Every letter sent through A Million Thanks carries more than ink and paper—it carries connection, hope, and motivation. Captain Doug Cullins, a U.S. Marine Corps officer stationed in Ramadi, Iraq, recently wrote to share just how deeply those letters impact his Marines.
A Boost When It’s Needed Most
Captain Cullins didn’t hold back: “Your support and patriotism has helped strengthen the resolve of our Marines.” In an environment filled with uncertainty and long days far from home, he described the letters as something that truly keeps his team going. These messages, often from people they’ve never met, remind them that they’re not forgotten—that their service matters.
Motivation From the Home Front
According to Captain Cullins, support from people back home—especially strangers—has a direct effect on morale. “It’s people like you that keep the Marines motivated and proud to serve our country,” he wrote. That kind of motivation is critical, especially for a unit on its fourth deployment. The simple act of receiving a handwritten card or note becomes a mental and emotional lift in the middle of a demanding mission.
A Reminder of Why They Serve
The Marines in his unit have seen the transformation of their environment—from conflict to rebuilding. And while the work is meaningful, it’s also exhausting. Letters from home help them stay mentally focused and emotionally grounded. They’re a reminder of the lives they’re protecting, the freedoms they’re upholding, and the people they’re making proud.
Your Letters Matter
Captain Cullins’ message is clear: letters make a difference. Not just symbolically, but practically—in the day-to-day mindset of those deployed overseas. “Please know that your support has significantly raised the morale of our Marines,” he wrote. That’s the power of your words.