Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas

January Packing Party Recap

2012-01-24T11:21:00.000-06:00

On January 21, we held our first large packing party for 2012. A special thanks to Daren, Rick, James and Jenell for their assistance and use of the USMP warehouse.

We packed 171 care package boxes this past weekend for our soldiers serving overseas in Afghanistan. In addition to Valentine themed items, we also shipped snacks, coffee, toiletries, blankets, DVD's and assorted other items.

There are still roughly 100,000 American troops serving in Afghanistan.

For our troop contacts in Afghanistan who were not recipients of the above January care packages, we will continue to make smaller shipments throughout January, February and March. Our next large packing party is tentatively scheduled for the end of March, and will be coordinated with our receipt of Girl Scout cookies.

As always, thanks to all the volunteers and donors who helped make the packing party a success.

For those inquiring about our special requests, we now have a special request for a large number of pillows, twin mattress pads and sheets.

New requests from soldiers arriving in Afghanistan

2012-01-10T09:57:00.000-06:00

This past week, Joanne, Amber, E.D., Sarah and Nancy worked for 2 days boxing up and mailing off initial boxes containing approximately 70 mattress pads, 30 or so sheet sets, dozens of throw blankets, blankets from the Carrollton Senior Center, bed caddies and a couple boxes of fabric softener sheets.

As the remainder of the unit arrives, more of these items will be needed. We have been purchasing twin mattress pads at Target ($6.99) and WalMart ($6.96). Keep in mind the other items mentioned. In addition, we have been amassing pillows for Zach. We found pillows at WalMart for $2.50 each (standard, deep pocket).

Below are some comments from our contact (pertaining to the above shipment) who has just arrived in Afghanistan with a huge contingent of soldiers.

Nancy, You're awesome! No, we don't have the ability to do our own laundry, we have to turn it in in laundry bags and have the locals wash it. Therefore, Soldiers prior have said they just throw in the bag one of those washer/dryer sheets and their laundry comes back cleaner and smelling pretty :o)

I still haven't moved into my permanent quarters so I'm still unsure what my actual living area is going to be like, but I think the mattress pad and sheets will be a good start for me and all. Don't want any bugs regardless of where you're living!!! Oh, and the heater you mentioned would be great right now for my office. It gets so cold in here - brrrrrrrrrr! But luckily they said the weather should warm up by March :o)

Other things I noticed:

Our trailer PX sells no magazines so any 2012 magazines would be good: Shape, Redbook, Cosmo, GQ, Hunting & Fishing...

The locals have been hired to operate a small library so no books are needed because Soldiers have thousands readily available.

Our PX also sells no DVDs or CDs so any of those will be good in order to keep Soldiers occupied during their down time because this base is extremely small with little extra amenities.

Our PX also sells limited women's products like razors and deodorant so those items will be good.

Oh, and we are no longer permitted to use USB drives in our government computers ... however, we can use SD cards that are used in cameras so if you come across any of these, please send them so Soldiers can download and email pics home.

And if Soldiers choose to, they can use phone cards like AT&T. I say choose to because the locals have set up a sort of phone center here and you can pay cash and receive so many minutes on their phone lines calling back to the states. Also, Soldiers have the option to buy cell phones here, but I heard the minutes to operate them are very pricey.

The internet here is not so reliable so when it's working, I try to get as many emails as I can sent. Please tell everyone I said hi!

Soldiers respond to Christmas care packages

2012-01-08T10:45:00.001-06:00

Nancy, I am forwarding a simple Story Board that, in part, reflects the overwhelming generosity and the incredible benefit that your group has provided to the Soldiers of Task Force Lobos. You will receive this in
a much more formal way, but I wanted you to see what my Task Force Commander was shown this past week.

He has seen us out and about, sharing the packages that you have sent. Truth is, there is no way to give you the true story of how these supplies have benefited the Soldiers out here. I hear a lot of "Wow! You have these?" and "This is the kind I like to use!" and "Who sent all this out here?" So I tell the story of Airborne Angel Cadets and your sacrificial giving to the cause of Soldiers.

Thank you again and again.
V/r, James, Camp Marmal, Afghanistan

* Additional photos of our 2011 Christmas care packages being received in Afghanistan can be seen on our Feature Pages website.

Our thanks to Albertsons for supporting our care package mission

2011-12-28T11:05:00.003-06:00

Albertsons made a wonderful donation to our care package efforts this week. Below is a photo of Dale Call, manager of the Carrollton Albertsons, making the presentation to Nancy Carter and Amber Oler of the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, and our local military representatives. A big thanks to Albertsons for helping us send care packages to American soldiers serving abroad.

Christmas care packages sent to Afghanistan

2011-12-26T20:51:00.000-06:00

Below are a couple of responses from soldiers to our care packages arriving in Afghanistan.

Nancy,
Their is a Santa Claus. The stockings you sent arrived on Christmas Eve. Pretty cool. The troops thank you very much as most did not think they would need chapstick in the winter and did not bring any. They are now very grateful to your organization.

Many of the stockings got pushed out to remote operating posts and were well recieved. Thank you again for all that you do!
Zach
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Dear Airborne Cadets,
On behalf of my soldiers and myself we would like to thank y'all for sending us the box of goodies, everyone loved the cookies. We appreciate y'all taking the time out to thank of us and to send us those items. It really means a lot to everyone that there are people who support what we do, from the bottom of our hearts we say thank you and god bless.
Dion

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos from one of our soldier recipients, a Black Hawk crew chief, in Afghanistan.

Halloween care packages arriving in Afghanistan

2011-11-30T08:28:00.001-06:00

Below are some recent photos of our Halloween care packages in the hands of our soldiers in Afghanistan. Besides the snacks, toiletries, socks, DVD's, etc., we also sent some Halloween costumes and decorations to help the soldiers have a little fun. More of these Halloween photos are on our Features Pages website.

Visit our Christmas Tree at the Old Red Museum

2011-11-30T08:08:00.001-06:00

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas have decorated a Christmas tree that is being displayed at the "Deck The Halls" event at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture. Our Christmas tree, decorated with a patriotic theme, was declared the winner last year.

Please drop by and check out the beautiful Christmas trees that have been decorated by 16 local nonprofit organizations. Visitors may vote for their favorite Christmas tree by dropping donations into boxes located near each tree. The Deck the Halls at Old Red Exhibit will be open from November 19, 2011 to January 1, 2012.

Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture
100 South Houston Street, Dallas, TX 75202
www.oldred.org/

November updates

2011-11-28T11:16:00.001-06:00

It's been a busy November. Thanks to everyone who donated or volunteered their time to help get our Christmas care packages mailed to our soldiers overseas.

On November 14, we shipped 106 cartons to three of the smaller units we are supporting. This shipment contained 750 large Christmas stockings, some of our 8,500 mini stockings, black knit beanie caps and assorted other items. Postage was slightly over $2,000.

On November 16, we held our larger packing party, and packed 215 boxes of snacks, toiletries, socks and many other donated items. The boxes were mailed on November 17 at a cost of about $3,500. The care packages were sent to five different units overseas.

On November 17, Covidien, an international healthcare products company, held a national conference in Dallas and packed about 100 cartons of donated items (and donated the funds for postage) for Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas to send to soldiers overseas. Thank you Covidien for your generosity.

We will continue to send smaller shipments in December, and are preparing for our next big packing party in January, 2012.

Thanks to those supporting our troops overseas

2011-11-16T15:49:00.001-06:00

A big thanks to the Carrollton Kroger supermarket for their support of our Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas collection drive last weekend. We collected about 80 large cartons of goods for our soldiers care packages.

In addition to the generous Kroger customers, Fisher Elementary School and the Student Veterans Organization of UT-Arlington donated goods and cash for the troops. These donations will help greatly with our Christmas care packages going out this month.

Albertsons, through their Community Partners Challenge, and The Allstate Foundation have recently provided some much-needed financial donations, which will greatly help with our shipping costs.

The great employees of Citibank's Military Veterans Network recently held a ceremony in Irving honoring their military Veterans. All Veterans working for Citibank were treated to a catered lunch and recognized with a service pin and certificate. We were honored to be recognized at the ceremony and their financial donation is much appreciated.

Lipton Tea has also generously donated a full pallet of Lipton Tea Sticks. Thanks also to Community Coffee, as coffee is always one of the most requested items by the troops.

Major Maria K redeploys to Afghanistan in 2012

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Major Maria K is returning to Afghanistan in January of 2012 along with 3,500 fellow soldiers. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas have been blessed to have supported Maria during previous deployments, and will do so again in 2012. Below is Maria's letter as published in a newsletter of the Association of VA Social Workers.

To Whom It May Concern,

I just wanted to explain why I voted for the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas by sharing an article I wrote for WE ...

Nancy Carter is a Delta Airlines Flight Attendant; however, she is not just a flight attendant. Nancy is also a devoted wife, loving mother of two, and an outstanding volunteer. In 2005, Nancy founded the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas (ACT), a non-profit charity that supports military members deployed to such remote locations as Afghanistan and Iraq. Nancy and the Angels support military members by mailing them care packages filled with a variety of comfort items from World War II style pogey bait to more modern Bath and Body Works products.

Since 2005, Nancy has recruited over 100-Angels that now make-up the ACT. Nancy has also solicited over $150,000 in monetary donations, $600,000 in in-kind donations, and has mailed over 7,000 care packages to military members. Nancy has accomplished this all from her small town of Carrollton, Texas.

Though at this time, Nancy and the Angels have been recognized by many organizations and have appeared in numerous media outlets, I would like to personally recognize Nancy for her outstanding volunteerism and inspiration.

Nancy and I first met while I was deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment (3d ACR). As an Army licensed clinical social worker, I was providing behavioral health care to the 3d ACR military members that included approximately 3,500 Soldiers, and I was attempting to be creative in reference to boosting their morale and decreasing their anxiety and stress in reference to the everyday toils of the combat environment.

Initially, I advertised myself on AnySoldier.com in attempt to receive comfort items I could deliver to military members during my aggressive outreach missions. I thought by delivering comfort items to Soldiers, would if nothing else, let them know they were not forgotten and someone was concerned about their well-being while being deployed to such an environment.

Within a matter of weeks, Nancy located me on AnySoldier.com and started communicating with me via email. Shortly after establishing an email-based relationship, I began receiving care packages from Nancy and the Angels. I continued to receive hundreds of care packages while deployed to Iraq and I would open all the care packages, redistribute the comforts items in to what I referred to as self-care packages, and then deliver them to military members assigned to the most remote locations in our area of operations in Iraq.

The packages appeared to do what I expected, boost morale and decrease anxiety and stress. They also provided an opportunity for me to develop rapport and informally provide talk therapy to Soldiers. Nancy and the Angels supported me and essentially all 3,500 Soldiers in Iraq until we redeployed to the U.S. in 2006.

Upon my redeployment to the U.S., Nancy and I continued our email-based relationship and in 2007, when I deployed to Afghanistan, Nancy and the Angels once again supported me and approximately 3,500 Soldiers, this time from the 82nd Airborne Division, with hundreds of care packages. When I redeployed to the U.S. in 2008, Nancy and I not only continued our email-based relationship, but she made travel arrangements so I could personally meet her and the Angels. It was a wonderful experience finally being given the opportunity to meet Nancy and the Angels who had supported me and thousands of other military members through some of our worst moments in life.

