Located in Judge Robert Tamietti's Department One, Nevada County Court Room, the Honor Board displays pictures of service men and women from the County now serving on active duty. Pictures of additional personnel are requested and may be submitted to the Judge Tamietti's office through John Casci by email, John.Casci@co.nevada.ca.us, or by U. S. Mail to John Casci, P.O. Box 1207, Rough and Ready , CA 95975. If possible, pictures should be 5" X 7".

Noah Bailey, a young soldier yet already a seasoned veteran with a drive for survival and a gift of resilience, gives this advice to other Americans injured in war:-----The Union

Ex-athlete 1 of 5 servicemen injured in roadside bomb---

Soldier recovers from leg wounds

Soldier speaks of high spirits

John's family lives in Lake of the Pines, and he is a graduate of Bear River High School.

Click for an article in theunion.com/article/20051118/NEWS/111180131

Click for an article in the http://www.theunion.com/article/20051119/NEWS/111190123

A Grass Valley-area soldier has been honored
for his role in freeing American contractor Roy... By David Mirhadi
http://theunion.com/article/20051005/NEWS/110050089/-1/ARCHIVES03

Letter of Commendation from Nevada County Board of Supervisors

US Army Spc. Forrest Gielenz

Third Squadron 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

Dear Spc. Gielenz:

Please allow us to commend you for your participation in the rescue of Mr. Roy Hallums from his ten-month ordeal suffered under his Iraqi captors. We, and folks in Nevada County, are very proud to hear of the valiant efforts of one of our own native sons and wish to express how much we appreciate all you do to protect liberty and freedom for not only your fellow Americans, but for all the world's citizens.

While we continually hold in our hearts and pray for the safe return of all those in the military who remain serving overseas, we expecially wish to thank you for your courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifice given daily in service to your country and fellow man. Your are an inspiration to everyone here at home.

Thank you from all of us. We whish you well and look forward to the opportunity of meeting you on your safe return home.

Sincerely,

Signed: Chairman Supervisor Ted S. Owens (District 5), and District Supervisors: Nate Beason (District 4), Sue Horne (District 2), John Spencer (District 3), and Rovin Sutherland (District 4).

Response from Spc. Gielenz

Hello this is Forrest Gielenz. Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you but time has been really short here lately with the constitution vote and everything lately. Thank you for sending me this copy of the letter, it really means a lot to me and my fellow soldiers that we are getting recognized for some of the things we are doing over here. Once again, thank you, and if you have any questions about anything , don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to answer them for you.

Spc. Gielenz, Forrest

Thank you for the great work that you do.

PATRICK D. EARL

CW2, AG

My name is Cpl. Shaun Hansen. I have lived in Nevada County my entire life, and I am a graduate of Nevada Union High School. My father John Casci is a member of Friends of Nevada County Military. I wish to extend my deepest thanks to the Friends of Nevada County Military organization. I have been in the United States Marine Corps for just over three and a half years. I am currently in Ramadi Iraq, this is my third deployment with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. My first deployment was also to Ramadi, and my second was to Okinawa Japan. Every deployment i have received care packages from FNCM. The support from FNCM is amazing and tremendously appreciated, and the supplies are always put to good use. Receiving FNCM care packages is a huge reminder of the support we have from our loved ones and our community back home. I would appreciate it if you could pass my thanks on to all the members of FNCM and tell them that what they are doing is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for all that you and your organization are doing for us. Semper Fi

Sincerely,

CPL Shaun N. Hansen

USMC

Dear Friends of Nevada County Military,

Thank you for the package. I should say all the packages and support, it has been great knowing people care back home. Right now I am watching the Colfax game. I really appreciate seeing how all the schools at home are doing. I will try to get a photo for you, but we lack places to shop and I don’t have a camera. I am going to get a camera but have to wait a couple of months. Everybody is still loving the energizer jelly beans. We a re having a big football competition tomorrow so we are going to pass them out to our team. We go play where the helicopters land since our post is too small to play anywhere else. I found out we geot extended 3 months so I will spend 15 months here rather than 12 months. We should be out by January. Thank you again for all you do.

