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SFC Trayton Crow and Team.

"My name is CPT Eric Wigley, and I am the commander for the 511th Military Police Company. My unit is currently deployed to Iraq...Al Kut, specifically. I do, however, have a platoon located further south. I was visiting them recently, and their platoon sergeant, Sergeant First Class Trayton Crow, had just received a few boxes from your organization. He told me about the program and was thrilled to see the beanie babies come in. He was ecstatic. You wouldn't believe the ear-to-ear grin on his face. The most senior individual in this platoon of over 40 Soldiers was the youngest in spirit, if only for a moment. As the Soldiers stopped by the operations center, for various reasons, they were joyous to find the pile of animals staring at them. We work with the local police, and "community policing" is a concept that we are working diligently to pass on. There are many people fighting across the country, but the policeman is someone that children should learn to run towards during crisis situations. There are various situations that put us out in the cities with the Iraqi Police interacting with the children, whether in parks, near their schools, while putting on medical clinics at stations, or just walking the streets. These beanies are a great way to communicate affection and begin to build trust. Thank you so much for your efforts, as they have made a huge contribution. Not only does it bring a smile to the face of a child, it warms the hearts of my Soldiers and the Iraqi Police as they create that smile. Thank you for the support that you have provided this platoon, but I do have a request. Is there any way that we could receive a few boxes for the two platoons that I have with me in Al Kut? It's a great idea, and I would love to be able to do for the kids in the cities around us that my other platoon does down south. If this is possible, please let me know! We have more than 80 Soldiers that go out on mission daily, operating primarily in two cities and various villages. Again, thank you for the support that you've provided to my Soldiers, and I think that your program is wonderful."

Respectfully,

Eric Wigley
CPT, MP


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I would like to begin by saying thanks for all the support form Beanies for Baghdad and I received your letter today. I must say you and your team has been a blessing to so many children here in Iraq. When our Unit (1st Division National Police Transition Team) first came up with the idea to give out toys we didn’t know where to start. I mean a team of 22 guys trying to get toys for children seem almost impossible to do.

We had plans to give toys out for Christmas, and it turned out to be a success. We gave over 1000 toys and beanies to homeless and low income family. The Christmas Toy Operation only turned out great because of Beanies for Baghdad where 75% of the toys came from.

Some of the people I can remember is a the Wood makers in FL. One owner sent three boxes of wooden toys which were very nice. A few of the soldiers wanted to keep them , but I said "these are for the kids, put them back in the box”. I’m sure the wood worker spent a lot of time building them. Also a company owner sent a box of soccer balls. Its was a box of 10 ball, which was given out by the Iraqi Commander. Since Christmas the commander decided to gives toys out while on missions in bad areas. Sometimes me and the other guy are asking " why are we doing this here when schools are safer. According to the intelligence officer who never goes out on missions with us its a great way to make bad people leave a area. He keeps saying by us showing that we care for the children by giving out books and toys. Good people will turn on the bad people and report them to U.S. Forces.

Again Thanks,

SFC David Maddox
1 Division National Police Transition Team
FOB UNION III BAGHDAD


SFC David Maddox with the children.

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Donna,

Thanks so much for the BB Program!! I cannot begin to describe the joy
on the faces on the orphans that visited our base yesterday. They loved
the cute little beanie babies and were especially excited with the
variety of choices. One little boy in particular chose a little kitten
and did not put it down the entire visit.


V/r
COL Jenny Merkle

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Donna,

Attached is a picture of the local Afghan National Army (ANA) Commander receiving many Beanie Baby boxes from me. He is the gentleman on the right. His "XO" is on the left. Gen Mohaiden takes these boxes to the local villages to give to the kids there. It earns him "cred", develops relationships, and helps earn hearts and mind/develop good will.

This also puts an "Afghan face" to reaching out to the embattled villagers. In a week's time, this particular bunch of beanies are going to the town of Gereshk.

You have no idea that in your way, you are us in our efforts to win the Global War on Terror and the Afghan War. Your work goes directly to villagers here and is essential in our counter insurgency efforts, believe it or not!