Nancy and the Angels continue to support thousands of military members every day. And due to Nancy’s outstanding volunteerism, she has inspired me to give back and volunteer. Since 2008, I’ve been assisting Nancy and the Angels to solicit funds, in-kind donations, and prepare care packages for mailing to military members. And in December 2011, I will once again be on the receiving end when I deploy for a second time to Afghanistan with approximately 3,500 Soldiers, this time from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Yes, with all that is going on in the world, Nancy and the Angels have already reassured me they will be there for support, as they have always been in the past.

Decorating Beautiful Pillow Cases for Troops Overseas

2011-10-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

A huge "THANK YOU" to Daisy Troop #3828 for packing awesome care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan and for decorating fabulous pillow cases to help kick off our "Operation Pleasant Dreams" campaign. The pillow cases will be included in care packages to remind our troops serving in harm's way that they are remembered and loved.

Think how comforting it would be to come back to base after a hard day of work and fall asleep on a beautiful pillow case decorated with love from a child back home. If you would like to send us your decorated pillow case, we would be happy to include it in a care package. This is a great project for schools, youth groups and churches. Feel free to contact us should you need additional information on this campaign. Won't you help a soldier sleep soundly while away from home and give them pleasant dreams?

Thanks for donations to care packages

2011-10-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas would like to recognize some of the companies and organizations that have recently donated goods for our soldiers care packages. Blistex (lip balm), Mountain House (freeze dried meals and snacks), Associated Wholesale Grocers (toiletries), Zipfizz (healthy energy drink-mix), H.K. Anderson (pretzels), Blockbuster (DVD's), Game Origin (used video games), Wonder Wafers (air fresheners), and Support Our Troops (popcorn) have generously donated to the troops.

The ladies from the Carrollton Senior Center have done an amazing job of sewing blankets, bed caddies, helmet liners and other much-appreciated items. Also, The Colony Crafters made over 100 stockings and collected shampoo, body wash and other items for our Christmas care packages for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A huge "Thank You" also to the North Texas Stitchers who continue to supply us with cool neckties, neck pillows and soap on a rope. The hand made treasures that each group supplies are heartwarming and constant reminders to our troops that they are not forgotten. Many thanks for your continued support!!!

Care package letters from our troops

2011-10-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

Nancy,
Thank you so much for this, we are starting up a small camp in Northern Iraq and we do not have a PX set up yet. The items will be a tremendous moral booster. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity.
Ken
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Nancy,
WOW another 27 boxes, utterly amazing. Can't wait to see all the decorations. Halloween is actually my holiday and i'm really bummed i missing it with my kids. oh well at least your boxes of goodies will make for a better time out here. thanks a million for the rice cooker.
Anthony
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Hi Nancy,
We received the boxes. THANK YOU ALL so much! It was a very much needed morale boost as we're facing so much uncertainty here in Iraq. Thanks again,
Patrina

Vote for us in Albertson's Community Partners Challenge

2011-09-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

You and your friends can help us win a $5,000 grant in Albertson's Community Partners Challenge. You can vote 5 times each day from October 1 - 15, 2011. Organizations with the most votes will win. We would use the funds to ship care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

1) To vote, go to www.albertsonscpchallenge.com and login by entering your email address (you don't need to enter a password).
2) If this is your first time to the site, you will be taken to the email verification page.
3) Once your email is verified, you can login and vote using just your email.
4) Enter Charity Code #0582 in the upper left hand corner or find Airborne Angel Cadets of TX in the alphabetical listings, click go.
5) When you see our entry, click on vote in the upper left corner. (Maximum 5 votes / day.)

Thanks for your support.

Care package responses from troops overseas

2011-09-25T21:46:00.001-05:00

Nancy,
... he has himself and 5 others there. They are at a new site without anyway to get hygiene products. Could you please send some stuff to them at the attached address ... Thank you. Not sure if you have sent any other coffee to my address but we always could use some if you are shipping. Thank you for the support.
ROBERT
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Particular items that you could send to the Soldiers are dvd movies, Starbucks VIA, instant coffee, personal hygiene, baby wipes, and body lotion (winter is coming and it is very cold over here.) Thank you again for your support!
Chaplain, Camp Marmal, Afghanistan
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hey there nancy, i received 8 more of the boxes yesterday. so i've received a total of 14 out of the 26. i still am in complete awe as to the organization you are running. the generosity and support of you and the american people supporting your group absolutely amazes me and i am humbled to be on the receiving end of all of this. my guys are extremely grateful. please pass our thanks to all of your staff/volunteers that help support your GREAT cause.

i also have a favor. now this is very hard for me to ask but i figured i would. one of our guys received a ton of rice however not instant rice. if you come across a rice cooker could you please send it our way,

As far as computer mice :) we could use them, our mice here get very dusty and break all the time, so they could always be used throughout the battalion. we also all chipped in and bought an xbox for our bas so any games would be greatly appreciated. Anything you send out is a bonus to us so it's very hard asking for things. Anthony

September 2011 responses from soldiers

2011-09-17T16:59:00.001-05:00

Received 6 of the 26 boxes today including the microwave, THANK YOU!!!!!!! it was so nice heating up oatmeal in 90 seconds vs 4 minutes. our guys really appreciate it. i'm still in awww as to what you do for the service members, i can't thank you enough. please pass to all the people who supported the package drive thanks a million. i will let you know as the rest start arriving. thanks again and i'll keep in touch.
anthony
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Nancy, We received most of the boxes that you sent, yesterday afternoon. Everything in all off the boxes went quickly, because there was a variety of different things for everyone to chose from. We appreciate all the hard work that went into organizing/packing.
Thanks so much!!!! Duane
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Thank you for you and your group for the support you give all the military personnel that are away from home and supporting our country. I hope you and your group continue in all the good work you do. Thank you for everything you do and will do for all the military you can support. Thank you.
Sincerely, Mary

Soldiers with cards from our care packages


Instant noodles

Colgate dental products

Green tea, magazines

Socks

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THANK YOU!!!!.. I have told you many many times but I will say it again. You put soo many smiles on soo many faces. Without people like you and the rest of the Angels there would be a LOT OF LONELY Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in the field. Because of YOU we have felt much closer to home and realize that what we are doing is for people LIKE YOU !!!!!!
Jason
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Yesterday, a white and small brown box came, the backpack, coffee, adapters (a huge blessing) and snacks were the contents. Thank you very much. Hope you are safe and healthy. Take care.
Robert

9/11 Message to our soldiers, volunteers and supporters

2011-09-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

As we reflect on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I wish to pay tribute to the many men and women serving our country. I am not a writer or a journalist so I don't possess any fancy flair for writing. I am just a wife, mom, daughter, sister and patriot who speaks from the heart. When I started this organization, Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, over 6 years ago, little did I envision the growth it would take in the number of soldiers we reach, the number of volunteers who have joined but mostly the growth within our inner selves.

I have learned that sheer passion and doing something with that passion can accomplish great things and make a difference in so many lives, many of whom I will never meet. Has it been difficult, yes. Has it been time consuming, yes. Has it been worth the hard work, most definitely YES!!!

The friendships that I have made with my volunteers, donors and especially with our soldiers, I hope will last a lifetime. All our volunteers have different reasons for becoming involved and very few have actual family members serving in the armed forces but we all share a love for the USA and have a profound desire to better the lives of those serving in harm's way to protect this country that we so love. I am proud to call them my friends.

For our donors, your unwavering support makes all this possible and does not go unnoticed. Without your kindhearted and amazing generosity, our all-volunteer organization would not be able to supply the multitudes of goods that we send. Know that 100% of your donations goes toward sending these coveted care packages. For that, we thank you on behalf of our troops.

For our troops, your sacrifices to make this world a better place cannot be easy. We applaud your strength and pray it continues to hold you up until you return to your family and loved ones. We often forget you volunteered for this and knew the risk when you signed up. Yet you went anyway. You kissed your family goodbye knowing you might never see them again. I cannot imagine the difficulty in seeing you go. To the soldiers who are here in the United States, possibly recovering from injuries, we can't thank you enough for all you have done. While too many folks have heroes that are entertainers, movie stars, and sports figures, you are the TRUE American Heroes. You are indeed a special person and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To many of our past contacts, Wendle, Princeton, Steven, Maria, Gary, Rick, Pamela, Michael E., Josh, Shea, Adam, Crystal, Andrew, John, Jacklyn, Samantha, Melvic, Darren, Shannon, Logan, Matt, Rolando, Chris, Suzanne, Michael S., Jeffrey, Randal, Lee, Jerry, Danny, Thomas, Jeffried, Jason, Chuck, Thomas, Mary, Kevin, Sarah, and so many more, we thank you for serving as our conduits in distributing our boxes to those in need. You were our eyes and ears and we relied on you to move our care packages downline to those troops in the more remote areas who might not have access to basic amenities, or perhaps with little running water or hot meals. We often forget that these men and women are so far from home and do not have the luxury to drive to a store for the most basic of goods such as a simple hook to hang their towel or a bar of soap if they were able to bathe.

To our current contacts Anthony, Robert, Samuel, Xuan, Ricky, Bill, Patrina, Brian, Patricia, Duane, John and the many chaplains at various bases, your ability to access over 15,000 soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen in both Iraq and Afghanistan is astounding and we will do all we can to continue with our mission of sending you care packages every 6-8 weeks. Thank you for continuing to take the time out of your busy schedules to communicate with us. Your feedback is so important and the letters and emails we receive from you are gifts in themselves. They makes us more certain of why we do what we do and that much more determined to continue sending these morale boosting care packages to you brave men and women serving in harm's way. They are a small token of appreciation for a debt of gratitude we can never repay. It is our honor.

One more thing.....
God Bless America and all those that defend her. Come home safely.

Sincerely,
Nancy Carter

Ideas for donations to our soldiers care packages

2011-09-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

For those looking for ideas on what kinds of donations are being sent in our soldiers care packages, below are photos showing some of the items recently shipped to to our military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Products include Dentyne, Wrigley Life Savers, Cracker Jack, Emergen-C Drink Mix, Eclipse Mints, Altoids, Starkist Tuna, Mauna Loa Macadamias, Trident gum, Jolly Rancher, Rice Krispies Treats, Larabar, Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs, and Jack Link's Beef Jerky.

August 2011 care package packing party

2011-08-29T18:06:00.000-05:00

Below are photos from our August 28 care package packing party for American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hawaiian Luau was our theme. The boxes were taken to the post office today and mailed off for a bit under $3,000. Thanks to all the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas volunteers and supporters who enable us to make these shipments to the troops possible. (click on any photos below to enlarge, or see the full photo gallery here)

Care package responses from soldiers overseas

2011-08-26T15:05:00.002-05:00

Nancy,
You are awesome, I picked up the sheets/blanket box today and one of the other brown boxes. The mattress pads are on and make it a lot more comfy. I will let you know when the other box arrives ... again thank you very much for the coffee and hazelnut creamer, the guys are ecstatic.

