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Thank-You's from Iraq
2004-2005


The following eMails are from the 1-506th BN CO:

03 November 2004

Fred,

Roger on your care package arriving. I talked to CPT Jason Davis the other day and he was thrilled as were his soldiers.
Many thanks as well for the one you sent me. The Currahee flag is wonderful and I had it hung up in the TOC. It gets rave
reviews everyday and is posted on the wall right next to the Crest. Your contribution is very much appreciated by us all.
Many thanks . . .

Again, many thanks to you and the 506th Association for thinking of us and for your generous gifts. It is wonderful to be
a part of such a great group of Americans . . . both in Iraq and at home.

"CURRAHEE"

VR
COL DAVID L. CLARK
CDR, 1-506th IN REGT
"STANDS ALONE"


23 June 2005

Fred,

Truly a great and worthwhile project, and we are fortunate to have been the beneficiaries of all that goodness! Our
sincere thanks to you and the Association for your generosity and good will for the packages as well as the many
hospital visits that were a great morale boost for our wounded soldiers. I can't thank you enough for that. We all
look forward to returning to the good old USA in the not too distant future. Thanks for your untiring and loyal support.

VR
COL DAVID L. CLARK
CDR, 1-506th IN REGT
"STANDS ALONE"


The following letters are from the CO of A Co, 1-506th:

16 May 2005

Fred May:

Thank you for the continuous support you have shown the company. I received package number A-12 several days
ago, and once again, put some smiles on my soldiers' faces. You and the Association have been terrific.

I change command later today with Captain Matt Farmer -- he is coming over from HHC command. It is my time
to move on, but before I go, I would like to send you some company coins. These are only a small show of thanks
for all you have done. Two from Korea --one from Iraq.

Please send me an Association application form. This address will work fine.

Very Respectfully,

Captain Jason Davis, Commanding
A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry


16 May 2005

Fred May:

These (company coins) are for the Association -- please distribute to those who helped you with the outstanding
support.

Sincerely,

Captain Jason Davis, Commanding
A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry


The following message is from the CO of C Co, 1-506th. Four days after he wrote this letter, CPT Jones was WIA.
CPT John Sandler, the 1-506th BN S-3 Air, subsequently took command of C Company.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
CHARLIE COMPANY 1 506th IN (AASLT)

08 November 2004

Dear Mr. May and all members of the 506"' Airborne Infantry Regiment Association (AASLT),

Thank you for your generous gift to Hard Rock Charlie Company and for your continued selfless service to your
Currahee band of brothers. It is great Americans like you and the fellow members of the Association that we are
fighting for over here in Iraq.

As you know combat zones are not known for their great abundance of communications and this one is no different,
but the Battalion TOC has e-mail and I will get up there to check out your website. I look forward to becoming a member
and one day giving you guys a briefing on the situation over here in the Sunni triangle and I will try and keep the tall
tales to a minimum. Below is a letter that I sent to the family members of Hard Rock for the month of November:

Dear Hard Rock Charlie Families,

Hard Rock Charlie Company has been living up to its name here in Iraq. The company has been doing great work and
has taken on a major workload here at Camp Manhattan. The whole battalion has been running 100 MPH and Hard
Rock has been carrying its load and then some.

I wish you could see your soldiers. They are all great men and they truly are magnificent ambassadors for our blessed
country. The men of Hard Rock are strong but gentle when need be; aggressive but patient; and committed. It is a
wonderful feeling to see them all prepping for a mission, standing guard or even relaxing and telling war stories after
a successful mission. I am very proud of them and I know you are too.

The company has been busy doing several missions to include the majority of the force protection for the camp. That
includes manning the entry control points (ECP's); several guard towers; and the command and control. We are also
rotating being a quick reaction force (QRF) for the battalion and conducting a route security mission. Both missions
require one platoon. We have also conducted numerous platoon, company, battalion and brigade size missions. It is
really amazing how much we have done in such a short period.

Hard Rock company soldiers are doing a hard job and they do it everyday without complaining. They are able to focus
because of the grand job you the families are doing back on the home front. I know personally I feel incredibly guilty
for leaving Suzanne and the children for so long, almost a year in Korea and now a year in Iraq. But, she has never
said or acted in any way that would add to my guilt. She is my rock and my humanity and I know you are for your
soldiers. Thank you for your hard work for your understanding and your concern.

