Mr. Aiello,

                I have been in the military for 6 years and a MWD Handler for just over a year.  Myself and Leica are stationed at Lackland AFB, Tx.   When I open your package I would never think that I would get something like that from someone that I have never met.  I want to say thank you for the Humidor and the cigars.  Being K-9 we really don’t get seen as much as most people would think.  You and your organization have made me realize how much more there is behind being an MWD handler.  I will take some pictures of my dog utilizing the equipment that U.S War Dogs has sent.     Once again I say thank you,  your organization has made this tour in Baghdad so much better.  

SrA Oakes

Dear War dogs,

Elmo and Myself would like to thank you for the care packages. He loved the toys and treats, I attached a pic of us for you all

V/R

Robert J. Weddle

Ron

Got the package today please thank everyone who had a hand in helping

us. All of the things you sent will really make a difference here.

Thanks

MA1 Sheek

Ron,

     Thanks so much!  I will treasure these books.  I will be mailing you something back…….

R/
Chief Beth Koehler

Thank you so much for thinking of us, if there were more Americans like you, this country would not be in such a bad shape, but that is what makes our country great. I will email you when I get them. Thanks again

Zach

Ron,

I would like to thank you for supporting my unit while we are in the sand box. we really would like to thank you for the cigars that really hit the spot. Iwould also like to thank Mrs. Fleming, Mrs. White, the 4H Club, and all of the rest of the people who have sent gifts and letters of encouragement to us and our canine partners. People like you make it worth while to do our job, because you make us feel like what we are doing makes a difference, even though we love itand would do it anyway. I pass on your organizations name to every handler that i meet. i am also incuding some pics of myself and Speed at undiclosed locations. thank you again and my freind and teammates thank you also.

SSG Chris Swan and Speed

Ron,

Thank you very much.  I have recieved your boxes and was very suprized.  I'm usually not a big cigar guy... but I just quite smoking and dipping, and I'm rather enjoying haveing the cigars to pacify any cravings I might have.  I'm sure it doesn't help, but in my mind, if your not injesting, then your not smoking... (Bill Clinton anyone?)  Besides, a couple of the other guys here are big into cigars and are enjoying them right along with me.  From all of us thank you.

Paco (my dog) likes the furminator... thank you again for sending it off.  I've groomed him a couple times with it, and today, he was in the break area sniffing around taking his time.  I pulled the furminator out of my pocket and he came bolting over.  I guess he must like the way it feels or something.  With any other brush, I have to call him over.  Kind of wierd, the way he acts with this thing... but whatever works. 

Well, there young sir, I just wanted to thank you for sending off the boxes and let you know that I recieved them.  Not that I have much to offer, but if there is anything on this end that I can do for you, let me know.

Thank you again,

SSgt Haglund

Ron,

Just got the boxes you sent and I just wanted to say thank you for all the stuff it is exactly what we needed, in fact the guys are playing darts as I type this. All the equipment you sent was perfect the guys where excited to open it and up tit to work. The bite sleeve is great a lot of the dogs a have never been on like that which is good now that we have it we can put some diversity into the training. The cookie's from the cookie brigade where great there was a ton I took some of the extras and gave they to some of the straight leg cops that work with us and they destroyed they. They were definitely a winner amongst ell the guys and gals. I just wanted to say thank you again on behalf of all the handlers and here at the 379th ESFS/K-9. Thank you for all your support an unquestionable loyalty and patriotism. You are a great person and your organization goes beyond the limits to help out all the deployed troops in our military. Thank for what you do and especially for what you did during your time in the Marine Corp. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what you did over there and I am proud to follow in the foot steps of great men like you who set the standards for all K-9 handlers to follow.

Very respectfully

SSgt John Coddington

Will do....Thanks for the boxes, I recieved 5 boxes total from the Church in Hendersonville , NC...not too far from my hometown.  I have something in the mail for you as well, let me know when you get it.

Justin

I just wanted to tell you thanks for the care package, I just returned to Korea from NC last night and went and picked up my package this afternoon.  I have something in the mail for you as well.  Thanks for the note as well.  It's nice to hear from one of the "Old Dogs", I would also like to thank you and your fellow Devil dogs for your service in Vietnam.  You have my utmost respect.  The boys at the kennels get a kick out of the cigars when I bring them in Saturday.

I should be deployed next year after I PCS to Spangdahelm AB, Germany.  Most of our missions will be with the US Army/Marines.  I can't wait to follow in the foot steps of the K9 handlers that went before me.  It is truly and honor to serve this country and I wouldn't trade anything for it.  Again, thank you for your service and the care package.

