Here are just a few of the many testimonies that the organization has received from the troops and their families.
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In my 21 years on active duty I've been on many deployments and have now served 3 combat tours in Iraq. In all that time I have never been so fortunate as to bear witness to the generous level of support so freely given by you and the rest of our friends at Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise. The active support of our family day and the day we left you all showed up with goodie bags and your kind words of encouragement. Since our arrival here we've been overwhelmed by boxes of homemade cookies and much needed hygiene items. We can't begin to thank you enough. We'll be home in less then 4 months and we look forward to seeing all of you again. Thank you 1st Sgt. Troy Dabney - US Marine Corp.
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Dear Cynthia,
I simply don't have the words to thank you for all you have done to support the wives of 3/1 during this period of deployment. Being separated from a spouse is one of the most stressful experiences a woman can face. Add to that the separation is due to war-time combat situations for our husbands and we are found grasping at any ounce of hope or encouragement to simply get through the days. I have heard over and over testimonies of complete AWE after our January 21 Hawaiian Luau Pampering Party. To say that we were spoiled by you and your partners would be an extreme understatement. I can't get over your resourcefulness, and want you to know how deeply we appreciated your effort and the sacrifices you made to see that our night was, in a word, perfect. We could not have pulled the evening together without the help of your organization. From the hairstylists, to the make-up artists, to the "Salon on Wheels," we were led through a never-ending gauntlet of love and affection. It was humbling. Not only did we feel like our sacrifice had been noticed, we felt like it was appreciated. I can't tell you how meaningful that is. The Hawaiian Dancers were a hit!!! I think that they may have been the most memorable part of our evening. I have no idea how you came up with the resources to fund that, or the resources to find them, for that matter. You are full of wonderful surprises! They were amazing and really completed the evening for us. I am still in shock over the number and quality of the door prizes you provided for us. The women were absolutely blown away. To walk in and see a huge table toppling over with beautiful handbags that were filled to the brim with wonderful, personal items was "above and beyond" for all of us. Many of the the ladies broke down in tears after taking in all that had been done on their behalf. The memories of that night will very likely sustain us through the difficult last few months of this deployment."Thank you" just isn't enough, Cynthia. Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise is changing lives. You have not only encouraged us to continue putting one foot in front of the other, you have inspired all of us to find new and inventive ways to serve other military families during the difficult trials of deployment. You are affecting lives for Jesus Christ, also, and for that I thank you, yet again. Your desire to serve is contagious. Knowing that desire stems from a heart that seeks to serve the one, true God makes your efforts even more worthy of recognition, although I know that recognition is not at all what you seek in your endeavors. To serve quietly and selflessly as you do is truly inspiring, Cynthia. My prayers for you would be that your organization would continue to get pledges of support from the surrounding communities and those that desire to assist military families. I will pray that the vessels of your generosity never run dry and that God would continue to deliver His blessings by way of your hands. As a military wife, I thank you. As a Key Volunteer for 3/1, I thank you. As a citizen of this beautiful country, I thank you. Few are willing to serve as you serve. Please know how much we love and appreciate you. Love and Blessings. - Leigh-Ann Reid Wife of Capt. Eric A. Reid, Company Commander, Weapons Company, 3/1
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Dear Mrs. Cynthia Martinez,
My name is Captain Eric Reid. I am the commanding officer of the 200 Marines of Mobile Assault Company 3/1. We recently received socks for every Marine in my company. I cannot thank you enough! Not only was this a touching gesture to the Marines, but THESE ARE GREAT SOCKS! Thank you for caring for my Marines. Semper Fidelis, Eric Reid USMC
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Cynthia and Words of Comfort,
Hope & Promise supported our battalion during combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq for OIF II. We first discovered what a dynamo she was when she provided truckloads of toys for the children of our deployed Marines for 2/5's family Christmas party. What joy she brought to the children!! But she didn't stop there! Cynthia adopted our battalion and prayed for the 4,000 troops attached to our mission. She put feet to her prayers by sending care packages of homemade cookies, phone cards, and personalized Valentines to the Marines and Sailors. They devoured those cookies and were delighted to hear that back home Cynthia had a spa party for the wives, doling out gift bags and gift cards from area salons, restaurants,and hotels. The wives never felt more appreciated by the community once they learned that Cynthia had garnered such amazing support from area businesses in support of the families who stay behind and kept the home fires burning. When the men returned home on Easter Sunday, fifteen troops less than when we began, Cynthia stood by us. She made sure every one of the 800 single Marines had a goodie bag and pocket bible along with Words of Comfort, Hope and Promise lying on their pillows that night to show that there are many who will never forget the courage and the sacrifice our Marines and Sailors willingly pay for our freedom. Thank you, Cynthia, for your actions have validated your Words. Semper Fidelis SSgt. J.D. Wright Lisa Wright
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My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done to help us in the aftermath of our home being burned. While we lost most of our possessions, our family spirit has been stronger than ever before. We are eternally grateful for all your support and concern. May God richly bless each and every on of you. Semper Fidelis, Lt. Col. Dan Wilson US Marine Corp.
