Operation Cookie

This program gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to collect boxes of cookies and letters to send to U.S. military personnel and veterans who are wounded in military hospitals, returning from deployment or currently serving overseas. Girl Scouts, volunteers and staff work together in cooperation with Operation Interdependence and Soldiers Angels to ship care packages with cookies, letters and needed supplies overseas, to ensure that thousands of extra special care packages are delivered to our soldiers. This year our goal is to send 1 letter for every box of cookies donated.

Click here for troop instructions, letter writing templates, fliers and more!

Total donations for the 2010 Cookie Program: 43,501 boxes of cookies!

Total care packages created for military: 18,945 C-rats!

Some of the organizations that we donated cookies to distributed the cookies to local returning soldiers or patients at Veterans’ Hospitals. Other organizations shipped the cookies overseas to U.S. military personnel all over the world.
Operation Interdependence, Armstrong Moving and Storage and Chuck’s Trucking helped us to distribute over 29,000 boxes of cookies!
In 2010, GSCTX sponsored Cookie Packing events in Austin and Waco.
The following Service Units have sponsored or will sponsor their own cookie packing events: Central Bell (Belton), Circle Tree (North Austin), Lake Hills (West Austin), San Marcos, Texas Star (Buda/Kyle) and Westlake (Southwest Austin).

Click Here to Adopt a Box! Don't forget to specify "Girl Scouts of Central Texas" when you adopt a box!

So far in 2010, GSCTX donated cookies to the following organizations through Operation Cookie: Service with Girl Scout Cookies

Brooks Army Medical Center
Camp Mabry
Fisher Houses
Ft. Hood
Fort Sam Houston
Goodfellow Air Force Base
Military and Family Support Group-Brownwood & El Paso
Operation Interdependence
Soldiers Angels
Wheelers for the Wounded
Waco VA Hospital
Temple VA Hospital

Photos & Letters From Afar

Good morning Girl Scouts. I just want to start off by thanking you for sending me cookies via Soldiers Angels. It made my day. I will go ahead and introduce myself. My name is Joshua Miller, SSG in the US Army and have been in the Army for 8 years. I am 25 years old and this is my 4th deployment since I joined in 2002. I have been to Iraq 3 times and this is my first time in Afgahnistan. I am from El Paso Texas, but was born in Germany. My parents were military. I have a wife and no kids. I am stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia which is in Savannah, Georgia. I am a 15R (Apache Helicopter Repairman). I love my job and plan to do my 20 years and retire. My interests include working out in the gym, listening to music, hanging out with the wife and my friends and of course eating, lol. Again, I would like to thank you for sending me those cookies, it really does pass time and it is definately a moral booster. Also thanks to Sarah and Shelby for putting the cards in the bags with the cookies. I shared the cookies with my buddies and they loved them also. Is there anyway you can send some Samoas? Those are all of our favorite cookies. Take care and hopefully we will hear from you soon. Keep in touch.

-SSG Joshua M.

Dear Girl Scouts,

Thank you for sending us soldiers cookies. It is nice to have a treat to snack on every once and a while! Anything that is nice and kind brings a smile to our face. We are the wounded soldiers so all treats are more than yummy they are a reminder of all the wonderful people we want to protect. Again thank you,

SPC Alex

To the Girl Scouts,

Just a short note to tell everyone thanks for all the snacks and hygeine products that you sent us. I am pretty sure that we appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts. We are happy to serve and protect our country. Only down fall is that we are not with our family but still with our family meaning our company. So thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Boyce

Dear Girl Scout Troops,

Thank you very much for the Valentine Day cards and the cookies. We love cookies - all kinds. The variety you sent was very much appreciated. Better than the delicious cookies though was the thought behind the cookies - that all of you thought of us. I am with an army veterinary unit out of Fort Sheridan Illinois. We are spread out all over Kuwait. We provide medical care to military security dogs. Thank you again.

SSG Aeyne D.