Those little Coffee cups are always welcome and a great start in the AM.
Robert (Afghanistan)

From soldier in Afghanistan

From soldier in Iraq

Jones and Associates helps support soldiers

2011-08-18T21:50:00.001-05:00

A Captain America movie charity event was sponsored on July 23 by Charles Jones of Jones and Associates, an Ameriprise Platinum Financial Practice. Ameriprise clients and family were invited to watch the movie and bring donations for the troops. Product and monetary donations were generously made to help us ship more care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Charles Jones (center) and our Lydia Mann (right)

Distinguished guests

Huggies Wipes donations

Soldiers in Afghanistan receiving our care packages

2011-08-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

Below are four photos just received from our soldiers in Afghanistan. Two photos show our care packages, one is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our troops, and one is a thank you card to the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas and all those who helped make the care packages possible.

Need help finding office or a/c warehouse space

2011-07-28T18:06:00.001-05:00

It looks like we will have to move out of our donated office space in north Dallas in a few weeks.

Does anyone know of any air conditioned office or office-warehouse space that might be donated to our nonprofit for storing goods for care packages for soldiers?

We are looking in the Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, north Dallas, Plano areas for anything approximately 800-1,500 sft. Not all of the space needs to be air conditioned-heated, but the perishable foods (chocolates, candies, etc.) for our care packages for soldiers would need a climate-controlled space that we could access during evenings and weekends.

Furniture, telephone lines and such amenities would not be required. If you have any ideas on a space that might match, we would be grateful if you can contact us at support@airborneangelcadets.com. Thanks.

Nancy Carter

Whole Foods Packing Party - July 2011

2011-07-25T09:59:00.000-05:00

We recently completed a great donations drive at the Whole Foods Market at Preston and Forest in Dallas. Many thanks to Whole Foods, our volunteers, and the generous customers who donated goods and cash to help us send care packages to our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

July letters from U.S. soldiers

2011-07-07T11:14:00.001-05:00

Below are some additional letters from U.S. troops in Afghanistan who have received our care packages. Click on photos to see enlarged images.

Message from one of our contacts in Afghanistan

2011-06-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

JUNE 2011 - Navy Corpsmen celebrated their 113th anniversary ... even at our dink outpost in Afghanistan. We managed to get a cake, which was ceremoniously cut and served with a fighting K-Bar!
Charles

June 2011 responses from soldiers overseas

2011-06-20T18:21:00.001-05:00

Nancy,
We received the OTHER HALF of the shipment last weekend. Holy Smokes, the quantity, quality, and thoughtfulness were simply "over the top". We shared with our Marine colleagues on the FOB, who were quite happy to partake. Good Times for many. An extra bonus for the guys comes simply from opening the boxes, as we don't get mail very often. Their faces just light up!

The salsa, chips and popcorn are very popular, as are the meal bars, supplements, and high protein snacks... well, food in general. These guys have changed from the overwhelming preference for sweets from days gone by (although they still quite like them). Guess I'm getting old (!).

We got a kick out of the sombreros ...

We have plenty of toiletries and organizers, at least for the next couple of months. My wife, the 'Skins Fan, thinks we have too many Cowboys jerseys!! On the other hand, we are developing a soft spot for Texas with all the kindness some of its citizens are showering my crew and the Marines. We may just have to check it out (we retire from the Navy in DEC).

My continued thanks to you and your organization,
Chuck

If not too late to ask...if we could get coffee filters (standard flat bottom basket, 12 cup) and powdered creamer (regular and French vanilla) it would be great.
Many thanks, Chuck
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Actually, I think there are a lot of Dallas fans (or Miami haters) around here. Just make sure that shirt is a XXL. It is waaaayyyyy too hot around here for close fitting shirts. Also we have received 7 boxes of the 10. Hopefully we will receive the other 3 real soon. You all enjoy the Championship. It has been a long time coming. Thanks again ... Ricky
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Nancy,
The boxes arrived today, what an overwhelming show of love. I can't say enough about the kindness and generosity of your group. The men are thrilled with all the items.
Brian
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Dear Airborne Angel Cadets,

Thank you for the two large boxes filled with Girl Scout Cookies, coffee and Phone cards. We are a mix of Air Force, Army and Navy Engineers who go out to other locations to build new facilities or fix problems they may have. My times the guys are living out of their bag going from place to place. The are extremely grateful when they return to our main base (even for a few days) before they go out again and are able to enjoy the cookies and phone cards to call home. Please pass on our thanks to all those in your organization for the support they have given not only to us but to all the troops.
God Bless
Jose
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Ms. Nancy-
i wanted you to know that we received 7 boxes today!!! The rice along with girl Scouts cookies!! Thanks sooooo much! I will let you know when the other boxes show up and can not wait!! God Bless! Keep doing what you do but remember take sometime to enjoy yourself!! TTLY
Patricia

Care package support from local organizations

2011-06-18T10:12:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to the Dallas Young Lawyers Association for their wonderful Happy Hour fundraiser held at Sambuca Uptown this past Thursday. Dozens of area lawyers came to show their support and contributed generously to our cause.

In addition, a huge thanks to Innovation Management Solution for their generous donation this week. ims-web.com sponsored a large box for every client that signed a contract with them. What an innovative way to support the troops!

Healthy Beginnings Montessori House in Plano, Texas also generously donated items for our care packages being sent to Iraq and Afghanistan.

These efforts from local businesses and groups assist us greatly with continuing our mission of sending care packages to the men and women serving in harm's way. Raising funds for postage remains our biggest challenge and with the help of these patriotic folks, we are able to remind our soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors that they are not forgotten.

Won't you consider helping us too?

Additional June letters from soldiers

2011-06-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

Below are some recent letters from soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Click on photos to enlarge. You can see additional letters and photos from soldiers on our 'Featured Pages' section of our website.

Memorial Day collection drives for care packages

2011-06-02T14:20:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to the local Carrollton, Texas Walgreens and Krogers who gave space to the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas to collect goods and cash donations this past Memorial Day weekend. Also thanks to our volunteers and the many kind people who so generously donated goods or cash to help us ship care packages for our soldiers serving overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq.

We collected 84 large boxes and a bit more than $1,500 over the weekend.

Most of those goods and cash donations will be quickly put to use as we have our next large packing party on June 5, 2011 at the Brookhaven Country Club.

Postage costs in May, when we had our last large packing party, totaled over $4,000 on close to 300 boxes sent to soldiers. So the donations will be put to work in short order. Thanks again to all who participated in helping our American soldiers.

May 2011 emails from soldiers receiving care packages

2011-05-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

... we would like to extend a hand and say thank you for all that you do. We appreciate the box that came filled with girls scout cookies and dorito chips. They were great, also let me not forget the 60 minute phone cards ... Here at Camp Leatherneck we say Thanks!
Sgt Anthony
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I would like to thank you for the Coffee and Girl Scout cookies. I just received the box 1 hour ago and my Soldiers have pretty much emptied it. Hey at least I got the coffee, Brewing a cup now. Once my Platoon and I would like to thank you for all your support, It is groups like yours that reminds us on why we serve.
Thank You, Michael
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We recieved your care package and wanted to thank you for the support. The girl scout cookies will definately be taken care of by the soldiers here. Once again thanks for the support and the thoughts and prayers!
William (Sky Warriors)

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Nancy,
Thank you very much for the four boxes. They arrived today; the glad air fresheners are wonderful. The small things that make us happy. All the other stuff will be great to, summer is almost here and the temperatures are climbing. Thank you again.
Robert

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Dear Airborne Angel Cadets,
I would first like to say thank you for the package. It came as a huge surprise. I definitely wasn't expecting it. Everyone that I work with love the Girl Scout Cookies, Boy Scout Popcorn, and the Coffee that was sent.

I have spent 16 years in the Army and this is my 4th Deployment since 2003. It is my first to Afghanistan. I am originally from Iowa but during my 16 years I have spent almost 12 years in Texas (5.5 years at Fort Bliss and 6 years at Fort Hood).

Again, thank you for all the support being given to the TROOPS... THANKS

SSG David

C.R.'s emails from Afghanistan

2011-05-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

Ladies,

The first 5 boxes have arrived. My guys are delighted with the candy, supplements and toiletries. The toiletries are far more than we need, so we are sharing them with the Marines we cohabit the base with.

The kids cards are way touching (remind me of what I get sometimes from my church). The candies are just right for MY sweet tooth! Many thanks for your support and patriotism.
C. R., Afghanistan
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Dallas Cowboys jerseys from Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas

Ladies,

Here are pictures of part of my team. The jerseys are great! Many were eagerly snapped up by USMC Cowboys fans, and I couldn't get hold of them for the photo-op. I am the old guy kneeling wearing #88, the nurse is #24, PA is unnumbered blue on the left, and 2 gents off to the right are Navy corpsmen.

Many thanks again for you support and generosity.
C. R., Aghanistan
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I spoke too soon...there was a SECOND mail call, and another 8 boxes have arrived ... more food, magazines, books, writing/office supplies, salsa, piñata, and Cowboys jerseys!

This is amazing!! With such thought and generosity, some of are rethinking our football alliances (my wife, the 'Skins fan, will go nuts)!! Many, many, thanks!

C.R., Afghanistan

Photos from Afghanistan - April 2011

2011-04-22T16:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some interesting photos from a small FOB (forward operating base) in Afghanistan. Our care packages are sent here to a group of 9 Sailors who are accompanied by a larger contingent of Marines.

April care package shipping recap

2011-04-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

This month we have shipped 283 care package boxes to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Total postage costs were over $4,200.

Five units received the 245 boxes that were packed at our April packing party. Other shipments were mailed throughout the month to other units.

Within the next few weeks, additional care packages will be sent to one unit that has over 7,000 Marines.

Thanks to everyone who donated time, money and goods to make these shipments to our troops possible.

KLIF's Jeff Bolton with U.S. Marines in Japan

2011-04-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

Below is an ABC news video from Jeff Bolton (KLIF Talk Radio, Dallas) who accompanied U.S. Marines and reports on their disaster relief activities in Japan.

Two recent msgs from Afghanistan

2011-04-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

Below are two messages we recently received from American soldiers in Afghanistan. Our volunteers have already sent rice and other items to the Battalion Chaplain, and additional shipments will be made.

Nancy

I have a special request from a local school teacher. He tells me that some of his Afghan students have to choose between school and work because they have no money and little food. His request is to give them
rice so they can eat more and healthier. Many days all they eat is bread and an onion.

I have helped these children with shoes and some warm clothing for the winter, but now they are in need of the rice.

If you are so inclined I humbly present this request for help.
Giving them food helps win this war by showing a sharp contrast between Americans and Taliban - who threaten and intimidate and take from them.

Thank you for listening.

Battalion Chaplain
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Hi Nancy, We are in Afghanistan again, I am At Kandahar air base, Our unit would love to be loved by you guys again !!!! We don't have much room here so, A little will suffice. ... we are comprised of about 62 people of which 5 are females.

Thank you so much for all of your support, you don't understand how much it means to us, to know that there are people who support us and care about us.
Thanks again, SAM

NBC coverage of our Packing Party

2011-04-03T14:09:00.000-05:00

We thank NBC for covering our April 2, 2011 packing party. Below is the local DFW NBC video and news article showing the volunteers from Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas packing our care packages for American soldiers serving overseas.

Angels Pack Hundreds of Boxes for Troops
16,000 Girl Scout Cookies off to troops
Saturday, Apr 2, 2011 | Updated 8:05 PM CDT
Andrew Tanielian, NBCDFW.com

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas spent Saturday packing up care packages for troops serving overseas.

There’s a special feeling when you get an unexpected gift in the mail.

