My son who serves with the 1/7, and who spent 7 months in An Najaf and Al Hillah last year, will return to Iraq next August. The gifts brought by the first wave of redeployed Marines and the good will generated will help make my son's job easier. Thank you so much for what you did today.

I was there, too, and it was a good day. Lots of camaraderie while assisting in a very worthwhile, if unglamorous, part of the Marines' mission in Iraq. Armed Liberal was ebulliently keeping things moving as Jim worked with the Marine leadership to plan the next step. I was honored to meet all those mentioned above -- good people with whom anyone of good will would be proud to be associated.

Semper Fi, Marines, and stay safe!

I was rather shocked to hear on the local news tonight that THOUSANDS of Marines and civilians worked to put the kits together.

Was I really so tired that I missed the rest of the group?

I had a wonderful time and can't wait for the next opportunity to help out!

Wow, I wish I could have been there too, sounds like it was amazing!

And to Da Goddess, I've been amazed by the news reports about Operation Give and the Chief's toy drive, I've yet to see one that is 100% accurate and some that are out of left field. My favorite was an interview with me I read in a University Newspaper. It was my favorite because I've either gone completely senile or the reporter made the whole thing up. I never gave her an interview.

Anyway, I'm glad it worked out well. Congrats to all of you!

I'm dying to help at the next go-around.
Amy

I suspect that the count of THOUSANDS by the press was because they have never seen a group of more than 5 people that were actually doing something productive rather than just marching in 'protest' of those that were being productive.

I was there too--it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed meeting people in, ah, meatspace that I had only encountered in cyberspace before. A.L. is right; one lady I met (another volunteer) described the Marines as "ants" in terms of their speed, efficiency, and organization. They were pretty impressive.

I hope the Iraqi children enjoy the school supplies we packed up, and the Iraqi doctors find the medical supplies useful. The frisbees will likely be the most effective part of the shipment, though, as they are durable and multifunctional (everything is tagged or printed with the word "friendship" in English and Arabic).

Anyway, I had a great time, and I'd definitely do it again, given the opportunity.

Thank you so much for contributing your time and energy to this - I really wish I could have helped out. Next time fer shure, I'll be there with camoflauge-painted bells on!