Holmdel Marine Sends Letter Thanking Residents for Care Packages

In a recent letter to Holmdel Town Hall on U.S. Dept. of Defense letterhead, Holmdel Marine 1st Lt. Christopher Campis offered his thanks to the benefactors back home who have sent him and his unit some heartfelt care packages.

"Your generosity and thoughts for us out here are truly appreciated," he wrote. "My Marines and I have thoroughly enjoyed and used everything you have sent us. It is always a great feeling to return from a mission and have mail waiting for you."

Campis, who is stationed with the 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, was referring to boxes of videotapes, thick socks, Girl Scout cookies, and other goodies from home dropped off by residents touched by calls for donations from Township Clerk Maureen Doloughty.

Doloughty's own son had served in Iraq, and although he back stateside, she has learned how much a soldier is comforted by a package from home.

Included with Campis' letter was a flag and certificate of appreciation, which Doloughty said will be hung in Town Hall.

"I know, unfortunately, we do have other residents who are overseas at this time," she said at the Township Committee meeting Thursday. "I would appreciate anyone contacting me about anyone overseas, so we can make sure that their holidays are happy as well – as can be."

Doloughty can be reached at Town Hall by calling (732) 946-2820, or by emailing info@holmdeltownship-nj.com. Donations can be brought to the Clerk's office.

Patch asked Christopher Campis' mother, Francine Campis, to kindly suggest some items which are most useful to the soldiers in Afghanistan.

In an emailed reply, Francine Campis said, "I know he did mention that they get a great deal of peanut butter and lemonade issued to them, so these items are not as popular."

She noted that toiletries, socks and personal hygiene items such as hair and body wash seem to be favorites.

For entertainment, the troops like DVD's, playing cards, magazines and the like. 

As for food, the soldiers like ready-to-eat energy treats like chicken and tuna in pouches, Clif Bars, dried fruits, applesauce pouches and beef jerky.

They also appreciate sweets like LifeSavers, Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers, Pop Tarts, Starburst, and home-baked cookies (not chocolate).

They like those small drink powder packets to add to water bottles (but preferably not lemonade).

And cards and letters. They are always appreciated, she said.