A special thanks to Mrs. Naughton for all her hard work keeping 2nd Platoon and the rest of the company informed
and my Suzanne for visiting recovering Hard Rock soldiers at Walter Reed and for reviewing this letter for spelling
errors and correct grammar.
CPT William Jones C Co Commander

WILLIAM JONES
CPT, IN
Commanding

This handwritten note was also included:

Thanks again for the care package. The men really enjoyed the snacks. We are provided with all the basics here but
chow is really bad. So if it is not too much trouble Ramien noodles would be a welcomed item.

CPT William Jones


The following letters are from the CO of HHC, 1-506th:

27 November 2004

Sir:

My company has been receiving your boxes and putting its contents to good use.

As a former Currahee, you know how grateful we are. Your thoughtful gifts have a significant impact on the high morale
of the company. We are keenly aware of our heritage as Currahees and it is nice to have some interface with those who
came before us. We most recently received two boxes on Thanksgiving-perfect timing. The first box we received had the
Currahee Flag-which we erected during an enemy rocket and mortar attack. The spirit of this unit cannot be broken.

Thanks for all of your support . . .

Your faithful servant,
Matt Farmer
CDR, HHC/1-506 IN


22 April 2005

Dear Mr. Helwig,

I want to let you know how much I appreciate the support you have given HHC over these past months. The boxes upon
boxes of snacks and sundry items have served as an excellent morale boost and have been extremely useful in this
austere environment. Coming from you, a former Currahee, the support is especially meaningful. As a company, we
have a deep respect for the distinguished service of the soldiers who have served in this regiment and work very hard
to preserve the legacy of the unit. Sir, again thank you for all your support. I look forward to meeting you and other
members of the Association someday back in the States!

CURRAHEE!
Matthew Farmer
Commander, HHC/1-506


The following eMails are from the CO of A Co, 2nd BN, 72nd Armor:

4 December 2004

Mr. May,

Sir, I am the commander of the tank company attached to the Currahees for combat. I cannot tell you how proud I am
to serve in such a storied regiment. It means so much to me.

I did my lieutenant time at Ft. Bragg with the 82nd. I know...don't kill me. But it has been great that I have received such
widespread training. It is neat to look across the Company Commanders and see all of us as Airborne Rangers and most
of us (including me the tanker) as Jumpmasters.

I think that helps us carry on the legend of the Currahees. I have heard that you were the XO of A Co 1/506 back in the
day during Vietnam. I can only imagine that you and I share the commonality of trying to make sense of an enemy we
cannot see.

I am a man after the things of God and try to inspire my men in the same manner. I have lost two of my tankers and two
infantrymen attached to me during this command. That is pretty tough, but God has sustained us.

Just wanted you to know that we received Package Number Ar-1 mailed on November 19, 2004. It arrived at my
location on 4 December 2004 in mint condition.

The only other request for future mailings is a Currahee Flag. That would mean a lot to the boys here. LIke I said, we are
so proud to be a part of the brotherhood. I am connected to you and we are connected to the original Currahees of WWII.

God Bless You and Thank you for all your support.

Everything you sent was perfect, and my boys will truly appreciate it.

In Him,

Chris

Christopher L. F. Plekenpol
Captain, Armor
Commanding
A Co, 2nd BN, 72nd Armor


15 April 2005

Mr. Helwig,

I cannot tell you how thankful we Apaches continue to be for your gracious gifts. We love everything you give. We
especially love the paper tablets you send. We use those for the TOC, when my guys are trying to write down what
comes in over the radio. The cookies, fritos are also something that all my men will enjoy. I am just going to have
to give them more PT.

Can I just say how amazed I am that you have accepted us tankers as part of your family. It means a lot to my boys.
We really feel a part of the Currahees and we even made a flag pole here and fly the Currahee flag proudly. I will
send some pictures soon.

Please keep us in your prayers. A couple more months and we are going to be home. I want to bring the rest of my
boys home. How awesome it will be to come back to home sweet home after two years deployed over seas.

God Bless You.

Chris


The following is a hand-written note from the CO of B Co, 1-506th:

Sir,

I wanted to personally send you a letter to thank you and the Association for the package. My men and I enjoyed every
bit of what was sent and it arrived in good condition. There are no special requests at this time. Thank you.

