WATERLOO -- Soldiers stationed across the globe have already sent back words of thanks to the Cedar Valley residents that helped make their Christmas a little brighter.

The men and women, 175 in all, with connections to the Cedar Valley received the packages earlier this month as part of the Iowa's Bravest project, organized by a group of John Deere employees and supported by about 50 Cedar Valley businesses.

"The feelings I get as I read through the messages is our soldiers count on their family and friends for support during this difficult time but are so much more grateful when total strangers take the time to let them know we support them," said Julie Ehlers, co-organizer of the project. "They often feel like the folks back home have long forgotten about them and then they are surprised by a package from hometown folks they don't even know."

Each package included a postcard that many soldiers returned. Some expanded on their reply sending back longer letters, e-mails, photos and even Iraqi money.

Sgt. Derrin Knoop, one of the only Iowa soldiers in his unit stationed in Iraq, received some friendly ribbing about his home state before the package arrived.

"… I received this box tonight. I opened it up thinking it was from by Aunt Betsy and boy was I wrong. It was the first pleasant shock I have had in a long time. I extracted all the best goodies and let my soldiers fight for the rest," he wrote.

Knoop runs an electronic maintenance shop and conducts escort missions with soldiers from New York, Texas, Mississippi, California and dozens of other states.

"This is the first package into my shop from people other than friends and family members. The guy from NYC is always telling me how great NYC is. Yet he has not received a package from any New Yorkers. This is gonna be fun," he continued.

Sgt. Eric Weber used the camera to take pictures of his daily life in Iraq to send home with his letter of thanks.

"I would like to thank you for everything you have sent to me," he wrote. "It will all come in handy. And the snacks are great, along with the candy. I wish I was able to come home and thank everyone in person, but I can't."

Many shared the items with the rest of their unit and even the people of Iraq.

"…some Iraqi children are much happier because of the candy you've sent," wrote Steve Holding, a Janesville native with the National Guard. "Please accept this Iraqi money -- until you are better paid."

"The stocking and ornaments will go to decorate the Balad Community Christmas tree," wrote Maj. Drew Schumann, stationed in Balad.

Sgt. Travis Buckendahl was thankful for the package, but even more grateful for the thoughts and prayers that came with them.

"As for all the prayers for us soldiers who are away from our families, loved ones, and friends they did not go unread or unheard in fact they went straight to my heart," he wrote.

The group has raised more than $34,000 and sent out 360 boxes to area soldiers. Another batch of 140 boxes will be sent out to help the soldiers celebrate the new year. Donations are still being accepted at John Deere Community Credit Union.