"Semper Fi"

SSgt Justin Aycock

Ron,
   Just wanted to let you know that I received your package today and so did TSgt Jones.  We are very thank full for the cigars.     I was asked how the other guys could get one of those humidors?  After they seen the kennelmaster's they was like what do we need to get one.  I told them to email you and let you know who they was.  Plus picture.  If you could we have 6 other handlers that would like one if you could send the hook up.  The trainer and 5 handlers.  We still waiting on one more guy inbound.

Thank you in advance.

Robert Starkweather, SSgt, USAF

Ron,

I wanted to let you know that I received your package, and man, I have to tell you, that it was the nicest thing anyone has ever sent me in my many deployments; your generosity is greatly appreciated! Also thanks for the words in your letter, its nice to know there's people out there who cares. Please give our love to all of the men and women of the U.S. War Dogs Association, and the good folks in Burlington New Jersey.

V/r

BENJAMIN JONES, TSgt, USAF

Thank you for everything. I am currently departing the AOR to go home. I have passed on to the other handlers about the packages and they will enjoy them as well as their dogs. Thank you again.

Dear Ron,

I am one of the K-9 Handlers here in Eskan Village, who has recently

received a care package from your wonderful organization. I would just like

to tell you "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart. I can tell that MWD

Britt and myself enjoyed receiving the toys and tricks inside. I could see

that a lot of thought and care went into the making of these packages. I

think want our organization is doing is great especially for looking out for

the welfare of our MWD Teams. Your hard work shows through to keep our

troops motivated. Once again thank you for all the wonderful job you all are

doing. I also have a picture of MWD Britt and myself that I E-mail to you

shortly.

Curl, Jonathan A. SSgt USAF

MWD Handler

Ron,

I just wanted to email you and let you know that I received the care package here in Mosul.  Thank you very much.  I am from NJ and I can't wait to go home and check out the war memorial.

SSG Dayna Sangemino and MWD Lucky

Ron Aiello,

                        I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude for all of the items that the U.S. War Dogs association and it’s members have donated and sent to me over the past three months while I have been deployed. All of the things that have been sent have and will be put to very good use. All of the handlers that I am deployed with are very much appreciative of the packages that you have been sending over here. I will also be writing to the organizations that have donated the items that have been sent. Thank you again for all of your help and your support throughout the operations which dog handlers are supporting.

                                                                                                            Joshua K Bell, SSgt, USAF

JOSHUA K. BELL, SSgt, USAF

MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER

Ron

I got your package today. Thank you guys for sending that. sorry this is short, but I'm at work and limited for time. We are all doing OK over here and looking forward to going home. Halfway through this deployment!!

Matt

SSGT Matthew Taylor

Ron

I was trying to e-mail and let you know that I got the package and everything in it was good. The same package will be good. Thank you so much!!!

Jonathan Walsh

506th ESFS/ K-9

Mr. Aiello

Thanks alot,we all are doing goodt rying to stay cool from this heat. I shared my package with the two ther teams and they thankful for everything...thanks alot.

MA1 Chris Calloway

Dear Ronald L. Aiello

I would like to thank you and Pam Burkett for the recent Care Package that I

received from your wonderful organization. Britt and I have already enjoyed

some of our goodies inside. It defiantly brought a smile to on our faces to

be recipients of such nice stuff. I really appreciate the support your

organization has given to our Military Working Dog Teams stationed around

the globe. It's nice to have supporters like your organization who

understands the care and hard work that goes with K-9 working dogs to

keeping them healthy and trained. I have found as most of us have, what a

great friend and companion a dog can be.  Including the trust you have for

one another in keep each other safe from harm. I'm here with working with

four other Dog Teams from around the world to form our MWD section.  We are

working hard to help support the safety and security of our soldiers and

civilian workers here at Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia. Our Team s here are

SSgt Curl/MWD Britt, SSgt Mansell/MWD Ben, SSgt Gilbert/MWD Kai, SSgt

Eaton/MWD Zero and SSgt Gum/MWD Tucker. If you would like to support them as

much as you have supported me any care packages ( or cards, letters, etc.)

would more than appreciated.

Curl, Jonathan A. SSgt. USAF

MWD Handler

Ron, I gave the 4H lady an email address for one of my guys to adopt a K-9 team. we got the package with all the supplements. They are great. some we can use some we cannot, but our replacements will probably use what we do not. We will hopefully be heading home soon, so I will pass on your email address to my replacement.