Sincerely,

Matt Tofte

My name is Cpl. Shaun Hansen. I have lived in Nevada County my entire life, and I am a graduate of Nevada Union High School. My father John Casci is a member of Friends of Nevada County Military. I wish to extend my deepest thanks to the Friends of Nevada County Military organization. I have been in the United States Marine Corps for just over three and a half years. I am currently in Ramadi Iraq, this is my third deployment with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. My first deployment was also to Ramadi, and my second was to Okinawa Japan. Every deployment i have received care packages from FNCM. The support from FNCM is amazing and tremendously appreciated, and the supplies are always put to good use. Receiving FNCM care packages is a huge reminder of the support we have from our loved ones and our community back home. I would appreciate it if you could pass my thanks on to all the members of FNCM and tell them that what they are doing is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for all that you and your organization are doing for us. Semper Fi

Sincerely,

CPL Shaun Hansen, USMC

This card is sent as a "thank you" from myself and the members of my squad. The packages you've sent us have been great moral boosters for my men and I. It is also a boost for us to know that people at home care enough to take the time to put together the gifts. I was secially amused at the box of Jelly Bellys that you sent. I live in Fairfield, and actually was employed at Jelly Belly many years ago! Please extend my thanks to all involved, and I hope to thank you all in person one day. Enclosed is a few pictures of myself and my men. I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks again,

SGT Alan Miranda

My name is 1stLt Dave Bradt, the son of Peter and Bonnie Bradt, and I am a U.S. Marine serving in Habbaniyah, Iraq. I am a Combat Engineer Platoon Commander serving with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. I just received your very generous gift box and I wanted to personally write to you and say thank you. It is very nice to see that there are groups such as yours that come together for a worthy cause and do something to let the troops know how much you care for them.

Recently I lost 2 of my Marines in combat and received your box shortly thereafter. I wanted you to know that it helped me hold on to a touch of home that I desperately needed.

Many people support the troops and what it is we are doing out here but it is wonderful to have people such as yourselves who are willing to go the extra mile. Again, thank you and God bless.

Respectfully,

1Lt, Dave Bradt, USMC

I want to tell you that I received my first package here today. I wanted to tell you all thank you very much. The newspaper and videos were just great. I really enjoyed watching the footballgame and the Music in the Mountains video. It brought a great bigsmile to my face when they said I had a package, and when I saw who it was from it was great. Everything that is in the package I am sharing with my room mate. He says thank you also and appreciates it a lot. So again thank you very much and we really hope to see you all soon.

Patrick Mongell

SPC USA, Transportation Corps, Iraq

I received the package you sent, thank you so much. I always share the items I receive in packages with my fellow soldiers, even if it is a package from family. Over time, every item is used in some way.

I am so glad to see that folks back in Nevada County have organized a group that supports the troops. All the men and women of the Armed Forces are truly grateful of your support and dedication.

It has been a long 12-month tour, but my unit heads back to Alaska in about 5-weeks.

My sincere thanks to you and the support "Team", and all the friends and family that serve in our Armed Forces. Although I haven't lived in Grass Valley since 1990, due to serving in the Army since (16-years), I still consider it my home and I miss everything about it.

Sincerely,

Sergeant First Class John H. Drew, Jr.

Thanks for the birthday card. It was great to get some mail from home. Things are going well and time seems to be going by fast. I about two-thirds done with my tour and I am looking forward to returning to family and friends. Your letters and packages have been a blessing. Keep up the support.MAJ

Jonathan P. Aunger, Battle Major MNF-I STRATOPS

I just wanted to thank you all for the care packages and suport back home! My father e-mailed some pics of the booth at the fairgrounds. Looks great! I was hoping that I would be able to stop by the booth this year, but I will not be on leave until September. It really is great what you all are doing. It means a lot to us out here so far from home. Just getting to read the Union news paper is awesome. Nice to know what is going on in my home town. The Thunder Roads magazine is a nice touch also! When I get out in April 07 I would like to get involved with you guys.