Some of these beanie babies are from the lady that did not have a return address on the box. You might be able to discern those in the picture on the bottom right.


The General wants me to tell you thanks as well, and if you wouldn't mind, please send more (SMILE).

Thanks for all you do for us!

FIL "FILVIS" RECHNITZER,
US Air Force MSgt (Ret)
MPRI ANA Mentor
Helmand Province,
Afghanistan


General Mohaiden - Afghanistan
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Donna,

Thank you for all you do for everyone involved with your program. Words
can't express how many lives are touched by your program and the people
who volunteer to be part of the giving. The sacrifices you all make are
truly felt at the recipient end- I can testify to that account!

v/r
Lorain


Lorain Land
CBRNE Analyst
MNFI-CJ2 CIOC/A&P



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We were able to visit an Orphanage here in the Karada district of Baghdad. The children have either lost parents their parents to the war or have been abandoned by families unable to care for them under the current conditions. The orphanage houses and cares for the children to the best of their ability, but the kids remain very much isolated from the larger population of Baghdad. The orphanage was discovered by Brigadier General Najim, National Police Antiquities Guards Commanding General, and MAJ Tom Yaroch who have now all but adopted the orphanage and its kids. Without your support we would have had little to offer the children, and we are thankful that we were able to share some time with kids who very much appreciated the attention and affection.

Again, thank you for your support, we greatly appreciate it.

MAJ Eric E Greek
HQ National Police Transition Team
Iraq Assistance Group, MNC-I



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I must say that I was totally amazed at the response from the people in your group. I have received probably between 60 and 75 boxes!! I have most of the names of people who have sent boxes, I didn't realize there were so many beanie babies out there! I gave several boxes to the group of local guys that worked for me to take home to their kids and the kids in their villages. I have also given boxes to many of the different groups of guys going out to pass out on their missions, they are only able to toss them out of the vehicles to the kids along the roads. I took several boxes to the Egyptian hospital and passed to the kids and families there, it was good in a lot of ways but it wasn't very organized, they get so excited about getting things that they start just crowding around and grabbing before you can pass them out.
I have to tell you about the one little girl there; she was probably about 10 yrs old. She was inside the hospital, I believe with someone in her family. Unlike everyone else who was grabbing for themselves, she would wait for me to hand her something and then she would take it to one of the kids in the beds, she was so sweet. It was amazing to see her devotion to others where most just look out for themselves.

Please let everyone know how much I appreciate their dedication to helping others, I never expected the out-pouring of support that I saw. I know that the ones who received stuff really appreciated them, my group of guys were amazed and said they had not seen so much stuff donated since the Americans have been here.

Again, Mrs. Donna, thank you for all that you do. May God Bless you and everyone in your organization. I truly believe that the way to prevent wars tomorrow is to win over the kids today. I pray that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care and God Bless!!



Thanks,

SFC Jesse Boyd
101st Joint Logistics Command
Fleet Manager; Ground Maintenance
BAF, Afghanistan

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Reserve Marines encourage community policing
by Capt. Paul Greenberg
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq— Reserve Marines based here teamed up with Iraqi Police Nov. 21 to visit Ma’an Primary School in Rutbah, Iraq, to provide a venue for the police officers to begin mentoring children at one of the town’s poorest schools and to get an idea of conditions for the students there.

The Marines from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 brought more than 300 stuffed animals for the police officers and school officials to distribute to the students.

The stuffed animals were sent to the Marines by private citizens from all over America who made their donations through Beanies for Baghdad, a 501(c) non-profit organization under the umbrella of America Supports You.

Some of the stuffed animals were mailed by Webelos Pack #1968 in Fairfax, Va. Others were sent by Ross Williamson, a high school senior in Bolton, Conn., who explained in his letter that he is collecting and sending 2,000 stuffed animals to U.S. troops all over the world as his senior project.

Before giving out the toys, the Iraqi Police took the opportunity to speak to the children about their partnership with Coalition forces and their commitment to the people of their community.