Thanks for all you have done for us, Mike

Sytsma, Michael A SSG

Ron,

we got two of the packages that you sent yesterday.  thanks a bunch.  i will let you know when the other 2 get here.

we are almost out of here.  our replacements are on their way to kuwait.  so i am hoping to be out of here in less than 2 weeks.

Dayna

MA1 Dayna Sangemino

Dear Ron,

TSgt Mike Silvin, a USAF K-9 kennelmaster dropped off two boxes of goods that were donated by your organization.  I am a former USAF Kennelmaster as well and am now the director of a private canine company here in Baghdad.  Three fourths of my handlers are prior military working dog handlers.  Our handlers are used by the military to man checkpoints, mobile traffic control points, conduct search and clear missions, and support the new Iraqi government.  We have worked with the 1^st AD, 1^st Cav, V Corp, III Corp,  82^nd Airborne, 5^th SFG and will be working with the 1^st ID shortly.  Anyway, I thought it was awesome that your organization thought of those dog handlers serving over here and just as awesome was the thought by TSgt Silvin to share these “goodies” with his comrades!

Take care and thanks again!

Sincerely,

Bruce D. Goodale

Director, Iraq

Canine Associates International

I recieved your packages today. I can't thank you enough for what you have done. I wish there was something we could send you guys to show our thanks. But unfortunately, we will be here for a bit longer. Once again, thank you. Those packages made being away from home a little more bearable

SSgt Matt Taylor

Mr. Aiello thanks again for all your support and donations. I am due to leave theater in a few days and have a replacement here that will need some support. We have move through out the country to different location and now have a new address

Corvis Littleton, US ARMY

Mr. Aiello,

I should be the one thanking you for all the support that you have giving us.  This is not a popular war and the support from the home front really means a lot to the men and women that are over here.  The dogs love the treats also!!!  We will be leaving here in about a month and I will pass you of to the next rotation of handlers.  I'm sure that they will appreciate you as much as we have.

It was no problem emailing Michelle back.  We all just love the packages and all the goodies that are in them.  Thanks again for all your support of the troops that are here and hopefully we will all be back home soon!

Thanks again

Jeffery T. Eltzroth, SSgt, USAF

Kennelmaster

506 ESFS/K-9

On behalf of the 506^th ESFS/K-9 section in Kirkuk, Iraq; we would like to thank you for your support and the perfect care package that was sent to us. Thank you so much!! Your German Shepherds have the same colors as my 2 year old German shepherd that is over here with me. Her name is Aida and she's a very passive dog. She loves to play and lick everyone, which I can not allow because I need her to be tough also. Here is a pic of me and Aida at the gate. Once again, thanks for everything!

SSgt Walsh

K-9

Thanks Ron.  You’ve done plenty and our four legged friends will definitely enjoy there treats!!  By the way, is this the organization that Jimmy Thornton belongs to?  He was my first kennelmaster at Osan AB, Korea back in ’82.

Take care and thanks again,

Bruce

Hey
  Just wanted to pass on my thanks for the care packages we received!  Took care of all my teams, as well as several American civilian dog handlers (many of which are retired military and handlers).  Your support is vastly appreciated.  Things are well.  Dogs are hanging in there, enjoying the heat (not!).  But the dogs do love to work.  They are very much appreciated here by the soldiers, marines, and airmen.  We cannot thank you enough for your concern and care.  Reminds us that no matter what we do, where ever we are, we are from a great country with some outstanding folks.  Take care.

I have included a photo of some of us out Saddam's old digs, now home to the US Army.  We can't wait until we sign over the keys back to the Iraqis.  But until then, K9 will be there keeping it safe.

MICHAEL J SILVIN, TSgt, USAF
Kennel Master, 447 ESFS Military Working Dog Section

Mr Aiello,

First, I want to thank you for your service before me. It is because of

heroes like yourself that makes it such an honor to wear this uniform I wear.

I want to say how much we appreciate all that your organization is doing for

all of us handlers that are deployed and away from our families. I thank you

for the care package, everything came in great handy. I have attached a

picture of me and my dog Kai, he is a 7 year old belgian malinois explosive

detector dog.

Thanks again and God Bless,

SSgt Terry Gilbert <<Terry and Kai.JPG>>

Ron,

We just recieved the packages and they were great.  Both dogs and handlers are happy!!  We all send a million thanks to you and your organization.  I've attached a picture of everyone here with their MWD and a few of my MWD Roy.  Thanks again!!

There will be more pics to follow.

