11/19/2007 Mr. Hirsch, On behalf of my unit, I want to thank all of your staff and donaters for the wonderful boxes sent to me recently. I would write a personal letter, however, the mail system is impossible right now. Email seems to be the way to go. We are currently getting set for the winter here in Afghanistan. The days are pretty cool, but the nights are downright cold. Our morale is very good, and the spirit of home is only 6 months away. I don't know one Soldier who is not counting down the days. As for me, I am originally from Bound Brook, and graduated from Somerset County Vo-Tech. I grew up in both Middlesex and Bound Brook throughout my life before joining the service. I have been in for over 15 years, and as you can imagine, counting the days till I retire. I have a wife and six wonderful children/stepchildren. Once again, I want to thank you and everyone for what they are doing for our troopers. We all appreciate everything that you all do for us. Nothing goes unnoticed. So on behalf of myself and my unit. THANK YOU! Sincerely, SSG Jeffrey Richter A CO Operations FOB Kushmond Afghanistan