The Harvath Directive

This is an email received from Kabul, Afghanistan dated July 21 2009:

Thanks for your efforts and your books.

I travel constantly in conflict zones for the USG, and really appreciate the free-swap book racks. That so many of the books there have your stickers in them shows what an impact your work has made.

Thanks again; and, when I'm next stateside, I'd be happy to participate or contribute, if you'll shoot me a note telling me how.

Larry
Kabul

Hey Ironman,

"I can't tell you thanks enough for your contributions and your time.

My mom told me about an article in the Legion Magazine about Landstuhl and I thought of you while she was reading it to me. It said that the folks at Landstuhl who come in from Downrange have nothing to read, no clothes, etc. etc. I can assure you that that absolutely is not true thanks to you and others like you.

I know the exact place to put the banner from your daugter. That was really sweet of her to do and I know the folks in the recovery center where I am going to hang it will be super pleased. I will send you a picture once I get it the banner up.

Again, thanks so much. God bless you in all your endeavors. I know the folks down range and here are so happy to know that people like you are keeping the faith in them.

I'll be sure to be in touch so you know everything has gotten here safely."

Amy

And this follow-up letter recieved from Amy's husband, Steve:

Carlos and the Harvath Directive

Thank you so much for the books. My name is Steve--I am Amy's husband. Sorry it has taken so long for us to respond but we were on vacation and just got back and collected our mail. I wanted to let you know we got the books and I will make sure they get to Landstuhl or one of the barracks for recovering soldiers. The United States Air Forces In Europe Librarian works for me so I am sure she will be able to help get me to the right people. I'll let you know when we get them delivered. Thank you again.

Sincerely

Steve

Dear Mr. Jimenez,

My name is First Sergeant Matt Northen. Lieutenant Colonel Horvath is busy with the operational tempo of things right now and has asked me to answer your letter.  We received your 2 boxes of books and would like to thank you very much for your support of our unit and our Soldiers here in Iraq. As we put your books in our library Soldiers were already grabbing them. I have had some friends and family send me some boxes of clothes and toys, so please tell Karina that I have put her favorite stuffed toys and her shoes in with them. I am coordinating to take them to a school/church to hand out to the Iraqi children. I am sure they will get great enjoyment and use from all of it.

Thanks again for all of your support and have a blessed day.

V/R
1SG Matt Northen
R L T W

COIN Center For Excellence (CCFE)
Camp Taji, Iraq

Our latest shipment was comprised of over 500 books and went to two locations Landsthul Regional Medical Center in Germany and Afghanistan to distribute to various FOB's (Forward Operating Bases).