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Aug. 29, 2010
THANK YOU! Several rough,
tearful hours after sending my husband off on a deployment, I got an
unexpected phone call from him (which he was able to make because of the
cell phones you provided). It made my night to hear his voice and I could
hear the encouragement and enthusiasm in his voice as he told me about
your warm greeting. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God bless!
LeAna Schlener
Aug. 28, 2010
I am a Active Duty Marine that
just returned from Afghanistan and had the please of returning through New
Hampshire. Let me just start by saying thanks. It was the nicest return I
have every had. Very warming and greatly appreciated. My parents were
thrilled as I was to hear of the hospitality ya'll showed us. While I am
talking about my parents they were wondering when the pictures from out
return would be uploaded as they are anxious to maybe see a couple
pictures of me. I came through there Thursday August 26th @ 4 am. Well
thanks again so much and hope yall have a great day.
Mark Stoltenberg
May
13, 2010
In
behalf of 24th Quartermaster Company "Gladiators" we want to
thank each and every one of you who welcomed us on our arrival from
Afghanistan, April 6, 2010. To all the veterans, kids, families, and
friends that took time off from their busy schedules to help make it
happen; to Mrs. Tenley Westbrook who so candidly sang for us the National
Anthem and gave us a copy of her CD.
Right
now we are looking for a double sided frame for the signed sweater that
you gave us, so everyone will be able to see it when they come to the
company building.
I don't have words that can capture how much all that meant to us. We hope
that your efforts will continue to grow in support and have an everlasting
impact on those that have been touched by you.
Best
wishes,
Felipe Posada-Montes
CPT, OD
Commander
24th Quartermaster Company
Fort Lewis, Washington
March
31, 2010
This letter of Thanks is very
late, yet will let you know how much you mean to us and how your greeting
stays on our mind and in our hearts forever! January of 2008 I returned
from a 6 month deployment from Afghanistan and was greeted by The Pease
Greeters. We had been delayed a day and a half and we arrived at around 4
am, yet there were still many, many greeters waiting at the airport. We
were very surprised to have such a warm, loving welcome! I normally don't
shed tears, but I had to fight to hold them back then and even now when I
think about the way it felt getting off that plane. My father and I were
just speaking about yet another deployment I will soon embark on and The
Pease Greeters became the topic of the conversation, then I found this
website and realized I could finally give you the "THANK YOU VERY
MUCH" that you have deserved for all that you do for the military.
Thank you very much,
A. Shunk
Tyndall AFB, Florida
March 28, 2010
This afternoon, my
wife and I stopped at a store in Central New York. The young man who
took care of us commented on my cap and asked me where I had served.
He told us his father was a Marine who had also served in Vietnam and told
me, "Welcome Home". He explained that he was also a Marine
and had served in Iraq. We thanked him for his service. He
then remarked about his return to the US and the welcome received at
Pease.
He said they arrived
about 3 AM and were not expecting the people who turned out to welcome
them home with food, handshakes and hugs. We mentioned that we knew
two of the Greeters, Bud Owens and his wife Bette, and told him that while
they weren't expecting such a greeting, they certainly deserved it and
that's the way it should be.
Obviously, this
experience made such a lasting impression on this young man he willingly
shared it with strangers. Thank you to Bud and Bette Owens and their
faithful group for touching so many service men and women.
Keith Young, Member VSPA
26 March
2010
Dear Ms. Schottler and Pease Greeters,
Imagine
the surprise I had Wednesday afternoon when I opened your parcel! Not only
was your DVD inside but the packet of stars! I
had never heard of giving stars to service personnel. What an absolutely
great idea! I showed them around my office and other instructors started
asking for them to present to their students. It was amazing.
Today was
my last class with the students I've been working with in tactics classes.
They are the same students who worked with some of our British
exchange students that the Pease Greeters were so kind to just two weeks
ago. At the end of our class I showed the YouTube video of the
Pease Greeters welcoming the British Joint Service Staff College students
on their way home from Fort Leavenworth. I wasn't the only one who got
choked-up when we viewed the~ video. At the conclusion of the video I
presented each student one of your Pease Greeter stars. Every one of
these' officers has been deployed at least once, many have been multiple
tours to Iraq or Afghanistan. You could have knocked them over with a
feather. They were sincerely touched by your patriotic gesture. I am
attaching a photo of them with your stars.
