It does matter

Ever grateful to the community for its generous contributions to soldiers, Monroe resident Kathy Aldinger, a teacher at Pine Tree Elementary School and the area coordinator for www.anysoldier.com, routinely shares letters she receives from military personnel who are recipients of care packages.

Aldinger, who is committed to making sure those who serve our country are remembered, most recently worked with the Monroe Girl Scout Service Unit this past November to collect and package up almost 800 pounds of “goodies.”

To those who helped and to those who will continue to remember, know that your efforts make a difference. The Photo News is pleased to share some of the thank you letters from those soldiers who have received the packages spearheaded by Aldinger’s coordination efforts.

To Kathy Aldinger: You know I don’t get too many care packages from my hometown; I’m from New York City, Brooklyn, and so extra thank you for your support. I have to tell you the third care package I received from someone in New York ... a pillow and some extra blankets that I have you to thank for so much. They are the best, I love them and I know other soldiers will love them as well.

God bless you. Hope that 2012 brings tons of blessings.

Thank you. Sgt. Hart. Kathy Aldinger,

Thank you for the box! Pretzels and popcorn came in two pretty awesome looking tins. The cards I will pass out to the unit. Too, too cool!

The box of granola bars sits in an office for the guys who go out on mission a lot.

My favorite part of the box would have to be the pictures and the little angels. I have two boys and they are my little angels. I ask God every night to watch over them and keep them safe.

Please let the artists know that it is us who are thankful. Their masterpieces are going to be on display to bring joy to the hearts of a lot of soldiers, sailors and airman.

I hope you guys stay warm this holiday.

Will Ma’am, I am SSgt Cleary, the representative here for the AnyMarine program. We received your many care packages and I want to thank you on behalf of all the Marines here! Your care packages are very thoughtful. The Marines love the snacks and out here, the hygiene products go quickly. We were amazed that you were able to send so many, and we want you to know that we are grateful. We know that you don’t have to send us care packages to these Marines a million miles away that you don’t even know. It is a boost here knowing that we have people back home who care about us enough to show their support.

Thank you. SSgt Cleary Ms. Aldinger,

My name is Adam Moellinger and I am a corporal in the US Army. My team here is incredibly appreciative of the time you took to make a difference for us here. Being away from family and friends can be extremely difficult, especially this time of year. To know people out there still appreciate the work we do as soldiers is a huge moral boost.

A genuine “thank you” goes out to everyone from the Idaho Forest Group. And to you specifically, for your generosity. And to Julianna, Cassie, Kelsey and other awesome cards you made.

Sincerely, CPL Adam Moellinger

Thanks so much for sending us some holiday cheer. It warms our hearts to see that there are still people out there willing to help strangers,

Happy holidays. Tracy