Thanks again,

Sgt Hilsabeck Daniel

Tel A Far, Iraq

Thank you very much for showing your support for me. I reallyappreciated having everyone drive down to greet me once I got off theplane. It makes me happy knowing that there are people out there that willgo out of their way to show support for the soldiers. So thank you onceagain for your support.

PFC Joseph Dunn

My name is SFC David Ball, I recently received a box from you and the organization you are with. I wanted to thank you and all the people involved in that. It is veryheart warming to receive care packages from supporters and friends back in thestates. My Soldiers and I appreciated it immensely. We do drink a lot of water here and it is nice to add some flavor to it also. The gatoraide drink mix was the best.

Best of wishes for every one there.

SFC Ball

Thank you for your generosity for the past year. I am pround to know that people still care and remember freedom insn't free. I am a Combat Controller, CCT (Special Tactics Operator) in the USAF. Basically, we do it all. Thanks again.

SRA Zach Busch

23rd STS/Blue Team

Philip Chatigny, MSGT, US Army

(Nevada Union class of '82)

Baghdad, Iraq

His spirits were raised by the receipt of your package-he really needed a boost, especially at this time, so your timing couldn't have been better. As his mom-I thank you from the bottom of my heart. He has been over there since February of this year and will be serving in Afghanistan until March of 2007, and with the situations he's been involved with already, it will be a long 10 months form him and us.

Thank you again,

Diana Boswell

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate what you and everyone from the friends of the Military do for the soldiers in the Military. I look forward to getting a package every month. And so do my friends that I work with. I am home on leave for two weeks and is staying with my dad Stan Shurtz. Please tell the others I said thank you very much.

US Army Spc Tara Shurtz

I received the care package you sent me by mail yesterday. I just wanted to send you an email to thank you and let you know I appreciate your support. I have been in the Marines for 15 years and have lost touch with most of the people I knew, other than family growing up around Grass Valley and Nevada City, and it was nice to get something in the mail from back home. I am doing good, and am proud to be out here in Al Taqaddum, Iraq serving my country. My Grandfather was a WWII, Korean War Veteran and lifetime member of the Grass Valley VFW off of Hwy 49, so it feels good to be out here. I am currently on a 7 month deployment, scheduled to end in early October sometime. My home duty station is currently Okinawa, Japan where I have been living in between deployments with my wife and 3 children since 2002. Both my wife and I grew up and went to High School in Nevada County, her at Nevada Union and I at Bear River High School. Life out here isn’t too bad, the hours are long and the temperatures are hot but keeping busy makes the time go by. I shared the items packed by Streak of the Boozefighter Motor Cycle Club with the Marines of my Platoon. They appreciated it as well. I am attaching a map for you so you can get an idea where I am writing you from. Once again, thank you and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Colin L. Wright

Platoon Commander, General Support Maintenance
Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (FWD)
Al Taqaddum, Iraq

Like clockwork I received a package from the Friends of Nevada County. What a great day to received mail. It always cheers me up. Thank you very much. The last few weeks have been very busy here in Baghadad. Time is passing by very fast. It seems like yesterday that I was getting off the plane at Baghdad International Airport. I have only been here for just over a hundred days, but it has gone so fast that I do not have time to reflect on everything that is going on.

Captain Jonathan Aunger, Iraq

I received a care package from "Friends" today and thank you for it! You're making a great difference in our lives through your thoughtfulnes and support.

When I opened the box, I explained to the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen (there is only one other Marine) here what FNCM is and told them of the wonderful support you provide to our military families in Nevada County. Needless to say, they are quite impressed and appreciative of yourefforts. I shared the contents of the package with them.

Things are going well here. While we have daily events that bring our spirits down, there are more advances and achievements to outweigh the badand to give us encouragement.

Please keep up your good work. I look forward to coming home in several months and joining in your mission.

With fond regards,

Sean Metroka

Sincerely,

Cpl Cunningham, Scott T.

Thank you so much for the package. It means a lot to me to get mail. It was the first package that I received. Baghdad is not so bad. If there was not so much poverty and destruction, it would be a beautiful city. There is so much history here. Just wanted to say thank you for your support!

