11/24/2007 Operation Shoebox New Jersey, On behalf of the sailors, soldiers, and civilians of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Khost Province, Afghanistan, thank you so very much for the recent arrival of several wonderful care packages. The toileteries were quickly distributed, the goodies were rapidly inhaled, and the letters from all of the wonderful contributors were placed throughout our dining facility for everyone to enjoy and feel just a bit more connected to home for awhile. Care packages are powerful motivators for us serving far away from our families, friends, and the hometowns that we cherish. There is almost no better way to light up a smile on a soldier's face than to mention "mail call" and start handing out boxes that were flown in from half a world away. I have been priviledged enough over the years to get care packages in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, off the coasts of Iraq and Somalia, and now here in Afghanistan. Opening one nine years after my first still fills me with a great deal of pride and joy at the strength of the support that we know is pulling for us back home. In the case of Operation Shoebox New Jersey, it is wonderful to know that so many charitable, civic, and neighborhood groups came together to make the care packages. They have made a wonderful impression on us as the winter holiday season begins here in Khost. Please visit our website for photos, stories, and movies of what America's soldiers, sailors, national guardsmen, and civilians are accomplishing with the Afghan people to improve life in Khost Province, Afghanistan! With the Utmost Respect, LT Rob Holt, USN Executive Officer Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost, Afghanistan www.prtkhost.com