Morgan and Roy

Thanks again for all the support and care packages. We had a small break in the work load but now it looks like the wheel are in motion again. I had one handler leave for a family emergency and one coming to take his place. I should be leaving in JUL or Aug I will try to pass on the new crews info to you.

Corvis Littleton

Sir,

            I would like to take this time to extend my utmost gratitude for the care packages that I received from the War Dog Association. Everything in the packages will be put to very good use by myself as well as the other handlers who I am serving with. I will also be writing to the generous people who donated items for the packages. I will be sending pictures of the dog teams who are currently serving at my location in the near future. Once again, thank you for all you are doing for handlers such as me and for all of the efforts that you have put forth.

                                                            Very Respectfully,

                                                                                                Joshua K. Bell, SSgt, USAF,

                                                                                                MWD, Zimbal

All,
 My crew is due to head home in the next few days, and I wanted everyone to know we appreciate all the support (and visit from Richard--small world these days).  My relief is listed above and they are good people, so give them a shout from time to time.  No one messed with our post during our watch due to all the great security, K9 included.  Dogs had a blast with the toys and treats, and the handlers greatly appreciated all the food and supplies.  Stay safe and until we are in Iraq again next year, we will hear from you soon.

MICHAEL J SILVIN, TSgt, USAF
Kennel Master, 447 ESFS Military Working Dog Section
DSN 318-453-1012

Ron

  Thanks Ron, we have enjoyed your support beyond words.  We will be out of here in about two to three weeks. I will ask my relief if he wants to get involved with this project.  Been fun here, but it is definitely time for our people to go home.  Deployed way too much in the last year.  I'll get back with you with a POC.

Mike

Ron,

Just wanted to write to let you know I received your package in the mail. In turn I have divided it up into 3 groups and mailed it off to my 3 dogs teams serving over in the area of the giant sand box.

I wanted to thank you for your support to our dog teams today. Although some of the training has change and today we are actually Military Police men/women, the ideas and concepts, love and affection behind working with our faithful partners, is something that will always bind each and every dog handler. From WWII to what ever operation comes in the future, all of us have a common bond.

Thank you again,

P.S. thank you for the book, posters, hats and bandanas

SSG LaLonde, CJ

Kennel Master

Camp Zama, Japan

Hello, I'm SSgt Heidi Reilly and I am returning home from a 6 month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have been a Dog handler for 6 years and this is the third deployment my dog Ceasar C123 and I have went on. I want to take a minute and let you all know that I was able to enjoy some of the wonderful items that you and your members sent to us in a care package, I am touched by all the generousity and I want to say Thank You to everyone, it meant the world to us.

     The War Dogs are our heros, we watch the documentory during our training to become handlers and hope that we carry on your legacy of pride. Thank you.

SSgt Heidi Reilly & Ceasar  

Ron,

     I am rotating back to the states today and I wanted to thank you and your supporters for all the nice things.  Keep up the good work.  I have passed your address on to the next crew.  SrA Fritz should be emailling you in a couple of days.  Also the new Kennel Master is MSgt Ortiz, I don't know if you are familiar with him or not.  Well keep up the good work.

John and Cheeta

Hey Ron, MWD Robby and I wanted to personally thank you for the care package

we received from you r organization.  Please if you can not give out the

people's information who help you then please thank them for us.  It means a

lot when you are away from friends and family and you receive items from

people who don't even know you.  Keep up the good work and I will be looking

forward hearing from your org in the future.

Thanks,

Brian Wilson / Robby

506 ESFS / K-9

 Ron,

I am currently TDY here with SSgt Ater.  I just wanted to say thank you for

all the support you have given us since we have been here.  I am just glad

we could do our part in finally getting Fluffy back to the states.  I also

sent an e-mail to thank Michelle Smith for her help in getting us those care

packages.  It was a real morale booster.

Thank You and God Bless,

SSgt Chris M. Falvey/MWD Ricky B278

Hello Sir,

I appologize for not staying in contact as much as I wanted.  We are moving things around and consolidating 3 bases into 1.  We have down sized troops to almost the bare minumum, however, those of us still over here must work even harder now.  I will not be back in Hawaii until at least August.  I will be moving to San Antonio TX by the end of the year.  I will be at Lackland AFB, working with all the new dogs coming in from the breeders/vendors.  Few things would make me happier than to train the finest working dogs in the world.  I am honored just to be able to work with them.  Please tell ALL We said Thank You for All the time and effort that is put into making this Memorial happen.  I am proud to have met such fine people.  I plan on making the trip to see it as soon as I can.