“Coalition forces are working in conjunction with the Iraqi Police to ensure the safety of the citizens of Rutbah,” said Ahmed Mohammed Mahmud Sabbar in Arabic, addressing a fourth-grade class. Sabbar, a 21-year-old policeman, is originally from Baghdad and has served on the Rutbah force for the past year.

“American troops are here to assist the Iraqi government in improving the quality of life,” continued Sabbar. “Coalition forces are working with the Rutbah city council to help improve education in Rutbah. Coalition forces will be departing soon, but they want to leave this gesture of goodwill sent by the people of the United States.”

Sabbar and another police officer then passed out the stuffed animals to the children while, with the help of an interpreter, the Marines spoke with the school principal, Hashim Eprahem Awad, 44, a Rutbah native.

“I’m happy that the police are here to speak to the children for the first time,” said Awad, whose brother, a captain in the Iraqi Police, was killed in the line of duty in Ramadi in October. “(The police) are like our families. We know they are helping us to destroy the terrorists so we can sleep comfortable at night.”

After departing the school, the Marines made the hour-long drive back to their base and disembarked their vehicles for a patrol debrief.

Capt. William Steuber, 34, the battalion lines-of-operations manager from Rochester, N.Y., took the opportunity to explain to the Marines, from the battalion leadership’s perspective, the value of the mission they had just completed.

“I know you may be asking yourselves, ‘How can something as simple as a beanie baby make a difference in our mission here?’ Well, I’ll tell you. These young people are the future of Iraq. From their earliest memories, all they have known is war and an American military presence in their city,” said Steuber, who had been meeting with the Rutbah city council leaders to discuss ways to improve the local educational system while the other Marines and police officers were delivering the toys and inspecting the school.

“Most of these kids have never met Americans face-to-face before today. We were the first ones, and we brought them stuffed animals, something they’ve probably never had before. They will remember this, and they will remember you, the positive impression you made today. This isn’t just winning hearts and minds. We’re paving the way for future relations. These kids may be business partners with your kids one day. We’re setting the stage right now for building that future relationship.”

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Let me just start out by saying that I have been receiving so many packages from B4B! The kids are so excited that we have these great stuffed animals to hand out to them!! The Commander personally thanked me for finding your organization, and wanted me to send his thanks your way for being so generous and getting us all of the toys! I 've sent out a bunch of thank you cards already to the amazing people I have gotten boxes from. And just when I think I am done, I get a bunch more packages! But I am definitely not complaining, by any means.
-Travis Cipolla


Thanks for all your support, the beanie babies have been very helpful for not only me and my platoon but for my company in Baghdad. Your support with the Beanie Babies has indirectly helped us secure our area and has helped us in building relations with the people. We didn't know that the magnitude of a kind act, such as giving out beanie babies every mission to the locals, would pay dividends for us. Thanks again!

1LT Settles
Platoon Leader



Kaskel, Russell T USA LTC USAF Commander, PRT Panjshir





My name is Jon Taylor and I am the Command Sergeant Major of ARSIC-C, which stands for Afghanistan Regional Security Integration Command - Central. My unit is made up of about 1,200 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Our mission is to train and mentor the Afghanistan National Army and Afghanistan National Police. My service men and women serve and fight with these brave Afghans every day.

I am finishing up my tour here in September, and everyone always hopes to accomplish something of lasting value during their tour "downrange". Fortunately, I was recently introduced to some wonderful folks who have made that hope a reality for me. Donna Ward, Dorinda Oshier and Terry Fults, along with gentlemen named Pugman helped get me going with Beanies For Baghdad. I met Pugman (Dale) via email as a member of the American Legion Riders, a motorcycle organization I joined before coming to Afghanistan. Thus far, I have received hundreds and hundreds of beanie babies from your folks and more are arriving every day.

We, as Americans, cannot begin to understand the poverty and despair the children of Afghanistan live with every day. So, it is so heartwarming to witness the joy these beanies bring to the children here. It is unfair that you all cannot be present to witness it yourself. It really is an incredible site. The closest I can come to describing this happiness and joy is the look on a small child's face on Christmas morning when they saw the presents under the tree. It is awe inspiring!