I served
during Vietnam as a young soldier. We were required to travel in uniform
when we flew standby as we often did. You know how we were treated. My
first son served eight years in the Navy and recently left the service to
take a job in defense related industry. My second son is in Iraq as an
armor (tanker) soldier. They have been treated completely opposite to the
way I was. I am absolutely delighted. What a great thing that this is. I
cannot express the depth of my gratitude to the Pease Greeters for what
they do to make our young service personnel feel like they are valued and
important. Those young people going through your terminal are our
children. You and the other Greeters are taking care of our kids. We
cannot thank you enough! This is from a parent and a veteran.
Thank you
from the bottom of our hearts for your outstanding patriotism and
generosity. Thank you for loving our service personnel as surrogate
parents and great friends. You have our eternal gratitude!
Sincerely,
Edwin L.
Kennedy, Jr.
Lt. Col. US Army (ret)
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
March 24, 2010
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. All of my
Airmen love their stars and some were asking me how they could get some.
That's when I wrote you the letter. I keep mine in my wallet so it
goes with me wherever I am. I also keep a card of St. Michael,
the Archangel, he supposed to look over us and keep us safe in battle.
I don't have to go outside the wire but there is still an inherent danger
just being in Afghanistan in general.
Thanks again for all you do and all you've done, not only for me but for
all the troops who come through Pease.
May God bless you and your family.
Very Respectfully,
Rob
Robert Wengerter, Afghanistan
March 17, 2010
Dear
JoAnne, Fred and Pease Greeters,
I
received your package today with the CD of Betsy's departure on Feb 23
through Pease. 371 pictures! Amazing. You get a real
sense of what it must be like to be there in person. It is
wonderful what you do for our soldiers, who are our
families.
If
you ever get through West Point Mississippi (probably not likely), or Ft
Benning Georgia (where my husband lives, long story)...... My
husband is President of the Ft Benning Chapter of AUSA, and they have a
group there that sends off troops every Friday.....you may want to meet.
We
are a proud military family, with now four generations of military.
As I said before both my son and daughter are serving currently.
Thank you also for your sympathies extended for my nephew Bill.
Fox news actually did a story on Bill and my Dad (his grandfather)
recently. It can be found here.
As
an ending to this story, the commander of the 75th Rangers (Bill's unit)
saw the story and invited my father to their Ranger Rendezvous at
Benning in August and presented him with a jersey to wear in the
race. He ran the race in Bill's honor wearing the jersey and
finished in 17th place in his age group (70-74).......(17
finished........)
I'd
like to take you up on your offer to send Betsy a CD of the pictures -
her "official" name and address are below.....
Susan
Scott (Please do not include rank)
7 EACCS/JSTARS CREW 5
APO AE 09309
Thanks Again,
Deb Scott
March 17, 2010
I just left the following
comment on your guest page: During the last two weeks we hosted our
British allies in an exchange between our Army staff colleges. We made
some great new friends among some of our most reliable military allies in
the world. I received a very nice email from a fellow instructor on their
staff expressing total "shock and awe" at the greetings that
were rendered to the UK contingent on the way home to Britain. He couldn't
say enough nice things about their courteous, enthusiastic, and
tremendously friendly greeting by the Pease Greeters.
God bless you for doing
this! You've made life-long friends of those British soldiers as they were
treated as our own. Thank you for taking care of our friends and allies!
Father of two servicemen
- U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Life Member VFW and member of American Legion.
Lt. Col (ret) Ed Kennedy
Leavenworth, Kansas
March 17, 2010
Dear Pease Greeters,
I just wanted to say
thank you for the unbelievable reception that you gave us on our way back
to the UK last Saturday. We were not even sure if we would be getting off
the plane, and we certainly did not expect a welcome like the one which
you gave us. I imagine it was clear to see that we were overwhelmed and
touched by the whole experience.
Even more amazing is that
you do this on such a regular basis, and at any time of the night, by all
accounts.
Thank you for your
kindness and generosity. I hope that we soon find and peace and that you
can get some rest!
