors; many not often as recognized because thier business is done behind closed doors. Smile arose from them as well. I passed out many of the letters and fabric hearts as well to ensure the Soldiers understood that there was great patriotism behind your simple act. Many read the cards with genuine intentness; and were truely moved by the words of the volunteers and children that wrote them. We are honored to serve such a greatful nation. Thank you.

CPT Josh Smith, Commanding

Marlene and friends,Thank you for the care package. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Grammy’s cookies were quickly gobbled up by Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen alike. I am fortunate enough to work with about 20 men from all branches of service and as we took a short break from our work to enjoy the treats, we spent a few minutes discussing how great it is to receive care packages from back home.In fact, one Soldier’s name is Bo and he was delighted to receive the letter from Boe. The letter was passed to him so he could have the honor of writing back his namesake. While he is extremely busy, he does intend to pen a quick note to Boe to say hello and thank you. If for some reason the note does not reach Boe, please express our thanks to him for his thoughtfulness in writing to us. The fabric hearts were distributed and are proudly on display throughout our work areas. It is packages like yours–cookies, fabric hearts and notes of appreciation–that truly bring a few moments of happiness to our otherwise dreary days.Thank you again for your kindness and support.

Lita Fraley

Dear Ms Summers & the Cookie Convoy Team,One of the fringe benefits of being deployed over here is that I’ve become a self-described “expert” on baked goods, with a personal focus on cookies. In reality, I am a cookie addict. They are my favorite snack. I’ve tried all kinds and I have to say, yours were the best I’ve had since I arrived in country. Whatever magic you put into these circles of deliciousness- keep it up!More importantly, thank you, thank you for giving your time and talent to bringing smiles to the Soldiers over here. It sustains us knowing that we are overe here on behalf of patriots like you. Please know that what you do makes a difference.

CPT Joshua Micko

Commander

A/345th M1 TSB

Mrs. Summers, I am Petty Officer First Class Electronic Technician Todd J. Hearst. I work for CJTF-HOA Tactical Communication Operations Department here in Africa. I know seems like a lot :- ) My department was recently given a box of chocolate cookies that was sent from Grammy’s Cookie Convoy. The cookies were handed out to the troops and they absolutely loved them. We wanted to send our most sincere Thank You! Thank you for remembering those who serve.

Always a Pleasure to serve our Country -

ET1(SW)Hearst, T J, &

CJTF-HOA Current Operations Depart

Ms Marlene Summers,Yesterday, I received the box of cookies and hearts that you mailed all the way from Montgomery, Texas to us here in Kabul, Afghanistan. Your random act of kindness is greatly appreciated by myself and the rest of military members assigned to our unit.

COL Monty Dolieslager

Deputy Director for Operations

Afghan Threat Finance Cell (ATFC)

Thank you so much for the cookies you sent. They didnt get very far but my Marines greatly appreciated them. Im not sure who gave you my name and address, but your program is very much appreciated. With much love, from Afghanistan. In His gracious grasp.

Capt. Matthew R Russell

USMC.

Hello, We have received the cookies you sent. Thank you very very much!

They are really really good. It’s acts of kindness such as these that make every just a little more manageable over here! So on behalf of 36ID and the

folks on COB Basrah, thanks!

Edwin Caban

1st Lt

United States Army

Thank you so much for the cookies! I’m a Marine deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan with 1st Marine Division. It’s a little dusty and a little warm, but your cookies definitely made our month! My fellow Marines and I tried to ration them out to make them last – they were awesome! Thanks again for the best cookies we’ve ever had.

Semper Fidelis,

Rob Casper

Capt USMC

Dear Grammy’s Cookie Convoy,ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!

The entire USF-I J1 team offers heartfelt thanks to you for the generous donation of cookies and the supportive notes and cards. Your thoughtfulness and time invested does not go unnoticed. We all have fond memories of special times spent baking and eating these traditional family favorites. Your donation helped bring a little part of home to each of us; Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airmen and Civilian working in the J1.

Thank you for thinking about us and for your Patriotism.

With Warm Regards,

Colonel Robert C. Whaley and the J1 Team

Simply Wonderful!

M. Marvich

Thanks for all your support!

TSGT Wilson

Thank you very much for the delicious cookies.

CPT Hurto

Thank you for taking the time to think of us while we are deployed. I really enjoyed the cookies! They were absolutely delectable.

Lattia

We received the cookies for our squadron a few days ago. Thank you SO MUCH. Everyone remembered the cookies from last cruise and when these showed up they were so excited. They were fantastic. I just wanted to drop a quick line to let you know how much it means to us and our troops to get care packages. We have had some issues with the COD (carrier onboard delivery) planes that bring us mail, food, etc. There was quite a backup, but you will be happy to hear that the cookies still tasted AMAZING. The troops really appreciate it!The entire squadron sends their “thanks”!

We all appreciate the support!

Nicole Johnson

I received a package of oatmeal raisin cookies about two or three month ago. I had no idea where they came from. I was thinking how would anybody at Grammy’s cookies know me. Either way, I thanked you in my prays and gave out the cookies to the Marines and sailors. They were gone in less than a day.Today I received another large shipment, HOLY COW……HUGE… I already started passing them out . All Marines claim to be on this health kick diet, but when I placed those cookies on the lunch tables they all vanished. Any way thanks again, I and the rest of the Marines appreciate it.

Staff Sergeant Eric H Deravin IV

Dear Ms Summers, I want to personally and for all those you have touched say “Thank you” to you and all those who work with you. The cookies, the letters/cards/notes, the hearts are all more than just “things”, they are personal memories to each and every person who receives one. I got the 10 boxes of cookies yesterday and today you and your group made a lot of people happier, brought joy to an otherwise dreary day (lot’s of sand in the air today), and brought smiles to the faces of War fighters who have not had much to smile about lately.I am enclosing some pictures of some of the people we met today. There are others who were out on patrol at the time who will be pleasantly surprised when they get back. Some you see are just going out, some are just getting back from 20 or more hours in a noisy, rough vehicle. My teammates and I found a place we thought you might find interesting and they were MOST happy to be getting cookies from Texas.Thank you and thank God for people like who. You mean more to these soldiers than you can possibly know. One soldier, when I gave him the cookies, just said “These people are MY heroes, God Bless them” and tears ran down his face.

Daniel R. McGauley – CIV

USF – I FAST Science Advisor

STAT 23

Tue, June 8, 2010

Just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for the delicious cookies. I was at my desk when a young man came in that I had not met before. He introduced himself and gave me a bag of cookies with a homemade heart included. Thank you and the many men and women who take the time to send such special gifts to brighten someone’s day. I will enjoy your cookies and keep the heart with me as a reminder of your prayers.May God bless you and your family

Jill Davis

These men are true warriors and still performing the task of “tip of the spear”. Few know about them or their service, but I can tell you it is dangerous, torturous, and exceedingly tiring work…. In the next couple of weeks I will be “embedded” with these bold protectors of our freedom. I will let them know about the work you and your volunteers do. As we draw down here in Iraq, there is still much left to do in Afghanistan. They will need people like you more than can be imagined. It has not yet gotten as tough as it will be. Once again, God bless you and your aids, thank you for the marvelous work you do.”

3-1 Cavalry at al Kut (Camp Delta)

Hello, you don’t know me but I was able to get a small bag of the cookies that were sent here to Iraq. This was the email on the plastic bag. I wanted to send you a email and express my appreciation for you and all the folks who work in this project.I cannot express the joy that something like this brings to myself and my Soldiers here. The cards in the bags are even sweeter than the cookies, the cookies are great though.We appreciate this a lot. It is very easy for us to feel forgotten and alone over here and things like this from Americans who care about us mean the world.

COL MIke Jones

Chief, NG Affairs

USF-I – III Corps

Baghdad, Iraq

August 6, 2009

I received the wonderful cookies and I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Many soldiers were made very happy that day.

