In addition to our Recon group we received orders to help support a MWR unit (Morale Welfare and Relaxation), known as a Truck Stop. It is a place where convoys of trucks stop on their way to refuel and rest. These places are similar to a USO or Red Cross Canteen where we used to go during our service are now called MWRs and run by Chaplains in the Army and are very sparse and do not have a lot of resources.  Please read the thank you message from the MWR unit. 3/2/09

Our current Recon group in Afghanistan.

October 15th was the Fourth Annual Unity Day for DOE’s Brookhaven Site Office (photo below).  For them, Unity Day was a time to reflect upon their different genders, ethnic and racial backgrounds and celebrate how they unify us and make us a wonderful office. This year’s theme was “We Are All Americans” and “Adopt-a-Platoon” was the main event. They collected and shipped items to the Recon group and thanked them for representing our Nation so very far from home.

Letter of thanks to BVA/Adopt a Platoon:

Summer 2008
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) set up four Triage stations during the surge in Iraq and had showers for the bloody soldiers but no towels.  The soldiers were using their dirty uniforms to dry off.  National Adopt-a-Platoon provided the towels and BVA/Adopt-a-Platoon shipped them over to Command Sergeant Major at Missile Command in Iraq for the walking wounded.   Here is CSM Callaghan’s thank you...

Ken,

First let me say I'm speechless! And after 20 plus years in the Army, Briefing Senators, Congressman etc.... Speechless is a SELDOM occurrence in my life. Ken, really - over the top. Heck I can't even hardly drum up the time to write a note back more less an appropriate response to such kindness. I can just tell you that your kindness is ending up in 3 countries and countless people will benefit from YOUR thoughtfulness. No kidding, as I'm typing this reply I'm somewhat lost for words because of what this type of support means to us is immeasurable and unexplainable to most anyone. I can merely say say were blessed to have Americans like you that Supports the troops and in particular Supports Americas Recovering.

Just a quick and friendly notice from the Sandbox your Boxes safely arrived. Well, just finished a briefing to Major General Lovelace (3 Star) and the briefing went exceptionally well. The heat is really picking up and the fine sand is making day after day a brownish colored sky. Tonight we will Celebrate in a mass gathering of the Senior Leadership the Army's 233rd Birthday. What a Great day it is indeed, Hooah! I have recently arrived in my Northern Headquarters and am very glad to be on the ground for a few days.

Your support probably does more then you would ever understand. The Moral Boost, the Soldiers knowing someone at home cares they are here and Supports them. And the combat multiplier is a huge investment to myself and Combatant Commanders.
I like you am merely a volunteer to assist the recovering Warriors and to provide them with assistance and support in their time of need. I find it reassuring their parents will be grateful to know so many great Americans are helping to take care of our recovering. Your efforts do not go unrecognized and will be remembered by future generations of Americans, our children and the recovering Warriors.

Have a Great Weekend, "Happy Birthday United States Army", 233 years of dedication and commitment to our Grateful Nation!
Sincerely, Jerry
aka CSM Callaghan