Most important of all were the letters, one in heartfelt feminine script, the other in chunky crayon. I'm guessing one or both is going to make an American tanker in Iraq smile, and maybe even grow misty-eyed for a moment, thinking of home.

It is our family's first shipment via Any Soldier to a New York-based armored unit was just of many more to come. I hope it finds them well and safe.

It really is amazing, that terrorists attack Iraqi and American alike with car bombs and IEDs, and expect to win over Iraqis. We respond with freedom and matchbox cars, No wonder we will win. Tax dollars that support or military might will help beat the terrorists, but little things, like beanie babies and matchbox cars, are more powerful in the long run.

For this reason I'm glad we've got organizations like Any Soldier so that our men and women can tell us what they need, not only for them, but for our new allies.

You might want to consider checking them out, or Google similar organizations.