Thanks Again for the package.  We were all SO excited when it came.  We are working to put the last of your package together, but we are behind schedule.  I will make sure things are getting done.  I will let you know when it goes out.

God Bless and Best Wishes.......................In Canes Confiderous ( Gaurdians of the Night )

K-9 Doctor

363 EMDG/VET - K-9 Doctor

Ron,

     I just wanted to let you know that everyone recieved their packages and are extremely grateful.  Thanks again for your dedication.

SSgt John W. Ater II/Cheeta/Y167

Ron,

     The packages have started arriving.  Thank You so much.  We are all grateful for your support.  Also, The last we have heard about "Fluffy" is that the Waiver is sitting on Rumfield's desk.  I guess the Army Chief of Staff is pushing to get him home soon.  Thanks again for everything.

SSgt Ater

Sir,

Saw your website and thought I would add to your photo collection.  Tucker

and I are at a classified location in support of  Operations ENDURING

FREEDOM, SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM (Yes, we have been here for

awhile)  My name is SSgt Lisa Holbrook and I my trusty partner is MWD Tucker

Z194, we originally hale from Tyndall Air Force Base.  It is a wonderful

website you have!  Thanks for supporting us!

LISA M. HOLBROOK, SSgt, USAF

384 ESFS/K-9

Ron,

All of here at the 444th ESFS/K9 section would like think you very much for

the care package.  Everyone is getting great pleasure from the goodies.  At

this time we are not allowed to let people now out location, classified.  I

have 4 dog teams, trainer and myself assigned.  This base is starting to

close down and a good chance by the middle of June is will be completed.

All K9 personnel will be moving on to different locations.  We will be

replacing personnel that have been here for months.  We are all looking

forward to going on.  This base here is a great place to be for a temporary

location.  Work schedule is easy, especially on the dogs right now.  Home

stations are: Andrews AFB MD, Offutt AFB NE, Shaw AFB SC, and Dyess AFB TX.

I am the kennel master at Andrews and the trainer is one of my handlers, the

home of AF-1.  We have both been stationed there 7-8 years.  I have 22 1/2

years in the military and I think I have really decided to retire at the end

of the year.  I work part-time as a EDD dog handler for a private company

out of Virginia.  I have been with them for over 3 yrs.  Before 911 we had 2

full-time and me as part-time but now we have at least 13 teams and hiring

more.  We have various sites around the DC area, Atlanta and West Virginia.

The business is Explosive Countermeasures Inc, International (web:

nobombs.net).  My husband retired right before 911 and started working for

this company but he has been hired as one of the K9 trainers for Secret

Service, just waiting for start date.  He like ECI but we figured it would

be better for us to work for different organizations and plus his new job is

government, second 20 yr retirement.

I wanted to drop you this letter and express my thanks.  If you are ever

around the area of Andrews just look me up.  Should be back around there in

Thank you,

  Mary

Hey
  Just wanted to pass on my thanks for the care packages we received!  Took care of all my teams, as well as several American civilian dog handlers (many of which are retired military and handlers).  Your support is vastly appreciated.  Things are well.  Dogs are hanging in there, enjoying the heat (not!).  But the dogs do love to work.  They are very much appreciated here by the soldiers, marines, and airmen.  We cannot thank you enough for your concern and care.  Reminds us that no matter what we do, where ever we are, we are from a great country with some outstanding folks.  Take care.

MICHAEL J SILVIN, TSgt, USAF
Kennel Master, 447 ESFS Military Working Dog Section
DSN 318-453-1012

Mr. Aiello,

 Thank you for the offer. The men here appreciate it.

 Being in Kuwait can bring adverse conditions on the dog teams here, but, the army supplies us with all the items needed.

 Things like Kongs and Bite Worse are items that are hard to get.

 Also, fur saver choke chains.

 But other than that, we are taken care of.

 Let your guys in the association know we thank them for their words of encouragement, and we'll do our best not to let the folks back home down.

 Semper Fi

tony.gravley  ,kuwait

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 6:16 PM

Mr...Aiello,

I let the guys know about your program and it really gave them a lift.  Once again, the Military Working dog program is earning it money. We currently have dog teams in 8 countries supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They are living up to the high standard that was set by are predecessors. They are doing everything from patrolling, EPW,and explosive detection.  Spirits are high and the guys are proud of the Job they are doing.  I can't tell you what this will mean to them, like always the news is exploiting the Anti-war angle, and were glad to hear that there people back in the REAL world that support them.  A good mailing address is :

SFC Bart Knoch

CFLCC-PMO

Camp Doha, Kuwait