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Gary Bourland
- U. S. Marines -
Afghanistan
Gary Bourland
(Address not available or expired.)
Make a donation, please. Click HERE AFTER you get an address.
(This address has been requested 0 times.) (NOTE **)
APO/FPO: FPO AE (Note 1*)
Added here: 28 March 2004
End date: 05 Jul 2004 (Note 3*)
Contact for approx number of Males: 300, Females: 0 (Note 5*)
Unit is from: (Note 6*)

17 Aug 2004:
Marty -

Hope all is going well with you and the family. Everything is good here aboard the USS Wasp off the coast of Africa. I got the email below from a great supporter and wondered if there would be any way we could post their good-bye words. Several are wondering where we went. You’re the expert on this so what ever you think. Gary

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Hi Gary –

If your guys were writing back to supporters or had developed penpals, I definitely encourage you to add your contact info back to the anysoldier site – at least until your replacements are in place and you are definitely headed home. Here’s why – your guys can always use an encouraging word. Also many of us who have been writing letters and/or sending packages to particular units, or have developed an ongoing correspondence with an individual, develop EXTREME withdrawal symptoms when you disappear from the website and we know we might never hear from you again. I must say, when your contact info was taken off I felt really happy to know that your journey home had begun, but I felt a huge loss that you might have disappeared from my life as well.

You wouldn’t believe how many of us have confessed to Marty that we’re addicted to his site!!! – as I told him once, in the chaos of our world today and our deep concern about the safety of our fighting military men and women, his site is our lifeline to sanity.

So if you add your name back there, it’ll give people a chance to say “goodbye” to Marines they’ve been corresponding with, or even ask whether the Marine wants to continue staying in touch. You could suggest that supporters send their packages to other units who are in the thick of things, but that your guys would still enjoy receiving letters and news from home. I promise you, those still in Iraq and Afgh will not be deprived – we’re honored and privileged to support ALL of you!!

Gotta run, but later this week I’ll send you some more pictures. Cheers! Joan

10 Aug 2004
Marty-

Bet you didnt plan on hearing from me so soon. Before we could get too far off the coast we have been extened another month as somthing has come up and we are needed. Probably best for us to keep the packages turned off as Im not too sure what really lies ahead but will keep you informed as much as possible. Pleas post the below and this msg if possible to inform all of our supporters as they sent me msgs wondering where we went. As Always, thanks for the support and your flag is inbound to you as we speak.

Semper Fi-Gary

Marty and Family,
Shortly following my last email to you we were flown from Afghanistan to Kuwait where we were pending moving into Iraq if needed. It was undetermined if we would actually move north but we didn’t think so because of the amount of Marines currently in theater from the west coast. Now as we sit in Kuwait in the 130-145 degree temps, quite different from Afghanistan we wait for our ships. Yes, we are headed home. It has been a very busy 7 months since we left the east coast and we still have a month long float home when we finally leave Kuwait. I can sure appreciate everything our armed forces are doing here and in Iraq. The best of luck to all of them. I know with all of the great supporters I was able to meet, they will have a great advantage. Please continue to support them as they will appreciate your attention, prayers and support.

Thanks to the almighty lord and all of your prayers we have been very lucky and did not suffer numerous losses as many other units have and may continue to do. The anysoldier program has been an eye opening experience for all of my men and especially me. I was taken back and humbled by the gratitude that all of the Americans displayed for us. Let me tell you those care packages really made a difference when we would roll into base after a long mission. Tired, worn out and a little angry we had boxes and boxes of gifts waiting on us. It was the little things like, baby wipes, Gatorade, ziplock bags, soap, razors, shaving cream, paper and envelopes, pens and letters that made the big difference to all of us. By taking the time out and showing that you cared meant the world to us.

We have not received any mail for the past 2 weeks because we departed so quickly from Afghanistan. However, all of our mail has will be forwarded to us. Im sure there will be a lot waiting for us. Please do not be discouraged if you have not received a response back just yet. Once I get your mail I will surly write back. As we don’t need your gracious packages anymore you can still send us letters if you desire to. Please forward all of your care packages to registered units in Iraq. Many units did not know about the program so we have spread the word.

It has been my greatest honor to serve this great country and all of you in the fight against terrorism. I wish I could say this was it but unfortunately we have already began to plan for another departure after our arrival home to continue the war against terrorism. Rest assured I will contact anysoldier once we are underway again. Please allow me to thank you Marty and your family for all of your hard work. Thanks to all of the organizations and companies and especially all of you great Americans. From the grade school students to the 95 year old gentlemen that gave from their heart, we salute you. This country is the greatest country in the world and has the greatest people in it as well, trust me Ive heard from over 500 of them.

