In care packages sent to U.S. Marines in Iraq, Clarkston Optimists included greeting cards for Mothers? Day, Fathers? Day, congratulations, thanks, and other occasions.
The Marines knew what to do with the thank-you cards.
‘The Optimists received 25 thank-you cards back from these young men and women from Iraq,? said Curt Carson, Clarkston Area Optimist Club president. ‘It was actually not surprising due to the evident character shown through by each of these young men and women.
‘That was a hoot,? said Robin Brose, vice president elect. ‘We weren’t expecting them to send thank you notes. It was fun. It spurred us on to do more.?
‘It was certainly nice to receive a thank you from these young heroes, but what they had to say, set us back,? Carson said.
Excerpts from the notes include:
? ‘Thank you for the care package. Things from back home really boost morale. It is nice to know we are still supported in our efforts, especially by strangers.? – Corporal Joseph;
? ‘We deeply appreciate the interest and concern you have shown for our well being. We ask that you keep us in prayer, as YOU will be in ours. Thank you for the support and God Bless.? – Lance Corporal Edwin Morales;
? ‘Thank you for taking the time out of your day to send us a few things. It’s nice to know that there are a few people out there that think about us and appreciate and support us. Thank you again, we really appreciate it!? – Sergeant Taylor; and
? ‘Hey, I would like to say thank you for all that you have done for us. Words can’t describe our appreciation or gratitude that we have for you. You all are the true heroes.? – name illegible.
The Optimists sent at least one shipment a month since April to a Marine unit in which Clarkston Optimists John and Jane Cocciolone’s son, First Lieutenant Ryan Cocciolone, is assigned.
Ryan, a 2002 Clarkston High School graduate and former Junior Optimist, is serving his second deployment in Iraq.
‘We’re very proud of him,? Jane said. ‘They’re very appreciative. They love it. It lets them know we’re thinking of them.?
The club will send more packages within the next couple weeks. To donate, call Carson at 248-620-2100.