Edina

Thank you for your kindness!

Clara

Things are interesting over here. Today we woke up to a beautiful blue sky after a really bad week of weather now all we have to sweat is the heat again. By August it will be 130-140 degrees a day. Ouch

Appreciate the note, mail here is the only thing that keeps everyone sane. Before getting here I always wondered about the Any Soldier Letters and care packages and if they got to real Soldiers, but they are like gold here as it is easy to fall into a isolated feeling here. The best thing is to know folks in America care. It smells all the time, and the smells change from day to day but they are all bad. i was thinking today after coming out of a meeting that there was no place (anywhere) in America worse than here. Then there is no place here good enough to be as good as the worst place in America. Even Detroit would be better than here. If Americans could just come here once we’d be a better people after seeing what America is compared to others. Monday and Tuesday we went through a 36 hour sand storm it was something else, the dust gets into everything, there is no winning the fight. we just cover everything up the best we can.Did i tell you it smells here. There is also the constant smell of burn pits. They burn everything here, everything. There is no landfill no sanitation system quite amazing.There is a layer of something all over you here that if you wet your lips you taste it. Really weird.We get hit about three times a week right now, not very accurate and as soon as they launch the mortar or whatever the blimp finds them by audio sensors and then they attempt to hit them.Right now the IED and VIED’s are what’s killing most US folks. Our convoys are hit everyday they leave a compound. I get all the casualty and attack reports and its pretty under reported due to Afghanistan heating up. The difference is here we’ve pretty much put up T-walls (i will send you a picture) around everything and that has really helped prevent the heavy damage.Food here is pretty good, it’s all you can eat and they keep it pretty fresh. I’d send you pictures but the DFAC cannot be photographed because that is a big target for the insurgents, they want to hit that and the palace. It does all begin to taste the same though. Its like eating at Golden Corral every meal every day.Thanks for your support.

Anonynous

Wow…the cookies were amazing. It didn’t take long for them to get passed around our Operational offices. One of our Staff Sergeants immediately started crying for a milk box from the chow hall to wash them down. We here at Alpha Company 1-141 Infantry, Texas Army National Guard would like to thank you for the drop off from Mr. Dan Mc Gauley. We appreciate the time and efforts of “Grammy’s Cookie Convoy”, Ms. Marlene Summers from Montgomery Texas, and anyone in your organization with helping a soldier have a good day.

Carreon, Daniel SPC A Co, 1-141INF S-6 Commo Specialist

I just received a call from Brian. He said that he just returned from a mission and went to check his mail and there were 20 million boxes of cookies. I laughed;…He is so excited to receive these, I cannot thank you enough. Getting packages from home is like Christmas Day for them.Many people have asked for his address to send him something, however most people do not send anything, which is fine. I want you to know that it means a lot to us that you actually sent these packages of cookies; Brian is on cloud nine. He said that he would be taking them to the Motor Pool and sharing them with everyone.

Anonynous

Just thought you would want to share with your friends that worked so hard on getting it all together. thank you so much for making my son happy,from a Army momhey mom i got the box with all the cookies…lol…thats alot of cookies mom…thank you so much…all the guys in tha shop said thanks too…everyone loves them mom and tell the kids there that they are great artists and we loved what they said… we had contests about who got the biggest and best card…lol…i love you talk to you later momma

Andrew Wren

Anonymous

July 20, 2009

I would like to send a million thanks to you for putting the time and effort into sending those delicious cookies down here for me and the other troops! This is the 2nd time I have gotten the chance to get them and same as the first time, they were gone in a heart beat! Thank you so much!

Sgt Hochberg

July 20, 2009

I talked to my Grandson and he said that he received the cookies already. It only took 10 days! He shared them with the others and said they really enjoyed them. Thank you for sharing a “hug” with those who are so important to us!

Donna

Just wanted you to know that I talked to Michael on instant messenger this afternoon. He received his cookies and shared them with the others. He said they were AWESOME and thank you for thinking of him. Everyone enjoyed them.

Chereze

Just wanted to say thank you for the cookies. I’m currently deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group and your cookies definitely remind me of home. Thank you again for all you do to support us while we are over here. Your small gestures really do mean a lot to those of us serving.

Anonynous

July 14, 2009

We received two boxes of cookies several days ago and they went like “wild fire”. I noticed that one box had 1 of 10 on it. I will try to get you some good pictures when the others arrive.Thanks to all of you for your hard work and caring for all our troops. They truly appreciated what you are doing; they love chocolate chip cookies! Thanks again

Nancy

July 15, 2009

TSgt Paul Kosiba

Nancy

These soldiers kept telling us how much a care package from the States meant to them and what joy it brought them to know someone was thinking about them. Thanks for all you do!

Barbara

What an awesome gift for our young men and women overseas.

Trish

I just wanted to let you know that my son, Jeremiah, DID get the cookies. He was so surprised! What a blessing. He will be redeployed to Afghanistan in about a month and I will get you his new address. I know he will share any cookies that you send.Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. It is much appreciated!

Judy

February 22, 2009

Thank you so much! We got back yesterday morning and the cookies were waiting for us. What an awesome surprise. We immediately sent two men over to the chow hall to get milk. The shelf stabilized milk never tasted so good. We can’t thank you enough for thinking of us.

Philip J. Dias

Thank you very much for the great chocolate chip cookies you sent to me and all of my friends, they are awesome. We all appreciate the love and support from all of you. Thanks again and I hope you had a happy holiday.

Jay

THANK YOU!!! My unit recently received a care package which contained your “Hugs from Granny Cookies Convoy” cookies. I have to say your company makes the best cookies I have ever tasted. Don’t tell my wife. Please tell me where we can get our hands on more of these. Once again, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts. This is my third rotation to the middle East and you will never know how much your support gets us through the days.

CW4 Philip J. Dias Safety Officer

C-12 Detachment Aviation Task Force- Kuwait

Please accept my personal thanks for supporting the troops with “Hugs from Grammy Cookie Convoy.” Yesterday, my office received a box of chocolate chip cookies accompanied by wonderful messages of encouragement from Makena, Sherry, Joyce, Amy, and Chanel. Knowing we’re supported by our fellow citizens is very meaningful. Thank you again for supporting our troops, especially this time of year.

Michael S. Tucker

Major General, U.S. Army

Chief of Operations

NATO and U.S. Forces

Kabul, Afghanistan

Yay Marlene! We military wives at CInCHouse.com appreciate what you do. I just posted a promotional announcement on our discussion forums for everyone to see. Thank you and happy holidays!

Meredith Leyva

Founder, CinCHouse.com

Thanks for everything. The tale of all those cookie boxes arriving was told until the day we came back. Thanks again.I hope the best of health and a Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!

David

Marlene, you are one special lady. 90,000 cookies….put it in perspective…one for every 1.67 troops in Iraq…and there’s plenty of each cookie to go around. A meal on its own. Merry Christmas. God Bless you and I am definitely going to enjoy this Christmas at home with my wife and kids.

Ed

Hey Mom, Keep up the good work. I am so proud of you!!! Love you

Daughter - Mary Summers

December 20, 2008

I just got a chance to talk to Todd’s best friend Sgt. Michael Hochberg. He got the cookies! I KNOW how excited he was. It brought chills and tears to me knowing how YOU and all of those that helped you with your “soldier project” gave Michael that sense of feeling special, especially since he is missing his kids and wife so badly. With Christmas coming, you gave him that “hug” he so badly needed, not to mention all of the others he shared with. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I haven’t heard word from Justin or my nephew George to find out if they received anything, but I will let you know if they did. My sincerest thank you….You are an angel to all of those you touch. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Chereze

Here in downtown Baghdad it has been between 70 to 90 degrees most days. It will ocassionally pop up to a 100. I know those days are around the corner and the low will be in the 90s at night.Again, thanks for everything.

