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Sgt Richard A. Dorsett
- U. S. Marines -
Iraq
Sgt Richard A. Dorsett
(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: 02 March 2005
End date: 30 Apr 2005 (Note 3*)
Contact for approx number of Males: 5, Females: 0 (Note 5*)
Unit is from: (Note 6*)

Note: Sgt Richard A. Dorsett was dropped from this list on 30 May 2005 due to 60 days of no contact.

31 Mar 2005:
    It's been a little bit since I wrote an update. Things here have been very hectic with an optempo that is through the roof for us. Hopefully it will slow down soon and we can continue writing all the great people who took the time to send us letters, cards, and boxes. I'm beginning to think they should grant me an honorary secondary MOS of postal clerk!!! I love it though. It's one of the most fulfilling and purpose driven things I've ever done. As a Sergeant of Marines, there is nothing more important than making the Marines under your charge as content as possible. Having happy Marines always lead to mission accomplishment.

    By now, many many people who have written should start getting replies back from our Marines. I know there is a steady stream of Devil-Dogs coming into our little shack to grab multiple letters and cards. As I said, we have been extremely busy, so response time is somewhat slow. I am attaching a letter I wrote to all the people who have sent something. It is a little long winded, but hey, what the heck!!! I hope it gets across mine and some of my guys' feelings in regards to the whole situation. If you see fit to post it, please feel free. If not, it will also be sent out to all who have written. I will continue to update regularly as I can. Semper Fi!!!

Very Respectfully,
      Sgt Andy Dorsett

-----------------------------------------------


From: Sergeant Dorsett, Richard A, Ammunition Stock Recording Section Assistant Non Commissioned Officer in Charge

To: The Terrific American Citizens who sent letters, cards, notes, e-mails, and packages to the MALS 26 Ordnance Division   

Subj: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!! YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!

Dear American Citizens,

          As I sit here, listening to the jets and helicopters scream overhead and see multiple flares pop off in the distance, my mind, surprisingly, is at peace. It is at peace, because I know that, despite all the chaos and violence of this war, despite all the protests and pundits screeching at each other on the tv sets and on talk radio, you all are sharing this fighting hole with us. It has been said that when things really heat up and you feel that everything is stacked against you, the only thing that matters is your buddy beside you and whether your M-16 is on burst or semi. That is true in the immediate sense, but there is so much more to it. During those moments of lost hope and long odds, what really matters is the ideals, the true meat and potatoes of what we, as Americans, live for, and sometimes die for. Those ideals are: love of family and friends, a burning desire to see freedom spread throughout the globe at any personal cost, and the goal of keeping our nation the absolute best in the world. As I said above, you all are sharing this fighting hole with us because each and every one of you has shown that you deeply adhere to those values that are so uniquely American. It’s why we are over here in the sand. If our nation was made up of cowards, procrastinators, or complacent push-overs we would never have achieved the heights we are at today. There are many who would say we are in decline. They complain of crime, drugs, corporate wrongdoings, corrupt politicians, and the degradation of family. While these are issues of the utmost importance, they can be fixed. It is people like every single one of you who step up and correct all the negative things that occur. Our country, even though 230 years old this July, is a work in progress. Our society seems to be a little too comfortable with “instant” or “ready made”. We must realize our nation is not like that. The Founding Fathers of this land had some terrific ideas. They also realized that times and people change. We must, as Americans, understand that we can’t sit back and only watch the world through a television set and provide commentary when we see fit. Sometimes, if there is an injustice, we must turn off that television, leave our living rooms, and go out and fix it. That is what we are doing in Iraq. We, as Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen for the most part understand our mission here. We see the look on the young Iraqi children’s faces who have seen more war and bloodshed in their short lives than most Americans will ever see, even at the movies. This mission must not be remembered in the annals of history as an unsuccessful search for weapons of mass destruction. This mission must be remembered as a massive effort to free millions of individuals who lived under some of the most austere and brutal circumstances ever seen on this Earth. The war is not about showcasing American firepower, it is not about grabbing all the oil we can, it is about generosity. It is showing the world that even though they many may not like us, the United States and her allies will give up their young men and women for the greater good.

