Mardi Gras Packages Arrive

Dear Ms. Perry:

I want to let you know how much the soldiers, aviators and mechanics of 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, TF (task force) Voodoo, enjoyed the care packages coordinated and sent through your organization, Soldiers’ Angels. The soldiers hung the beads in our AO (area of operations), dressed up in costume for some of our meetings and have been getting in the Mardi Gras spirit as Fat Tuesday approaches. We have a few outstanding cooks in the unit that have used the red beans, rice, Zatarain’s spices and other items to prepare Red Beans and Rice on Monday and Gumbo on Friday in keeping with New Orleans and southern Louisiana tradition. The other very cool thing we are doing is arranging for some of these items to be given by our soldiers to some of the Iraqi children who love receiving things from our soldiers. No matter where you are in the world and what the politics are, children are children.

I want to let you know that the packages were a huge morale boost to the soldiers. I know some of the soldiers here in Balad from other areas of the country do not understand our culture and excitement over the items you sent. Once again, thanks so much for everything you have done.

Patrick R. Bossetta
LTC, AV
Commanding
MOJO 06