CPT Jonathan Augner

26 Jan 06

Dear Friends of Nevada County Military,

I can't tell you how delighted I was to read the birthday card you sent. Thank you, you're all too very kind. Letters from home help instill hope in all of us here, which has been tough so far. My first month here and already I have lost five friends to the terrorists. Our prayers are with their families. I was in a head-on collison a few days days back and being a gunner has its drawbacks. The doctors say I have whiplash and my left arm has swollen to twice its normal size. I will be OK and back to work in a couple of weeks.

Again, thank you all for the card. I will remember it always. I would love to hear from you again.

God Bless! Your Friend,

Adam Pepper

I want to say thank you for the care packages. It is always nice to hear that we Marines are appreciated for what we do. I have split my packages up with all my junior marines who say thank you also. I have to get back to work. But thank you again.

CPL Rodger Bond

My name is Ken Mayfield, I am from Grass Valley, and I am currently stationed in Kirkuk Iraq with the Alaska Air National Guard.I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you for the care package that you sent me. It will make my life a little bit easier.

Thank you again,

Ken Mayfield

From Justin:

Hello How are you? I am fine. I have been getting packages from the FRIENDS OF NEVADA COUNTY MILITARY. I was wondering if you put me on the list. If so, I would like to thank you so much for doing it. It is such a blessing to read some of these notes. They brighten my day every time I get them. I have received three so far.

Justin

I am currently deployed to South West Asia working to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and various other missions. I just wanted to thank you for the loving package I received today from the Reed family. I am enjoying reading up on the local news. I am sharing the goodies with my co-workers, and we all appreciate your support.

Have Wonderful Nevada County Day!

Anthony Loverde, SSgt, USAF

SPC Donald Williams

I would like to take a few minutes to send a thanks to you for what you are doing for us. It is really nice knowing that no matter what is going on, there is someone back home who is thinking of us and making us feel appreciated. It is hard to stay focused over here sometimes, with all the political fighting and protests and whatnot going on in the States, and it is good to see people looking past all that and supporting the troops who are over here. The Gatorade drink mix is a definite plus over here, we drink a lot of water and it helps a lot.

Thank you again for taking the time and effort to show your support for us, and keep it up, you make it easier for us over here.

Sincerely,

SPC Lassing, Kevin A.

Thank you for the care package and the video. It Was a nice surprise to see a 4th of July parade in the middle of Iraq. Having you support makes the sacrafice of being away from family that much easier.

Thanks again. God Bless

Capt. Mike Morris

I hope every one is doing well and that your summer was nice...I am doing just fine and loooking forward to the return to my family and my new little bably girl, but I would like to take the time to thank you all for your support and the care packages that you have sent. Your news and continuing support has been a tremendous impact on my spirits during my tour in Iraq. I know (and lord knows my mother can vouch for this) that my replys have been limited, some due to conditions of our camp and some to the busy operational schedule, but know that your thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated. This tour has been a new eperience I never could have imagined, but know that myself as well as all the fellow marines I serve here with, are greatly appreciative of all the support that our friends and loved ones give. We serve here with great faith in support and patriotism that you rprovide. Despite all of the things we know is wrong or could be better, we are proud...knowing that with our sacrifice, our folks back home continue their support....And with that again thank you, for everything. I hope to be seeing you all when I return here shortly and please pass this message to all who know me, whose emails I might not have answered.

Best wishes,

Adam Tahir, SGT, US Marines

I would like to take a few minutes to send a thanks to you for what you are doing for us. It is really nice knowing that no matter what is going on, there is someone back home who is thinking of us and making us feel appreciated. It is hard to stay focused over here sometimes, with all the political fighting and protests and whatnot going on in the States, and it is good to see people looking past all that and supporting the troops who are over here. The Gatorade drink mix is a definite plus over here, we drink a lot of water and it helps a lot.Thank you again for taking the time and effort to show your support for us, and keep it up, you make it easier for us over here.

Sincerely,

Spc. KL, Iraq

PVT2 M M

Field Artillery

Thanks again.