It’s part of the idea behind the ‘Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas’ who want troops serving overseas to know they are thinking about them.

"To get a care package from home to realize where it’s coming from it just gives you warm fuzzies," said Major Maria Kimble who serves in the Army National Guard.

Kimble is volunteering her time helping give back the generosity given to her during her last two deployments. She’s being deployed again later this year.

Nancy Carter started the group almost 7 years ago after her son her started serving.

"Me graduating from the Merchant Marine academy, [she] started when she wanted to send me packages for finals week and she just kept wanting to do more," said Nancy’s son Dustin Carter.

The warehouse filled with 16,000 Girl Scout cookies and other treats for the troops is donated by the owner Daren Merchant.

Nancy Carter’s day job as a flight attendant bridges the ocean between her and the 12,000 troops she reaches.

"I’ve run into soldiers at Atlanta airport where I’m based and I’ve asked them and passed out my cards and they’ve said hey we’ve gotten boxes from you. We’ve heard about you. So, yes it has come full circle. That is so cool," said Carter.

Many overseas reach out through letters to Nancy and her angels.

"It is very personal it’s very hard and a lot of them touches you know it touches our hearts and so I in turn just can’t wait to forward those on to our group members cause I want them to share in the joy that I feel when I read them," said Carter.

Soldiers Certificates from Iraq and Afghanistan

2011-03-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

Below are two wonderful certificates recently received from American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both groups are recipients of our Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas care packages.

Girl Scout Cookies received for care packages

2011-03-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas just received 1,451 cases of Girl Scout Cookies that will be included in our care packages for American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cookie donations are courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains from the Fort Worth Regional Office.

Energizer Bunny Honor for Nancy Carter

2011-03-17T14:47:00.006-05:00

Our tireless leader, Nancy Carter, has been selected as one of 100 Semifinalists for the Energizer (Battery) Keep Going Hall of Fame. The contest "celebrates those who make a positive impact on the world with their determination, boundless energy and never-quit spirit." The 10 Finalists will receive donations for the charity of their choice.

Voting for 10 Finalists:
You can vote from March 17-25, 2011 on www.facebook.com/energizerbunny. Clicking on Nancy Carter's 'like' button is your vote.

Energizer will announce the 10 Finalists on or about April 4. Nine will be chosen by a panel of judges, and the one other Semifinalist with the most Facebook "likes" will comprise the 10 Finalists.

Voting for Grand Champion:
Voting on the 10 Finalists will begin April 4 and end May 13. You may cast one, but not more than one, vote per day on www.energizer.com/halloffame.

Congratulations, Nancy! And thanks to all the Airborne Angel Cadets who have helped send thousands of care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan!

Some recent news on our care package activities

2011-02-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

Thanks again to Cell Phones for Soldiers for sending 7,000 phone cards to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. Those cards are very welcome additions to our care packages for soldiers.

Uline Company has generously donated 72 rolls of packing tape, which will be used for taping our care packages being mailed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The employees at Nordstrom (Dallas) collected goods for care packages in January. Thank you for your generosity.

Bank of America's regional office in Plano, Texas participated in a community service project with members stuffing care package goods in February.

Innovative Management Solutions supporting care packages for soldiers

2011-02-14T09:40:00.000-06:00

We thank Innovative Management Solutions (IMS) for donating a portion of their online sales to help Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas send care packages to soldiers overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The online store of Innovative Management Solutions "enables customers to purchase best-in-class project management related software, training and packaged value-added services at a discount. IMS represents some of the leading software manufacturers in the world, such as Oracle, Autodesk and others."

ABC news story on our care packages

2011-01-27T15:54:00.000-06:00

ABC News in the Dallas area (WFAA) came out and filmed a feature video on our January 2011 Valentine-themed packing party. Thank you ABC. We packed 280 boxes that were mailed (3.5 hours at the post office) to 5 platoons with a total postage cost of over $4,000. An additional 70 boxes were shipped the prior week. All care packages were shipped to American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Blankets for the troops

2011-01-27T11:14:00.000-06:00

The photos below are of American soldiers in Afghanistan receiving some of the 20 homemade blankets that were lovingly made with the assistance of Girl Scout Christine Kainer and some very talented students with developmental disabilities at Heroes Camp.

"I received the boxes with the blankets today and as soon as I opened it one of the junior Soldiers asked me if they could have a blanket. I shared the story about the blankets and she hugged her blanket."

Griffith Nixon Davison Packing Party

2011-01-25T16:59:00.000-06:00

Below are photos of our recent packing party held at the law offices of Griffith Nixon Davison. Airborne Angel Cadet of Texas volunteers joined together with the good folks of Griffith Nixon Davison to send out care packages to soldiers serving overseas.

Tony Dorsett - Danny Ranspot Christmas video

2011-01-24T14:54:00.000-06:00

Former Dallas Cowboy, Tony Dorsett sends a Christmas greeting via You Tube to LCPL Danny Ranspot in Afghanistan. Danny is one of many recipients of care packages from the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. Pictured with Tony are Danny's parents, Rick and Debbie, girlfriend Kylie, sister in law, Jessica and niece, Olivia. Rick and Debbie are also members of this non profit organization.

Recent messages from overseas soldiers

2011-01-20T14:00:00.000-06:00

Hello,
I want to thank all of you for what you do for ... us soldiers while serving across seas ... Your group has had a wonderful impact on our daily lives while working. If there is anything in return we or I can do for you please don't hesitate to ask. Ya'll make us feel like we're at home when these packages come in. Everybody scrambles to see what you have sent its like Christmas every month when we receive a package. And again thank you for all you do:)

Thank you, PFC Louis
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Thank you very much for all that you are doing and all that you have done. I never have had an opportunity until now to thank you for the box you sent a couple weeks back. That was so great and raised the moral greatly. I wish I could put into word the gratitude that myself and my fellows soldiers have for yourself and the great group of people you work with. I defenatly will get you a great pic and once again thank you for all that you do.
Thank you so much.
Nick

Our Christmas tree wins first prize

2011-01-20T13:55:00.000-06:00

Our patriotic-themed Christmas tree exhibit at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County and History won first prize at the charity event.

"Congratulations to The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, our 2010 winners of the 'Deck The Halls' at Old Red competition. Thank you to all the participating organizations and all of you who visited the exhibit and voted with your donations."

Many thanks to everyone who helped decorate the tree and to those who supported the soldiers through donations. And thank you to the Old Red Museum for sponsoring the event that benefitted many good charities.

Iraq Christmas Party

2010-12-30T10:50:00.000-06:00

Here are some great photos showing soldiers enjoying some of our Christmas care package goodies.

Christmas lights from soldiers in Afghanistan

2010-12-27T14:37:00.001-06:00

Here are some wonderful 2010 Christmas photos from one of our soldier contacts in Afghanistan.

Twas the Night Before Christmas - DOD

2010-12-23T14:29:00.000-06:00

More soldier responses to our care packages

2010-12-06T15:39:00.000-06:00

Below are more messages just received from our soldiers overseas:

Hello Angels,
I am currently working with the ... MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation program) and would like to know if it would be possible to receive some care packages for the troops. We are looking for hygiene items, snacks, Holiday cards, white socks, blankets. Some of our troops do not receive care packages and this would really help them with items that they need. Right now we currently have about 25% female and 75% male on base. We really appreciate everything that Airborne Angel Cadets have done for the troops! Thank you very much.
Amy, Afghanistan
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We received your boxes. Thank you. I wanted to ask you about cooking seasonings and such. There are American civilian women here who want to cook for us for Christmas, but the AAFES here do not have much. We were looking for Jiffy Corn Bread mix (or something similar) in those small boxes, some sage, poultry seasonings, cinnamon nutmeg and fish fry seasoning and fish fry cornmeal (I just hope these women can cook). I hope these are not expensive.
SSG Ricky
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Thank you so much for the box full of coffee and cookies. It means the world to us and all the Soldiers that receive things from the United States and our great nation. Just knowing that people still support us makes all the difference in the world. The items you packed us have already been put to use and the calling cards are being used as well to call loved ones.

I was stationed in Texas for almost 9 years at Ft. Hood near Killeen. I miss Texas at times we are with the 25th Infantry Division based out of Hawaii. We are a Maintenance unit that basically fixes anything and everything that the Brigade we are with needs repaired or fixed. Once again thanks for all the goodies and a little home sent over here to us. We love ya'll.
Michael
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We received your packages of cookies, coffee, phone cards today. Thank you so much! Your support means a lot to us out here. The Girl Scout cookies are expecially appreciated, everyone loves those! Hope all is well for you, take care and thanks again.
The Marines, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan
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Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas,
Thank you so much for the care package. I am originally from Texas, so getting something from Texas is a great feeling. Things are going good on our side. We have small arms fire from time to time along with the usual rocket and mortar attacks, but God is keeping his hand on us.
Again, Thanks a ton for the package. We will continue to keep our home front Safe. God Bless.
David
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Dear Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas,
Thank you so much for all the treats you sent! The soldiers in the platoon were delighted and the whole box was empty within minutes of me opening it! Imagine their reaction when they saw Girl Scout Cookies. The coffee was appreciated by those who are coffee lovers. Everything was greatly appreciated and on behalf of my soldiers, I thank you for your generosity and support.
SGT J, Medic
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Thank you very much: we received 3 white and 3 brown boxes. The last one had the mini and large stockings. Absolutely we can pass those out and we will enjoy every minute doing it. All is great here, getting cold but we all are staying warm when we can. Thanks again, hope you had a great Thanksgiving and pray you have a wonderful Christmas/New Year.
Robert

Updates on Christmas mailings

2010-12-03T15:07:00.000-06:00

Over 50 people showed up at our main Christmas packing party at Brookhaven Country Club. We packed a record 252 boxes in one evening.

The next morning we made a run to the local post office and shipped 324 cartons (72 packed prior to the main packing party) to our soldiers overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. Total mailing costs were a bit under $5,000, and our greatest need continues to be funds for postage costs.

After mailing the above, we also mailed an additional 700 larger Christmas stockings in 62 large boxes. Items in this shipment included black beanie hats, Santa hats, mini-stockings and assorted Christmas decorations for a MWR (morale, welfare and recreation) office in Aghanistan.

In a third mailing, another 82 boxes were shipped that included mini-stockings and phone cards.

Including additional small shipments we made to specific units, 506 boxes were shipped to arrive this Christmas season in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Thanks to all who helped us send our care packages to American soldiers.

Visit our Christmas Tree at the Deck the Halls Exhibit

2010-11-10T21:34:00.004-06:00

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas welcome you to visit our own Christmas Tree at the special Deck the Halls exhibit at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture. The Museum is located at a crossroads of activity in downtown Dallas (100 S. Houston Street, Dallas, TX) – adjacent to the JFK Memorial and Dealey Plaza.

Additional details can be found on Old Red Museum's website:

Deck the Halls at Old Red

Join Old Red in Sharing the Joy of This Festive Season and Celebrate Dallas County Traditions
November 20, 2010 – January 2, 2011

On view in the Museum’s special exhibits gallery are twelve holiday fir trees, each decorated by the volunteers and staff of a Dallas County non-profit organization to illustrate holiday traditions in Dallas.

Visitors may “vote” for their favorite tree by dropping their donations in the box located near each tree. At the exhibit’s close, the tree with the most donations will be declared the winner.