First of all, let me thank you and the Girl Scouts for the support you provide for our forward deployed troops. It was very nice to be able to go to the snack locker and find a nice selection of Girl Scout cookies. My entire unit took great pleasure on snacking on cookies that reminded us of home.

The unit I was with was responsible for collecting evidence from “Outside the Wire”, associated with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), weapon caches’ and miscellaneous attacks on Coalition Forces. The easiest way to describe it is like CSI Baghdad. We were in fact based out of Camp Victory , Baghdad . We were a Multi National, Joint Service Task Force, which means that we had Americans, British, Australians, Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines, working together in the counter IED fight.

Part of our daily duties, included going “Outside the Wire” when rocket arrays were found by the Iraqis. These arrays were usually pointed at our base. Typically they included several rockets, and if launched, there was a strong possibility they would cause casualties.

One day in particular, late last summer (2009), one of our Air Force teams stationed in Baghdad area was called out because one of the local Iraqi Army squads had located a rocket array of 107mm rockets. Our guys went out to recover them and ran into some issues with the Officer in charge of the Iraqi soldiers. They didn’t want to relinquish control of one of the rockets they had recovered. We didn’t like leaving found ordinance with the Iraqis, because there was no guarantee that the bombs and rockets that were not recovered, wouldn’t wind up in the hands of the bad guys again.

There was some bantering going on between our team leader and the Iraqi officer. He really didn’t want to give us that rocket, for whatever reason. One of our guys was thinking outside the box (of Girl Scout cookies it turns out). They had some boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the armored truck they traveled in. He retrieved a box of the lemon cookies and offered a cookie to some of the Iraqi soldiers. Apparently, the Iraqis were quite impressed with our American delicacies. They were asked if they would like the whole box and they said they would. Our troops said they could have the rest of the box of cookies if they would give us the last rocket that they were holding on to. After some deliberation, the Iraqis agreed to trade the box of cookies for the rocket.

Our guys were all pleased and amused with their trade. Our guys posed for pictures with the Iraqis and one of the Iraqi Soldiers can clearly be seen holding a box of the cookies and munching on one. We sent the picture up the chain of command and everyone got a giggle out of it. The caption read “The Girl Scout’s, Cookies for Bombs Program”. Our guys have to come up with some creative thinking sometimes in the war zone. Your cookies, in this case, served a higher purpose. They made it possible for us to get a dangerous piece of ordinance off the streets and out of the hands of the terrorists whom wish to do us harm. I thought you’d like to know how much the cookies are appreciated, not just as comfort food, but as a valuable trading commodity.

Thanks again for the Girl Scout’s support of our troops. The cookies are really appreciated.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lt. Paul C.

Hannah,

Thank you and all the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for the best cookies in the World. From the Troops at Baghdad TASK FORCE 1^st MED BDE out of Fort Hood, Texas.

HOOAH!!

To Hailey,

Thank you so much for the cookies, I love Girl Scout cookies. I can’t love them too much cause being a soldier. I have to stay in good shape. But they were very good. I just got to Iraq and I am married to a beautiful wife and I have two sons and one daughter. They like Girl Scout cookies, too. I am going to be in Iraq for 1 year, I miss my family very much. But having things like Girl Scout cookies makes things a little more like home here. To let you know what I do as a soldier, I work with helicopters, Apaches to be exact. I got into the ARMY to be a pilot.

Here is a picture of the Apache helicopter. ***

Well I have to get back to work. I just wanted to thank you for sending the cookies. You take care of yourself.

Best regards,

PFC Victor V.

From the Troops of TF1MED BDE in IRAQ 08

Thank you!! For all the Great Cookies!! May God bless you and your troopers and thanks for all of your support.

HOOAH!! Silver Knights out!!

Thanks for all the support and kindness, even if it makes us fatter…

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Cookies!

