Update on 1-9th INF support program

The Stars & Stripes has a web-page with several dozen links to support-the-troops programs. One of the links is to "Operation Package", the program initiated by 1-9th Infantry Commander Lt. Col. Joe Southcott. There is a 12.11.2004 letter from LTC Southcott providing an update on the program, which was initially sent to 19 family members and close friends, with the aim of a care package for each of the 782 1-9th soldiers. As of 12.11.2004, over 3000 packages have been received that are addressed to the program. Care packages are being shared with other units in the brigade. The letter also has an update on the 1-9th:

- As of 12.11.2004, 2 1-9th soldiers have been killed in action, and 23 have been wounded in action.
- As of 12.11.2004, 83 Soldiers have been sent home on the R&R leave program.
- As of 12.20.2004, the battalion has been in Iraq 115 days, and has been on continuous operations for 104 days.