Recent photos from soldiers in Afghanistan

2010-11-09T16:29:00.000-06:00

Below are some photos showing soldiers with some of our recent care package goodies. Some of the items are being shared with local children in Afghanistan.

November 2010 notes from our soldiers overseas

2010-11-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you for helping to send care packages for all of the Soldiers within my Brigade. There has been at least 1 care packages with your organization attached to it that have come with books, magazines, dvds, snacks, girl scout cookies, hygeine items, and gym equipment for Soldiers to use. Because these items came very quickly, I did not wait until Christmas for a few reasons. The Soldiers were aware I received a dozen packages with goodies in them, and I did not want the food to go to waste. Therefore, I made a decision to give these items out as halloween presents for the Soldiers.

As one of the Brigade Planners, I have sent many of these boxes to ... the outlying Checkpoints where Soldiers have very little of anything because they are conducting 24/7 operations with Iraqi Security Forces. We marked them as Halloween gifts for Soldiers because they arrived here in time for Halloween. Soldiers were very happy to receive goodies out at these Check Points.

We, at the Brigade are ensuring that we are taking care of the Soldiers with the least because it helps to keep their spirits and morale up. I greatly appreciate all that you have done with sending care packages through "Airbone Angel Cadets of Texas." I personnally was surprised to see a lot of the Soldiers quickly grab up any reading material that came in these packages. It is impressive to see Soldiers reading to gain as much knowledge as they can, as well as reading for enjoyment. Again, thank You! The Soldiers are enjoying the goodies. I will send pictures to all of you of Soldiers with goodies from the care packages as soon as I can. Your time, effort and donations have not gone unnoticed, and they are greatly appreciated.
Respectfully, Harold
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I just wanted to let you know that we received the boxes for Halloween. I had just received one box today. I have taken a couple of pictures of military members opening boxes. I would like to thank you for the Care Packages they are very we'll appreciated.
Thank you again from the Military Personnel ... in Kabul.
VR, Mary
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To our Airborne Angel Cadets supports,
I would like to personally extend my thanks for making our deployment that much more bearable. The 4th ... is at this moment deployed on an Expeditionary Mission. This means when our unit arrived to the current location we planted our flag and said this is where we will make a Camp.

In the case of an Expeditionary Mission the unit must bring every possible thing they need. Each Soldiers is allotted a limited amount of weight for use of personal items. The senior Soldiers pack care items, while our younger Soldiers pack items for entertainment. Since our camp does not have a PX (store) for US Soldiers to acquire personal items they attempt to order what they need from on-line stores. The items you provide help with the urgent need between delivery times and those items that are hard to acquire anytime.
J.A.
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Hello, how is everybody? We are doing okay, I guess (really, we’re blessed, thanks to you all) ... We are hurting on the body washes that you all send (we’re out). Also dialing access anymore). I can’t think of anything else. Whatever eye drops, medicated lip balm (carmex in a chap stick style), and calling cards (we don’t have as much free else that you think of (that is if you send anything), just send it on. We love ya’ll and we thank ya’ll very much. God bless and be good.
SSG Ricky

More October care packages sent to soldiers

2010-11-02T13:38:00.000-05:00

Last week we mailed off 193 boxes full of Girl Scout cookies and coffee to 166 different American soldiers overseas.

The total cost of postage was over $4,600.

Our next big care package packing party for soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq will be November 17, 2010.

Any corporate or individual donations for postage costs for the troops care packages will be greatly appreciated.

Continued need for care packages in Afghanistan

2010-10-25T10:53:00.001-05:00

Dear Nancy,

... low wattage light bulbs are fine. In the tents high wattage light bulbs wake the sleeping Soldiers up and as you can imagine Soldiers get very upset. Supply only supports the higher wattage bulbs ... is a supply delay on the lower ones. As the bulbs expire there are no suitable replacements so Soldiers use headlamps.

Yes, twin sheets sets and mattress pads are welcomed. I recently conducted a health and welfare and some of the Soldiers sleep on mattresses without sheets. When I asked why the young Soldiers they said that supply ran out. I feel badly for the younger Soldiers because they depend on the Army to provide everything.... just like their parents did.

I have come to realize that many Soldiers don't have anyone at home to send them items they require, that's where you and I come in. These young kids are our sons and daughters. They need my tough attitude and your kind grace.

Thank you,
J.
Afghanistan

More care packages sent to Afghanistan

2010-10-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

Forty five cartons of care packages were mailed out this week to our soldiers in Afghanistan. Postage costs were over $600. Thanks to all who helped with this shipment.

Our next big packing party (including Christmas themed items) will be November 17 at 7PM at the Brookhaven Country Club, Dallas, Texas.

Sept - October comments from our soldiers overseas

2010-10-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

I would like to ask for your support in our efforts to provide for our American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed (in Afghanistan). I am asking on behalf of my fellow service members ... I do not wish to drain your resources so anything you could send would be better than what we have access to here.

Currently we have no PX, BX, MWR, library, or USO but we are working on that every day. With time we hope to improve our situation, with your help we can reach that goal sooner.

Items needed: Personal items (non-bulk). Soldiers are limited for space.
Large bottles of liquid soap and shampoo take up so much room. Many Soldiers are on the go and require small compact supplies that can be packed and stowed easy. These are just a few of the items we require.

Total of 120 people in my unit but (our) camp supports at around 800 Americans. Any support would be wonderful.
Thank you,
J.A.

Later comments on specific needs from J.A.

* We currently live in tents.
* We need shower curtains (x20) and shower heads (x10). For some reason, shower curtains and heads are a big demand item. We go through these very quickly because they are poorly made.
* Female soldier mentioned "I miss smelling like a girl ..." I suppose comfort items that are perfume scented.
* Inexpensive sun glasses. We go through sun glasses like crazy here. Soldiers can buy glasses here in Afghanistan but they only last a week or two and they are expensive.
* Right now soldiers use the small towels, as the cold season nears, large towels will be in demand.
* Small flash lights to read books are in demand.
* Recreational activities are little to none. Soldiers work 12-18 per days and then wash, eat and sleep. I was thinking perhaps football posters, banners, etc. would help decorate the environment.

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I wish you could see the excitement of the faces of my co-workers as they are told that boxes from the Airborne Angel Cadets have arrived. Smiles turn into mischievous grins as the competition to position themselves around the boxes begins as each person wants the best position to see what is in the box first. Once the boxes are open is when the real fun starts as the bartering and trading and racing from box to box looking for the elusive sleeve of Oreo Cookies, drink mix, packaged snack, blow-pops or favorite toothpaste causes mayhem.

With the sincerest of appreciation I thank you for your thoughtfulness, concern and never ending support.
Colonel Paul
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My apologies for the late note.
The troops of the 838 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group received all seven of the care packages two weeks ago. We all appreciate the snacks, toiletries, toys and especially the coffee! Thank you and all of the Airborne Angel Cadets for all you do. It is great to know Americans like yourself give your time and effort to send us reminders of home...thank you!!!
Sincerely,
Mario
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... thank you for all the goodies. The Soldiers really appreciated them. I have begun to receive some of the new shipment already. Our time here is starting to wind down as we have about two months left here. I really appreciate the support you and the Airborne Angel Cadets have given us. You guys and gals have helped more than you can ever know.
The unit that is replacing us is one of my sister Batteries, so I will get in contact with my replacement and see if there is anything that they may need when they get on ground. If there situation is like mine when I arrived on ground, they won't have anything for at least the first two months. I will let you know. Thanks again.
Martin
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Dear Cadets-
I just wanted to say thank you for all you do. We all very much appreciate the packages you send us. We especially like reading the letters and cards included in them, it's a good reminder of what we're fighting for over here. America is a great place because of people like you.

Kind regards,
Kevin
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Ma'am,
I wanted to thank you and your organization personally for the items we recently received. Especially the shower heads and shower curtains.
Soldiers have a tendency get a little rough with delicate equipment. I have attached a photo of our flag poles here on Camp. Again thanks so much for all the support. I have been in the Army for more than 29 years and the support from home continues to grow and get stronger.
V/R
SGM H
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I appreciate all you have done for me, the Warlords, and Task Force Shadow. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas are a great organization and I am glad I had the opportunity to interact with you.
God Bless,
Tom

September care package shipments

2010-10-19T15:30:00.001-05:00

As a result of our September packing party, we shipped 165 care package boxes to our troops overseas on September 27. The care packages went to 5 units. Total postal costs were over $2,200.

On September 29, another 30 boxes of goods were shipped to one of our contacts (chaplain's assistant) in Afghanistan.

The next big packing party is scheduled for November 17, 2010. Christmas themed items will be shipped along with other regularly requested goods. Funding for postage is our greatest need right now. Any donations for our postage costs will be greatly appreciated.

For those that have recently donated for our care packages, your contributions mean so much to the soldiers and enable us to continue to ship care packages to our soldiers overseas. Thanks.

August - September messages from our soldiers overseas

2010-09-16T14:14:00.001-05:00

Hello, how is everybody? We are doing okay, I guess (really, we’re blessed, thanks to you all). I hope you haven’t sent anything yet or if you are going to send anything. We are hurting on the body washes that you all send (we’re out). Also eye drops, medicated lip balm (carmex in a chap stick style), and calling cards (we don’t have as much free dialing access anymore) ... Whatever else that you think of (that is if you send anything), just send it on. We love ya’ll and we thank ya’ll very much. God bless and be good.

SSG Ricky
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Thank you for the boxes that you sent. I bet it was a fun packing party :) ... The boxes all arrived just in time for Labor Day and we distributed them at the cook out we had here to celebrate. The water balloons from the previous shipment came in handy for entertainment (we soaked our fears leader COL C) in good fun :)

Thanks! Sarah
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You folks are the BEST! The weather is getting nicer. Pretty soon it will be cold! I cannot say this enough, but thank you and the Airborne Angel Cadets for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Very Respectfully, Mario
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One of our own Angels, Lydia reports ...
"My marine friend, Robert C, just got home from Afgh. last week. His mom e-mailed me and said that Rob said that our packages were "the best they got!" They loved the DD (Dunkin Donuts) coffee, cups and the tortilla chips".

August 2010 Packing Party Recap

2010-09-10T09:46:00.000-05:00

Our "Hawaiian Luau" themed packing party on Sunday (August 29) went smoothly with lots of folks to help pack the 160 boxes that were mailed on Monday to 5 units.

Postage costs were slightly over $2,000. Sgt. Dudley and Corp. Diaz from the Army recruiting office came to assist us with the heavy lifting at the post office.

Those in attendance at the packing party were Amber and her dad, Larry; Lydia and her friend, Cassie; E.D.; the Mangieri family; Peggy; Joanne; Ann K.; Mary E.; Debbie W.; Carie and Travis McD.; Jane; Paula; Vivian; Rose; Gloria; Suki; Virginia; Cindy; Joycelyn: Madelon; Walt J.; Betty, Frank and newcomers Jeri and Elvia and her mother.

Our next packing party is scheduled for September 26.

Report on our Texas Hold'em and Casino fundraiser

2010-09-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas held our first Casino & Texas Hold’em Charity party on Friday, August 27, 2010, at the beautiful Brookhaven Country Club. There were over 80 prizes given out that evening and loads of fun was had by all who attended.

