January 2004

January 2004 - Below is the latest email (and pictures) from Bob Callahan. Sounds like our recent shipment was a big hit. Bob must be Top Dog in his unit. It's interesting to read how the troops are always drawn to the innocent children. It must fill a void in their hearts being so far away from their own kids back home.
alt="Bob Callahan"

I asked about bocce ball sets, baseball gear and Bob said they could use both. I also thought Horseshoes would be good. I guess they are limited to the area they have for activities. If you want to contribute money toward any for these item or donate any that you may have that would be great. They still need the sample size waterless hand cleaners, hand creams, books and snacks.

Our next shipment will probably go out around February 16th.

Thanks for all support you are giving Bob.

Kathy

-----Original Message-----
From: kathy.a.diclemente
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 3:04 PM
To: callahanr
Subject: Activities

Hi Bob,

Didn't realize you had guys at different locations, I thought you all were on one big base. We hear on the news that there were some injuries over there and we all held our breath until we were sure you were OK. We saw a picture of you there, boy is it flat. You looked good....must be the uniform, but you look even better when you're here in civies.

We were wondering if you and the guys could use some things to keep you occupied when you had time off. People came up with suggestions like bocce ball, golf clubs & balls, baseball gear, etc. Is this anything you could use or do you have any or suggestions. It amazing how much people want to do something but they just aren't sure what.

Again take care.

Kathy

To: Kathy Diclemente
Subject: RE: Activities

Hey Kathy,
What picture did you see of me? It's flat near the airbase, but everywhere else is pretty mountainous. I've attached a picture of one of our Cobra's looking for bad guys near one of our forward operating bases to give you an idea of what most of our operating area looks like.

alt="View over Afghanistan" I received the three boxes you sent yesterday. You guys are truly incredible! I opened the boxes in front of my room-mates, and they couldn't believe what awesome packages you guys put together. The footballs are great. After we're done throwing them at each other, we are going to give them to some of the local kids. There is currently a toy/clothing drive going on for the local kids. If people are asking what to send, you could suggest toys or clothes for these kids. If they would rather send things for us, your idea of sports equipment is great. I wouldn't suggest any golf clubs. There isn't enough open space on base for hitting golf balls -especially with my wicked slice.

The video tape you guys made is outstanding! Home can seem far away sometimes over here, but seeing everyone on that tape made it seem a lot closer. It really meant a lot. Please thank everyone for me.

Take Care,
Bob

December 2003, A Thank You letter from Kathy DiClemente (Active Pioneer) who is in communication with one of the Managers that went to Afghanistan. We have been helping to support a "goody" box, from the employees here at 251 Locke Dr., Marlboro, in different ways each month.

I want to thank the Pioneers for their tremendous generosity in helping
with the Bob Callahan Campaign. The items the Pioneers have donated and
the money to help with postage has been a big help.

The Christmas Stockings and tins of cookies you gave last month went to the
men in Bob Callahan's unit who had been sent to a remote location for a few
weeks and had nothing to lift their spirits for the holidays. Bob
delivered the stockings in person and said they made all the difference in
lifting the men's morale.

When we asked Bob what they could use, he mentioned disposable cameras.
Because of the sand and winds, regular cameras get ruined. Once again the
Pioneers have come forward and donated disposable cameras. We are trying
to have a theme each month, and the Super Bowl is the one for this month.
What gets contributed to the shipment....all kinds of chips and snacks
compliments of the Pioneers.

Bob Callahan has asked me to extend his thanks to you and the Pioneers. We
are truly thankful and lucky to have such an organization as the Pioneers.

Sincerely,
Kathy DiClemente