On occasion, there is a note or card in one of the boxes and usually it is written in that unique handwriting of a child. I would like to share one such letter that I received from a girl, age unknown, named Jessica from North Carolina. Her letter is not cursive, but printed neatly and precisely. Jessica writes:

"Hi, my name is Jessica. Thank you so much for taking time to hand out my beanies to kids who have nothing. We thank you so much. I'll send more when I have the money to ship them. Thank you for fighting for our country. One more small thing, can you send me some pictures to this address?"

I think we all can learn some valuable lessons from Jessica. Here is a little girl who is spending her own money to send these and then she thanks me three times in her letter! I feel proud to be from the same country as this little girl. She, and others like her, are the heart and soul of the America I know. Thank you Jessica, and thank you to all of you at BeaniesForBaghdad (Secretly I call it Animals for Afghanistan). You folks are all great Americans and our country is fortunate to have you. Keep the home fires burning........ Jon



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I received a box today and signed on to send you a picture. There was your email! Our "shop" is our office. I am the person in charge of the civil affairs team. We deal with the local population and government. We build schools, hospitals and provide food and clothing. The scope of our work is huge. Most of the positive events you have seen in Kirkuk or Tameem we have had a hand in. As far as the toys and clothing goes we distribute it to children when we leave our compound. We also provide it to other units when they deal with the Iraqi's. The children are very appreciative. The Army and the Iraq government are making great strides in our area in the reduction of violence and creating jobs and encouraging businesses. In just a couple of years this area of the country will be very prosperous and peaceful. Thank you for your good work and tell everyone the soldiers appreciate knowing they have the support of folks at home.

CPT Geoffrey H. Dutton
Civil Affairs
Bravo Team Leader

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LTC Julie Hosmer in Kosovo

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CPT Jamie Bazdaric and team
Thank you to all of the people who supported me this last year with the Beanie Babies and other items for my teammates!! A quick last thank you to Cynthia DeRiemer and her Student Council at Riverside Elementary for their motivating letters, Mike Smith, and the Curtain Family for my most recent boxes. My time here is close to an end, but I will have my replacement get his new address to you when he gets here. Never forget what a special gift to a child means and how much the little things like that can bring joy to them. To all the teachers who are showing our children the value of giving I want to give a very special thank you. This assignment has been one that has taught me a lot not only about this country, but about my own and the special people in it who do know that giving always is rewarding and Donna has worked very hard to give us all a program that enables usÖ.so a Very Special Thanks to her!! Take care all.

CPT Jamie Bazdaric



"You can see by the smiles that we did manage to bring a little joy into their lives that day. I will never forget the looks of pure joy on their little faces, and I hope these pictures can convey at least a little the part you played in that. Thanks for sending the toys for these children, as I've told everyone in the Beanies for Baghdad program, you wouldn't believe the bridges we've built, the doors we've opened, and the friends we've made with these simple little gifts.
God Bless, Major Dan Wilson"
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Seasons Greetings,
Thank you so much for the Beanie Babys. I am currently serving in Iraq as a military transition team chief in Hawijah, Iraq (40 miles SW of Kirkuk). I received a box from you about three months ago. It was addressed to MAJ Dan Wilson. I don't know who Dan Wilson is, but I took possession of the box and distributed the toys to the children from the local area. We took some pictures for your enjoyment. Thank you so much for caring. Your generousity is very appreciated.

MAJ Thom Genter
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CSM Haynes and LTC Jim Barker

Dear B4B fans and support network,

I can honestly say that it is good to be back in Iraq. My Soldiers and I definitely feel that we are making a difference in this country.

Your generosity is a critical component to our success. We need to assist the Iraqi people to provide security for themselves and the confidence to meet those needs in our absence...that's our ticket back home. Together, with your help, we can indeed "win the hearts and minds of the people".

The boxes you ship are now arriving consistently at 4-5 per day. We took some time this afternoon to get everything organized for our first "beanie drop" since my return to Iraq.

There is a large orphanage in Dibbis, Iraq that is responsible for over 1000 children. With your generosity, we will ensure that every child there receives a new toy. We have also been blessed with a mountain of pens, pencils, glue, scissors etc. that we will share as well.

