One of Grannie Annie's chaplains says thanks

Dear Editor,

Years ago I was a political writer for a small, local newspaper and enjoyed it thoroughly, but this is not an email asking for a job; rather it is to compliment one of your local residents in her drive for the Chaplain Corps and the men and women we minister to abroad.

Personally, this is my fourth deployment; I've been to countless bases and met people of all colors, religions, creeds and nationalities while serving on various chapel staffs, as an instructor at our school house and in deployed locations. In all my time, I have never received the support from anyone quite like Ann Trail. Whether it was on staff or leading a chapel staff, the ministry of Grannie Annie is unmatched in its support of Chaplains and the people we come into contact with every day.

At my current location, have a chapel staff of 14; the largest in the theatre of war. At our base, we are responsible for roughly 8 thousand men and women; American forces making up the largest group, while an addition 1,500 men and women from our allies within the coalition. We are also the main transition point between the theatre and the United States; therefore, at any time there may be an additional 2 to 3 thousand troops transitioning either to the war or returning home from it - whether it be Syria, Iraq, or Afghanistan.

My staff is responsible for every person whose foot touches down on this base; it's our responsibility to support them.

Ann Trail has embraced the responsibility of supporting us in this monumental undertaking.

In the multiple care packages, we discovered Hard-Tac, processed by a local company; this was the chosen favorite of anything we received. I'm not sure where I heard it, but I learned that the local Masonic Lodge had contributed specifically to this being produced. Being a Master Mason myself, I truly appreciated their decision to help supply the Hard-Tac.

With each of us on staff, our hearts were warmed by, not only the Masons, but also the churches of various denominations and citizen patriots who let us know that we are not forgotten, we are supported and have an umbrella of gratitude and prayer directed our way.

I cannot say enough in appreciation for what your local communities have done for us, and we truly and genuinely thank you; may God bless all in your efforts.

It is my understanding that there were many groups who supported Grannie Annie in this endeavor; as we discovered the cards and notes in the many packages we received, I attempted to write each of them. Given the time of year, the number of people, the sheer volume of work, I could not reach them all. It is my hope that you could pass along our gratitude and thanks to these organizations, churches, groups or private citizens that aided in supporting us through Grannie Annie, which in turn supported the thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines I see every day.

Until we all come home, I am...

Very Respectfully,

Maj. Jack Miller

Deputy Wing

Chaplain

Al Udied Air Base, Qatar