Kindest regards,
Jeff
Jeff Avenall
Shrivenham, Hants
UK
March 17, 2010
Thank you all so much for
your kind generosity and heart-felt warm welcome as the British Staff
College passed through New Hampshire at the weekend. We were humbled by
your reception and overwhelmed by your kindness and friendship.
Whenever the United States and the United Kingdom stand together we
prevail. As the closest of allies our futures are interwoven with each
other. And with friends such as yourselves, it is an honor and a privilege
to serve alongside the United State's military. Long may it continue.
Please pass on my thanks to all your Greeters. I wish I could thank them
all individually; they are in my prayers and thoughts.
Paul
Col P K Harkness MBE Late SCOTS
United Kingdom Joint Services Command and Staff College
March 17, 2010
To all the Pease
Greeters, both present and supporting, that made the UK troops feel so
welcome last Saturday, a huge and heartfelt thank you. It was a truly
humbling experience.
Dan
SHRIVENHAM, Wilts
UK
March 17, 2010
I just wanted to say how
moved I was when I got the plane in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I am a
yearly visitor to the US, so I know how you treat your military, so it
should not have come as a surprise to me...but it did! I felt as if I were
being welcomed home by members of my family, so was the feeling of warmth
offered by those present. It was a real pity that we couldn't meet all of
them. Please pass on my personal thanks and I wish to salute all those
that have gone before us (your Vets) and set the standard for us to
follow, I only hope we do them proud and live up to their expectation.
Respectfully yours
Andy
A R Ridler, Major
Watchfield, SWINDON
England
March 16, 2010
Dear Capt Johnson,
Having now recovered from
our flight home, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for our
reception on Saturday. To say we were blown away sells it short! It is not
something that happens on such an organized scale at home unless it is one
of our dead soldiers being repatriated. I cannot imagine the positive
effect what you and your people do has on your returning servicemen. I for
one have never been so humbled and consider myself extremely privileged to
have had the chance to experience it. I wish you all the best in your
continued mission. Thank you again and God Bless.
Maj Charlie Harmer, Royal
Artillery
March 16, 2010
Dear Sir,
As a member of the UK
Armed Forces I was fortunate to pass through Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
last Saturday evening. I was completely overwhelmed with the generosity
shown by the Pease Greeters and heartened by the support given by you to
all troop flights lucky enough to stop at your airport. The gifts, drinks
and badges (I met Maggie Mae) were gratefully received but the reception
and your high spirits will remain with me forever. May I wish you all long
lives and the very best of health - always.
Major Martin Casey
Shrivenham, Wiltshire
United Kingdom
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March 16, 2010
I was part of the UK
contingent that stopped in New Hampshire on the way back from exercise in
Fort Leavenworth.
I would just like to
thank you. I was just amazed that there was any kind of reception at all;
it was a complete surprise! I have to admit to being somewhat overwhelmed.
Thank you again.
Yours aye,
Tim Rawlinson
Shrivenham
Wilts, UK
March 16, 2010
I would like to thank you
for your overwhelming warmth and generosity in greeting us on Sat 13 Mar
10. The experience was humbling. The support you showed to us and the
countless other troops who pass through your town was touching and greatly
appreciated. What you do has undoubtedly helped lift the spirits of those
who serve and just knowing there are people like you, supporting troops
around the world, is a great comfort. Once again my sincere thanks to you
all for the amazing work you are doing it is something I will always
remember.
Chris Dixon
Bristol
Avon, UK
March 16, 2010
I just wanted to say
thank you for the reception that you gave all of us transiting Brits. It
was entirely unexpected and the experience and good will really touched
all our hearts. we really appreciated the effort and the commitment that
the town showed us. Please keep up the good work.
Jeremy Hay
Major
UK staff college
swindon
wiltshire, UK
March 16, 2010
Dear Pease Greeters,
Thank you so much for your wonderful reception on Sat 13 Mar. It was a
complete surprise and I know we were all stunned and humbled by the
experience.
'm looking forward to
seeing my 4 year old nephew's face when he sees his new dinosaur teddy
bear and all the Easter chocolates (if I have managed not to eat them!!).
