January 10, 2011

Wow! Thanks again to you and all the City of Austin employees who made so many soldiers happy!

It took several of us and one of our huge MTVs to haul all the boxes from the mail room to the chapel. We handed a few out right away, then put some out in our "free" rooms at our office, the chapel and "Holy Joe's," our coffee house.

Then, last Sunday after our community worship service that followed our TOA (Transfer of Authority) Ceremony, we had the attendees file through a side room where we had all the boxes for them to grab. It was great! We had them also sign the big Thank You banner to send back to you guys. I'm sending some pics. I hope they get through. I'll send a few at a time. Again, tell everyone thanks and God bless you for all your support and prayers.

Things are busy and trying at times, but all is well and we are determined to complete our mission with honor and Texas pride and bring everyone home after summertime.

Blessings, Army Chaplin Craig Combs

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The City of Austin Veterans Office conducted a Military Care Package Drive from Nov. 12 through Nov. 30. Approximately 1,000 City employees donated personal items for the 36th Infantry Division from Camp Mabry deployed to Iraq. More than 300 care packages were sent. Items collected consisted of hand sanitizer, food and snack items, writing tablets, caps, gloves, T-shirts and many personal letters. Included in each care package were letters of gratitude from the Mayor and City Manager. Many of the soldiers from the 36th Infantry Division are from the Central Texas region and several are City of Austin employees.