May 4, 2009

Dear Mia,

Thank you for the cookies. My name is Spc. Wilson. I’m based out of Fort Hood, TX. This is my first deployment and away from my family and kids. Your cookies brought a smile to my face. We are in Kuwait now for some training then heading for Tahji, Iraq. Got to see some camels on Wednesday. That was pretty cool. Well, thank you again for the cookies and beautiful picture. I’ll keep it forever. Thank you so much for making me smile. I’ll write you again when I get a permanent address in Tahji.

Thank you!!

Spc. Wilson

P.S. The cookies were great!

Dear Brittany,

Thank you very much for the cookies and the nice card. I am a soldier in Kuwait waiting to go to Iraq. My name is Specialist Kevin Halicki. You can call me Kevin. It made me smile and it felt really good to be thought of by you ladies. Did you know that I used to be a Boy Scout? It was a lot of fun. I reached the rank of Scout First Class. Anyways, Thanks again for thinking of us out here on the other side of the world.

Your Friend,

Kevin

Dear Troop 2367,

Thank you very much for the care package. It makes being here much easier knowing that there are wonderful people, like yourselves, that support us. I am a Boy Scout from NC. I joined the Army after receiving my Eagle Scout Award. I know all about the values of scouting and the scouting program. Being a scout will help you in countless ways throughout your life. Thank you again for you kindness and your support of our troops.

God bless you all.

Yours truly,

PFC Walter M.

Molly,

Thank you for the cookies!!! We appreciate everything you do supporting us over here in Iraq. Just to let you know a little about me. I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Army. I have been in the Army for over 15 years. I have two boys. TJ-10 and Tristan-9. They really did not want me to come over here, but understand what I do. I am a Career Counselor, which is someone who tries to keep soldiers in the Army. I am located in a Field Artillery Battalion in Southern Iraq. Once again I appreciate the cookies, and very proud of you for supporting us. Keep it up!!!

v/r

SSG Andrew T. B.

7 May 2009

Dear Girl Scouts,

Thanks for the snack pack Girl Scout Cookies. I received a goodie bag from Operation Cookie. I was starving and the mint cookies really hit the spot. Everything was great right down to the zip lock bag I used for my important documents and orders.

My bag was packed by “Jordan.” I hope my thanks will find it’s way to her.

Anyway, I’m in Kuwait getting ready to go to Iraq where we will “preserve the victory.” It will be hard work, but nothing I have to give my life for. I’m an infantryman from the North Carolina National Guard on my second deployment to Iraq. It’s great to know we have support from Patriots like you all and other Texans.

Thanks,

Bob

Dear Kelly,

My name is Joe, I am a soldier in the US Army’s 1^st Cavalry division out of Fort Hood, Texas. I would like to personally thank you and your troop for sending my battle buddies and I those care packages. It is a little rough being so far away from home, but let me tell you nothing reminds you of home more than Girl Scout cookies! Your cookies and wonderful card brightened my day more than I could tell you. In fact, I hung your card on my wall locker next to pictures of my family and friends. Caring people like you and your friends are exactly what we need in this world and really helps remind me why we are hear and what we are fighting for. Well, I better get back to work, but thank you again and God Bless.

Joe

Dear Mrs. R., Sara, Amanda, Heather, Savannah, and Lindsay,

First I want to thank you for sending the cookies to us soldiers here in Iraq. They were very good and reminded me of a little bit of home. My name is Sergeant Michael Russell and I am a soldier from the North Carolina National Guard. I am currently deployed to Iraq and am stationed at FOB St. Michael in a town called Mahmudiyah. FOB stands for Forward Operating Base. I am a team leader and my team and I work real close with another team as a squad. Each team has four men in it. We go out on patrols through Mahmudiyah and help the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army. We are trying to teach them to be able to take care of their own country and cities so that all the American military can leave. We’ve been doing a good job with that and they are almost ready.

