My name is Major John Langolis, I’m a Marine pilot from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 stationed in Al Taqaddum, Iraq. I am writing to thank you and all those in support of Operation Shoebox from Central New Jersey. I guess a friend must have given you my name and I want to express my sincere appreciation for all of your efforts in sending service members these boxes of goodies. I wish I were able to send a thank you to each school that your letter refers to in the letters contained in each box. I’d also like to thank the mayor and all those of Manville and Somerville who also contributed. All my Marines thoroughly enjoyed the Girl Scout cookies contained in each box, along with all the other items. I have to say that I too enjoyed the cookies as well! Daily operations keep us quite busy here and when we catch some of the news, it never really has anything good to say. Although there is a lot of violence in this part of the world, and so many of us are spending a lot of time away from family and friends, the morale is high. Knowing that there are those back home who still support us and are caring enough to take time and money to send us these care packages, without ever having met us shows a sincere generosity and spirit that helps all of us over here get through each deployment. This is my second tour over here, as it is for many in my squadron. I was very pleased to find in your letter that you will continue to support the service members over here in the future. Knowing that we still have the support of the American people is what keeps us going in this tough and dangerous, but worthy and noble cause. Thanks again for your support, Semper Fidelis and God Bless. Maj. Jon Langolis HMLA-367 (s-3) Unit 42065 Al Taqaddum Iraq