    During the past few weeks, we have received letters, cards, and boxes from all over our great land. They have been sent by wealthy Manhattan lawyers, middle class lumberjacks from Oregon, members of “The Greatest Generation” from Maine, surfers from San Diego, college students, anti-war spokespeople, a social worker from Alaska, and elementary school children from across the entire country. And that is only a small sampling! Not one to enjoy labels, I simply refer to you all as both our friends and our fellow Americans. Your kindness is hugely evident in the care and time put into each piece of correspondence. I only hope and pray that each one of you practices that kindness to those around you all the time. Because, THAT, is the real reason we are here. It’s so little Susie and little Johnny can go play in the park safely, or Mr. Jon Doe will stop and help that older lady who dropped something on the sidewalk. It’s so that kid about ready to graduate high school doesn’t choose drugs, he chooses to open a door for someone who’s arms are full of groceries. It’s so while driving down a street you’ve never been on you will toss out what we refer to back in Indiana as a “country wave”…just a quick nod of the head and lifting of you fingers off the wheel, to someone passing by. It doesn’t matter if you are in Los Angeles California, Goreville Illinois, Buffalo New York, or Lexington Kentucky, try it out, you just might get a little nod back. Kindness is the ultimate way to bring our nation together. We all will go where we are directed to go while members of the Marine Corps. We will execute our missions and duties with honor, integrity, and commitment. What I will not do when I get home is forget about the over 400 people who wrote to my unit and me while we were away. Every one of you showed each one of us what we are fighting for. There have been moments during these past few years where I have meditated on the question of whether what I am doing with my life has a purpose and if our mission at hand was clear, concise, and proper rather than convoluted, ill conceived, and overbearing. Needless to say, I did not struggle with that question for long. We, as Americans, are the good guys. Those villains who attack innocent people, destroy buildings, kill at will, and have no honor…well, have no doubt about it, they are the bad guys. Every single decision made by a nation or a people cannot be correct. Humans make mistakes. It’s how we learn and progress. This endeavor we have undertaken is not a mistake. It is a fight for what we know is true. People must be free. We cannot blame history or circumstance for the ruthlessness of our enemy. Every person has free will to do what is right. Therefore it is up to the individuals to follow their own path of either good or bad.

    To sum this up, again: Thank you all very much. I cannot say how much we appreciate all your efforts. The above thoughts are only my feelings about the era we live in. My love of my family, my country, and my friends knows no bounds. My love of the American People and the American Way of Life is totally and absolutely limitless. Each of you has reaffirmed my faith that the United States will prevail under any and all circumstances. Semper Fidelis!!!!

Sincerely and Most Respectfully,

Sgt Andy Dorsett
MALS 26 Ordnance (REINFORCED)
Al Anbar Province, Iraq   

24 Mar 2005
Dear Citizens,
      Things are pretty hectic here, so I don't have much time to write. The letters and packages are coming in and we are responding as quickly as possible!! Please be patient with us though. Our OpTempo is extremely high right now. I am attaching a picture of myself and a good buddy of mine (I'm the one with the glasses), and a portrait of everyone's least favorite person! If only you all knew how much scrounging we had to do to get that air conditioner....ahh, the stories we could tell. Semper Fi, everyone and I will update more in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Sgt Richard (Andy) Dorsett

19 Mar 2005
Dear American Citizens and Staff of AnySoldier.com,
      Attached is a picture of me in front of the Iraqi building we are using as an office. As you can see there is a HUGE amount of packages in front!!! Let me tell you all, that is only a small amount of the total we've gotten. They just keep coming. We've gotten so many that we are passing them out to the other units around us!!

    The response has been truly amazing. The incredible amount of thought, care, and love put into each and every letter and box is amazing. Reading through all the correspondance shows us how great, giving, and supportive the American and Canadian people are. A little tidbit for you...we have gotten a letter from every single state, and two provinces of Canada!!!! How terrific!! Just the thought of a complete stranger taking the time to compile his or her thoughts and feelings in a letter or a package to send to someone 9,000 miles away should show the world that the United States and her friends are truly the most wonderful collection of individuals ever to grace this Earth!

    Although I really don't like doing form letters, we have received so many letters and cards that I am writing out a huge "Thank You" letter to send out to all. Of course, most will be receiving individual letters from our Marines. I truly hope all my guys follow through with their promise to write. We have a really great group, so I'm certain they will. I must also give kudos, again, to the people who sent packages....we found no illegal products at all!!! This makes it a lot easier to distribute everything.

    I want you all to know that you are very special people. Your kindness and sincerity is absolutely unmatched. I really wish I could just take a quick flight home, hug each and every single one of you, then return back here to my Marines and our mission.

   Thank you again, God Bless, and Semper Fidelis.