I’m from North Carolina and I am a Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Sergeant back home. My wife’s name is Lori and I have one son Gavin. He’s 26, and he and his wife Brandi have one daughter, my granddaughter Kaylee. I also have two black Labrador dogs, Angus and Aggie. I miss all of them very much and can’t wait to get back home to see them.

I want you girls to know that I really do appreciate what you are doing there in Texas. You’re all in the Girl Scouts and that’s good. You’re all doing a great service to the United States by supporting us soldiers, and I truly think that you are all Heroes for doing that. Keep up the good work and write with any questions you might have.

Sgt. Michael R.

Girl Scouts,

I want to thank you for taking the time to send cookies to my soldiers. They / We are in Kuwait preparing to go to Iraq for the next year and it really means a lot to us to have a little taste of home. Keep up the great work and may God bless your efforts as you mold our future leaders.

MAJ Marcus G.

Thank you for the delicious cookies and your encouraging letters. I have shared them with my fellow soldiers and are thankful for the support. My unit is from Ft. Hood, TX, and we are currently at Camp Taji, Iraq.

Thank you for everything,

PFC Justin C.

Dear all the Scouts of Austin!

My name is Erik. I’m a Navy guy who is in Iraq working with the Army. I just wanted to write you all to thank you for all the packages! I can’t tell you how much it means to us out here to see that America is still behind us – supporting us. We have a tough job – but my team gets along real well. We are all well. It’s very hot 115 degrees F today, but we stay cool. One of our guys got wounded in the legs, but he’ll e just fine. He got REAL lucky. We all miss home of course, so when we get packages such as the ones you sent, it makes everyone feel like home is a bit closer.

We work every day from about 0500 (5 AM) to 2300 (11 PM) or so. We take some time on Sundays for church, and other things like washing our clothes. My FOB (Forward Operating Base) is sort of out in the “boonies” as we say, so some of the basics that we take for granted—well—we don’t have them so we must improvise! But that’s what we Americans do best, I think! Our team is from all over the US. I’m from California. We have folks from Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, and Arizona – a real “American outfit.”

Well – sorry this not is so short –Please take care and pray for all of us out here—

Yours,

LT Erik G. USA

Dear Brownie Troop,

I wanted to say thank you for your support. I really liked the gifts and the cookies. They were the best.

I am CW3 Wayne T. I am stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and my home is in Georgetown, Texas. I am a helicopter pilot flying in the big city of Baghdad right now and will be home in Texas next June or so.

Again, thank you all for your support. The soldiers around me thank you also. We are all looking forward to cookie season again.

Your Attack Pilot,

Wayne T.

14 October 2009

CPT Michael A.

To the Girl Scouts of Central Texas:

Sometimes it’s hard to explain how big the little things in life can be. Being at war in Afghanistan is hard, and often it’s those little things that keep us going. Today, I stumbled across some care packages that your girls sent to our troops here at Forward Operating Base Wilson. I brought some of the cookies from those packages back to our Aid Station to share amongst our medics and our soldiers during sick call – they brought quite a few smiles to the Aid Station today. Even those little cookies helped brighten our day, because the little things help remind us of home and of the wonderful things that await us on our return. I have two young daughters at home, and hope to some day see them grow up to be Girl Scouts as well. And by the way – it was also great to see so much support from Central Texas. I’m stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, so it doesn’t get much closer to home than that. Thanks so much for your support, from our entire medical platoon.

Sincerely,

CPT Michael A., MD

Dear Girl Scouts,

First, let me start off by saying “Thank you.” The cookies that you sent to us were delicious. Also all the thank you notes and letters were greatly appreciated, too. All of the notes touched our hearts. We hope you know how much your actions are appreciated and cherished.