Steve Schmidt
1LT, FA
Platoon Leader

Just seeing whats going on. I had some down time and thought I would let yall know you are doing a great job. Thank you for all you are doing for all of us and it is not going unappreciated. I had a chance while I was on mid tour leave to stop by your booth at the community BBQ. Its good to see everyone is chipping in for support. Hi to Gina Gippner, it was good to see you again. If yall talk to 1stLT Nunn's wife let her know I got her note to him. Well got to go. Hope to hear from yall soon.

Spc. Gielenz

i have not used any of the phone cards yet. save your money. you dont have to send me those. we have other phone cards out here where you get like 3 hours of talk time for 5 dollars.

THANK YOU so much for sending me things!!! its great!! because it comes when i least expect it, and its like getting a present, cause i never know what is inside. FUN!

Pfc H L

Great to get the forwarded e-mail from PFC L. It sounds like she is doing well and her spirit is high. Please keep sending the updates on our servicemen and women. I really want to know their status and how they are doing.

Best wishes to all the mom's and dad's and family members who have loved ones who serve.

Dennis Hilsabeck

"Beck's" dad

I am writing to thank you for the phone cards and packages. I apologize for the delay in getting this thank you to you all. I was stationed at an air base. My job was convoy security. It was good to know that so many people from home were praying and supporting all the troops.

LCpl Y

USMC

Thank you for the gift packages you guys sent me. I really appreciated the cookies and dental gear. It was really nice of you guys. Well I've been nere over a month now and I have 6 months left to go. I'm doing pretty good and I'm in good health. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

LCpl S

USMC

my mom emailed me the picture of everyone standing by the "welcome home" sign.

thank you so much for that! and thank you for the packages you send me, that is so nice of all of you.

To fill you in: i got promoted to Specialist on may 1st. id give you a new pic to post but i like the one that is there better than the other ones i have.

well, thanks again! Ill stop by when (or if) i get to come home for a visit.

best wishes from Iraq

SPC H L

I met Jessica Simpson and Nick Lechey! (however you spell it) And got their autographs!

They came all the way to Iraq. We found out they were here about five minutes before we left to go see them. We were the last ones they let in the door. Talk about good timing!!

SPC HL

This is Airman Condict all the way down in Honduras. I received my care package last week and I wrote to thank you. As you well know, it means a lot to know that there are people back in the states that are thinking about and care about you! Keep up the good work and stay safe!

Airman Condict

On Behalf of all my fellow "Nightstalkers" at 1st Battalion 184th Infantry
Regiment, I extend our deepest thanks for helping to make our mission here in Iraq at bit more tolerable. I can't express how good it feels that we
know there are people at home that care enough to devote their own time,
energy and money to help out soldiers. The Friends of Nevada Country would all be extrodinarily proud of these California Army National Guardsmen.

Many of these soldiers are from Nevada, Placer, and Sacramento counties. They continue to win accolades from the command of the Third Infantry Division and truely set the standard for the citizen-soldier.

Best Regards and God Bless

1LT(P) D N

Thanks, M M

Thank you so much for the packages you have sent to me. There is really only 4 things to look forward to here and that is the 3 meals I eat (sometimes) and the mail! It always feels good to get a package or a letter. Here is a picture of myself about a month before I left for Iraq. This way you can put a face with a name. Once again, thank you for everything.

Spc FG

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and the friends of Nevada County for the wonderful care package. Thank you for your support. There are so many great Americans doing great things to make sure that we are successful in this fight against terror. It is a little frustrating to here the news report so many negative things about the war. I would like you and all the friends of Nevada County to know that there are a lot of great things happening over here. Everyday there is great success towards freedom, democracy, and peace. I am sure all of these things will not come soon enough for many, but we are working hard to make sure the people of Iraq are successful. I look forward to an opportunity to meet you and your wonder group in the future. I hope to be home in Grass Valley to visit my parents over the holiday’s maybe I can stop by to meet you and thank you in person.

Thank you

SFC RK

God Bless,

A1C JS

Sincerely, Sgt RK