Here are just some of the letters we've received from those in Afghanistan ...

Dear Contributors of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign,

On behalf of 5 Platoon, Bravo Company, 1RCR Battle Group, thank you for the packages. The whole platoon was very jealous when they saw that I had 3 packages. But when I opened them and read the letters out loud they were very excited. When we get mail its like Christmas. The items you included in the packages made everyone very happy. We give the little candies to the children in the villages around our camp. I assure you they are as grateful for the treats as we are. Right now we are in south-western Kandahar and everyday is a new battle against the insurgents, the heat, the boredom, or everything else in this land that is not designed for humans to live in.

Most of the guys in my platoon come from the GTA and on weekends we drive home, passing the highway leading to Buckhorn between the 115 and Bancroft on the way. I've always heard good things about that area and have always thought about going on a camping trip sometime. I use to date a girl who's family had a trailer in the area. We are just about halfway through our tour and your packages were a great way to mark the occasion. I look forward to my return home and maybe I will have the pleasure of meeting you in the future.

Once again, Thank You. I dont think anyone has any idea how much it means to us to know people back home are thinking of us.

-Jamie Ross

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Aunt Dar,

I wanted to let you know that I received packages from you yesterday. The boxes were labelled 1 of 8, 2 of 8 and 3 of 8....so my guess is there is more coming. It was great to receive them on Victoria Day, and especially after the day we had where we suffered the loss of Trooper Rudd from my Regiment as well as injuries to other of our co-workers from our home unit.

The packages were wonderful, so many thoughtful items in them, that I have shared with my colleagues (especially the ones from the Peterborough area! ) I applaud the work that you have done along with your peers in getting the Peterborough Family Resource Centre off the ground, and as well as arranging all of these packages to the troops here. If there is anything that I can ever do to help out with the Resource Centre, or with your package preparations, please do not hesitate to ask.

I also heard that they are building a new War Memorial in Peterborough? Do you know when the grand unveiling is? I would like to attend if I am
able to.

Thanks again,

Shane

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Hey Dar!
Today your packages came in the mail, I am out on an OP right now but getting some re-cock time at Massum Ghar. Yesterday was a doozy, we had to re route twice because of impassable routes. Remediation was required on both. Luckily we did not get stuck, which is more than I can say for two of the other vehicles in our patrol lol. The hole must have been deep because I saw on of the taller guys (6'3ish) go in to his nipples deep. :S Its ok it was all a good laugh in the end but it turned a short leg into a long grueling one that left our packet semi crippled with vehicle damages as we limped back to the COP where we bedded and received repair.

Today wasn't so bad, but it was the first time we were shot at which isn't so bad bullets for some reason don't have the same wow factor as a rocket screaming over your head. Unfortunately in the end we were unable to determine the source of the small arms and could not return fire for lack of a positive identification of enemy. We ended up just pushing though and several hours later I was in MSG where I found your packages! First thing I did was collect like items and made them available. Members of EROC, the Armored Engeneers, and the Field Troops were elated. The abundance of goodies was and I quote " just like Christmas". I provided them with your maiiling address and it is posted with both the toiletries and goodies so hopefully they will send you a letter or two for you and the rest of the folks.

Troy Nichol

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Cpl. Ron LaChapelle

Well hello there!
I know it has been a long time since we have chatted and I appoligize for that! Been busy and our internet has been down for a long time! I'm glad that you enjoyed the photos of us at christmas and trust me we had fun taking them! Our accomadations are a bit better than some and also alot shittier than some aswell. Afghanistan STAR system I would give it a 3! Normal STAR system it would get a 1! So I have since gotten your other packages with shoes and other amazing goodies in it, and let me tell you we are all excited to hand out the shoes to the kids! They are going to like the shoes better than they like the candy and pencils. The rest of the stuff was well needed too, and the sunscreen has been put to use on many occasions since it is getting into the 40 degree weather now. Everyone on the team loves when I get the big boxes from Aunt DAR, it's like christmas all over again and it's also like grocery day too. I am holding up pretty good here, I will be out of here soon and cant wait to finally meet you and enjoy a beer (or 12).
Thanks again for all of the boxes we all appreciate more than you can ever imagine, and sorry for taking so long to write you back.

Ron
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Cpl.Ron LaChapelle (left) and other members of the Canadian forces team recently received medals.

John Noonan (left) from Peterborough and Jamie Ross fly the flag!

Where volunteers make it happen!