Thank you,

SGT Bobby L. and the rest of the soldiers from the 271^st BSB,

My name is LtCol Eric W. I am a C-17 Aircraft Commander flying combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am deployed to the region along with the rest of my flying squadron and will be here several months. I wanted to pass along my thanks for the Girl Scout Cookies and care packages the Girl Scouts of Central Texas sent to the troops. They are very popular and don’t last long. I am proud to see Austin, Texas, is stepping up to help the troops. My grandparents Frank and Ada S. retired to Austin, Texas, and enjoyed it there. It is one thing to say you support the troops and another to put those words to action. The Girl Scouts of Central Texas can proudly say “They Support the Troops!” Thanks again for your kindness.

LtCol Eric W.

14 May 2009,

Dear Girl Scouts,

I am a soldier currently deployed to Iraq as a part of O.I.F. [Operation Iraqi Freedom]. This is the start of my 3^rd deployment to Iraq, and I would like to write and thank you for all the care packages and goodies I have got over the years. The first thing we were given as we got to Kuwait was a bag with Girl Scout cookies and a card from a young girl named Myrah. It’s things like this that put a smile on your face and remind you what you left home to protect.

Thank you again and God Bless!

James

To All the Girl Scouts of Central Texas,

“It’s hard to find words nice enough to thank people as nice as you!” [on greeting card]

Your cookies tasted great while I was at Ali al Salim air base in Kuwait awaiting a flight to Iraq. Thanks so much!

All the Best,

CW4 Jerry S.

Thank you, young ladies, for the excellent and delicious box of cookies. They arrived safely and the soldiers took only a few minutes to nearly empty the box you sent. I got some Peanut Butter Sandwiches myself.

My soldiers and I hope you are all well. We will be home soon – the last day to send mail to us is 14 July and we’ll be back in the US of A in a month or two.

We are all proud of what we are doing in Iraq and we are proud of you.

Thank you,

MAJ Robertson

Camp Basra, Iraq

4 September 2008

Dear Girl Scouts of Central Texas,

Thank you very much for sending the generous gift box full of cookies and personal notes from our fellow great Americans. Your gift touched our hearts and lifted our spirits. For you, and all people wanting to be free, we Serve. We ask that you take pause and talk among each other about what it means to be an American.

As your mother, father, and grandparents before you contributed in their own way to preserve the freedoms we enjoy, with this gift you too have make a difference. Your gift was not just a box full of delicious cookies and notes – it is a thought from across the globe that tells us that we are not forgotten. You and your troop have made a tremendous difference in the morale and welfare of the dedicated military and civilian personnel serving our great nation.

We will win this War leaving the Iraqi people free and the world a safer place.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. G. Colonel, U.S. Army

To the Girl Scouts of Central Texas,

Thanks so much for your kind words and the delicious cookies. It was nice to have a taste of the States. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Craig J. N.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thank you ladies for all your support to soldiers in Iraq over the years. I am finishing my 3^rd tour and have enjoyed all the cookies. All the extra miles I had to run to work them off were worth it. Study hard and get Engineering / Science Degrees.

Major Mathew F.
Brigade Engineer

Baghdad
09-10

“Can’t tell you how much your kindness meant.”

We love all the support and prayers we get. Girl Scout, listen to your leader cause they care and so do we.

Robert P.

Stacey—

Thank you so much for the note and for the cookies! They really brightened my day! It is hot here and I ate them all in front of an air conditioner in a tent. They were very good. I don’t think I was supposed to eat them all at once though.

Kevin B.

CW2, Air Defense Artillery

Hello Lane,

My name is Nikki and I am a female soldier in the Army. I received your letter after being in Iraq for only one week. I want to thank you and your Girl Scout troop and middle school for taking the time to write to the troops of the military. Continue to do your good deeds and once again thanks for the cookies.

Love,

Nikki

2 Jul 09

Girl Scouts -- from the soldiers in our unit and myself, many thanks for your outpouring of generosity of cookies. It’s funny to see the guys fight and laugh after a long hot day in the desert over who gets the box of “Peanut Butter Patties.” They are a favorite, though I like them all.

Hoping your summer is great but cool and looking forward to being back on U.S. soil in October 09. God Bless and Take Care.

