Letters from the Troops issue #5

Dear Mr. Moore,

I am the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) WRANGELL (WPB 1332). CGC WRANGELL is currently deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia as well as the U,S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. I am writing you to thank you for the thoughtful care packages that you sent to the crew.

We have a crew of twenty two Coastguardsmen assigned to our cutter. As you are probably aware, every member of the crew has to leave family and friends behind for a one year tour. Also, as you know, the Middle East is a harsh and inherently dangerous operating environment. I briefly mention the challenges of our current assignment not to complain, but rather so you understand how important your care packages were to us. The candy, the snacks, the cards, and the words of encouragement brightened the entire crew's day. Knowing that there are people out there thinking of us and supporting us keeps us going when times are tough.

I wanted to thank you and everyone involved in the "Moore Mart" for taking the time out of your schedules to think of us. Please pass my thanks on to everyone involved. Also, for your information, I have also sent a letter and pictures thanking the students of the Peter Woodbury School for their cards which were included in the care packages.

I have enclosed a picture of the crew on the bow of CGC WRANGELL holding the cards. I have also enclosed a picture of the flag made by the students being flown from the mast. For your information, at the time of flying this, we were approximately fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Iraq. Finally, I have enclosed a picture of our ship from Independence Day of this year.

Again, on behalf of the entire crew of CGC WRANGELL, I thank you.

Sincerely,
Glenn H. Goetchius
Commanding Officer
USCGC WRANGELL (WPB 1332)