Support of the 322nd EN unit by Decorah area groups is evident in Afghanistan

Christmas stocking from home underneath a small tree at the 322EN headquarters in Afghanistan

(Kandahar Province, Afghanistan)--Remember all those cookies you baked for soldiers from the 322nd EN unit serving in Afghanistan?  Well, the cookies are gone, but the appreciation remains.

In fact, soldiers on deployment at Forward Operating Base Walton say they've been struck by all the support from Northeast Iowa residents.

The first example usually cited is January's troop sendoff at Luther College, in which over 1,500 people attended.  It made an impression on every departing soldier.

But there have been other messages of support throughout the 10-month deployment.

The most visible happened when Decorah area Boy Scouts and other volunteers baked cookies and sent them to Afghanistan to members of the 322nd Engineer Company "Viking." 

A Christmas card campaign launched by Northeast Iowa RSVP collected over 300 cards and sent them to Afghanistan, included in Christmas stocking packages sent to a number of Iowa soldiers, including the members of the 322nd Engineering Unit.

Julie Ehlers, who is the coordinator for the "Iowa Bravest" campaign, said the Christmas cards were included in a package of small gifts to the soldiers.

Finally, soldiers in the 322EN say they appreciated the support of students at North Winneshiek School.  A banner from North Winn hangs in the offices of the 322nd.  The students sent cookies and cards and stayed in touch with the soldiers throughout the year.