CPT Toma Kim
CDR, B/1-506 IN


The following eMails are from 1SG Jesse Rodriguez of B Co, 1-506th, sent to Frank Algeciras (B Co, 1st BN, 1964-1965),
who mailed his own Currahee Package to the troops in Iraq:

1 May 2005

Dear Frank,


Hello, and how are you doing? I am 1SG Rodriguez of Baker Co 1/506. I would first like to thank-you for the care package
that you sent. The items that you sent of granola bars, jerky, cocoa powder, and trail mix are greatly appreciated as they
are luxury items here. My guys will seriously enjoy them. As I was putting them out in our bins, guys were already coming
by and grabing them up. I would like to also thank-you for paving the way before us in this great company and battalion's
history. It's guys like you that made me come in the Army 20 years ago. Don't ever think what you did wasn't appreciated by
someone, cause it was. We get mail and care packages from all over the States, but this one means a lot more to me,
coming from a Baker brother and Currahee. Thank you so much for your support.

1SG Rod


26 June 2005

Frank

How are you doing? We are doing quite well as it is coming to an end here. We should all be home by the begaining of Aug.
We just need to make sure we bring everyone else home. Right now that's all I care about, is to bring all these kids home to
their families. I just wanted to e-mail you and tell you thanks for all the various snacks you sent. As soon as I put them out,
they were being grabbed up by everyone, so I seriously appreciate your continued support of my company. It means so much
these guys can get those items from back home from people who support them. That means everything to the guys here.

Thank you,
Jesse


The following eMails are from 1SG Jesse Rodriguez of B Co, 1-506th:

3 May 2005

Dear Alfred,

Hello , I am 1SG Rodriguez from B Co 1/506. My wife has told me about you, and I know that you have been coresponding
with my CO, CPT Kim, so that's why I have never written you before. I would like to start by saying thank-you for all the
care packages that you have sent the company, and the support of our fellow Currahees, which means more than anything
else. If there is ever anything you need from us, just ask.

In answering you about the T-shirts, yes, my guys can wear T-shirts around the barracks area, and company area, so if this
supporter wants to send shirts, we would really appreciate his donation of shirts. Also, if you give me an address for him, I
will send him a thank you letter or e-mail.

Again, thank-you for all you and your Association does for the company and the rest of the Currahees. It is you all that we
should be thanking for giving us the history and honor to follow as CURRAHEES.

1SG Rod


27 June 2005

Alfred,

Hello, and how are you doing? We are doing good here as it is really winding down and time is going fast. Just wanted to
send an e-mail telling you what a class act the 1/506 Association is. You have made some rough times enjoyable by all the
various items that you all have sent. The thing that has impressed me the most is, your members going and visiting
wounded soldiers, that is way above the call of duty, and I seriously appreciate the fact that your members have taken
their personal time to do that. If it means alot to me , I can only imagine what it means to the wounded soldiers, since
we can't go see them. Thank you and your Association for all that you have done.

Thank you,

1SG Rod
Baker 1/506


The following letter is from the CO of D Co, 1-506th:

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
DESTROYER COMPANY
1ST BATTALION, 506TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

To All Currahee Brothers:

First, I would like to apologize for the formality of this typed letter and ensure you that my heartfelt sincerest thanks go
out to each and everyone. All the things we do as Americans or in any society are a zero sum game, wherever we devote
our efforts, unfortunately we must sacrifice somewhere else. Your time and effort are no less precious than anyone else
involved over here. We understand the daily problems and issues we all face at home raising families and caring for
others don't come to a screeching halt when tough times come along. It truly says something about our society when we
sacrifice our efforts for others we may never get to know.

I would love more than anything else to sit down with each of you and discuss how your day was and what life is like
back home. Although, I am sure you must have some of the same questions about life over here in Iraq. I can't answer
all of your questions, but I would like to take this opportunity to share some truth and reality into a confusing media
display by CNN. Everyone perceived the fall of Saddam and march into Baghdad would end the violence. The violence
is not over and we are not here to adhere to any sort of timeline being discussed on the news. You know military forces
are determined and do not set forth or plan for any sort of exit strategy. We plan on staying until the end state or goal
is achieved. We will achieve our goal of putting security into the hands of the Iraqi forces and letting them decide on
democracy for themselves. As a uniformed military, we will never be able to force democracy on anyone and that is not
our belief as Americans. We are only here to provide them with an opportunity. We are stationed in Habbaniya, Iraq.
You won't find this place on CNN because it is the suburbs of Ar Ramadi and Fallujah. We see our fair share of violence
as a main thoroughfare between the two places and operate within each, but I assure you the Iraqi people are taking
control of their own destiny.