Anonynous

Jackpot!!!The cookies arrived yesterday and are delicious as usual.The guys say Thank You!!!!Thanks for everything you do.

Davis Jenkins

I read about your efforts a while back. Good for you and your group!

Sally Adams

Thank you for a great program.

Don Carter

In May you sent the Marines and Sailors at Camp Fallujah some cookies. They were delicious. I know it has bee n a while, but I wanted to take this opprtunity to say thank you. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Your kind gift was certainly appreciated by the Marines of 1st Recon Battalion. Thank you kindly

LT Michael Villarroel Battalion Surgeon

March 2008

Thank you for your selfless support of the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers of Regimental Combat Team 6. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. We have distributed your “Texas-Sized” chocolate chip cookies throughout the Regiment and all are benefiting tremendously. Your generous support provides an immeasurable boost to morale and invigorates our Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers as they execute their mission far from home. Thank you again for your genuine interest in our well being during this deployment. Please know that your Marine Corps continues to serve our great Nation with a steadfast courage that cannot be quantified. Semper Fidelis…THANK YOU for making our year in Iraq so encouraging! We anticipate a return home on 1 Feb. 08.

Timothy Overturf, CDR, CHC, USN-Regimental Chaplain

March 2008

We wanted to thank you for this huge effort for all of our children. Mine is home finally, but we still have quite a few from our group deployed.“This service that you perform is…overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” II Corinthians 9:12

Sharon Bryce, Canyon Lake Area Blue Star Mothers

mmmmm…Just like gramdma’s cookies. Thank you so very much! Just wish we had some tasty American milk with them.

HN (FMF) Nash

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful cookies that you sent. They were HUGE, and full of love!!! I appreciate your kindness and generosity in making my holidays complete. Although I am far away from my family, your support made my days a lot happier. I wanted to take the time and say Thank You from my heart. I am set to return home real soon, and very much looking forward to the time I can reconnect with my family. I know that I will never forget the thoughtfulness, support, letters, and packages that Hugs from Grammy provided during this deployment here in the Middle East. God Bless you.

Michele

We really appreciate all the work and time you and the volunteers put in. They appreciate it too!

The Whites

Mom, I am so proud of you!!! Reading all the thank you notes makes me realize what an incredible woman you are. I love you!

Daughter - Mary Summers

Thank you so much for sending cookies to all of the soldiers. They were a hit at our little holiday get together. Thanks again from the soldiers of SSA, B Co. 202d BSB, 4-2ID FOB Warhorse,

SSG Corey

A bag of your cookies were delivered just in time to bring some holiday joy on Christmas Eve. Thank you so much for keeping all of us in your thoughts & prayers. We are forever grateful for everyone’s support back home. Thank You Again. P.S. They were delicious!

MSG Erika Strong

I wanted to let you know Todd received several boxes from you with lots of cookies. He personally passed them out to some and put the rest in a general area to share with all. He said they were amazing and enjoyed by all. His grandmother sent him a small microwave (can you believe it) and he put one of the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. He said it was just like being home and having one right out of the oven. He savored every bite. Thank you for giving him that enjoyment and bringing to him a great memory/feeling of HOME!….I can’t thank you enough. I personally know what it means to them…..Thank you…

Chereze Therkildsen

I am with the 164th TAOG(Theater Airfield Operations Group) out of Fort Rucker, AL. Just wanted to send a thank you for your support to not only my unit but to all the troops here in Iraq. Thank you.

Washington, Demetrius

Wow, started getting boxes of hugs today. Got in 9 of your 20 boxes. Started going around the palace giving “hugs” and taking photos. I will be working up a photo collage for you after I’m done handing out all of your great cookies. What is amazing, is they are coming all in one piece. You have some incredible cookies ) Thanks again! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Stephen Sheridan

MAJ, MS Chief, Medical Logistics MNC-I Surgeon

On behalf of the Soldiers of Multi-National Corps – Iraq I would like to extend our thanks for your support. The cookies brought much joy to all. Thank you

LTC Jim Speegle

LTJG Jeffrey Bari

Thank you for everything. The cookies are extremely appreciated.

4N (FMF) Stewart

Jan 2 2008

Your cookies make me feel like a kid again! Thank You.

Senior Chief Chris Aldis

December 2007

I received some of your cookies on Christmas day. It was the only package I received and the one thing that put a smile on my face that day. I want to personally thank you for doing what you do and sending the cookies to us over here. For me it’s the small things, like getting cookies on Christmas day, that really matter. Your enclosure says you may never know my name, see my face, hear my voice, or touch my hand. You thank me for being the protector of our country, defender of our freedoms, preserver of our liberty and messenger of peace. And finally for having the strength, courage and conviction to be your hero. Your package on Christmas Day was one of the reasons I enjoy and do what I do, but Christmas Day you were my hero and I thank you.

GySgt Paul T. McCrimmon

RCT-6 CRS SNCOIC Camp Fallujah, Iraq

I received my packages. I was overwhelmed to say the least. One of my soldiers was saying I had 20 packages of mail. My mouth hit the floor when I saw them stacked in our office. We have a table with items from care packges on it. One of my soldiers and I put about 6 boxes out last night. They were gone this morning. I put two more out today and they are about gone.Thanks again to you and all your helpers. Let them know for me it is appreciated. I hope you are doing better and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jenkins, David SSG MIL USA FORSCOM

Dear Grammy’s Cookie Convoy Inc., My co-workers and I want to thank you for the humongous cookies you sent. We received them in our office from one of the adjacent units and were blown away by the size and definitely by the taste. We truly appreciate those thinking of us over here.Thanks, -Mike

SFC Michael J. Delaney

164th TAOG ATS Standars/Eval NCO

Hello, Just wanted to send a note from Iraq, saying Thank You for the cookies. Most of all, thank you for taking time out to think about our soldiers. I am a civilian here serving in Iraq, but I think it is so good that our troops are being supported and thought about. Thank You again, Merry christmas and a Happy New Year!May God Bless You!

Pamela Hatcher

December 2007

Merry Christmas. I received your cookies in time for Christmas and wanted to personally thank you. They were delicious.

LTC Vasili Karatzas

My name is SGT Mahoney and I am the medical sergeant for my unit that is currently deployed to Iraq. I got a few boxes of your cookies from our Doc for Christmas for the soldiers.All of the soldiers loved how great your cookies were. Everyone loved them so much they were all gone in a matter of minutes…. I just wanted to email and let you know how much of a smile you put on our troops faces with how great the cookies were. Thank you for your support.

SGT Mahoney, Thomas D

December 2007

I suspect that you always have lots of help because it’s such a good cause and I had a lot of fun doing it last time. But I will always make time on the weekends if you need me…. By the way, my nephew just came home from Iraq. I can’t tell you how much he enjoyed receiving the cookies that you sent him. Thank you again.

Molly

As the mother of a soldier, I cannot thank you enough for your support of our military and their mission. You are in my prayers as are they.Merry Christmas

Anne

December 2007

Speaking as a mother of an Air Force veteran who served in the Middle East and made it home unscathed, thank you so much for remembering our sons and daughters who are still there.

V. Judd

Ma’am,If you can, please send me another batch of your cookies.I enjoyed them the last time and they were a welcome relief. Thanks again for your support. Take Care

David

While I can’t go into specific details (date/time/location), I can say your prayers for my protection are working. While I will never know all of the times God has protected me during my time here, I can tell you about a recent known experience. I was recently in the “kill zone” of a rocket attack, but took proper evasive procedures and am alive to tell about it without a single injury – praise God! You only have a few seconds at best to react. The whistle of an incoming rocket is nerve racking, followed by the extremely loud explosion you can hear and feel.Wishing everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving, I know I’m thankful for God’s protection, but also for my family and friends that he has so richly blessed me with. Praying traveling mercies for all of you who will be traveling along with 30 million other Americans this Thanksgiving.

