Desert Library
Dear Friends,
It has been 4 months since I arrived into country and began my first deployment in Iraq. Over the past four months I have encountered things I never thought I would, and experienced feelings I didn’t think I had. With all of this happening there have many people who have stood by my side, and whom I am very proud and thankful for. Everyone receiving this email falls into that category. 
Speaking on behalf of my unit, it is hard finding the words to express our feelings of gratitude and thankfulness we have for each and every one of you. Through your support we have been able to set up a library in the middle of the dessert over half-way around the world. We have everything including Western, Romance, Language books, Thriller, Song books, comedy, Bibles, and so much more. I have enclosed a picture of the library for your memories and to show you what you have accomplished. It may not look like much, but we have run out of room to put the books, and they are stacked three and sometimes four deep. There are over 1300 books in this picture and we are waiting to get a bookshelf that will hold and display them properly.
When we first arrived here there was a lot of talk about how this war might turn into another Vietnam, and how eventually the people in the States would get “bored” with the war and forget about us. What I soon discovered was precisely the opposite. This war, (and it is a war) has taken on a shape of its own. There are those in the states who disagree with this war and those who accept it. The odd thing is, both sides have come together to support the men and women of their country. With every letter, package, and email of encouraging words, we have come to the realization that America is proud of her sons and daughters, and will stand behind them through anything.
There are over 60 names on my To: line, and those are only the people whom I have email addresses for. In a little over four months, my command has been bombarded with packages. Here is a small list of some of those items; candy, cooling head bands, SO…MUCH…FOOD, squirt guns, a kiddy spa (which came in handy by the way), coffee pots, gourmet coffees and creamers, jerky, magazines, uniform items, socks, pens, headphones, envelopes, hygiene items, oh and don’t forget, BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS!!!……As you can see, we have much to be thankful for, and that is not including all the words of encouragement and numerous letters we have received from people.
This letter is coming from someone who has truly been humbled by your actions. Instead of talking to my wife about home, I find myself in a one-way conversation describing how people all over the United States are showing their unselfish support for my unit. I can only hope that someday I will be able to touch someone?s life as much as you have been able to touch all of ours.
Like I said, I don’t know how to say thank you for the items, words, thoughts, and prayers you have so freely given. I guess the only thing I can say is…
Thank You,
Sgt Morgan
USMC
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