Tom Honeycutt happens to be my neighbor. He joined the Marines shortly after my son Brian joined the Army. -Marty
30 Sep 2004:
I'm happy to say that this will be the last update for myself and my guys, as we are nearing the end of our deployment. We wanted to say thank you to the South Florida Elks Lodge and to all the others who donated their time, money & support. Your continued efforts throughout our deployment have been a tremendous help in so many ways. We'd love to be able to tell each individual person just how much they meant to us but, unfortunately, we don't have the time (or the room!). Please know, however, that we are grateful to each and every one of you. It's comforting to have had such a steady reminder of what it is we are fighting for and contact with so many people who made it easier. God bless the US!
(Note: the last day to send to this unit is 15 October)
16 Sep 2004
(From his wife)
Things here are so-so. I've picked up a lot of responsibilities being an NCO, even more than usual. But things seem to be moving along. Never fast enough but every day that passes is one step closer to home. We are all doing well but we could probably use some new cd's. I think we've been listening to the same 6 cd's for months now. haha. As always, batteries, antibacterial wipes, protein foods and other food stuffs are great. Also, it will be getting colder soon and heavy socks and cold gear would be appreciated. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped to make life easier for all of us here.
29 Aug 2004
(From his wife)
Hello everyone, I heard from Tommy this weekend and he is doing very well. He just picked up Cpl so he is pretty happy about that as well. They are all looking forward to coming home though and are trying to keep occupied to make the time go faster. He and the guys got a bunch of cd's and magazines and they were so excited. They really love getting those kinds of things. Although, they do tend to run out of batteries listening to them over and over! =) I have posted another link that shows pictures of the guys patroling through Afghanistan, I hope you enjoy them!
20 Aug 2004
(From his wife)
Tommy and the guys are back in a stationary spot for at least a week before heading out again. They have been pretty busy lately and expect it only to get busier. (Of course, they don't mind- the busier they are, the faster time goes by!) The recent helicopter crash was a big reality check as well, so morale could use a booster. I have posted some new pics to the site mentioned in the last letter and, as you can tell by them, the guys have lost quite a bit of weight. So, as far as their needs go, they could really use some high protein foods, anything that'll keep them from losing too much more. Everything else remains the same, lots of antibacterial wipes, AA/AAA batteries, eye drops, bandannas (for dust) and the usual hygeine products. Thank you all so much, they're halfway through, let's bring them home safe and healthy!
04 Aug 2004
As we approach the halfway mark the guys are getting more and more involved and contact is becoming less and less frequent. From what I've been told we shouldn't be surprised not to get phone calls or email until they are coming home as they will barely have time to eat and sleep. For anyone who would like to know more about the unit I have a link to an article which details their purpose and objectives: HERE.
For anyone who would like to see pics: HERE.
The guys and I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and effort to remember them and their needs. A special thank you is sent to Stewart Menking for his continuous support. Those who haven't forgotten have helped those serving to remember what it is they are fighting for. Thank you all and God Bless.
18 Jul 2004
(From Tommy's wife)
I got a phone call from Tommy this morning. He is on base for the next couple of days so he is taking full advantage of the phone availability. Soon though he'll be back out in the field and back on the job. In the meantime he has brought something very important to my attention which I would like to let all of you know about. Apparently, the guys have been working with certain materials (the nature of which he could not be specific with me) which are not only externally dangerous but hazardous to their health as well. One of the marines punctured his finger and is now unsure of how it will affect him other than a puncture wound. They have been advised that Kevlar gloves would be to their advantage and did some research as to which kind would be the best. The website to find them is www.Galls.com and the product number is "GL213" Damascus Kevlar V-Force Super Gloves. Everyone has come together to do so much for these guys they honestly do not know how to begin to thank you all. Tommy would like to give a special thank you to the Korte Family and also to Jack Treutle. Your continuing support has provided them not only with the physical items that they need but also with the emotional boost necessary to keep them going. Thank you all, God Bless the US!
06 Jul 2004
(From Tommy's wife)
I heard from Tommy again today. He says he and the rest are doing well. Morale is somewhat low but most seem to be adapting. He says that the locals opinion of them varies from one person to the next but that the craziest thing is the traffic. Apparently, there are no traffic laws, it's all based on who's bigger or faster and people do whatever they want. Makes for an interesting road trip! =) As for their needs, the guys really appreciate everything that's been sent, every little bit helps. They have asked, however, if more nutritious food items can be sent. Protein bars, power bars, powdered protein, vacuum packed tuna, powdered gatorade and multi-vitamins. Dried and canned fruit may be a good idea also. As always, baby wipes, razor blades and any hygiene items are greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much for the support. It not only helps the guys in a physical sense but an emotional and psychological one as well. To know that their fellow Americans back home care about them is sometimes just what they need to keep doing their jobs.
27 Jun 2004
(From Tommy's wife)
I heard from Tommy today. He is back to their stationary point for a few days so I'll get a couple of phone calls before he goes off again, if I'm lucky. They got a whole bunch of packages at mail call today which really made their week. It was like Christmas morning with all the goodies and magazines and all. They think it is just really great to be gone for so long and go through so much and have treats waiting for them at the end of it. They wanted everyone to know how much they appreciated that. Thank you all so much for the heartfelt support. I've also received a new picture of the 81's Platoon. Tommy is third from the left in the front row.
13 Jun 2004
(From Tommy's wife)
Tommy is 3rd over from the left in the back. (and very bald! haha) Also, I heard from him this morning. They just got back a mission and will only be stationary for a couple days before heading out again. He said to let everyone know that the food they have sent has been so helpful but right now they seem to have a need for razors and "Under Armor" shirts which apparently help control body temperatures in extreme heat. By the way I double checked the site last night and noticed that Cash hasn't been heard from. I'm working on tracking him down as well.
09 Jun 2004
(From Tommy's wife)
I do get letters from him and no, he doesn't get email. He and the guys have gotten an amazing amount of support through the website. The most touching story was the flag that was sent I talked about in my last letter. The guys themselves are on patrol and move about quite a bit so they are pretty far from any real base camp. This means of course that their needs are somewhat increased. Food items are a big thing because all they have are MRE's and, as you know, they aren't great. Homesickness is another issue some of them are having a great deal of trouble with so I've been getting a lot of requests, begging actually, for media/entertainment items: cd's (burned copies are better so if they get scratched it's no big deal) and magazines. As for their conditions the avg. temp is b/w 105 and 115 and they are not only fighting for their country , they are fighting for their tents and sleeping bags from VERY large spiders! =) They appreciate everything the site has done to help and continue to be grateful for all the support they've recieved.