Semper Fidelis and God Bless America
Gary

22 Jul 2004
Things are continuing to move fast for us as we continue to rearm and refit in Khandahar, Afghanistan. I cant tell you how proud I am of everyone that has continued to send us care packages. We have been adopted by a few diehards that we are truly grateful for. We haven't received mail for a while so now it is all catching up to us even the stuff mailed to the USS Shreveport so everyone that who has had that on their mind can rest assured now. Temps have hit in the 110 degrees but it could be worse I guess. There has been a lot of ground that we have covered and actually this is the first time in 3 months that we have been able to glance back and see what we have done while up north. The men have really done a great job and are living proof of you get what you put into it. All of the letters, packages, wet wipes, snacks, envelopes, pens, under armour shirts, magazines prayers and every ounce of thought and care have assisted us in getting us as far as we have to date. I can not begin to express my gratitude for all of the great American people that have given from the heart. From all ages we have truly seen the American spirit and the thoughtfulness to know that all of you stand behind us. Because that is known we are able to achieve new heights and tougher goals because of the drive and encouragement of everyone back home. In fact all of you have motivated us to send packages to other Marines once we get home. Everyone who has helped us in whatever way-we salute you for doing your part. I wish I could list everyone's name on this web site who has contributed but I don't think we could list them all. I try to write back to each and every one of you although it may be a bit delayed. Additionally, my men enjoy writing all of you as well. Thank you all again from all of "The Few And The Proud" from Afghanistan. Attached are some pictures from our memorial service for our fallen and injured Marines and Sailors.
Semper Fidelis-Capt Bourland

07 Jul 2004
Hope all is well and that you enjoyed your 4th of July. We pressed on with business as usual here as other than mentally you couldn't realize it was a holiday.

I researched the "mail" problem that Lt Connolly and his group was having. Apparently the breakdown was on the east coast where the most important person "the mail guys" didn't follow through with the Marines extension change so all mail was shut off going to our address. The problem has been fixed as it has affected mail departing since before July 1. Regardless, there shouldn't be any more problems with the mail and I hope no one was discouraged to send our brave the grateful items, which we have received in the past.

I don't know how to show you and the American people how much we appreciate their gratitude in their support for us. I came up with the idea of consolidating letters from service members and Americans back home in one place. If you have a motivating letter or story from a service member you would like to share please mail me a copy of it and I will add it to the collection to be posted in the future.

Thanks again Marty for everything. We haven.t received any mail for about a week or so but I expect the pile of anysoldier packages/letters to arrive soon. We enjoy the letters also. Americans can send letters as well and brighten up a Marines day.

Thanks again and I will write when I can. Gary

26 Jun 2004:
Thought I would drop you a line as Im back at FOB Ripley. Things have gone well. So well that we have been extended for at least 30 days onto our 6 month deployment (confirmed now). No worries though because I guess its better than sitting back stateside wishing we were out here fighting.
Everyone is doing well especially since we have continued to recieve packages from numerous great Americans. I have passed your website to our recon unit as I did a few months ago and they should be contacting you. As well all of our Company Commanders are rotating through advanced jobs. Thats the way it goes as time goes on and you get it down its time to move. I am moving to take over another company as a junior officer is taking over for me.

I will ensure they continue to get to Marines that use them. Your site has been a great aid to assist us in being a bit more comfortable out here.
THANKS! I try to write all who send packages and who just write when I have time. Marty, you have really reinforced my confidence and pride in all of the American people. I wish I could express what I have seen to everyone who has contributed. It has really been impressive.

I saw you added the recon section to the site-you dont mess around. Looks awsome. Flags seem to be a popular item. Please add to our page if they would like to send us a flag I will ensure it gets signed and sent back and even flown over the FOB or wherever we are.

Thanks again and I'll write
when I can. Gary

15 Apr 2004
Thank you for adding us to the web site. We have received numerous packages in the double digits. We have assigned a Marine per package to write back to the sender. Everyone has been very generous and we all have made some new friends. The Marines were blown away at the gratitude of the "American people". One Marine told me that it was like Christmas every day. Its best when we come back from being away and have all these great items waiting for us. People have sent everything from magazines, batteries and inexpensive sunglasses (black)are best for our regulations and sun and wind conditions. Believe me the items people are sending us do make a huge difference. All of the Marines here are working hard and doing great and are ready for what ever they may face. I would love to mention every one that has sent us something by name but the list would be too long. However, I want to thank all of you personally before you get a letter from one of us. Thank You all very much! All ages from grade school students to military vets have written us and have been very generous. Keep in touch with us and we will write back. I will send you updates as I can. V/r G. Bourland
The picture is of my three counter parts and I in Afghanistan.
Semper Fi

28 Mar 2004
Electricty limited. Sleeping mostly on the ground.

I have the pleasure of leading some of the finest men this great country has to offer. As we are being deployed into the CENTCOM theater which includes Iraq and Afghanistan Marines will be pushed and required to complete duties that come with the job description. As infantry Marines we don't complain about the living environment, working hours or time away from our families. We all understood what we were getting into and are proud to have the opportunity to do our part. Unfortunately there are some men that don't get any letters or mail. Perhaps they don't have any family members left or because of personalities they don't get along with them anymore. What ever the situation a simple letter or thank you can boost the moral of any warrior.

