August 26, 2006

SSOT,
I graduated Summit High School, class of 2003, and enlisted shortly after. I have always considered Summit my home, but I have never been so proud or so grateful to call it such as I have been these last few weeks. Every single package, every letter, every update makes me the envy of all on board my home away from home, the USS xx stationed in xx. Each time I explain that my hometown is the greatest and that whenever I decide to finish my time here in the military, I’ll be coming home. The letters, the care packages mean so very much when you’re so far away. … We spend x months of the year out to sea on average, and mail is very hard to come by. It usually takes about 3 weeks, and anytime you here "mail call" over the 1MC, there is a small stirring on board, a little hope and expectation. Having received so much from this organization, I feel so fortunate to be a child of Summit, and will do my best to make all of you proud. It was especially touching on that one bulletin to see both my name and that of my fiancé. Hopefully the two of us will be coming home for Christmas to thank you all in person. … I signed up for classes after working hours. In addition to those studies, I’m also currently studying for my advancement exam coming up this September. …The competition is rough, so studying is very necessary.
Thank you all again for the time, effort and care you put into every project you do. Its not just a morale boost for me, but for my shipmates as well, who send their thanks and offer up plenty of suggestions for the next few care packages.
Love,
Yajaida Pacheco, PO/USN