"As most Soldiers who are deployed know, getting mail is one of the most important morale boosters anyone can receive," said Sgt. Laurian Artise, also of Fort Sill. "Sometimes, when Mongo and I were out at the gate, I felt like I wasn't really all that important, but when I got that email and package from Linda Cunningham, and read how much she and all her coworkers appreciated us for what we do, it made me feel like I really was important and I was making a difference.
“It made me stop and think that I really was keeping the folks at home safe from the terror the Taliban and other terrorist groups inflicted on our great country. I would like to thank Linda and all the others who thought of us and took the time out of their busy days to take care of us and boost our spirits. They are the reason I am proud to be in the Army."
Staff Sgt. Anthony Jessup of Fort Bliss, Texas, said he was also grateful to Cunningham and others who sent packages to the Soldiers. "Things got rough for us at times, and our morale was beginning to dampen," he said. "But with their caring hearts, we were able to pull through the rough times. I can't express enough how thankful we are."
Staff Sgt. Michael Sytsma of Fort Gordon, Ga., who is currently on his second volunteered deployment and in the heart of Baghdad, said he is also thankful.
"We think Linda is great," said Sytsma, who was excited the Doggles had arrived. "We greatly appreciate all her efforts. Both these ladies (Cunningham and Ross) and all the people who are donating their time, items and money to help us out over here are wonderful. I cannot express in words how much we appreciate it. Mail is the best morale booster there is over here. When a package arrives, it is like Christmas for us."
Dawson said Cunningham and Ross have sent other items that really come in handy for the dog handlers. Some of these items include collapsible water bowls, rawhide chews, nail clippers, eyewash and ear cleaner.
"The biggest part was giving to the Soldiers," he said. "They would ask the Soldiers what they needed, and the Soldiers were like, 'Thank you, we don't need anything.' But (Cunningham and Ross) were persistent and, after a few times, the Soldiers finally admitted to wanting some good coffee to drink and some jerky to chew on."
"That really broke my heart," Cunningham said. "Here are these Soldiers, in the midst of who knows what kind of danger is around them, and the only thing they asked for was real coffee and some beef jerky. It is amazing how humble they are."
She said making donations to the deployed Soldiers has given her a new perspective on the Global War on Terrorism.
"It has definitely changed the way I view the war," she explained. "Before becoming involved with the dog handlers, it was just a war that was seen on TV. Now it has become a lot more personal. Now anytime I hear about something happening over there, I'm even more concerned for the Soldiers. I worry about their safety every day."
"We love being able to help the Soldiers in Iraq," Di Lullo said. "The first time we were contacted, it really made us feel that we could help some people and some dogs over there. It certainly was a point of pride for the company.
"We appreciate the opportunity to help, and we will keep doing it as long as we're needed," he said.
Cunningham constantly keeps in touch with the Soldiers in Iraq, as she monitors their needs and prepares to send them more goodies.
"I've found out that Staff Sgt. Sytsma's group of dogs has received their heavy-duty boots the airedale people [the North American Airedale Association, which Ross is affiliated with] got for the dogs to protect their feet from the hot ground," she said. "Boots and Doggles, now that should be a great picture!"