Steve

Thank you for always keeping the faith and never doubting us soldiers. Your constant belief in us and what we’re doing here in Iraq really gives us a sense of pride and motivation…. God bless you, Thanks for your support

W. Charles

August 7 2007

Enjoy a chuckle from the frontlines. The following is only a portion of the story written by one of our heroes receiving our “Chocolate Chip Hugs.” We hope another chapter will be written when the next batch is received. HFG….Under the partially lit sky, the Corpsmen grabbed the boxes and disappeared into the aid station. After the celebratory cacophony of laughter and guffaws, they ripped open the boxes. The feast had begun. There was no time for separating the individual slabs from each other. They simply ripped triple and quadruple stacked pieces off the monstrous, chewy, chocolaty, hedonistic cakes of mandibulous cookies. It was chaos. Not a word was spoken. The ‘mmm’s’ broke the silence, muffled by the chewing motions. As soon as the first two boxes were dispensed with, the focus was on the other two. “Enough,” I said as I entered the room. All motion stopped. Chocolate smeared faces with crumbed goatees stared back at me. A ripple of fear crept up my spine. Boldy, I stepped forth and grabbed the last remaining piece on the edge of the table and placed it in my mouth. As I chewed, a cheer rang up from the Corpsmen as they toasted with the PUVA milk. I was now a partisan in the heist. The two other boxes were handed to me. We then chose the units that would receive them and placed them in the safe for an early morning delivery. Later that morning, a field mouse sauntered in and readily appreciated having risked his life to come to the smell. And life was good again.

E. Taylor

I received a box of hugs a few days ago and they went fast. I got some good shots though and the cards went a long way. We are putting up a cork board to put more on. This was another stellar week for forward movement. Really incredible things happening here. This word doc is going out to family and friends so there might be some pics not associated with cookies and bears. Thanks again

M. Stewart

That was an uplifting email. It is now scattered throughout the camp… Thank you ALL for your support, prayers and encouragement. Keep the faith. I hope all of you enjoyed some good fireworks, parades, barbeque and, of course, cookies. We could smell the barbeque corn and basted ribs all the way over here. We pray that your friends and families are not in harms way with all the flooding back in Texas and Oklahoma. 178 days and counting. We are on the downward side of this HILL!!! I visited a local hospital today. I was amazed at the volume of patients and the number of doctors and nurses doing what they have to do to keep people alive and healthy. Particularly, given their circumstances. Yes, we live in the greatest country on Earth. Peace.

E. Taylor

June 29, 2007

Hello, Thanks for all your support. One of the things that make the deployments a little bit more bearable is knowing that we have support back home. We are grateful to have supporters like you. Thank you for all your prayers. May God bless you for your thoughtful heart.

J. Owoh

I just wanted to pass on my heartfelt thanks for the most generous gesture you made, sending all of those wonderful cookies over here to us. Our Soldiers loved every bite and were so very thankful. We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done, but thank you again.

C. Taylor

June 28 2007

Those are some wonderful words of encouragement. I will pass them on to my Sailors. We appreciate the fact that there are folks back home that stand behind us no matter what happens, no matter what is said… We have NOT lost this war… But, be assured, we out here have not lost the drive that is needed to create a successful outcome and we WILL overcome the poisonous hatred that these terrorists are exporting to the world. We are doing some good things here and making some great progress in… Loving and kind words and actions by conscientious people like you are what make us proud to be an American. Thank you.

E. Taylor

June 28 2007

My soldiers and I are doing great because of your constant prayers. …I thank you with all my heart. I understand that we are making sacrifices for the Freedom of others, but you are making personal sacrifices for us… So thanks again and God bless

W. Charles

The kids who end up with the bears are going to be ecstatic. The gifts will go a long way in building some glimmer of trust with my neighbors. Every day has has a few moments of distinct surrealism. Not more than three months earlier, my new found neighbors were destroying vehicles and ending our lives on this same piece of dirt. We are now joined in a unified fight against al queda. This is a miracle in its simplest form and it is not isolated to my area of the country. Last week was the first time I actually felt forward movement in this conflict on a personal level. The gifts go along with my medical care to extend an olive branch and secure our safety here. I am sending 2 pics of some young soldiers with cookies. Both soldiers were working in the stifling heat of the day and I took them some bottled ice water and cookies. They were really surprised. Note the young lady has dirt and grease all over her hands but does not mind. The pics of the kids are from a medical assistance visit about a month earlier. They are a rough looking crew but thats because they did not know what to make of the cookies. Like I told you, they have never seen a CCC let alone one so big. BTW, CCC is now an official military acronym.

M, Stewart

Thank you very much for the delicious chocolate chip cookies that you have sent to to men and women of SEAL Team SEVEN (DET-Habbaniyah). We don’t know how you guys do it, but they taste as though they were taken right out of the oven. Please forward to all of those who wrote the cards that their notes meant even that much more to us. The job that we do over here is made easier when we know that people back in the US honor the work we are doing. From SEAL Team SEVEN Operations Officer

G. McDermott

Thank you for the cookies. You are the best. People like you are why people like me serve this country with pleasure.

A. Roiz USMC

We will be rotating back home soon. You and your group helped make this rotation easier to take. Thank you again, take care.

Rob

Hello and thank you for your last shipment of six boxes. We just got back from a mission that lasted for 6 weeks, so it was a nice surprise to have your ‘hugs’ waiting for us on our return. We have less than a month to go now, and we will be back in the good ole’ USA. So, I guess you can take us off of your mailing list. Thank you so much for your continued support while we have been here, it has made a huge difference in our quality of life. I hope to get a chance to meet you in person while I am on leave after this deployment. Thank you again,

P. Burks

I want to thank you so much for the package of cookies, and kind words. Everyone in my platoon wanted me to thank you for them. We all couldn’t believe how big and delicious they were! It only took us about a day to get threw them all. They were the topic of conversation for quite awhile. Your kind words, and cookies really lifted spirits around here. It is nice to know there are such kind people who care back home. I hope all is well with you take care.

M. Keenan

Thank you so much for the cookies. They are fantastic. The Soldiers of the 28th Combat Support Hospital, the 85 Medical Detachment, 8th Forward Surgical Team, 565th Medical Company, and C Co 3-25 Aviation Loved them!

A. Lankowicz

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your kindness… On behalf of myself, my fiance’ and our families, I would like to say thank you for your support of the troops. You cannot imagine how much a “hug” from a stranger means to each and every soldier. Thank you for your hard work and encouragement.

Hollie Wibberg

May 13 2007

Greetings, I am MAJ Derell Bibbs and I want to say hello and to thank you for all the great Cookies that you have sent recently.First of all, thank you for your kind heart. As far as the troops that I have in the battalion, there are about 1179. Majority of the Soldiers here in the unit love snacks. It is like a big deal when someone receives snacks from back home, and the cookies were great. I actually received another box today. I have never seen such a big cookie in my life. We really appreciate you, your family and friends taking time out of your busy schedule to comfort the troops. I really am glad that you are helping the deployed troops. We also appreciate your prayers and thoughts during these tough times, especially with the extension news.. Your family is blessed to have you….. Again, thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers. You should have received a few letters or e-mails from some of my Soldiers, when they took the cookies, I handed them a (Hugs from Granny) pamphlet. They loved it. May God Bless you all.

