In November, at my company Charter Communications we had a Homefront support drive to collect items that the troops had requested. I just hope they get there in time for them to open for Christmas.

Letters could be sent, so I sent one about me in the hopes that we might hear from them. A frisbee with this web site logo was also sent to play with and if they can use a computer maybe they could join us here.

Other items I sent: lotion, paperback books, bags of hard candy, envelopes and note cards. They also asked for items for the Iraqi children so I sent: pencils, pens, scissors, a backpack, a U.S.A. puzzle, wooden puzzles, and stuffed animals.

I only wish I had more then three days to put together items so I could have given more.

Thank you to all the men and women in Iraqi, Happy Holidays, you are missed this season.

MAJ Thomas Biggerstaff Operation Iraqi Freedom

Dear Mrs. Liz,

Thank you so much for your care package. Though it was not directly sent to me, I was able to enjoy some of the items that made up the package. We here at the Multi-National Corps - Iraq HQ in Baghdad were able to share all the "goodies" with other soldiers here at Camp Victory. Thank you, from all of us here in Iraq.

Let me tell you a little about my job here. I work in the Multi-National Corps -Iraq (MNC-I) C6 - This is the Automations Branch of the US Corps Headquarters. I am responsible for all computer automations within Iraq. This is actually on a big, broad level. Other organizations under the Corps structure are actually responsible for their individual area, much like a major US corporation. I am also a key organizer for all video teleconferences here at Camp Victory. We do many teleconferences with other Army organizations and also with family members back at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This is one of the few times I can help others; soldiers actually able to see and talk to the families they left behind. A good feeling, especially at this holiday season.

I also am responsible for the computer network here at Camp Victory. I help users with problems they have and answer questions by the commanders here in the Camp. Here is a computer link to some older pictures of our camp. These photos were taken sometime after the initial fighting in Iraq, when US Forces took over Baghdad. Things now are much better.

victory camp

We have a large cafeteria with so much food that people have to work out at the gym or gain too much weight - hah hah. We also have two nice recreation centers to watch DVDs, read books, surf the Internet, and play games - pool, foosball, ping pong, and board games. There is enough time off to take our minds off of being here that it makes life here bearable. We would obviously still rather be at home, but this makes it better. This is especially important at the Christmas holiday season.

From the photos you will see on that web site there is a large palace. This is where I work. The palace is out in a large lake, and I have to cross a bridge to get to work. Saddam Hussein used this palace when he was in Baghdad. The lake is filled with fish of various types, mainly carp - and even 1 large goldfish. Also there are eels and some smaller fish. Some of the soldiers like to catch the fish and let them go again. They are definitely not for eating. Who knows what chemicals are in the water in the lake - NO SWIMMING allowed.

Inside the palace is a large chair, almost like a throne. People call it Saddam's chair, as if he sat in it when he was here. Here is a photo of me in the chair. I hope you get as good a laugh as I did sitting there.


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Well, I hope I have given you a good picture of where I am, and somewhat of what I do on a daily basis. Thank you again for the wonderful gift, and please let others know I am grateful for them and all they do in supporting us soldiers here in Iraq. We all keep doing our jobs and wait for our turn to come home to the US and our families. Please stay safe and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.


God Bless you and God Bless America

Very cool... its nice to know that they got the stuff and someone actually took the time to reply to your letter...