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Dearest Cynthia,
You are a true messenger of our Dear Lord. I know God works through you and your organization and we have been blessed with benefactors of your generous Christian works. Thank you for all you have done, and also the works you continue to do to support our beloved troops. Your are so special. Much Love & Gods Blessings, Sue Wilson, wife of Lt. Col. Dan Wilson
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The Key Volunteer Network of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines would like to thank your for your generous support of our Marines and their families during the holiday season. Your efforts have brightened the holidays for all of us. Thank you and Semper Fi! Sherri Hutton KVC
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Cynthia and the Wonderful volunteers of your organization,
I want to thank you all for a wonderful family day. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and wonder donations including the hawaiian dancers. Without all of you we wouldn't of had a successful spectacular day. I was told by many Marines and there families that this was the Best family day they ever attended. You all are such wonderful and caring people and we of 3D AABN Echo Company appreciate all you have done. Thank you again!!!!! Kim Dillon and all the Marines and Families of 3D AABN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise,
Thank you for the packages that were sent by your team. We received them here in Hadithah, Iraq yesterday, June 2nd. It really helps the Marines here, when they know that people back home are thinking about them, and appreciate the job we do. Sometimes among the general negative attitude towards us here, it is easy to lose sight of that fact. Organizations like yours provide a huge moral boost and give a much needed taste of home! Once again thank you for your thoughts and generosity! Jim Coelho Sgt. USMC
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To all my friends at Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise,
Thank you so very much for all you have sent to us and the support you have shown. I am Gunnery Sergeant Mike Murcia, and a platoon sergeant in Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. We have been in Hadithah, Iraq for 3 months now, and as the holidays approach, we find it heartwarming and uplifting to hear and see your support from back home. You've sent so much! I of course ensured my entire platoon of 46 men each got a hold of everything you've sent. Thank you. Your letters and prayers are so deeply appreciated. In military towns, people sometimes become numb to military guys like us. It is so overwhelming and humbling to hear and see so much effort you make, and time you take, to think of us. Thank you. As for the rest of us left here to finish the job, we remain strong because of folks like you. My Marines remain strong and focused because they know they are fighting for you at home. Your letters and packages remind them of that. Thank you! Yours truly, Gy Sgt. Mike Murcia
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Mrs. Martinez,
Thank you so much for all of your love, kindness & heart felt support from yourself & your support group! You are a very special person and we all are so lucky & blessed to have your love and support. Sincerely,
Mrs. & SSGT. Demalteris & 2/5 Friends & Family
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Dear Mrs. Martinez,
My name is Captain Luke McConnell and I have the responsibility and great honor of being the company commander for Kilo Company, 3d Battalion, RCT-2, also know as Spartan. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your overwhelming kindness and generosity. The socks are great. It is Americans like you that make us, the U.S. Marines, want to excel and represent the great ideals and values that we hold dear around the world. It is our greatest honor to represent wonderful American's like you on foreign soil and on the battlefield. I can tell you that your Marines are working very hard to set the conditions in Iraq that will enable long-term stability and freedom. Thanks for all that you have done for us. Your care packages are wonderful and always bring a smile to the face of our Marines. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I wish you and yours all the best. Do not feel like you should do anymore than you already have. Your support and prayers mean the world to us and are immeasurable. Again, this is where we need to be and it is our greatest honor. Semper Fidelis, Luke M. McConnell Captain USMC
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Dear Cynthia,
Wow! What a fantastic package, we are really overwhelmed by your team effort on our behalf. It sounds as if you and the church are as active as ever before. I don't know how you keep it up, but am so glad you do. The cookies and suntan lotion is the perfect Fathers day gift for these guys. We place all the items on a table where folks help themselves, and I don't need to tell you that the items don't sit there very long. Debbie indicated she had recently seen you and said you were busier than ever. Thanks again for all you do. I have 5000 US & 4000 Iraqis in my regiment, and I think they are all working very hard to make a positive difference. The good we are doing and working towards must shine through. Just last week we opened 3 factories here near Fallujah putting hundreds of folks back to work and able to care for their families. Again, I cannot begin to tell you how important your support and prayers are for our team. God Bless you and the entire Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise organization. Semper Fidelis , Larry Nicholson Col. Commanding Officer
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Dear Cynthia,
Good day! I hope this card finds you well. Thank you so much for taking care of us. Just received a ton of cookies which we will get to the companies tonight. We also received your gift of socks-what a blessing. The first box of 101 showed today. You sent 1000 correct? Will be sure to get them to the marines as soon as they arrive. Your thoughtfulness and gifts are humbling. The Marines and Sailors and I appreciate every bit of your kindness. I hope you have a great and Merry Christmas and New Year- we will! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jeff Chessani USMC
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Dear Cynthia,