The event was a huge success partly due to the following sponsors: Curtain Wall Design & Consulting, Inc., Tailwind International, Spectrum Management, Modern Living Movers, D&C Inspection Services and Charles Jones with Ameriprise Financial.

We would also like to thank Sam Pack Ford for the generous donation and Watt Spohn Universal for the great prize donations.

Margo Wright with “Blackjack with Class” provided the professional dealers and tables. Thank you to all who attended and joined in the fun.

Messages from soldiers in Aghanistan

2010-08-12T14:47:00.001-05:00

Here are some recent messages that came from two of our soldiers in Afghanistan that received summer care packages:

Thank you all,

I wanted to thank your organization for the care package we recently recievd here at FOB Shindand Afghanistan. We do not have a BX/PX a shopette, we do not even have a place to get our haircut here.

Here at FOB Shindand we rely on packages like the one you sent for the essentials like toothpaste, shaving cream and soap because we have no where to buy these items ourselves. The girl scout cookies were deffinately an added bonus that everyone enjoyed.

Thank you again, and we hope to be home soon.
Christopher
--------------

Nancy,
We received the care packages, yesterday. Please pass along my sincere thanks to all those who helped. The Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and the one Marine enjoyed all of the treats...again, thanks!
Sincerely,
Mario (Afghanistan)

Recent emails from soldiers overseas

2010-07-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

I got your packages the other day and meant to say thank you but we have been swamped with work, 12 plus hours a day 7 days a week. Again thank you for all you do for all the folks over here.
Robert
-----------

Thank you very much. We have just received the last of the 53 boxes that you have so graciously provided us. I cannot tell you how much they help the morale of the hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here.

Once again thank you for all that you and your team do for us. It has been my honor to help such a great organization make such a great impact.
Thank You
JD

More messages from soldiers overseas

2010-06-21T15:36:00.000-05:00

... stationed here in Afghan. First of all I would like to thank all of you back home for the support and care packages you send, and God Bless you all. My command is one of a kind.

We are known as SeaBees or CB (Latin Construimus Batuimus) or otherwise Construction Battalion. Our community is one of the smallest, we are associated with the navy and are building a large chunk of the support and defensive structures throughout this area, we've also been to other places in support of aiding natural disaster victims like the most recent in Haiti and war torn countries.

But this is not about us but rather you and your supporters I'm pretty sure you receive many messages of thanks so please treat this the same on behalf of myself, my staff, and others THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ... Like your prayers to us we pray for you to all Please be safe and take care.

Perry
---------------

I just wanted to thank you all again for the tremendous amount of morale support you guys provided us during this deployment! I meant to write back and let you know that we should be on our way home very soon!

... on behalf of all the guys at FOB Cobra I would like to say thank you again because I know how much it helped those soldiers to know people back home were looking out for them and sending them love and support through those care packages!

Jerry
-------------------

The boxes have been well received every where we have sent them. You guys are the best and I consider it an honor to be a part of your conduit to the troops.

Special requests! Hummm! They tend to be thankful for the things received unasked for as it is, kind of like the ole saying, "don't kick a gift horse in the butt".

William

600 sailors respond to Girl Scout cookies

2010-05-25T10:22:00.000-05:00

Ms. Carter and the members of Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas,

I am writing to express and convey the heartfelt gratitude that each and every one of the over 600 Sailors experienced when we received your package of Girl Scout cookies. Many of our Sailors are on their very first deployment, and most of the rest are on their second consecutive tour in Afghanistan. It means so much to them to receive these packages from home.

They are learning quickly that many of little things from the United States that they took for granted are the very things that make our country the best place in the world to live and work.

Please know that each and every day, your important work is touching and improving the lives of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines as they put themselves in harm's way at the call of their country.

God Bless all of you.
Sincerely,
Nathan, USN

American flags presented to some of our donors

2010-05-18T11:49:00.002-05:00

Below are some photos of our flag presentations to local donors. The flags were flown on military missions by American helicopter pilots in Afghanistan. The flags were presented to Aerus Holdings; Daisy Brand; Curtain, Wall Design and Consulting; Watt Spohn Universal; Spectrum Management; and students from Fisher Elementary.

Email from soldier receiving Girl Scout cookies

2010-05-16T17:30:00.003-05:00

Over a week ago, we sent 102 large boxes, each filled with 28 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, one lb. of coffee, water balloons, playing cards, DVD, microwavable popcorn, phone cards and letters to our adopted units. They, in turn, took many of those boxes and pushed them out to soldiers serving in remote bases increasing our reach to over 12,000 soldiers. We still have over 300 more large boxes of cookies waiting to be shipped out but first must raise the funds for postage. Please consider assisting us in this worthy endeavor. Your contribution is tax deductible and 100% of our funds goes toward either shipping or the purchase of goods that the soldier's request.

Here is one of the replies from a recipient...

Ms. Carter and the members of Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas,

I am writing to express and convey the heartfelt gratitude that each and every one of the over 600 Sailors at NMCB-5 experienced when we received your package of Girl Scout cookies. Many of our Sailors are on their very first deployment, and most of the rest are on their second consecutive tour in Afghanistan. It means so much to them to receive these packages from home. They are learning quickly that many of little things from the United States that they took for granted are the very things that make our country the best place in the world to live and work.

Please know that each and every day, your important work is touching and improving the lives of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines as they put themselves in harm's way at the call of their country.

God Bless all of you.

Sincerely,
LTJG Nathan D., CEC, USN

S7A, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five

3rd graders sing thanks to the soldiers

2010-05-10T14:18:00.002-05:00

Tussing Elementary 3rd grade class singing a sincere thank you to our brave and strong soldiers, men and women, past and current, for protecting us in times of war and peace.

US basketball coaches instruct soldiers in Mideast

2010-05-06T10:43:00.001-05:00

Here's an interesting video showing some top American basketball coaches (Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes, etc.) going to the Mideast. A tournament was set up, with each coach having a team under their charge. The first half of the video gives an overall perspective, and the second half has interviews with the soldiers and coaches. It's certainly a reminder of how the athletic world we enjoy in the USA is protected by the soldiers serving overseas.
&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=49efbb32-47e6-4e99-aebb-3167cee3c5c7" target="_new" title=""&amp;amp;amp;gt;Operation Hardwood: Episode 1&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

More notes from our soldiers overseas

2010-05-06T10:08:00.000-05:00

Just received these notes from soldiers overseas who have received our care packages:

Thank you guys so much for the cool ties they were gone before I could even open the box! ... I hope all is well with you and you family and ALL the cadets families. Take care and thank you again.
Mike
---------------

We decided to have a Cinco de Mayo celebration tomorrow! The chips, cheese, salsa, pinata and all the other accoutrements will make it a good one. I will send some pictures in the next couple days.

The pre-packaged boxes are a great idea. That helps us out a lot over here and they will get out to the remote bases much faster. Your organization is a great one and we appreciate all you do for us over here.

Thanks, Tom
--------------

I would like to thank you in advance for supporting my Soldiers and myself during the remainder of our time here in Afghanistan. I was deployed with CPT K during her last deployment and would like to thank you for your support during that time as many Soldiers benefited from your support including myself.
Martin

Packed Girl Scout cookies today

2010-05-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

The Girl Scout cookie packing at the Watt Spohn warehouse went very well today. Our goal was to pack 400 large brown boxes filled with 28 assorted cookie boxes and other goodies, and we managed to pack 405 of those boxes before noon.
Many, many thanks to Sam Nelson for the use of his warehouse and for all the support that Watt Spohn has given us. We were able to present him with a framed flag/certificate from Princeton to display in their office. We hope it will be displayed proudly and to remember Princeton's words that "many, many Americans have given their lives to protect our country and I honor their memories with the Red, White and Blue."

We will mail 100 of those boxes on Monday but must await postage funds before mailing the remaining boxes. Please help us send a taste of home to our Heroes serving in harm's way. Your tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated.

military charter to Guantanomo Bay

2010-04-26T09:38:00.000-05:00

I flew my first military charter for Delta last week to Guantanamo Bay, better known as Gitmo. Those charters are hard to come by and even though it was a short flight, it was still wonderful to do. Not knowing what to expect and thinking we would have a plane load of soldiers, I was pleasantly surprised that the majority of our passengers were families stationed at the Naval Air Base. It was amazing to hear that almost 1500 families live at the base that includes a school, movie theatre, Subway sandwich shop, swimming pool and of course, the gorgeous beaches of Cuba. The families that I spoke with really love it there and many are on repeat tours...one family even had a college aged daughter who was taking her college courses online instead of going away to some campus. Of course, she loved it, think of all the men there! Our crew was only there for a few short hours but the Captain knew the airport staff and was given a van to give us a short tour of the base. He took us to the Mini-Mart where we could purchase the obligatory souveniers of T-shirts, ball caps and magnets. Funny how no shot glasses were available.
This was one of the shortest trips that I have done recently but ranks at the top in terms of experience....priceless!

More messages from our soldiers overseas

2010-04-19T10:47:00.000-05:00

Here are some recent messages sent to Airborne Angel Cadets by some overseas troops who received our latest care packages:

"I must say the boxes are such a hit over (here)! I was approached by one of the units that received the last bunch of boxes, and they are in the process of adopting schools and wanted to know if we could get school supplies, simple items such as pencils, crayons, notebooks and chalk. Anyway, thank you all and for all that you do."
Kevin

"Thank you once again for the service that you and everyone that work on the boxes due for us. We serve and stay motivated because of the great Americans we have at home supporting us. Thank you so very much. everything that you are sending will be such a great help to our mission. Thank you in advance."
Mike

"Your support with gifts, candy, phone cards, toiletries, games, cards, books, magazines and the rest of the goodies along with your time and love put into it have made this deployment so much more bearable and has greatly increased morale in all the places you've been sending out these things to. I hope I'm able to finally get some good pictures for you that will show you how much all of this is appreciated here!"
Sgt Jerry

"You all are really toooo much.. I's really sorry we do not have ANYTHING here ... but I do want you to know that you all are AWESOME !!....I am soo appreciative for ALL you do and everyone else here is as well ... thanks again, A BUNCH !!!"
Jason

Kroger fundraiser for the troops

2010-04-14T08:54:00.000-05:00

We had a very successful day last Saturday as we set up outside a local Kroger's supermarket to collect donations for the troops. Our heartfelt thanks to Kroger for allowing us this opportunity. We collected 26 boxes of donated goods (baby wipes, canned goods, etc.), and also received over $1,600 in financial donations.

We shipped about 270 care package boxes in the last couple of weeks to our troops overseas. As those mailing costs were about $4,000, and our funds are at a low level, the donations were very much appreciated. Here's some photos of some of the hard working Airborne Angel Cadet helpers at Kroger.

Small glimpse of life from one of our soldier contacts

2010-03-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

Below are some notes that just came in from one of our care package recipients serving overseas:

The people here are taking everything with a grain of salt, but it's hard to go from hot showers and port a potties to cold showers if they have water, (baby wipes if they don't), and toilets that you are not allowed to flush any paper or wipes in. Their MWR here consists solely of internet and phones, but I have a feeling it won't be long before they have books, games, and other things to do for free time as they are bringing in more people from another FOB. It is improving though, they are working on these things and more ...

I just want to say thank you again for all of your support, it really makes a huge difference over here. Especially when soldiers are at locations like this one, mail call is a huge morale booster!

