Letter from HMLA-169

(rec'd 29 June)

03 June, 2009

Momma Jodi and Company,

My name is 1stLt Scott Destafney. I'm a Pilot and Operations Officer with HMLA-169, the "World Famous Vipers." We are currently located in beautiful (sometimes) Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where we are supporting the Marines doing the majority of the 'grunt' work on the ground.

First off, the entire squadron wishes to thank you for your wonderful care packages and letters! I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that almost every desk and work station in our camp is now home to a Beanie Baby of some sort. It really is incredible how much those little guys serve to lighten up the atmosphere around here! Don't tell anyone, but I now have what appears to be a golden retriever sitting next to my San Francisco Giants hat. . . It's definitely the little things that make this place more pleasant!

...We are HMLA-169, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA. The squadron flies AH-1W and UH-1N Attack/Utility helicopters and our primary mission is to provide armed response should our brothers on the ground get into trouble. It is very gratifying to be able to give those guys assistance, especially since they are the ones really in harms way. Half of us are here in Bastion, while the remaining folks are deployed to Iraq helping out with the troop reduction and stabilization mission...

Anyway, I just wanted to let you and your family/organization know that we are incredibly grateful for your thoughts and generosity! The Marines know that people back home are keeping them in their thoughts and prayers, and people like you mean the world to us. I'll do my best to keep you updated on significant happenings around here, as well as trying to get some pictures sent out. Please pass thanks along to Mr. O'Bryant as well, as his Beanie Babies were a huge hit! Thanks again for everything!

Very Sincerely,

Scott