On behalf of the spouses and Marines of 1/5, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You and your group of volunteers went above and beyond to make our event a success. You all made each of our wives feel special. Everyone was blown away by the gifts you had for us. Thanks for adopting us and I look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, Trisha Smith, wife of Commanding Officer
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To Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise, and Life Church,
Thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts over the holidays. You guys truly made a difference for all the Marines stationed here in Al Saqlawiyah, Iraq. The cookies were fantastic, and the Christmas cards were great. Just so you know; every single Marine in Golf Company received a bag of cookies and a Christmas card. Furthermore, all the Marines hung their cards on the wall, so as you can imagine, the whole firm base was covered with your Christmas cards. Also, we made a basket at the front entrance to our firm base and filled it with your cookies, so we had people coming and going all day from Fallujah and Ramadi grabbing handfuls of cookies and taking it with them. It was great receiving all those boxes of cookies and cards in the mail, it seemed like we received 10 a day for a whole week. I am sure you guys have the record for most boxes sent to Golf Company. Everyone was so amazed at how much time you guys put into making our Christmas better. Even though we were away from our families during the special time of Christmas, we still felt loved. I personally read every card that was sent over, and I can honestly say that each card was written with the utmost sincerity. Thank you. Please send my appreciation to everyone involved in sending the gifts, and please let them know how much we appreciate their generosity and kindness. From all the Marines here with Golf Company, thank you.
God Bless, Lt. Andrew D. Nicholson
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Dear Cynthia Martinez,
My name is Shane Housmans, I have received several packages from you and your organization. One of which contained an incredible gift for me, which I am very grateful for. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the packages and your support. It means a lot to the Marines and I, knowing that there are great people like you and your organization that support us and what we are doing here in Iraq. The Marines really enjoyed the cookies and the socks definitely came in handy and the Bibles were distributed throughout the company. Your packages have been by far the greatest display of love and support for the Marines deployed here in Iraq. It takes a special type of American, a true Patriot, to put in the time and effort that you and your team put into the care packages. The items you sent are very helpful and appreciated. Again, on behalf of the Marines of India Co. I just want to say thank you!!! We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Shane K. Housmans SSGT USMC
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Dear Friends,
My Marines and I received your packages yesterday. I wanted to take this time to write and say thank you for all the goodies. It came at a great time.
We're especially thankful for the baked goods. Also, thank you for the gillette shaving cream and deodorant. It's the best stuff around! Care packages like your keep their spirits high. Thank you again! Sincerely, Jayme Kohler SSGT USMC
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Dear Patriots,
First I must thank you for your contribution to our efforts overseas.I know socks do not sound like a huge contribution but to a Marine socks are almost as precious as gold. We walk many miles in the hot desert for hours on end. It is imparative that we take care of our feet, because our lives depend on it, So to reach into your pack and finding a fresh pair of socks is like finding your favorite toy underneath the tree on Christmas morning. I appreciate your thoughts and prayer. God Bless. Sincerely, Sgt. W. Coco USMC
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We just want to thank you all for making our holidays great. My children had a wonderful time at the party. And with their dad being gone it mad all the difference. Thank you all again. Many Blessings to you all. Gy Sgt. Keith Porter and Julie Porter USMC
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We are blessed to have your support for our 3/1 wives. We are very overwhelmed by the generosity from our community. The support and especially tonights "pampering" make it easier to get through these deployments. Fondly, Weapons Co Wives
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Greetings to All,
The separation from Our families at this time of year is definitely made more bearable because of your kindness and generosity! May God bring you all a blessed Christmas and Prosperous New Year. From all of Lima Company 3/1
1st Sgt Mark J. O'Loughlin
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Hi Cynthia,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note. I think the luau went really well. Thanks for all your hard work and coordinating all the volunteers. The food was fantastic and all the gifts, performers and prizes were incredible. Everyone had a great time. Take care and God Bless you, Mary Looney KVA 3/5 Spouse of LT. Col. Patrick Looney USMC
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Cynthia,
Just wanted to say thank you again for all your effort into yesterday's event. You did such an awesome job and everyone who went had a great time. You have done an outstanding job and have gone above and beyond with everything you have helped us with. Cannot thank you enough. Please tell your team the same goes for them, they all did a tremendous job out there. We are so blessed to have you come in and do such great things for the battalion. See you soon! Natalie Lucero KV Coordinator for 3/5
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Hello Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise,
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Marines and sailors just love all the cookies you have made. Each platoon received two boxes apiece and we are going to pass out the rest when we serve dinner. Must of been a lot of people out there to help you. We now understand that we have more supporters. People here are happy to see us and want us here.