Master Sergeant F.

Dear Girl Scouts of Central Texas,

On behalf of the entire 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion, Udiari Army Airfield, Kuwait, thank you and all the wonderful people of the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for the packages of cookies you sent to us. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the Soldiers who live and train here in the Kuwaiti desert. The cookies you sent came at just the right time for us to distribute to our troops.

Thanks for lifting all of our spirits and reminding us of how much folks back home care and support us. Every heartfelt gift, such as yours, goes a long way to brighten a day and push back the homesickness all of us feel being so far from our loved ones. You are true patriots and have made a huge impact here. We are continually grateful for the support you have given us from the home front. Thank you!

Sincerely,
David J. R.
Lieutenant Colonel, US Army
Commanding

Dear Girl Scouts,

Thank you very much for the cookies and the nice card. I am a soldier in Kuwait waiting to go to Iraq. My name is Specialist Kevin Halicki. You can call me Kevin. It made me smile and it felt really good to be thought of by you ladies. Did you know that I used to be a Boy Scout? It was a lot of fun. I reached the rank of Scout First Class. Anyways, thanks again for thinking of us out here on the other side of the world.

Your friend,
Kevin

Dear Girl Scouts,

Thank you for the pack of cookies and the nice note you sent to us soldiers. I saw your note and the cookies at the Ali Al Salam Air Force Base in Kuwait on my way to serve in Afghanistan in the War on Terror. They were "yummy"and they made me think of my daughter Emily back home. I'm a surgeon in the Army going to help our troops in Khost, Afghanistan. Your kindness made a long trip much shorter and more pleasant. Thank all your friends who sent stuff, too!

God Bless You,
Col. Jim Swanson, M.D.

Dear Girl Scouts,

Thanks for the snack pack Girl Scout cookies. I received a goodie bag from Brownie Troops from Operation Cookie. I was starving and the Mint cookies really hit the spot. Everything was great right down to the zip lock bag I used for my important documents and orders.

Anyway, I'm in Kuwait getting ready to go to Iraq where we will "preserve the victory." It will be hard work, but nothing I have to give my life for. I'm an infantryman from the North Carolina National Guard on my second deployment to Iraq. It's great to know we have support from patriots like you all and other Texans!

Thanks,

Bob
Camp Beuring, Kuwait

Dear Claire,

Thanks for the cookies. They were a sweet idea. You helped brighten my day.

Sincerely,
Sgt. Skeen

P.S. Go Cowboys!

A Brownie Girl Scout's father and friends serving in Iraq enjoy a little taste of home with cookies and send a big thank you.

Girl Scouts,

Thank you girls so much for your support to our troops on this Veteran's Day. We appreciate everything you do for us to keep us charging forward in the long months overseas. Most of us are family guys on our 6th or 7th tour to the desert equaling about 3 years total away from home since 9-11, and support from people like you keep us going. Your goodies are well appreciated and are always welcomed with a smile.
Thank you,
TSG Chris DeCorte (Assistant Scout Master and Former Boy Scout)

Dearest Girl Scouts,

I did indeed enjoy the cookies I picked up from the Chaplain's office here. I especially liked the big green happy face someone drew for me! I am so happy that you and your leaders are so patriotic and willing to serve your community and our great country. Thank you for your love and support to the Soldiers of America. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks again!

John M. W.
Lieutenant Colnel
U.S. Army
Kuwait City, Kuwait

Girl Scouts,

I want to say thank you to all of you for your support. We just received our last shipment from Operation Interdependence, and were all shocked at the support you have all given. It seems every month the care packages just get better!! Talk about a bunch of happy Soldiers, they were silent (mouths full). I have posted a list of sponsors (that include all of you) for them to correspond with. I just wanted to say thank you myself. Your support is not something we take lightly, and we do appreciate the letters and goodies you take the time to package and send to us. I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas.

Thanx,
1SG Erik W.