Very Respectfully,
          Sgt Dorsett, Richard (Andy)

16 Mar 2005
Ladies and Gentlemen,
       Well, here I am, updating again, just a few days after my last one! The reason is that I am now sitting on about 75 packages and 115 letters from all over the country...and they just keep coming. I have taken down the names, addresses, and e-mails of everyone who sent something and began distributing everything amongst the Marines here. Heck, we've even tossed a few over to the Army unit that is near us.

       It is truly incredible, (even though that word doesn't begin to describe), the response we've gotten. To know that so many people out there care about us, well, it really tugs at your heart. The pure emotion shown in some of those letters is enough to squeeze a tear from a rock. There is almost a tangible change in the morale here since we started receiving all these letters and packages. From the smallest card to the largest box of goodies, it all means the same....that someone out there took time to think of someone they don't even know, 9000 miles away.

       When these guys open up that envelope and pictures and drawings of little kids come out with the cutest letters you've ever seen, well, let me tell you....it really affects them. Let me assure you all, it may take a little while, but everyone will get a response. I sincerely hope that all my Marines write to the ones they chose. But, if they don't then I will.

       On another note, I am a little scared that soon my command is going to be angry at me. WE ARE USING ALL THE MAIL BAGS!!!!!! hahaha. God bless you all, thank you again, and SEMPER FIDELIS!! Talk to you all soon.

Sincerely,
    Sgt Dorsett, Richard A (Andy)

P.S. We will be taking a picture sometime today to post!!!!

11 Mar 2005
Dear American Citizens,
    WOW!!!! That is honestly the only word that can describe what you all have done. I posted on AnySoldier.com a couple weeks ago, and on the 11th of March I came into work and there was a pile of mail there. It was absolutely positively awe-inspiring. As we sat around (in the tiny amount of time we have to sit around) and read the dozens of letters, I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I know, I know, Marines aren't supposed to show that :) . Be it from laughing at the hilarious (sometimes a little odd) humor or getting a little tug at the heart from the sincerity, patriotism, support, and emotion shown in the letters, it touched us all.

    We, as members of the military, have a good grasp on reality (usually) so we understand that there are those that support us and there are those who don't. We are fine with that. It is differing views which makes our country so incredible. But, none of us realized how extensive that support was. To know that each and every single one of you who wrote took time out of your life, your schedule, and your hobbies to write to a stranger, well, it really shows how remarkable the average American is. So, as we plow through your letters and disperse them to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen who need them and want them, please pat yourself on the back. I know for a fact, that in our unit, you all have probably increased the morale enough to sustain us throughout the rest of this year we are here. Every last person back there in the States makes what we are doing over here worth it. If you agree with the war or not, at least you are standing by our side and urging us on. No one will ever truly know what effect that letter they put in the mail will have on someone. As for the letters we got, though, I am certain that each and every one showed at least one Marine that he has a purpose and a foundation. So, each and every one of you WILL get a reply and hopefully a pen pal if you want! Thank you all......from the bottom of our hearts....Thank you. Semper Fi and God Bless.

Sincerely,
    Sgt Richard (Andy) Dorsett

02 Mar 2005
Dear Citizens,
    First off, thank you for your incredible support and patriotism. That is by far the most important thing you can give us.
    In my unit, we have many young Marines on their first deployment. Sadly, out of these Marines, we have about 5 without any real family or support structure back home. Nothing pains me more than when mail call comes around, and again, they receive nothing.
    We are preparing to move in to a large tent that will house our whole section (although we do rotations to other bases often). The plan is to have a few 110 volt outlets for us to use. We don't have a microwave right now, but we are working on getting one. We have one fridge available to us that we can use for sodas or snacks.
    One of the most loved items out here is Red Bulls (an energy drink). We work very long hours and awoken often by incoming rounds and the sounds of jets screaming overhead. A little extra energy is always welcome.
    On the food side, beef jerkey and sunflower seeds are big favorites. Also spices are a good thing. The food obviously is pretty bland, so a little lemon pepper seasoning or something like that is terrific. Energy bars and items such as that are worth their weight in gold out here. The desert heat will really suck the nutrients right out of you!!
    Well, ladies and gentlemen, thank you again for your support. We very much appreciate everything you do for us. I think our families and friends back home really have the hardest job in this whole deal. At least we know where we are and what's going on. They are the ones who have to sit up at night and wonder. From the desert of Iraq, thank and Semper Fidelis.

Very Respectfully,
    Sgt Richard (Andy) Dorsett

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(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)

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( 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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