D. Bibbs

Ms. Summers. Well, we have a problem. Last night we had to lock down the doors to the Aid Station. We had several Special Forces guys sneak up in the middle of the night and distract my Corpsman who was on watch by throwing a flash bang grenade. As the Corpsman went to the door to investigate, two came in the window and two through the back door. They were searching all over and could not find anything. The Corpsman pulled out a syringe and needle…and they all scrammed. Nothing scares a Marine more than that. This morning, we discovered that word had gotten out about these hamburger sized chocolate chip cookies that the Aid Station has been receiving. Wow. We are so glad we have placed them under lock and key while we distribute them to the various units. Now, we have to put two people in the vehicle when we drive off to drop the cookies off. It’s scary, but a testament to the power of those chewy, chocolaty, huge, mandibulous (that’s a new word…mandible smacking fabulous) Texas sized chocolate chip cookies. I am glad we are doing our part in ensuring that we have the right to eat these healthy pieces of Americana. Thank you so much on behalf of our guys and Regimental Combat Team 6!

-Fightin’ 6th Marines

E.Taylor MC USN

May 6, 2007

Hi Marlene…..I just talked to Thomas. The cookies arrived this week and WOW what a hit they were with the unit. Thomas said he was very popular handing out the cookies to all the people. He even said the postage was something like $80.00. WOW. I had no idea. Anyway, thanks again, Marlene, for making at least one day so happy with your chocolate cookies. God bless you…

Neddy Nokes

Good day Mrs Summers & Staff, I just wanted to personally thank you for services and dedication to our troops that are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Your support, contribution and dedication to all the Soldiers here are greatly appreciated by the entire staff of the 215th BSB.

Anonymous

Good day Marlene Summers & Staff, 4 May 07

Thanks so very much for your care packages. Major Bibbs, my Battalion Executive Officer is a very good person with a very big heart and he’s an outstanding Leader as well. He shared his care packages of the “BIG Cookies” he received from you with all his soldiers. I just wanted to thank you and your staff personally for their contribution and dedication to us – (the troops here in Iraq) – I am the Battle Captain for my shift and I have excellent Soldiers that work for me and that work with me. Like my XO, we are a Battalion of soldiers that shares everything; we’re like family here in Iraq. Your care packages were well received and were well appreciated. Your care packages really made our Soldier’s day. Today was a wonderful and joyous day for us, we just ate and ate those “BIG” Chocolate Chip Cookies all day long, and we still have some left over for tomorrow, maybe for next week too, but I can’t be too sure about next week. The cookies are delicious. Even though we are separated from our families, friends and loved ones, you and your staff helped make our day a little brighter and especially sweeter, so I thank you. Because of your constant support during our time of deployment, you have allowed us to have better days here in Iraq. I have a section of about 12-16 soldiers. My unit is out of Texas also (Ft. Hood, Texas). 1ST Cavalry Division. I’m on my second tour here in Iraq. I have soldiers here for the first time and I pray every night that God will allow me to be able to return my Soldiers back home to their families, friends and loved ones. My Wife is also military. She has been deployed twice already and she is scheduled to redeploy… I’m praying that she does not get deployed again, especially while I am still here. We’ve been separated for almost 5 years now due to deployments. I/we really appreciated the cookies that you sent, but what I/we need most of all are your gift of prayers. I ask that you please don’t stop praying for us here. Your prayers will allow me and my Soldiers to overcome the impossible odds that we face everyday. I believe that God sent us here for a reason and we will remain here until our mission is complete. I just ask you and your staff to continue to pray for us, especially for our younger soldiers….18, 19, 20 years old…, Most of the soldiers in my section are between 20 and 22 years old, very young and very brave they are. Please keep us in mind and always keep us in your prayers. Thanks for your support

W. L. Charles

Hello All, First, I would like to thank you for the delicious chocolate chip cookies. I had tried to cut back on the sweets but once I saw those huge cookies, I couldn’t resist. Secondly, I would like to thank you for your Patriotism. Care packages such as the one you sent have a tremendous affect on the Soldiers’ morale. You should have seen my Soldiers eyes light up when they received a package of cookies. D. Bibbs shared the delicious goodies with me which I happily (somewhat reluctantly) shared with my guys in my section. I will enclose a picture of everyone. Again, thanks for your continous support.

J. Owoh

I just received 6 boxes of the “snacks” you sent. Huge thank you for what you’ve done. I spent some time passing out the cookies around the work center. I am saving three boxes for my night shift folks. Everyone loves the cookies; only request is next time send milk, ha-ha. I particularly enjoy reading the letters from the school children. I have three kids of my own and reading the letters help me remember them and remember why we are here, for all the kids and their kids. I have attached a few photos. Sorry, none of the guys eating cookies, they didn’t last long enough for me to get my camera. Thank you again for putting smiles on everyone’s face… “Finish Strong”

J.Schwartz

Hello, I am from the 1st Calvary Division HHC 215th BSB, I just wanted to say thank you for the cookies, they were great everyone loved them. Again thank you for your time and effort we greatly appreciate it.

C. Trotter

Thank you soooo much! He just recently got out there. I know this will put a huge smile on his face!

L. Hansen

Dear Grammy,Thank you for the cookies. They are really yummy. Thank you for your support. I also like the poem on your flyer.

Sarah

I don’t think anyone could love cookies more than my husband. This is his first trip overseas and he is very homesick at the moment. Especially when he heard about the extension. Thank you so much for taking the time to help out soldier’s like my husband to make him feel like someone at home cares. God Bless you!

Melanie

I heard about your program of sending cookies to soldiers… If this program is still running, my SO would LOVE some cookies. The support from back here means more to them than anyone will ever realize. I applaud you for this amazing service you’re providing. Know that everyone, including us spouses back in the states, appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. Thank you, so much for doing this.

A. Mahar

Hello Mrs. Summers I would like to say THANK YOU! for the box of cookies. I must say that they go very well with milk from the mess-hall. It’s really great to know that we are being supported by such nice folks, as yourselves. I would also like to say THANKS to all who helped put this box together. I have shared some with the other units here and they loved them as well, so THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

C. Slocum

Dear Mrs. Summers I wanted to drop you a note to tell you that I got the box of cookies and enjoyed them very much. I shared them with some of my soldiers and they all said to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH…. I have about two months left before I am home to my wife and two boys. They are getting excited… Thanks again. We really do appreciate your support to all of the soldiers.

G. Myers

Greetings from Iraq! Thank you for your support and the gift of cookies. They are quite delicious, and will not be wasted. Ha! Ha!…. If things go as planned we will be on a plane to the States THIS month! Of course, we are eager with anticipation! Thank you again for your support, your gifts, and the cards. It means so much to know that there are people back home thinking about us! It makes a world of difference to our morale. Thank You! Hoorah

E. Galjour

Thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts. Those cookies were HUGE!!! They are the biggest chocolate chip cookies we have ever had… They were delicious! We shared with some of the others here in the camp. Thank you for your support. Hugs to you too. The fighting 6th Marines

E. Taylor

Dear “Grammy”, I am a soldier currently stationed in Iraq. Today one of your CARE packages was opened & shared with everyone in the area where I work. Thank you for the delicious (& HUGE!) chocolate chip cookies — they were quite good, and it was very thoughtful of you to send them. OOOOO, (Those are hugs back to you

Trish

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. The guys here at the medical section appreciate what you and your associates are doing for us and all the troops over here. Its easy to get overwhelmed with this environment and its a very positive moment anytime we can be reminded of home. I personally am reminded of home because I grew up in central Texas. The guys would love some of your cookies as the few who received them have been bragging. The cookies were introduced to us when a neighboring unit gave us a couple of bags.

M. Stewart

1-89 CAV Medical Section

Wow, what a surprise. I am completely taken back by your kindness. The “snacks” you sent were incredible. I say “were” because they did not last long. I took one package and put the rest out to share with my folks. An overwhelming hit. I cannot thank you enough. Also, the letter enclosed truly moved me. The support and caring I feel from this package touches me more than you can know. Those of us doing our job, our small part to make the world a better place; that duty, that opportunity is easier to do knowing we are supported at home. Thank You.

