The "Lincoln Family Love" Pillowcase Project

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

This letter from ALFA came on  October 25, 2010 at 4:39pm

Dear Ladies,

Thank you for your support and we apologize that some of you are upset about the turn of events with the Lincoln Pillowcase Project. ALFA is committed to supporting you in your efforts to make this project go. We would like to make you aware of the “behind the scenes” actions that will hopefully boast moral and get us back on track to make sure that the sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln know how much we appreciate and support them. First off, we would like to address the issue of Mrs. Stephanie Wilcox, the former project coordinator. It was brought to our attention that Mrs. Wilcox had not obtained approval from the CMC or CO of the Lincoln. We are aware that she obtained approval from the Strike Group 9 Legal Department but approval needed to be obtained from the CMC or CO of the Lincoln as well. After lengthy conversations with Mrs. Wilcox to obtain the information ALFA needed in order to take this project to the Lincoln for approval, she told two of our Board Members that she was quitting the project because it was too stressful. Finding a new coordinator was a logical first step for us as we did not want this project to go to the way side and reality is that command approval would not have been granted to Mrs. Wilcox. Command approval was granted to Heads at Ease as they are an established group with credibility behind them. Heads at Ease has done this project for many other service members that are serving our country. Yes, you could have sent the pillowcases you made out to your individual sailors or even to their friends but without command approval or support there was no way that all sailors would have received a pillowcase, which is the goal that we are working towards. Second, is the issue of the project name change. The name of the project was changed because not all of the pillowcases will be done in time to make it to the ship for Christmas and as an added bonus, we do not offend those service members who are not of the Christian Faith. Thank you again for your continued support of our service members! If you have any further questions please contact [e-mail].


Cordially,
The Abraham Lincoln Family Association

 

 

The notes and labels that Dori has designed, have been amended to say Lincoln Family Love, as this project has now been opened up to the entire Lincoln family, not just N4M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I finally got my last two boxes mailed to the other ships for the squadron on Saturday. I had them boxed up and ready just wasn't able to get to the post office when it was open. I could've done the online postage and had them picked up but we have a very small post office and I don't want them to close it.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

that's great Kim!  what a relief to get them sent! 

[Jackie D]

Do we know how close we are to finishing up this ship?

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I am mailing the command special pcs today.  I and some of my crew have worked hard since last week getting more pcs to the ship when it was realized there was a shortfall.  Almost done!

 

We got our 1st thank you note yesterday!  I am glad that some sailors are getting them now, as it is a thank you and Christmas present rolled into one.  Some are holding for Christmas and that's fine too. The command gave the choice to the POC.

 

Dear granny……

 Thank you for the pillow cases you sent to us…all the guys are using them we stand out from everyone it’s a very nice and appreciated gesture we do think about the time and love you have put into making these, my grandmother is a seamstress too I know the time and patience it takes once again thank you can’t wait to be home….

 

I wrote back to him to see which one he got.  here is his response:

Hey sue, yes im with crash and salvage were a special group of guys our  primary mission is to save life's and prevent further damage to the aircraft....... I have the one with there fire cross, Dalmatian, and flames in little squares with a red opening ill try and take a picture thank you again can't wait to be home again.

 

I write back to every thank you that we receive.  I hope we get lots!

 

 

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Kim  received this email from one of the wives from my son's squadron today!  very exciting!

 

Hey Kim,

 Just wanted to let you know my husband received his package from you and boy did you make the sailor's of DET 5 Happy! "it was really nice of her and was really appreciated by all of us here on the DET, everyone got one and had fun doing so, it was awesome" He also mentioned it was a much needed moral boost for everyone. I'm sure when he get's a chance he'll write you and thank you himself but I just wanted you to know how great of a reception you got for them. Thank you so much again from all of DET 5 and it's family members, for giving our spouses and loved one's something to cheer them up during the holiday's.

Can't thank you enough, 

Nicole

I don't ever expect a response but boy does it make me want to do more when I hear that it has cheered them up and especially since they are away from home for Christmas.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

They passed out the pillowcases to the squadron today and this is a note I recieved from one of the guys that helped Ethan pass them out,

 

Kim, everyone in the squadron has adopted you as their Mom.  You have 250 kids now!  The grumpiest of our sailors was cheerful today.  It was a great boost in morale for us all.  This made everyone feel like they have a little piece of home.  Many picked out designs they know their children will love, and plan to pass them down when we return home.

 

I just bawled when I read this! I feel so blessed to have been able to do this for my son's squadron! AND, I now have 250 more kids :-)

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

what a wonderful note!  that's why we do what we do. 

And to think in Dec 2008, when I wanted to do the Jan 2009 group with Molly, I thought a pillowcase was a frivolous item!  I have sure found out differently in the 2 1/2 years that I have been making pillowcases for our sailors, soldiers and marines thru Heads at Ease.

 

Good job Kim for giving them a little piece of home.  That's what I put in my letter to the troops.

[Jackie D]

 

Sharing a note I recieved from one of the guys in son's department!  So excited that they have recieved them!  My son said they put them on all their racks today!

 

Hey there Navy mom. It was nice to get that gift from you. I appreciate it a lot.  It is cool how you make them and to see all the different ones that you make. All the guys think that it is cool. now we have something to sleep with other than the navy issue ones that they have for us. I will keep mine for a very long time. Ryan is lucky to have you for a mom that is very supportive to him and his friends. I thank you again.
 
Very Respectfully

Sailor's name
 

[Jackie D]

 

Here's another note!!!!

 

Jackie,
I got one of the pillow cases you sent to Ryan. I just wanted to say Thank You. It means a great deal out here.
 
 
Sincerely

Sailors Name

[Jackie D]

Mrs.Dudek
 
Thank you so much for the pillow case and the words of encouragement. It means a lot to us! I have not seem everyone smile in several months but last night everyone was showing each other their case and they all had such great smiles! So thank you! I hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Sailors name

 

My 3rd note for the night...... I just love it!!!!!!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I love those notes Jackie.  And Kim, the photos are fabulous.   Ethan is one proud sailor, you can see it in his face.  of all the ones that you sent Kim, how many did you actually make?  I know you have worked for months.

 

Jackie,  the same question to you?  I know you started in Feb, when you suggested that we do this project-how many did you actually make?

 

Awesome, just awesome to see the fruits of this project.  thank you moms for posting!