You are on the money for "things to send". Melting chocolate is a bad thing. Baby wipes are like gold since we wont have showers in the area we will operating in.

We will take anything since whatever we go in with is on our backs. We are aboard the USS Shreveport. The address enclosed although includes the ships name will get to us on shore. Great web page and its obvious you have spent a lot of time and money getting it built. God Bless ya. Your doing a great thing and in our eyes, YOU'RE the hero. Because of great Americans like you we have the Marine Corps and the finest country on earth, It's our job to ensure it stays that way. We wont let you down!

Semper Fidelis
Gary Bourland
USMC

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Why? Because this list changes all the time due to unit movements, soldier transfers, or even soldier casualties.
It is also illegal. ALL content on this site is copyright Any Soldier Inc.
DO NOT send any letter or package to a soldier's address unless you check this web site the same day you mail your packages.
Please do not burden the soldiers or the APO/FPO by sending things when the soldiers are gone. If a soldier is not listed here anymore then that soldier's address is expired. Check here often!

Note that some of the units do not have ranks shown on their addresses.
This is done at the unit's request, but ALL of our contacts ARE Servicemembers.

Be sure to change the "ATTN" line to "ATTN: Any Female Marine if your package is for a female!

DO NOT use this program if you expect or require a reply!
DO NOT expect, or require, a reply from a Marine!
A supporter said it perfectly, "I mean, these guys and gals have other things on their minds, y’know? Like...oh, STAYING ALIVE?"

(NOTE *): Effective 1 May 2006 this web site added a major layer of security to our contacts' information. This change is necessary to protect our troops and ensure that Any Soldier will continue to operate.
The ONLY changes are that the addresses of our contacts are now hidden and the number of addresses you can get are limited. You may obtain addresses simply by clicking on the link provided and correctly filling out the form, the address will then be emailed to you immediately.

(NOTE **): The number shown is how many times a form was submitted requesting this address. This does NOT necessarily mean that this contact will be helped by that many folks. Rule of thumb is that anything 5 requests or less may in fact be no support at all. No way to tell exactly unless the contact lets you know in his/her update how much support they are getting.

(Note 1.): Note that postage to APO AE and FPO AE (E = Europe) is only to NY where the connection to the APO/FPO (APO = Army Post Office)(FPO = Fleet Post Office) is, or to San Francisco for APO AP and FPO AP (P = Pacific), so you don't pay postage all the way to Iraq/Afghanistan. You might consider picking contacts closer to your mailing area to help cut the cost of mailing. If you live on the East Coast, pick "AE", West Coast, pick "AP", Midwest, well...uh, Thank You for your Support! ;)

New with us (December 2005) you might notice "APO AA" and "FPO AA". This is for units in the Caribbean/South America. Normally. However, due to the nature of some units they may be in Iraq but have an address showing "FPO AA". Mail addresses to "AA" goes out of Miami, Florida.

(Note 2.): Why are military addresses weird? There isn't a street address or city. What gives? Correct, just about everything about the military is weird to civilians. Military units are very mobile, they move around a lot, often they even become part of another unit. The APO (Army Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) assign APO and FPO numbers as needed, they are NOT static. An APO/FPO number may be for a large unit, or a location. An APO/FPO number for Baghdad today may be for Frankfurt tomorrow.

(Note 3.): The "Expect to not mail past" date is only an approximate and is one of the least reliable things on this web site. It is because of this that you must check often before you send anything to this unit. There are a few reasons this date is not reliable, to include: it IS the Military, we ARE dealing with the APO/FPO/DPO. The only thing that does not change in the military is that things will change. PLEASE NOTE that a Contact is dropped off our active list 30 days PRIOR to their date leaving to help avoid mail bouncing.

(Note 4.): (Removed for OPSEC reasons)

(Note 5.): The lines, "Contact with approx number of Soldiers:" and "Approx how may Female Soldiers:" have NOTHING to do with unit strength. They are approximately how many other Troops the Contacts believe they can get packages to. This helps you understand that you should not send 100 packages to someone who only deals with 10 Troops.
Don't forget that if your package is for a female Soldier, be sure to change "ATTN: Any Soldier®" to "ATTN: Any Female Soldier".

( Note 6.): This is simply where the unit this contact is from. This is NOT a true picture of the folks in the unit as most all units are made up of folks from all over the United States.) A "Composite Unit" is one made up of other units and is usually temporary for a particular mission.

( Note 7.): Updated APO/FPO/DPO mailing restrictions> courtesy of Oconus.com (gone now) (Note: About Restriction "U2": "U2 - Limited to First Class Letters", Box "R" is for retired personnel that live overseas and are still authorized an APO/FPO box. Their address will be something like Box 3345R. Doubt you will see anything like that in Afghanistan or Iraq or ...)(Please Note: Sometime in August 2013, Oconus.com changed the code on their page and our form doesn't work with them anymore, so a link to their page is the best we can do, sorry.)

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Any Soldier® reserves the right to modify or change specifications without notice.