J. Schwartz

March 25, 2007

I just got in from sector and guess what was waiting for me? 20 boxes of cookies… Thank you soooo much. Its great to see the whole platoon uncontrollably eating the best cookies in the world. Everyone laughed when I got that much mail and smiled when I gave each person a box. We will be getting the pictures of the “Cookie Medics in Action” done very soon. I cant tell you how much morale has improved because of it. We owe you a lot. Thanks again. P.S. SPC Damuth wanted me to tell you that they were still soft and delicious…

Matt

Thanks Grammy for the cookies! The joes here loved them. Its really good to see support like this. Your website looks great. Keep up the good work.

M. Stewart

1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment (RSTA)

…Thank you so very much for the cookies! They were marvelous!Mo and the Soldiers of the 79th OD BN (EOD)…US Army

Anonymous

On behalf of our material control division we would like to extend our thanks for the cookies that were made for our squadron…

V/R,

VFA-27 SK’s

Anonymous

I am interested in placing an order for a soldier in Iraq who has spoken, several times, of how delicious your cookies are. “Best freaking cookies ever” are his exact words….

Kathryn

Thank you for all you do for the morale of our valiant young troops, especially those involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our family has four veterans of the war in Iraq with seven tours and four Purple Hearts among them. My daughter is a veteran of that war, but thankfully was not wounded. She and her husband are back at their usual post in Germany now. One son-in-law is still in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Thanks again, and may God Bless you and yours. Don Martin / Crocodile Six U. S. Army (retired) Central Texas College (retired) Seminole, Oklahoma

Don Martin

I am a soldier out of Camp Stryker Iraq. I had the pleasure of devouring your wonderful cookies after a 46 hour mission. I just wanted to say thank you. I was suprised at how fresh they were. BEST COOKIE EVER. How do I get more for the rest of the men?

Matt – Iraq

Your cookies arrived. They LOVED them! Thank you so much!

Amy – San Antonio, TX

I spent 21 years in the Military (Air Force) and will do anything I can to help our military. Just appreciate all you are doing to make it a little easier for them. I’ll never forget getting Chocolate Chip Cookies in Vietnam from my mother. They had been in transit so long that they were nothing but crumbs and kinda old at that, but everybody in my hut still enjoyed them. Thanks again for all you do. Anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Joe Gurley

Feb 14, 2007

Marlene, my son and his reconnaissance Marine reserve platoon (4th Reconnaissance Battalion in San Antonio) depart for Iraq on February 22nd. He will be deployed for 7 months. It’s Richard’s 3rd tour.Please let me know what I can do to help support the brave men and women around the globe who defend our every freedom and liberty.Thanks. Mark

Mark Smith

We here in Iraq are very thankful for all the cookies that you send us. We have areas where troops are located that don’t get much at all from the outside world, and when they’re given giant cookies, it really brightens their day. It’s hard to just say thanks for something so good, so we’ll say Thank you Very very much!! From all of us here at the Camp Fallujah, Iraq, Thank you.

T. Fancher

Feb 7, 2007

Just wanted to let you know that I received a telephone message from my son, who is serving his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, with lots of praise for the people sending all the cookies!! He was so appreciative and says all his troops there are enjoying the “hugs” SO much… Thanks again for your good work….I wanted you to know that what you are doing is making a difference to those guys and girls!! Thanks again and God Bless!

Kathy – The Woodlands, TX

Just wanted to share something that happened to Scott when he left Colorado Springs Thursday to start his journey back to Iraq. Amber as well as the families of 6 other soldiers taking the same flight were allowed to go to the gate to see their men off……lots of tears and hugs going on in front of the other passengers waiting to board……After the men were seated in coach and the plane was getting ready to leave the gate, the flight attendant went back and told the boys to get up …. that they were bumped up to first class…….seven first class passengers gave up their seats and made their way back to coach so our boys could fly up front…….(I am tearing now)…. Scott called and was excited because he had never flown first class…..Wow……what a renewal of faith in our fellow countrymen !!! Thought you would enjoy this story……

Donna, Montgomery TX

What a great idea. I know when I was in Viet Nam and other locations around the world, it was great when we got packages from home…

Don Riley – Waco, TX

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the Cookies. My self and the Soldiers and Sailors I work with loved them. Thank you for your support, > thoughts and prayers. > > Paul Montanye > Chief Petty Officer > United States Navy >.

Paul Montanye

Received 12/20/06 …I got your box today. The guys loved it. We do not wait till Christmas to open anything. I will send you some pictures of it. Whenever the mail comes they light up… Thanks very much- P.S. Even the health nut that does not eat sweets ate those cookies.

James Giddens

We received another box of hugs today from you. Once again, thank you. We sent most of them over to the interpreters’ tent so that they could get a little taste of one of America’s traditions…

Paul Burks

WOW! That banner is something… That is really neat to actually recieve something like that! Thanks again – also for Thanksgiving Breakfast HUGS – HMMM! HMMM! GOOD!

Eric

Mrs. Summers,We received a box of ‘hugs’ yesterday…..you are too good to us over here, and, once again, we thank you. Your generosity and consideration is greatly appreciated by us soldiers over here. When I passed out the ‘goods’ yesterday, everybody’s mood seemed to change. It is funny how cookies can brighten the day of a bunch of grown men…….but they do. By the way, thanks for including our team photos in the email you sent out.

Paul Burks

Marlene I could never thank you enough for what you did for my son Kraig and his fellow soldiers.I remember him telling me about you and your cookies.Chocolate Chip Cookies were his favorite.I hope you know how much it meant to him…Love Kraigs Mom

Connie Foyteck

I was a friend to Kraig Foyteck and will miss him. God Bless all the fine men and women who serve. Thank you!

Barb Giannelli

Hugs From Grammy is deeply saddened by the loss of a special young soldier who touched the lives of many. Kraig Foyteck shared numerous pictures and correspondence over the last several months during his deployment to Iraq. He called our “Chocolate Chip Hugs” The Breakfast of Champions. Please read the following article from the Chicago Tribune about one of our brave young heroes, and send a prayer for his family and the soldiers he leaves behind.Thank You, Marlene

RIP Kraig

Hey Marlene,I just wanted to let you know that we recieved two boxes of the delicious breakfast yesterday. The guys were very happy. It just happened to be our day off so it worked out great.Thanks a lot for everything

Kraig Foyteck

Thank you so much for the hugs, When I put them out you should have seen all the smiling faces and then watched them disappear. My nephew has arrived and has been in country up north from Balad. I would appreciate if you coud send him some hugs. I have to put some banana milk on ice so it is ready tonight when I enjoy some more hugs. Thanks again.

Eric Deravin

You probably could get one more package to us and I know we would all appreciate it. It seems the mail has been running a bit faster than it did……The other night we lost a truck to a roadside bomb, luckily no one was hurt. Close call but, these strykers take a beating..The end is in sight, I am trying to get vacation to go to Chicago in Jan. I would like to be home for Christmas and I am trying really hard… If I can swing it — it will be a surprise for my grandparents and my mom. That would be pretty cool.Well all for now.

LTJG Jeffrey Bari

Anonymous

Thank you so much for all you do for our Soldiers. It’s folks like you that keep us all uplifted and inspired and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You make a difference. I am thankful, and I know our Soldiers are.

Josh will be leaving Iraq Nov. 15 after his year, and will be home probably Nov. 18th. We are praying him home as we know none of them are safe until they get here, having just received incoming mortar attacks on their battalion at Camp Taji. Thank God Josh was not injured. It’s a reminder though, that they aren’t safe until they are on American soil. I will email him to expect one last Hugs from Grammy, and will cherish your love and support for always, Marlene.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cissi

October 15 2006

This project is in honor of the soldier who sent the following note: I am so proud of him. Please keep him in your prayers.