Thanks again for the cookies and your support. Semper Fi, 1st Sgt. Espinoza A.S. USMC
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Cynthia,
I have to say out of all the events (besides the prayer breakfast) this one was the best!! I was able to interact with many of the Marines and they were all so grateful and so happy with all the support. I myself and my family had the best day ever, it was a very nice time to spend the last day of my sons leave before sending him back. My father was so impressed and said he wished there was support like this back in WWII, and of course my mother had fun being a Marine wife again, she was even presented with a gift!
Thanks for awesome day, and thanks for allowing us to participate.
God Bless you every day! Rita Madres Militares
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Dear Mrs. Martinez,
Wow, what a wonderful shower! Thank you so much for all you did to make it possible! The generous gift baskets for me and baby, the diaper changing pad and covers and the baby blanket are such a blessing. Also , I wanted to tell you how delighted the kids were with the baby shower cake. The Lord is good to our family and to this battalion to use you and Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise to encourage us during this time. We are so thankful for you! Love, Alisa Chessani Military Spouse
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Cynthia,
Than you very much for the package, and all the packages and support you've sent our company over here. Were almost 1/2 way through our time here- all the Marines are doing well. Wish you all the best- thank you again to you and your organization for your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Captain Dave W. Baas USMC
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Dear Cynthia,
I can't believe its been a month already since we packed up all those boxes! Thank you so much for making that day so special both for our families here and our deployed Marines. I know by now they have enjoyed all the cookies and must be making good use of all the hygiene gear. You and your team continue to be such blessings to us all and we look forward to working with you as we move closer to homecoming and the "homestretch" of this deployment in the coming months. I am so grateful that we are continuing to learn more and more about how to best support our families and Marines but of course know that our daily prayers are the most important. I know you are leading so many people to help us cover them in constant prayer and it gives me great comfort. I am so thankful that God has called you - the perfect person for his mission to truly bring his words and works of comfort, hope & promise to us all. Semper Fi & God Bless, Becca Baas, spouse of Captain David W. Bass
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Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for your recent care shown to the men of 2d Battalion 5th Marines. Through you, we received 200 New Believer's Bibles, which according to my chaplain are a valuable gift because they contain easy to read, practical notes. I assure you that these Bibles will be well used during our upcoming deployment through my Command Religious Program. Your invested energy will work in the lives of my men to enhance morale, sharpen character, and help them keep our mission focus while we serve our country overseas. God bless you for your support.! I hope that your mother is doing well. I understand that she was hospitalized for her heart during the time you selflessly dedicated to helping our Marines and Sailors. Sincerely,
C.S. Koteniesky Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps 2d Battalion,
5th Marines
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Cynthia and team,
Thank you very much for the gift bag from the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines luau. Although unable to attend myself, I heard the party was an incredible success and a great time was had by all. I appreciate all the hard work and support you've provided to the Marines and their families. Thank you for all that you do. Best Regards Jaime & Gy Sgt. Gil Cardenas
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Our Church supports "Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise" and we have been so blessed to be a part of this vital ministry. Pastor Rick and Susan Yeomans "POFF is very proud to support Cynthia Martinez. She has demonstrated that she walks her talk when it come to caring for our troops and their families in Jesus name. Her compassion, enthusiasm, and persistent devotion to these brave men and women is contagious, She is proof that one person can make a difference." Neil McAllister, Founder & Chairman Peace Officers Firefighters Fellowship
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