In closing, I am truly grateful for all that you have done for us and the support you continue to provide to the Currahees.
I am invigorated each passing day by the letters of support you all maintain in the band of brothers. We are not war-
mongers and fight for freedom of the oppressed; we all raised our hands and agreed to do these things. We will stay the
course.

Jason M. Sabat
Captain, Infantry
Commanding


The following eMails are from the CO of C Co, 44th Engineers:

19 December 2004

Fred,

On behalf of all of the men of C/44th Engineers, I would like to say "thanks" to you and the 506th Airborne Infantry
Regiment Association for your kind generosity. We recently received a care package from the association and I
shared the contents with all of the soldiers. We're very proud to be a part of the Task Force 1-506th team in Iraq.

My "Sappers" have conducted numerous missions as the engineer support for the task force that have ranged from
cache searches, to demolitions operations, to force protection missions. We couldn't have asked to be with a better
team and we're very thankful that the association has included us in their support.

The only question we had was whether or not we would get a sharp Currahee flag too?

Thanks again for the support!

v/r
CPT Adam J. Czekanski
Commander, C/44th Engineers


30 December 2004

Fred,

Sorry for the delay in a response to your e-mails. Our e-mail has been touch-and-go here for the last week, between
the mission OPTEMPO and "technical" issues with the internet. Many "thanks" for squaring my company away
with the coveted Currahee flag. Once we receive it, we will take the requested photo and send it to you so that the
association can see how we are displaying it. Thanks again for the great support and best wishes for a happy and
safe New Year!

v/r
Adam


30 May 2005

Fred,

We appreciate the thoughts on Memorial Day and WE salute YOU and all the men of the Currahee Association
who also sacrificed. Thanks again for all of the great support the Association has given to us throughout our tour.

v/r
Adam


25 June 2005

Fred,

Thanks again to you and to all of those in the Currahee Association for the outstanding support you've all
provided over the last 11 months. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to serve in a combat zone
with the Currahees of 1-506th Infantry and to have had the opportunity to be part of the Currahee family.
My application has already been submitted! Take care and thanks from all the Sappers of C/44th Engineers.

v/r
Adam


The following eMails are from the FSO of C Co, 1-506th:

13 January 2005

Mr. May,

I just want to thank you for the numerous care packages that you have sent for the soldiers in Charlie Company.
They are very appreciative of all the support while they fight for freedom and try to make Iraq a safe and peaceful
country. I hope that you have enjoyed the holidays and wish you a happy belated New Year!

Thank You Again,

1LT Claude A. Lambert
C Co. 1-506th IN (AASLT) 2ID


12 February 2005

Mr. Moore,

In regards to the pictures, no message is necessary at this time, however maybe at a later date and I will try to have our
photo rep send some more. Sorry it has taken long to reply back, we have been very busy due to the past elections and
stabilizing the country. I just want to thank you and the Currahee Association for all the continued support and gene-
rosity. The care packages are being distributed to the soldiers and they really appreciate the efforts, care, and hard
work that goes into them.

Thank You Again,
1LT Claude A. Lambert


23 June 2005

Mr. May,

The soldiers thank you once again for all the care packages and support that you have given the "Currahees"!
The care packages have always been a terrific morale booster and reminder of home. Thank you again for all the
hard work!

Sincerely,
1LT Claude A. Lambert


The following letter is from the CO of B Battery (Bushwhackers), 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery:

February 2005

To Mr. Ron Helwig,

Thank you for the package sent from the Currahee Association. The soldiers of B/5-5 appreciate your contribution to
their morale. The Currahee Flag enclosed in the package is on display in our company day room, and the soldiers of
B/5-5 are honored to be a part of the Currahee heritage and tradition.

Currahee!
David L. Taylor
CPT, AD
Commanding


The following eMail is from HHC, 1-506th, Support Platoon Sergeant:

8 October 2004

Dear Hoyt,

I just wanted to let you know that us Currahees over here in Iraq really appreciate everything you are doing for us.
It has been going very well and it looks like we are gaining lots of ground on the bad guys everyday.

I am looking forward to meeting the past Currahees in the future, maybe at Fort Carson in September 05.

Once again, thank you for support.

Jeff Lover
SPT PSG




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506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association (Airmobile - Air Assault)
This page updated 04/12/13