Thanks, Marlene have finally accomplished my lifelong dream. I got accepted to become an army RANGER and to go through the hardest training in the armed forces and also to go through air assault school. I will be leaving Oct 21. It will be all together about 15 weeks. and it doesn’t stop there. Upon returning I will be going through the fire academy to become a firefighter. God has blessed me in so many ways through these past few months. I hope you and the family are doing great as always and that the cookie project all the soliders appreciate so much has hit its mark. Once again you have no idea how many lives you have touched through this project. I know because I was one. Some of the guys still say to me ‘ you remember the cookie lady from iraq? Man those sure were some great cookies’August 30, 2006

Michael Johnson

Kraig Foyteck

October 10, 2006

Dear ma’am

I would just like to thank you for your continued support for us during Operation Enduring Freedom. Max always comes by the office and shares these delicious cookies with the Military Forces here at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan…Again just wanting to write to you all and say thanks Keep up the GREAT Work and stay safe…Send more cookies

James “JJ” Jordan

Miss Summers,

Thanks again for the hundreds of cookies that you have sent my way!!! They are much appreciated and I know that everyone enjoys them….Its starting to get a little cold out here now and I have a bad feeling that winter is on the way! Last year was pretty miserable and I don’t think that there is going to be much of a change this year…. Anyways, thanks again for everything…

Max Meyer

Well, we received another shipment of your delicious cookies a couple of days ago here in Ramadi. Thank you! Your support and generosity really uplift spirits around here and I can’t thank you enough. I am attaching some team photos so you will know what we look like. The second one has one late arrival to our team as well as our 4 interpreters. Anyway, thanks again and God bless you.

Ramadi, Iraq

Paul Burks

October 2, 2006

Marlene,I have received your packages today. Thank you soooooooo muchhhhhhhh! Everyone loves them here…………….Once again thank you, and God Bless your soul for it is apparent that he has blessed your heart.

Hector B. Reyes, LT / USN

Hi Marlene——–just a note to let you know he received the last 6 boxes of cookies you sent. He took 3 of the boxes over to his Regimental Combat Team. He said in an email: “Mom, no offense, but those are the best cookies I’ve ever eaten!” Let me say—-that is a huge compliment!… Thank you for putting a smile on the faces of so many of our troops!…

Love and God bless

Ann Essary

Dear Marlene, I have had the privilege to taste your cookies at the Al Faw palace and let me say that there is nothing in this side of the world that can touch them. I would be delighted if you can send some to my troops in Iraq. Your cookies are a big morale booster. Thank you for all your efforts and thank your staff on my behalf.

LT Hector B. Reyes

Hoorayyy– that was good timing, especially since they are about to go out on that mission! Cookie power! Thank you Marlene!

Carol

Wes has the cookies. It took a little longer, Marlene. Soon after you mailed them, HE was moved – but he is one happy guy now. Carol just got an email from me about 5 minutes ago asking for prayer. These men are going out tomorrow (9/11!!!) and have been forewarned it’s dangerous. Please keep these young men in your prayers. Thanks a million and thank you for contributing to the joy of the troops!

Virginia

Thank you and your team for all your efforts. It has started to cool down finally.

Anonymous

Marlene,

The cookies arrived safely and I have to 2 boxes in reserve, because they just consumed and inhaled them. The banana milk was cold so the cookies were even better. Thank you again. Attached are pictures of me

and part of my team in Duhok, Iraq. Take care.

Eric

Thank you for the boxes of choc chip cookies. They are very good. We really appreciate the support. Cookies make a great morale booster. As an advisor to the Iraqi Army we shared with our Iraqi brothers. They too are very appreciative. Thank you again.

Tom

The other 3 boxes did get here and of course everyone eats them for breakfast before we get on the truck. The joke around here is “Got Milk”? lol The guys are pretty creative when it comes to the cookies.. They talk about how it would be good with ice cream on it and stuff… They are just dreaming at the moment.

Kraig Foyteck

Your friends in Ramadi, Iraq recieved your generous shipment of 6 boxes of cookies yesterday. I am on an US Army advisor team that lives and works with the Iraqi soldiers. Your treats have brightened our day here. I also shared them with some of the Iraqis, all of whom were very happy to have them. Bless you for being so supportive and thoughtful. Just know that you are making a difference in the lives of us soldiers who are here so far from home and friends and family.

Paul

You are providing a touch of home for our troops, and I know how much that means to them and their morale. There’s nothing better than a good chocolate chip cookie from home, except coming home!…

Jerry Holmes

Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Adjunct Professor, College of Engineering

University of Oklahoma

Thank you. I know some hungry soldiers that will be looking forward to some great tasting cookies.

Anonymous

I promise to let you know when the cookies arrive. I plan to have some cold banana milk standing by and enjoy myself. Take care and THANK YOU for all that you and your team do.

Anonymous

Marlene, The cookies made the trip through the Army postal system fine. I wish I could say the same about some of the packages my wife has sent me. They were very moist as if they just came out of the oven today.We are actually deployed in a remote location from our battalion. Our Forward Operating Base has about 150-175 people on it at any given time.If you can, we would love some more cookies

Anonymous

Marlene, Hello, my name is David. Today, we received a package with some of your chocolate chip cookies in it. It was a welcome sight. While the Army tries it’s best, we only have about three varieties of cookies here on our FOB. And chocolate chip is not one of them.Thank you again for your support to us.

Anonymous

I gave out some of the cookies to another platoon since some of my guys are on leave. I think you may get an email because they enjoyed them very much. I haven’t slept in almost 3 days. We have been extremely busy and going on missions back to back with maybe a couple hours in between. So I am going to get some sleep at the moment.

Thanks again for everything

Anonymous

I am writing you to let you know I received two boxes of cookies today. The cookies are great, even after making it all the way to Iraq. They were all moist and in one piece. Thank you very much for the time and effort of sending us these cookies.

Anonymous

August 25, 2006

Marlene, I wanted to send you a picture of my son. He loved the cookies, and he is most appreciative of your efforts to brighten the holidays for his squadron. > > Thank you so much for all you have done for us and the Navy.

Janice and Ron Lange

Hi Grammy's,

Well they arrived safely and to my surprise none of them were broken. Needless to say they were scarfed up quickly. Unfortunately there was no ice-cream, but there was banana milk which is very good cold and went great with your heavenly cookies. So thank you very much for all you do and know that we are singing the praises of YOU and your COOKIES.

Eric Deravin

We the soldiers of 1st Battalion, 502 Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) would like to express to you our sincere thanks and gratitude for your thoughtfulness and kindness. Your support means the world to our soldiers and Marlene trust these incredible soldiers are the best America has. We are over 1089 strong just in my Battalion, and over 4500 strong in our 2d Brigade Combat Team so your cookies are bringing many smiles to many soldiers Marlene.May God Bless you and again thanks so much for your incredible thoughtfulness and kindness.

LTC Tom Kunk

I am still on hold as far as transports are concerned. I will contact my counterpart in the 1st Cavalry Division to see if they may have something available. Keep up the great work, I have not forgotten you.Thank you for everything that you are doing for our soldiers!!!!

SFC Jeffery Davis

Thought I would give you an update.

I am in Baghdad as I am sure you already knew. We are supposed to be here a couple of months which will bring us to around 16 months in Iraq…It is very hot here – then again it is summer, well the hottest part of summer here. I was wondering if I could get you to send some hugs out here. I would say wait a couple of weeks and send them if you can. We currently do a lot of traveling and the mail hasn’t caught up yet. We have 35 people in our platoon now. Yep, were getting bigger.. And it has been pretty hot and with 70 lbs of extra gear it gets hot fast..

