2017 Misc groups

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

160     USS Texas                    Done

408     USS Lake Champlain     Done

353     USS Michael Murphy      Done

70       OH National Guard Unit   Done

338     AF 354th Bulldogs           Done

200      OH National Guard Unit   Done     this was a different POC

313      USS Porter                    Done

241      AF 22 EAS unit              Done

333   USS Wayne E Meyer         Done

204     AF unit 816 EAS              Done

10       Seabee unit                      Done

335     USS Oscar Austin            Done

27       AF search/rescue unit       Done

321    AF PSC 447 AMXS            Done

354    USS James E Williams      Done

32      Marine Unit                       Done

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I am catching up on thank you notes.  This one made me cry:

Sue Lamberson and Heads at Ease, 

Today is what I like to call a holiday onboard USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79). It almost felt like Christmas in June, the reason I say that is because we received mail today. Many people may state that they don't mind rather they receive mail or not, but as I walk the p-ways (halls)and see some sailors carrying boxes and other's who do not, you can see the different emotions on their faces. Today, everyone received mail and that is because of you and Heads at Ease. Everyone here was able to walk away with something, and they were able to look and choose that one design that meant something to them or reminded them of home. Whether that design was a sports team, patriotic, or something pink with flowers that reminded them of their daughter back home. These pillow cases as simple as they are mean something to each sailor onboard and for that I cannot thank you enough. I was fortunate enough to have a card in my pillow case and to hear the story of Sarah and her family's pizza night amongst many other things, I began to reflect on my family and the traditions that we carry. 

The reason that you started to make pillow cases is great, the fact that you continue to make them when your son has finished his tour is amazing in so many ways.  I am not sure how many emails you receive and how many times you are thanked for your work, but from a sailor on the other side of the country, who has just finished standing watch, I am thankful for the pillow case I received, and I am thankful for the hands that made it and the souls that prayed over it, prayed over me and my fellow brother and sisters in arms. I am fortunate to have family and friends to write me and send me mail constantly, but not every sailor has that. This job can be a thankless job with many hardships that only few understand, and although no one signed up to be recognized or praised, it does feel good to know that the country appreciates the sacrifices that are made. 

Please continue to make these pillow cases and sending them to troops around the world.  To you and the entire Heads at Ease Team, Thank you for making today a good day, thank you for making sure each sailor onboard felt as if they were thought about and cared for. This is a tremendous thing that you're doing and to everyone that had a helping  hand or given in any way to this project: rather it's the media that conducted an interview and brought awareness to this company, or the fabric company that gave you a discount, or your friend Betty who helped spread the word and anyone else who plays a role in this company, THANK YOU!

Rest easy and when you're looking outside during sunrise or sunset, wherever you are, relax and enjoy it because we have the watch. 

-Chelsea 

Very Respectfully, 
LTJG Chelsea , Repair Officer  USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79)