... they could really use whatever you can send here. They mostly have 220 power here, but a lot of people have transformers with them so they can plug in their 110 items. They do also have coffee pots, some have minifridges, and a few have microwaves. I can't say for 100% if I'm right on this, but I believe COP stands for Command Outpost. That usually means it's not as nice as a FOB (Forward operating base).

But they really could use anything, games, dvds, baby wipes, laundry soap (right now we do our own laundry, but we are supposed to get a service here I just don't know when), books, magazines, I'm sure anything would be well appreciated including the golf clubs and balls if you still have them.

Oh yeah, there are roughly 800 personnel here of which there are about 25 females. Everybody has a bed as far as I know and there is not a PX here, although they do have a couple of stores run by local nationals that sell most of the necessities for personal hygiene. Thank you again for your continued support, it is very much appreciated!

Sincerely,
Jerry

Certificate of Appreciate from Afghanistan

2010-03-16T11:38:00.001-05:00

Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas just received this wonderful Certificate of Appreciation from Kabul, Afghanistan.

New photo and email from Jason

2010-03-09T10:53:00.001-06:00

Here's a photo and note from Jason who received some of our recent care packages.

Nancy
OMG ... You all are sooooo AWESOME.. Since mail was screwed up for soooo long I got the last two boxes today.. Our fire department guys and our cops and I REALLY REALLY appreciate all you have done already.. I can't believe you sent more.. How can we ever repay you?? I wish we had something here to buy or something we could get for you .. But I WILL figure something out
before I get out of here.

Again..I can't believe you sent more..Our guys REALLY REALLY appreciate it .. For real .. I know I said it already but THANK YOU..THANK YOU... THANK YOU for everything..

Jason

Soldiers flying our American flag on helicopter in Afghanistan

2010-03-05T17:50:00.001-06:00

Here's a new video from Princeton flying an American flag over Afghanistan for the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas on one of his many helicopter missions.

Photo from Samantha

2010-02-09T15:48:00.004-06:00

Samantha, one of our contacts in Iraq, sent us this great photo. Samantha is helping distribute our donations to our soldiers and to the local citizens.

Cool video from our helicopter pilots

2010-02-06T13:27:00.006-06:00

These helicopter pilots are receiving care packages from the Airborne Angel Cadets and wanted us to see these amazing shots. Enjoy.

Recent messages from soldiers overseas

2010-02-02T10:15:00.009-06:00

Here are more messages in response to our recent care packages:

Nancy, I got the batteries and charger thank you so very much, and yes we enjoyed the rest of the goodies too.

It is organizations like yours and people like you that make me so proud to be an American, we are often chastised in the news for being and arrogant and wealthy nation but yet our nation is the most giving nation in the world. Deployments such as these are difficult anyway and then there are people like yourself and the Airborne Angel Cadets that come to our rescue and create a support network that is so very important, and treasured by all of us.

I cannot thank you all enough. If you need assistance in ensuring that care packages get out to the FOBS I would be glad to do so for you...I will be here for three years ... yes you heard correctly three years. Let me know if you need assistance.
Kevin
------------------------

Wanted to let you know I got three of the boxes today.. I REALLY REALLY appreciate everything you have done.. I really appreciate it .. and I will keep you updated when the rest get here.. We haven't had mail in almost 2 weeks so all the mail is backlogged at Bagram .. again.. THANK YOU !!!!.
Jason
------------------------

We received your packages. WOW!!! Thank you. Apparently the things that I asked for (which was on the top of my mind) everyone in our section were really out off. The body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, those small air fresheners, and medicated foot powder went fast. I think that all the soldiers received some.

I try to be around to make sure everyone gets whatever they need. They were fighting over the "XL" flannel pajama pants because it was only one pair (those were pretty nice). If you can get more of those, it would well appreciated. If not, don't worry about it. The above items that was mentioned earlier were the ones needed the most.

Thank you for the snacks, food ,candy and the coffee (especially) that you sent. In fact, thank you all for what you do. We are trying to think of some things that we can do to show you how much we appreciate you. At times I feel like that sending you thank you letters is not enough. You give us so much, yet it seems like we respond back so little. I don't want you all to think that we really don't care, because we do care and we appreciate you all and all that you all do for us. Thank you all again and "Happy early Valentine's Day".
Ricky
-------------------------

I was able to drop off a bunch of boxes that we repacked and sent out to some of the various bases around our area. I'll have you know that the voices of the guys on the ground as they talked to us on the radio was a cheerful and appreciative one. They were so very excited to see what you gave them.

Thank you so much for sending the coffee. All the items sent were very appreciated. We had a fun time sorting through everything and passing them on to the outlying bases.

You're doing a great job! Keep it up!
Princeton

More January responses from our soldiers contacts

2010-01-25T16:27:00.005-06:00

Below are some more recent responses from our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan:

I hope this not too late. I was hurt also by the UT game, but the Cowboys game made me forget about the UT game (quickly). We have 220v. We also have converters. We also need antibacterial foot powder, shaving cream, scented fabric deodorizer (nothing expensive....some
people don't get a chance to wash clothes like they should), more of those things that you put on your corns to get rid of those suckers, deodorant, toothpaste and baby wipes. That is all I can think of.

Thank all of you again. All of you are such blessings. I thank you very much (my aching corns especially thank you).

SSG Ricky B
-------------

i am on r&r in arkansas. i leave to go back to afghanistan on the 3rd of feb. i apologize for not replying about the care packages, but we did recieve the christmas boxes. again thank you, the guys had such a funny time with all the decorations. i will compile all the photos from this deployment and send it to you when we return. i hope all is well in texas and the ladies of the airborne angels.
M.G.
---------------

THANK YOU SO MUCH! The soldiers out here received some packages from your organization and I have to pass down about 10-15 thanks your way from other soldiers. How can we help you guys!! You truly are making it easier and more relaxing for us out here! We use to have a trailor
store (USO) out here and they took it away because our fob has been taken over by the Iraqi forces so we have nothing except mail to get us by.

Samantha F.
---------

I would like to thank you for all of your support and help throughout our deployment it has really meant a lot and I know the packages have meant a lot as well to all of us.

Just to think sending out one email got everyone phone cards and food and stuff for the whole time we were here its been awesome I will have to get yalls address so whenever I come through I will stop and meet everyone.

John W
------------

I know for a fact that the Dunkin Donuts Coffee are well received here. I'll be sure to take a few pictures of the guys with some of the coffee. I'm sure that the store and the customers will get a kick out out of some pictures sent from here.

Princeton
----------

January responses from Jacklyn and Jerry

2010-01-14T10:14:00.008-06:00

Below are some more comments and photos from our soldiers overseas:

Thank you for what your organization is doing! Every Soldier who has received something has a huge smile on their face!

They are just amazing ... when we go out to an orphanage I will take some pictures of the kids getting the items that you sent. I am then going to take the other items out to another more isolated FOB that doesn't have a PX and set them up with some of the stuff you sent.

Just know that everything will have a happy home and we can not thank you enough for your support and what you do. Your organization is wonderful, you are doing great things for the Soldiers.

Jacklyn

-------------------

Thank you again so much for sending us so many goodies! The people here love everything that has been sent. Every time a package comes I set out the goodies so people can grab whatever they want or need as they are exiting the dining facility. It has worked out very well!

The hand warmers have come in pretty handy here, there are nights when it drops into the 40's and we have people standing guard outside 24/7 so I'm sure they really appreciate it. I think it will start warming up again around March so if you do have more hand warmers I'm sure they will get used!

Thank you again for the time and energy you have been putting toward taking care of us ... I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your doing. It really means a lot for us to know there are people back home thinking of us! Oh yes, and by the way, Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Jerry

HAPPY NEW YEAR/HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

2010-01-07T09:59:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year everyone and Happy Anniversary to us!!
Hope everyone had a great holiday season with family, friends and loved ones. With my holiday decorations put away for another year, it is time to get back to the care packing business. My shoppers and I have scoured the "after Christmas" sales and stocked up on many of the holiday stockings, mini trees, cards and decorations for next season. Amazing how much money we can save doing this and I love a good bargain! We look for items that can be sent for other holidays as well....red lights for Valentine's day, blue for 4th of July, etc.

January marks our 5th anniversary since the start of Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. We adopted our first platoon of 35 soldiers from Ft. Bragg in January 2005 and haven't looked back. 2009 was a banner year for us with over 2500 boxes sent, reaching over 5000 soldiers thru our rotations of 12 adopted platoons almost doubling what was sent in 2008. Some of our past recipients have returned for another deployment and have contacted us asking for our care packages once again. Of course, we say "yes" since they are now part of "our family" and we support them for the duration of their deployment! Many of our soldiers are in the more remote locations or FOB's(forward operating bases) with very little amenities or access to basic goods such as deodorant, toothpaste, soap, etc. These are the soldiers that we try to reach and assist. Of our cash donations in 2009, more than 50% went to postage costs, which remains our biggest challenge. Trying to get boxes directly into the APO system to save on those costs has proved challenging and unsuccessful. If anyone has any ideas out there or can assist us, please let us know. We would love to be able to use those funds to purchase items that soldiers need or have requested.

Media Coverage

2010-01-01T06:05:00.012-06:00

Below is some media coverage on our Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. Click on images to enlarge.


Dallas Morning News 2008

Dallas Morning News 2009


Dallas Morning News - 2009

Certificates and Recognitions

2010-01-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Below are some of the certificates and recognitions that Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas has received. Click on images to enlarge.

Thank You to Local Companies

2009-12-19T07:10:00.004-06:00

A huge "THANK YOU" to Spectrum Management and Daisy Brand Co. for your generous contribution to our organization. These contributions allow the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas to continue sending those much coveted care packages throughout the year to our American soldiers serving in harm's way. With the help of our 12 adopted platoons, many of which are chaplains and helicopter pilots, we now have a reach of over 5000 soldiers! Many of those soldiers are in the more remote locations with no running water, no hot meals and no access to purchase basic necessities such as deodorant, razors or toothpaste, so these chaplains and pilots unselfishly deliver the goods via convoys or helicopter drops on our behalf. It warms the heart to hear of our soldiers looking out for their "brothers in arms".

God bless them and keep them safe this holiday season!!
Merry Christmas

Airborne Angel Cadets fetaured in Dallas Morning News

2009-12-18T08:51:00.009-06:00

Thanks to Lindsey Bever and the Dallas Morning News for today's newspaper article (below) on the Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas.

Local nonprofit sends Christmas to troops overseas

More than 5,000 soldiers are beginning to receive their packages from home — ones filled with stuffed stockings, phone cards, boxes of blank Christmas cards to write in and small toys to send home to their children.

These holiday reminders were sent by Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas, a local nonprofit that ships care packages to soldiers and troops serving in the United States Armed Forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

"We’ve basically become their family away from home," said Nancy Carter, founder of Airborne Angels. "We build a relationship with them. They become my sons and daughters."

Eight times a year, the group of about 50 volunteers gathers donated items coveted by the soldiers, such as snacks, coffee, batteries, beef jerky and basic toiletries, and they have a packing party.

Currently, Airborne Angels is shipping much-needed socks, hand warmers and knit hats, Carter said. "You don’t realize the simple things they miss," she said.