Kraig Foyteck

I told the guys that I contacted you and they are pretty happy about that.. lol

Anonymous

August 18, 2006

Well the move has finally been made I am being sent down to Baghdad. It is 5 degrees hotter down there so the average temp will be hitting 120-125 on the good days. On the plus side Sept is almost here so by the middle of Sept the temp will start going down. I hope everyone is well and having a good summer with the sun and fun – BBQ’s and all the rest that makes life worth living. Take care, My best to all.

Eric

Keep up the good work! Our Soldiers appreciate you and the cookies so much. Thanks for all you are doing for so many. God bless. San Antonio, TX

Cissi Glendening

I am e-mailing on behalf of the navigation department onboard the USS > Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). We all want you to know that we are very grateful for the cookies. They were delicious. We haven’t had cookies that good in > literally months. We appreciate the cookies and it definitely brightened our day. Once again just thank you so much and God bless you.

YN3(SW) Saenz, Samuel

July 19, 2006

Dear Ms. Summers, I am back safely in the US. I want to thank you for the cookies you sent throughout VMAQ-2s deployment. They were enjoyed and appreciated by all… Take care, John

Loftin Capt John K

I say a quick thank you to God every time I see an update on what you are accomplishing for our servicemen. It is incredible.

Jackie Barker

Marlene,

Keep up the good work for our soldiers!

Love,

Your big sis

Sherry McNeil

Ma am, I am ready to do whatever is necessary to make sure that your kind gesture to our soldiers becomes reality…

SFC Davis

Ma am, It is I who must thank you and yours for continuing to support us. We who wear the uniform are infinitely proud of what we do and who we represent.

CSM Ciotola

Please check out the website at the end of this message for some incredible videos of our American Heroes. “George”

Elaine Clegg

June 10, 2006

Dear Marlene,

Thank you for your kind note. We are just trying to show how much we appreciate all those who have and are now going in harms way to keep us safe and free.We get many emails from the “sand box” and I can tell you that what you are doing is greatly appreciated. They love and live for the good things sent to them. It is a contact with home, love and sanity.Good Luck with your project.God Bless you and keep up the good workwww.gcsdistributing.com

Elaine Clegg

A Big Thumbs up for what you’re doing.

Anonymous

Pasadena, TX

May God Bless you all!

Juliet

Galveston, TX

LTC Kunk,

I wanted to forward information concerning the shipment of over

15,000 “Hugs/Cookies” we are trying to send to you and your troops. The following e-mail might help update you on our progress and the status of their journey to you. Col. Cluck has been in contact with you previously and I trust will be in contact again in the future. He has done so much to help many worthwhile projects in support of our troops and it was a blessing to us that he joined our effort. I continue to tell him there are Angels among us and he is one. I work among Angels who want to help, and I know you work among Heroes who are making a difference. We are all so grateful and appreciate your courage, sacrifice, and your service. I hope these “Hugs/Cookies” will remind each of you that our knees are bent in prayer that you will return home safely to those who love and miss you.

With much gratitude,

From Marlene Summers

Thank you for sending my company the box of cookies. I got a package of the cookies and ate them. I ate all three! They are really good. Is there any way to purchase your cookies? We all appreciate them. Thank You!!!!

Anonymous

COL Cluck, Sir, the cookies have arrived in Iraq. I just received an email from LTC Kunk this morning saying that the BN has received some of the cookies. Thanks for everything and I am sure the soldiers in Iraq are truly enjoying the cookies and greatly appreciate everything…

Anonymous

(Col. Cluck is one of “Grammy’s Silent Heroes” volunteering his time & effort for this project)> COL Cluck, > Sir, the weather here is cold but the road conditions are good. > Just let me > know when you expect the truck to arrive. I will make all > coordination with > Gate 7 to get the truck onto post. I know you said the cookies are > stored at > Sam’s Warehouse. I was planning to store them in my Battalion HQ > until they > fly. The next flight leaves o/a 2 March. Do you think the cookies > will be here before then?

We can’t thank you enough…

Anonymous

Hopefully your email will work.. I will write more when I get a chance, I am recovering from 13 hours of missions yesterday and no sleep. Talk to you soon.

Even though everyone does not respond when they receive a hug I can assure you that they appreciate each and every bite and the message that accompanies them.

Anonymous

Hi Grammy, My fingers are crossed. I keep my first note from the hugs safe with my bible.

Anonymous

For the record at 4pm it is 120 degrees in the shade if you can find some. Take care and continue the great job it means a lot.

Anonymous

May 31, 2006

Marlene, Your unwavering support and kindness is deeply appreciated. Your cookie convoy has lifted the spirits of so many of our Warriors and lets them know just how much wonderful Americans like you support our soldiers. Thanks again and God Bless.

LTC Kunk

Dear George (Marlene) – love your website, and the mission you have with the cookies is just GREAT – what a wonderful thing to do for our Service men. We think you are doing a great job – so proud to know you and have you as a friend – and also we are a good friend of your dad (who lives in Pauls Valley). We are sending a small donation by mail. Keep up the good work.

Glen & Betty Murray

Pauls Valley, OK

Today 04-Feb-06 we received the other 5 boxes but, I cannot send the email today. I figured I would type it and send it after the “commo blackout”. We have commo blackouts when unexpected things happen, it the military’s way of keeping things quiet. All the boxes were in good condition and the cookies still soft, absolutely amazing. Everyone is very grateful for what you have done, it makes a difference. It’s nice to feel appreciated for what we go through. People don’t understand what it is like to be cut off from the outside world and be thousands of miles away from friends and family. Unfortunately I do not know specific names or address for other units out here but, a local USO office or a VFW could probably help. Even a recruiter might have a contact name. Atlanta airport has one of the largest USO offices and we all have to pass through there. That would be a good place to start. Thanks again for everything. Enclosed are more pictures. I will be sure and take some more as well.

SPC Foyteck, Kraig

Marlene, Thanks for the cookies. They were great and barely lasted a day. As soon as I got them I put them out and they were sucked up like a tornadoe.Thank you again for your support.Take Care,David

SSG David Jenkins

This e-mail came from the young man who sent all the pictures of the soldiers with the cookies. This is Debbie’s nephew. Goodness, I wish it were different for him and his fellow soldiers. All the more reason for me to get busy sending as many hugs as possible to these young hero's. Thank you again for sharing your Sunday afternoon helping us send hugs to these brave soldiers.

Marlene*******It looks like you have a pretty large operation there. The pictures are great, everyone looks so happy. People here just can’t be happy. When you try to relax something happens, when you get a day off you are on call and something happens, when you are sleeping someone wakes you up, and when you think you are safe someone gets hurt. When you are here you have to be on your toes or bad things happen really quick.Thank you again for everything you have done for us, it makes a difference.

Anonymous

Today I received one box of cookies and already started handing them out. I swear I think they look for your name on the box when the mail comes in. It’s pretty funny.

SPC Foyteck, Kraig

Ms. Summers, On behalf of Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron Two I would like to send my squadron’s thanks for the delicious cookies we received on March 2nd. They have been spread out and are being enjoyed by all the hard working Marines and Sailors. It is wonderful to have the support of the American public and we are grateful for the time you spend that brings smiles to our faces. Thank you again and we appreciate your hard work and thoughtfulness.Sincerely,Captain John Loftin, USMC

Captain John Loftin, USMC

Dear Grammy,

I just had one of your giant cookies, while waiting in the air terminal in Taji, Iraq and all I can say is THANK YOU for sending them and that they are” HMM HMM HMM, FINGER LICKING GOOD. Again thanks for thinking of us.

LTC Eric H. Deravin 111

April 5, 2006

Thousands and I mean thousands of soldiers are enjoying the Chocolate Chip Cookies. We can’t thank you enough.

T Kunk

February 9, 2006

Great project. What a wonderful way to thank those that sacrifice. Thank you!Emery / KB9IBW www.armad.net Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

Emery / KB9IBW