On 9-29-04, the Monett Armory ( 203rd C Company ) helped Bell Ministries to store 310.4 lbs. of pancakes. Word got around very quickly about the food. Within 1 1/2 hours, all the pancakes were given away. We just wanted to say "Thank You!" to SGT Brittain & the rest of the Guards at Monett, MO for helping us. Without their help, those hungry people wouldn't have gotten the much needed assistance & the pancakes could've spoiled for lack of storage space. The 203rd did a wonderful job helping the people of Iraq. And now that they've returned, they did a wonderful job helping the people right at their own front door. Thank you so much! E. Smith.
~~~
There have been many people who have helped Bell Ministries take up this cross.
We are truly thankful to all of you.


Special "Thank You To The Military" from The Mullins Family, Pentecostal Church of God Missionaries to Indonesia.


2-2-05:  From CPT J. McDaniel
(203rd Headquarters Commander during deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom.)
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As I leave command I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of the HSC Soldiers and their families.  Commanding HSC was a wonderful experience which I will never forget.  Your dedication, bravery, and persevereance were essential to the success of the company.  By your efforts, the people of Iraq have a chance at a better future.  The mission there is not done, and hard work remains, but we all know that we have done our part to make a part of the world a better place.
~~~
I recently received an e mail from Ali, our interpreter.  In it he thanked us again for our help to his country and expressed his hope for the future. He also said he hoped that he would see me again.  Of course I hope THAT is not the case!  His thoughts though were genuine and I think typical of the Iraqi people who we met and worked with.
~~~
You guys are the best!  Best wishes for the future.
~~~
CPT Mac


7-15-04:  From Lieutenant Colonel D. Koonce
(203rd Battalion Commander during deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom.)
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I want all of you to know how very proud I am of you for the accomplishments of our units (that certainly includes our families).  The attitude and amount of heart you've shown as you've encountered much hardship and the disappointment of two extensions has been remarkable.  There are no finer or nobler soldiers than the Houn' Dawg soldiers of the 203rd.  We've made a positive contribution and difference for thousands of American Soldiers and tens or even hundreds of thousands of newly freed Iraqi citizens during our 16 months of deployment away from our families.  There are no finer families backing up our soldiers than the Houn' Dawgs' families.  The veterans, Houn Dawg Retiree's Association, employers, churches, schools, and communities in Houn' Dawg country have contributed immeasurably to our success.  For all your support, and for all of your prayers that was truly the firmest foundation of our success, we will always be grateful and can never forget.
~~~
LTC D. Koonce
203 ECB (H)
Commanding


12-31-03:  From Brigadier General M. Hertling
Assistant Division Commander, Support
Operation Iraqi Freedom
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Subject  To the Real Heroes of this Deployment....
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Supporters of the soldiers of 1st Armored Division: Happy New Year!
~~~
As all of you recall, I received your email addresses from your soldiers as I travelled around Baghdad in my duties as the Assistant Division Commander for Support.  In the past I have written to each of you individually and told you that you should all be very proud of your soldiers.  Well tonight,as the calendar changes over to 2004 -- a year that we here are all certain will show great progress for the advancement of the Iraqi people in Baghdad, due to the monumental efforts of your deployed soldier -- I wanted to write to you again and tell you how we all believe YOU are the real heroes of this deployment.
~~~
Our Division Commander, BG (P) Dempsey, has set us on a solid course, and is providing the kind of leadership that every soldier dreams about.  This division is focused, our mission is clear, and every soldier is performing like a seasoned professional.  We are committed, and our resolve is strong because of what we believe and how it has been tempered by the sacrifice of our comrades.  We will win this fight, of this we are sure.  And the people of Baghdad, Iraq, and the world will be better for the many sacrifices of the American soldier, and their families.
~~~
All soldiers miss their loved ones as we go about our duties, and it is
difficult being away from all of you.  But it is you -- on the homefront -- who have sacrificed the most.  The time with your loved one, the shared teenager's football game, the first steps taken by a child, the shared cup of coffee on a lazy Saturday morning.  We are missing those times now, as you certainly are, but they will return soon.  We will all be the better for our sacrifices.
~~~
Thank you for all you do.  You are in our thoughts and prayers -- and we are thankful for what you do and who you are -- as we begin a new year filled with hope and promise.
~~~
All the best,
M. Hertling
BG, USA
Assistant Division Commander, Support
Old Ironsides


If you would like to send a Thank You to the Military
just email Bell Ministries at
BellMinistries3@hotmail.com.