Supporting Our Troops with Bocce

Bryan,

I'm sorry this comes to you so late. I thought that I had sent an email when I received everything, but maybe not. We did receive the court, the set of balls, and the t-shirts. Everything was great. On Christmas day we all put the t-shirts on and took pictures, then played a game. I have attached some photos. Things are changing around here, so I have donated the court and all game sets to our Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Tent on base. We have been trying to coordinate a time to explain how the game is played, assist in setting up the court and play a game to spark interest; however the weather has not been conducive for us to do that. I will be speaking with the MWR staff today to see if something can be arranged. I will try to let you know how it goes. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Thank you very much for all your support and everything that was donated.

MSgt Katrina Surprenant

Message from iBocce: I'm so glad we could make your stay overseas a little better with bocce. I personally appreciate your service and I know most of here in the USA feel the same. God Bless and stay safe!

Send a card, letter, cookies, etc. to our brave Marines:
MSgt. Katrina Surprenant
MWHS-2 Det A (G-3)
Unit 78092
FPO AE 09502-8092

Dear iBocce.com visitor,
I was sent an e-mail from MSgt Katrina Surprenant (see pictures and messages below) currently stationed in Irag. She stated that her unit has a set of bocce balls but did not have a good place to play and learn. She wanted a portable bocce court like the ones listed on the Portable Bocce Court page. After posting this on the web and contacting my family and friends we were able to order a couple of portable courts, a new bocce set and items from the iBocce.com store to send to them. I'd like to personally thank Del Abbott (my father-in-law) and the American Legion Post #24, Olathe, CO, for picking up the bulk of the cost of equipment and shipping.

There are some pictures below of the Marines holding the bocce sets and actually playing out in the desert of Iraq. With the new equipment showing up in the next week or two they will be able to include everyone.

I've included Msgt Katrina's address below the pictures in case you would like to send a card or letter for Christmas or just because they deserve to hear from friendly and appreciative folks from home.

God Bless Our Troops!

keep on rollin'

Bryan Mero
iBocce.com

MSgt Katrina Surprenant (middle) holds the a new bocce set donated by the friends of iBocce.com.

E-Mail Message from MSgt Katrina Surprenant:
"We did actually receive the set....THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH! It is such a nice set, that I am afraid to use it here in all the sand and gravel. Kind of like a meal or desert that looks too good to eat or a present that looks too pretty to unwrap."

Marines play bocce in Iraq. Can't tell who has the point...most likely blue.

E-Mail Message from MSgt Katrina Surprenant:
"One of the SSgt's who works here in my section built us a couple of make-shift courts out of 2X4s and some string for guidelines and mid-court. It's worked out pretty well, although we haven't played in a couple of weeks due to me being a little overwhelmed with work. You know Marines, Soldiers, and any other military service member....we're pretty resourceful, trained to adapt and overcome.

So, once again, on behalf of all the Marines of Marine Wing Headquarters' Squadron 2, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your continued support.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful - the Marine Moto) MSgt Katrina Surprenant

P.S. When I first arrived here and tried to recruit Marines to learn how to play the game with me and enjoy some camaraderie, I was the brunt of some jokes because the game wasn't the epitome of physical activity. How dare I, ask a bunch of hard corps Marines to play some game where you through a bunch of big balls at a little ball.......but after we played, they would come looking every Saturday or Sunday. Funny! They actually enjoyed it.

Send a card, letter, cookies, etc. to our brave Marines:
MSgt. Katrina Surprenant
MWHS-2 Det A (G-3)
Unit 78092
FPO AE 09502-8092