On behalf of CSM Haynes, myself and all the Soldiers proudly serving in Iraq....THANK YOU!

Regards,

LTC Jim Barker

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Hi , Merry Christmas!! We are receiving boxes fairly regularly. Thank you for all the hard work. We are getting pictures from the teams but rather slowly. This email address is the civil affairs team mail box. It can be accessed by any of my team and will be transferred to the unit that takes over for us. Feel free to ask questions, we can communicate much of what we are doing. Reassure everyone at home that Iraq is not a lost cause or our actions are in vain. We make small steps everyday and occasionally get big breakthroughs. You may have heard in the news about the Arabs returning to the provincial council and progress in article 140. Schooling in our province is making a lot of headway, so is health care. Our violence rate is dropping steadily. Again ,thanks for all your support materially and spiritually.

Geoff Dutton
Civil Affairs B team leader

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"My name is SPC David Ward and I am Assistant Chaplain at Camp TQ. I want to thank you for the boxes that we have received and to let you know they are greatly appreciated. It means a lot to the troops to know that we are supported and cared about.
May God bless and keep you during these upcoming Holidays."

Sincerely, SPC David Ward

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Major Rick Fulgium and Team.

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Having served my country for over 13 years, I can clearly state, besides becoming a father of three great kids, and serving in the Army of the world's greatest nation. Today was a proud to be an American day. Being at the Iraqi school, and watching the faces of the Iraqi children light up when they recieved their very own Beanie Baby was priceless. It means more to me than any medal the Army could ever present me, I will treasure it forever. Thank you for your generous donation to Major Barker's cause, to bring a little cheer to a people that has been oppressed for so long. Remember, "the world's children are our Future, and change starts at home and heart".

SSG Grady Parris aka "Shady"

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We would like to welcome you to our site and thank everyone who helped make this program so successful over the last 6 years. As we enter into our 7th year, our success depends solely on the many generous people like you working together SENDING TOYS to the Troops stationed overseas. We continue to add new Points of Contacts periodically and our list continues to grow.

Beanies for Baghdad is a bridge between our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, the chidren of Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan and very generous kind hearted people back home who want to do a small part to make the world a better place. Our Network of Points of Contact receive joy in passing out donations to young children who have suffered so much and have so little happiness in their life. Many of the children live in extreme poverty. Your support is very much appreciated and the requests from the troops remains strong.

LTC James Barker founder and president of B4B and Iraqi girl - Sara.

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Please email us at info@beaniesforbaghdad.com for the current mailing addresses of our Points of Contact who will ensure your donations get to the kids who need your support the most. To date, Beanies for Baghdad has received and distributed over 1 MILLION TOYS and tons of school supplies to the children of War Torn Iraq, Afghanistan and now Kosovo!!!

Due to changes in Deployments we ask that you always contact us before mailing each time to ensure addresses are always up to date.

PLEASE include your email address in all correspondence in mailing to the Troops or Indiana address.
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Happy 6th Birthday Beanies for Baghdad

Join in our celebration by making a donation to help off set the ever increasing shipping costs. A 12.00 donation will send a military box to one of our many Points of Contacts. Just click on the link below and designate where you want your donation to go and it will be used as you wish in your name. Thank you in advance for your help.

We invite you to visit our FORUMS and register for membership, read all the news and post your comments and questions. Our Forums go back to 2003 when Beanies for Baghdad was started.

Check out:

May 4th, 2003 - the beginning
Troop Updates
Troop Appreciation
Articles - Stories
Questions

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A recipient from SFC David Maddox and his 1st Division National Police Transition Team.

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CPT Michael Hodgin distributes beanies and shares how they are a great Morale boost for the soldiers and a great way to greet the kids.
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Thank you for our beanie babies and school supplies.

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Our Fallen Heroes We Shall Never Forget.

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Beanies for Baghdad is a registered public charity and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the 501 (c) (3) laws.
All donations are used exclusively for the benefit of Beanies for Baghdad. No one receives any salaries.