I will never forget your
kindness and generosity and will treasure the memory forever. I hope to
see you again one day.
Love and regards
Gillian Shaw
Major
Defense Academy
Shrivenham
Crew pictures from 3/13/2010
Dear
Fred and Joanne
Thank
you so very much for the rapid response to my request for the pictures
- half of which I have received, but due to technical difficulties, I
have yet to get the rest. I will try again later.
Did
the troops like the hats? They most certainly did! So much so, that a
couple of them even asked for a second. Luckily, as you very
generously gave us more than we needed, we were able to accommodate
them.
I
have to say, I was standing at the door when the troops re-boarded the
aircraft, and without exception practically everyone mentioned how
touched, moved, and emotional they found the reception that everyone at
Pease gave them. And that goes for the crew too! We couldn't stop
talking about it. I have been flying for 25 years and I can say in all
honesty I have NEVER had a reception CLOSE to the wonderful one everyone
gave us. I personally was struggling to keep my composure, and was
worried I may embarrass myself by shedding a few tears.
As
the In-flight Manager of the flight, I even informed our company of all
the kindness and generosity given to us, and the troops. I told them you
want us back there - and we most certainly want to come back!!!
I
hope you will convey my personal thanks to everyone at Pease and send
them all my love. I hope to be back again, one day soon. Thank you.
Jo...x
P.S I'm the third girlie from the left on the group photo
March 16, 2010
Dear Sir
Just a quick note to thank you all so much for the fantastic reception we
received when we landed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire last Saturday on
enroute back to the UK. The welcome was overwhelming and quite unexpected,
something I am sure will stay in our minds for a long time to come. Thank
you once again and best wishes to you all!
Andy Craig
Major Andy Craig, British Army
Reading
Berkshire, UK
March 16, 2010
I would like to join my
colleagues in offering you all my sincerest thanks for the kindness and
breathtaking generosity you showed me and my fellow Officers this past
Saturday. You quite simple astounded me and left me utterly speechless
with your kindness and selflessness. I’m afraid I perhaps was a little
too ‘stiff upper-lipped’ to make my feelings know at the time, but may
I take the opportunity to let you know that what you did on Saturday will
stay with me forever. Thank
you so, so much
Yours Aye
Steve Reynolds REME
Shrivenham
Wiltshire, UK
March 15, 2010
Dear Sir,
Please accept my sincere thanks for your kind welcome to myself and the
flight of other British Officers that you welcomed with such warmth on
Saturday. I know that we all found it to be the most humbling of occasions
and as a result, in true British fashion, were somewhat reserved in our
thanks on the day. Your groups’ remarkable strength and generosity shone
through in abundance and I will be touched by the kind words and gifts,
which we all so gratefully received from the people of New Hampshire, for
many years to come.
Yours thankfully
Major Ross A. Brookfield
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Shrivenham, UK
March 15, 2010
I just wanted to thank
you all for the overwhelming reception you gave to my colleagues and me
when we flew through last Saturday. We had no idea you would greet us at
all, let alone with such warmth and generosity. I for one will remember
the occasion for a long time, and the woolen hat I now have will accompany
me on many trips to Afghanistan and beyond.
Thank you all for your
generosity and sincerity.
Major Benjamin Day
Royal Engineers
British Army
London, UK
March 15, 2010
A great thank you to the
remarkable people of Portsmouth New Hampshire for their welcome and
kindness. May your spirit always endure.
Warmest Regards,
Maj. John BELL
QARANC
Langholm, Dumfriesshire
Scotland
March 15, 2010
Dear Sir,
Please could you pass on
my sincerest thanks and gratitude for the kindness you and your town
showed to me and the rest of the flight on Saturday. Being a reserved Brit
I found your openness and kindness quite disarming. It was very emotional
and I was humbled by your warmth. I think that most of us felt a little
like frauds considering that we were just coming from Kansas, however,
most of us have been to either Afghanistan or Iraq (or both) and have
served alongside US forces in an attempt to make our countries safer.
Therefore, I really appreciate your recognition of service to one's
country. We have relied upon you to help us in two world wars and I am
proud to be standing beside you after the terrible events in 2001.
