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Thanks to YOU, the Operation Prayers and Letters™ Post Office Box is overflowing!!! I'm amazed at the volume of cards and letters we've received, but rest assured our volunteers are working hard on sorting and sending these wonderful messages of encouragement and well wishes to all the participants in the program.
I'm certain they will love hearing holiday wishes from all of you.
Thank you! Keep writing and praying.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Angie Regan
Volunteer Manager
Operation Prayer and Letters™
MarineParents.com, Inc.
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Laughter Really is the Best Medicine!
At Operation Prayers and Letters™, volunteers often spot check cards and letters written to ensure the messages written are not harmful. It makes me sad to think that people actually do that but I am happy to say that 100% of the letters we receive in the PO Box are able to be forwarded to the participants they are intended for.
Of course, my favorite packages to review are from the school-aged children. They can say the darndest things! However, adults can be quite humorous with their one-line jokes, funny stories, and anecdotes as well. In fact, we received an entire box packed full of hand made note cards from the United States Merchant Marine Academy Cadets this month!
I have to share with you one card in particular that gave me a chuckle! Maybe because I am a Mom of a Marine who understands what boot camp is all about, I can appreciate the meaning in what was written. In the letter, the cadet wrote about who he was, where he was, and how thankful he was for this particular veteran's service, but it is what he could NOT say that struck me as funny -- at the top of the second page, an entire paragraph was marked out with great care using a black marker. Written sideways in the margin was the following explanation: "My DI (drill instructor) said I couldn't say that, but that's ok, I'm getting pretty used to doing push-ups!" I can not imagine what the young man had to say, but I'm certain those of you familiar with the Corps will probably understand and hopefully get a bit of a laugh out of it too!
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Participant Update: Cpl. Craig
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Craig looking sharp for his doctors appointment.
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I am very pleased to report to you all that Corporal Craig and his family celebrated his 2nd ALIVE DAY earlier this month!
Craig is making steady progress in his recovery from a surgery in October to flatten his feet. Craig is out of his casts and able to wear shoes for the first time since April of 2013!
Craig's mom told me about a recent physical therapy session he had as well. Working together, his parents were able to get him to sit up right on the side of the bed with his flattened feet flush on the floor and press a little of his weight on to his feet. They also helped him do some side push-up by leaning his body over sideways where he would have to push himself back up straight with his arm.
Vandi, Craig's mom, said he was "crushing it with his left arm - you know, the one that was supposed to be paralyzed!" That's AMAZING! He was also able to hold his head up for quite some time, even catching himself as his chin started to move forward to his chest.
Keep up the good work Corporal Craig! We will continue to pray for healing for you.
To learn more about Corporal Craig, please click here...
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Writer Spotlight:
A Message from the Heart
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"Thank you for your service. You are a Hero."
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This heartfelt letter was written by another cadet from the Merchant Marine Academy and included a special note he received while walking through the airport in his uniform.
The note was neatly written in crayon and was from a little girl who wanted to thank him for his service. The Cadet wanted to pass this message along to a veteran he felt deserved it more.
Cadet Andy may be too humble to consider himself worthy of appreciation for his service, but I'm sure you would all be in agreement when I say we are very grateful for his willingness to serve his country!
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Mission Statement & Thank You
The mission of Operation Prayers and Letters™ is to provide support to wounded, ill, and injured troops through prayers and letters written by people in communities throughout the United States.
Thank you so very much for keeping our wounded, ill, and injured service members in your thoughts when you write and pray. Your kindness is most appreciated!
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Most Recent Changes:
Added: None
Removed: None
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Operation Prayer and Letters™ Writer Spotlight:
We welcome photos and stories from all our Operation Prayers and Letters writers. Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement you send to the wounded, ill, and injured participants! You truly are making a difference.
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Join Their Fight Campaign
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Send Cards and
Letters to:
Marine's Name & Company
c/o Operation PAL
P.O. Box 758
Columbia, Missouri 65205
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We hope this week's edition of our email newsletter has been useful for you and your family. If there are topics you would like us to address, or if you have other suggestions for the newsletter, please contact us.
MarineParents.com, Inc., is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity. MarineParents.com was founded in January 2003 in response to parents' needs to find information and to have a Place to Connect and Share® with one another during their Marine's career. Our free services and connections have expanded to support and educate Marine moms and dads, spouses, families and friends. We've supported more than 400,000 Marine and recruit families during boot camp, training, active duty and deployments. We've shipped more than 39,000 care packages overseas to our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, sent 90,000 prayers and letters to injured Marines and served thousands of meals to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families at military treatment facilities on the east and west coasts. You've found a Place to Connect and Share.®
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