Just after Capt. Billy Watkins of McKinney was deployed to Bagdad in July 2008, he began to receive boxes from home. He said the most memorable package he received contained a pair of NASCAR bed sheets. "They sent Tony Stewart NASCAR sheets," said Watkins, who is returning to reserve status in the Army. "I took those sheets and thought that was just the coolest thing. It meant a lot. It was a big morale boost."

And that’s just what these men and women need, said Watkins' wife, Julie. "The soldiers feel like life has been put on pause, but the rest of the world keeps going," she said.

"Airborne Angels helps the soldiers feel like they’re not forgotten — that the rest of the world hasn’t gone on without them."

Julie Watkins was elected head of the family readiness group for her husband’s unit shortly after he was deployed. She became a focal point, sending care packages to the soldiers. She said it was rewarding to be able to send the soldiers a piece of home, but her personal resources were limited. That’s where Airborne Angels came in.

Julie Watkins began volunteering with the group, shipping packages to her soldiers. "For me, [Airborne Angels] was the avenue to make sure my soldiers over there were taken care of," she said. "It gave me a way to take care of them I couldn’t have done otherwise."

Carter said the real reward comes when the volunteers get to meet their adopted soldiers. When Lt. Steven Deputy of The Colony came home from Kabul, Afghanistan, for leave a few months ago, he went to an Airborne Angels packing party. Deputy’s wife, Heather, said he was amazed by the support from people he'd never met. "I'm glad we found the Airborne Angels," she said. "It's been a huge relief to have them helping Steve out. It's taken a lot of pressure off. I’m doing well to get a box out every month. It’s been a huge relief to know he’s not just relying on me for contact from home."

And Carter said Airborne Angels don’t stop until the soldiers come home. "One thing I’ve heard over and over from these soldiers is, 'Wow, you guys were here for us till the very end,'" Carter said. "The best part is hearing their feedback and [when the get back] collecting on my long-awaited hugs." Watkins said Airborne Angels is the soldiers’ connection to home. "I just never felt like home was far away thanks to those guys," he said.

How to help

Make a money donation to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas online or donate toiletries and nonperishable food items. Canned or boxed food that needs to be cooked, pork products and aerosol cans cannot be accepted.

For more information, visit www.airborneangelcadets.com.

Lindsey Bever is a reporter with neighborsgo and can be reached at 972-436-5551 ext. 3004 or via e-mail at lbever@neighborsgo.com.

Certificate from NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan

2009-12-13T20:04:00.008-06:00

The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas received a Certificate of Appreciation from William B. Caldwell, IV, Lieutenant General, US Army, Commanding, noting our recent shipment of 67 boxes to one group of soldiers in Afghanistan ... (click on Certificate to enlarge). Thanks to all the donors and helpers that assisted with this shipment.

In addition to the Certificate, we also received a letter as below:

Phone cards arriving overseas!

2009-12-07T15:47:00.004-06:00

Here's the response from one of our Airborne Angel Cadet phone card recipients overseas:

"Well, it took some time before I could get to the phone center but I did it tonight. I got to the phone center around 8 pm and there were about 30 folks in there waiting in line to use the phone. I borrowed a Santa hat from my friend Mark and we walked in. He had the camera and I had that hat with a stack of phone cards.

I interrupted everyone and told them that you sent me some phone cards and if they wanted one, to raise their hands. Everyone raised their hands. It was a huge hit. I gave one out to everyone and after I was done, I still had a few more so I gave them each another one.

I still have four more envelopes in my possession and I will give them out the same way but on different days and different times so that I can increase the chance of giving it out to different people. One person made the comment "Wow, you just made a whole bunch of new friends!". Yup, we sure did...you and me both! lol.

... I'm always at work at different times of the day. I know that the phone center is always busy so just about any time I walk in there, I can expect to see a bunch of different people in there. I think we've stumbled on something interesting here. Girl Scout Cookies work...and phone cards work! Cool.

Cell Phones for Soldiers Certificate

2009-12-07T15:16:00.007-06:00

Thanks Cell Phone For Soldiers for helping our troops overseas!
(click on photo to see enlarged version of photo)

Christmas care packages arriving in Afghanistan and Iraq

2009-12-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

Below are some photos and comments from our 2009 Christmas care packages arriving in Afghanistan.

1) From Stephen (Afghanistan) ... "The number of boxes that came in over a two day period overloaded our little container office ... I have an entire wall between my desks and the other desks now. I didn't want to start handing out stockings until after Thanksgiving, so I will start walking around tomorrow to hand them out."

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2) From Princeton (Afghanistan) ... "I spent the entire day flying. I managed to drop off a bunch of boxes to a fairly large, but remote base in south Afghanistan. I can't tell you much more than that but please be assured that the boxes will be well received and make lots of people very happy.

I still have more to give out. The next day that I'm not on the flight schedule, I'll try to give out some of the phone cards to the soldiers.

I've also set aside some of the blankets and gloves to give out to the women's and children's hospital at a nearby base."

Boxes at point of arrival in Afghanistan:

"Attached (below) is a picture of a couple of Marines that we dropped off about 100 stockings to. Their small patrol base is located somewhere in the very south eastern portion of Afghanistan. They are very remote and I'm sure they don't get many luxuries. I would guess that they were very happy to get the stockings."

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3) From Jerry (Iraq) ...

We received the remainder of the boxes you shipped today! They really got here fast! We're waiting on giving the stockings and phone cards until Christmas but we've already started handing out the candy, magazines, books, toys, Christmas cards, snacks, and all of the other goodies!

The soldiers here are very appreciative of all you have done! I'm sure you will be receiving more emails of thanks from them! A lot of them were really excited about the toys because now they can send some to their children for Christmas as we really don't have any toys we could get here to send them.

I think some of them might stay with the soldiers and the rest in the hands of Iraqi children when we go out on missions. We are all amazed by your generosity and thoughtfullness. It's starting to get a little chilly here so the hand and foot warmers will definitely come in handy!

Most of the candy, snacks, and microwaveable food you sent is also not available here so people were very excited to receive these. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. We are very grateful and we wish you the happiest and most blessed holidays!

Sincerely,
Jerry

2009-11-24T10:41:00.002-06:00

Thank you TRI TX 5 motorcycle group for your donation of 400 Grabber hand warmers to the troops. As the weather dips below freezing in much of Afghanistan and in some parts of Iraq, these are a much requested and coveted item. The hand warmers allow our soldiers to better carry out the missions that are assigned to them so they are very much appreciated.

Thanks to our faithful donors!!

2009-11-23T08:46:00.003-06:00

Many, many thanks to our faithful donors Curtain, Wall Design & Consulting, Inc. and Central Wholesale Plumbing for your continued support this Christmas. Like clockwork, these companies come thru for us in a BIG and generous way every year. With your heartwarming support, our adopted platoons will have a much better holiday season and are reminded that we, at home, have not forgotten their sacrifices and service to our country.

God Bless America and those that defend her!

Whew....boxes and more boxes!!!

2009-11-19T21:08:00.006-06:00

Whew, what a week this has been!! Since last Tuesday, we have diligently worked nonstop to get our Christmas care packages mailed to our 11 adopted units to ensure a timely delivery and distribution of over 7500 stockings, cards and holiday goodies to our soldiers.

Starting on Nov. 10, I met and had lunch with a wonderful donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This generous family donated $20,000 to our cause which will allow us to continue sending these much appreciated care packages to the many, many soldiers that we support.

Nov. 12th, Aerus Company hosted a packing party for us in which they donated enough goods to fill 156 boxes to 3 of our units, reaching over 2000 soldiers, and the funds to mail those boxes. A huge "THANK YOU" to Aerus for their spirit of generosity and unwavering support of our men and women serving in harms way.

Nov. 13th - the first of many post office runs for the week in which we mailed the 156 Aerus boxes plus 30 of our boxes containing 525 large Christmas stockings to 5 more units.

Nov. 14th - The Airborne Angels Christmas packing party was held in which we packed 275 boxes to those 5 additional units reaching over 2500 soldiers. Mind you these boxes are not the same size with the same items. We do not pack cookie cutter style boxes but boxes with different items that can be shared so packing is not easy. We had a great turn out of volunteers with many newcomers bringing lots of goodies. Thank you everyone for making this so successful. It was a great team effort to come together like we did.

Nov. 15th - more packing and double checking forms for mailing.
Nov. 16th - post office run mailing 146 boxes.

Nov. 17th - post office run mailing 131 boxes and then packing an additional 24 to our 2 smaller units.

Nov. 18th - mailing those 24 boxes.

Today we rested and will resume again next week

Have a great Thanksgiving week and remember to include the troops in your Thanksgiving prayers!

God Bless America and those that defend her.

Photos & Letter from Afghanistan

2009-11-04T16:47:00.007-06:00

To the gracious members of the Airborne Angel Cadets,

My name is Staff Sergeant M.G. and I am a Soldier of one of the many Army platoons that you support. I am a squad leader of 9 men which is part of a 31 man platoon. Our number one mission is to do route clearance for any coalition force that needs to leave the FOB to go to another area of Afghanistan.

As you know that the number one threat in country both here and in Iraq are roadside bombs. As Combat Engineers, our sole purpose is to find those bombs so they do not kill coalition forces or disrupt the free mobility of our troops as well as the people of Afghanistan. It is a slow and nerve racking job, but it is worth it knowing that we do our part in keeping soldiers safe as well as the people.

Our actions also frustrates the enemy and we are defeating them from replacing these bombs to hurt their own people. It is a career that does not get recognized enough. As of now we have accumulated over 3100km of road and we have put in over 2200 man hours of missions. As well, we have conducted 47 combat missions since we have been in country. To think, we have only been here for 3 months.

The soldiers in my platoon come from all parts of the country. Some young, some old. Some who are single and some who have been married for 15 years with 4 kids. Some with degrees and some who just got their GED?s. Some who are short and some who are tall. But all in all, we are now brothers in arms and we are family until we get back to our own.

We stick up for each other and we constantly look out for one another during missions. Those of the soldiers who are young, they have grown up to be men with courage in their hearts. Those who are old have been rejuvenated by the young and eager to push forth and engage the enemy if needed. However, like most families, we argue and we see some things differently. But when it comes to the life of another, we are all on the same page. We love one another and we love our country. We know the importance of what we are doing and how it plays in the bigger picture of freedom.

However at times, it is hard to see that picture when it is 120 degrees outside or when it drops to -20. It is hard to see that picture when you hear of a soldier who has been killed. It is hard to see that picture when you have family members who do not support your actions or when you see on television how people ridicule soldiers as they return from a deployment.

But, all those images are washed away when you see that other soldier to your left and right helping you up when you are down. When you hear the voice of your child on the other end of the line telling you that they are proud of you. When you see thousands of people in stadiums singing the National Anthem.

When you receive care packages from complete strangers who you know took time out of their lives to put something together for another complete stranger. That is when we know that what we are doing here is for not us, but for the people back home that rely on us to keep them free and safe so they can enjoy the freedoms of our country without having to fear of intruders.

I come to you to say Thank You for supporting us and helping us to wash those images away from our minds so that we can continue doing what we are doing until we come home. We cannot express to you our gratitude over a letter or even over the phone. Even our own families say thank you. But if we could, we would give y'all a huge hug, and being from Texas myself, we would have to have a Bar-B-Que and a cold one to express our thanks. To the members, the volunteers, to the little ones who come out to pac and to the businesses who donated these items, we salute you! HOORAH!