Thank you again for such
a great reception. I know that we all appreciated it.
I have an American friend
from university who lives in Portsmouth and I was lucky enough to visit
your beautiful town two years ago. I look forward to doing so again!
Yours aye
Matthew Waite
Street: Flat 1 Riverhead House, Worships Hill
Sevenoaks, Kent
UK
March 15, 2010
Dear all Pease Greeters
I just wanted to drop you
a quick line to say thank you for the overwhelming reception we received
in Portsmouth, 13 Jan 10. It truly was wonderful to see you all and we
were all very touched that so many would take time out of their day to
come and welcome us in such a way.
The United Kingdom and
the USA has enjoyed such a strong friendship for so many years and this
only shows how strong it remains. I wish you all the very best for the
future, god bless you all and keep up the amazing work you do. The troops
appreciate it more than you could ever know.
Pete
Major Pete Scott
Defence Academy Shrivenham
Swindon, UK
March 15, 2010
Sir,
I am writing to thank you and the Pease Greeters for the warm welcome that
we received in Portsmouth on 14 Mar 10.
I was overwhelmed by your kindness and it made many of us reflect that we
have not had a similar experience in our own country.
I know my children will appreciate their cuddly toys and as a man who is
lacking in the hair department; I will put my knitted hat to good use.
Regards,
Simon
S STEWART
Sqn Ldr
Royal Air Force
Defence Academy
Shrivenham
March 14, 2010
Thank you all for the
overwhelming warmth and generosity of your welcome to us at Portsmouth
Airport this morning.
It makes a huge
difference knowing that what we do is valued and that we are supported by
such wonderful people from half way around the world.
It was an honor to meet
such support face to face. Thank you all for letting us know that you
value us - I shall wear my knitted hat with pride - wherever life takes
me.
Kate
Defense Academy of the United Kingdom
Swindon
Wiltshire, UK
March 14, 2010
Hello my new American
friends. I write to show my thanks and appreciation for the wonderful
reception we British Officers received from you during our stop over in
Portsmouth New Hampshire yesterday Saturday 13 March 2010. I was the tall
Scottish Officer with the RED HACKLE (BLACK WATCH) in his headdress. I was
truly taken aback by the generosity and warmth you showed towards me and
my fellow Officer.
It shows that our
Alliance is as solid as ever and I will say this; It will remain as strong
as ever as we here in the UK know our American brothers are the good guys
and we will go forward together as one.
A reception like yours
won't be matched by our home people, they are not just the same for which
I am saddened, we have a great nation also but maybe more patriotism is
needed.
God bless you all and
hopefully one day I will pass through Portsmouth New Hampshire in the not
to distant future.
Yours Aye,
Major David Harvey
The Black Watch (3 SCOTS)
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
March 14, 2010
Sir
Many thanks for the outstanding and emotional reception we received at
Portsmouth terminal. It is a great honor to have met the citizens of
Portsmouth and an experience I shall never forget. Many thanks once again
and please convey my best wishes to everyone.
Maj Juri Williamson
Gibraltar, UK
March 14, 2010
Just a very quick note to
thank you so much for the wonderful welcome you gave me and my colleagues
from the British Army at Portsmouth New Hampshire earlier today. As
Colonel Watson said we were a bit taken aback by your generosity and
wonderful reception, we did not expect that and certainly would not have
experienced such a welcome at home in the UK. We are now safely home and
proudly showing off our photos and kind gifts that will help us remember
you all. You all make our job fighting for our great countries so much
easier knowing you are supporting us back home and for that we are
eternally grateful. We salute you all and thank you once again.
Major Steve Wall British
Infantry
Aviemore
Inverness-shire, UK
March 13, 2010
Monarch
Airways Crew Thank You Note.
March 13, 2010
1Lt.
Lancaster Letter From Afghanistan
Care
Packages Make A Difference
Hi
Greeters,
Just
wanted to show you we made good use of the pumpkin you sent us … it’s
hanging on our door and the first thing people see when they walk in
(smile). It’s a way for us to brag about the Pease Greeters and all the
great things you do for the troops!
Cheers.
Ellen M. SCHIRMER,
SMSgt, USAF
Superintendent, 379
AEW/PA
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