WATERLOO -- It took a five-ton truck and 12 soldiers to transport and unload the 120 care packages boxed and sent to Iraq courtesy of volunteers with Iowa's Bravest.

Sgt. Denver Foote, in an e-mail to Iowa's Bravest coordinator Julie Ehlers, said it was a treat for soldiers of the Iowa Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry to receive the packages but a workout to get all 5,000 pounds off the truck. He said the shipment was about "four to five times more than we normally get."

"We can't thank you and Iowa's Bravest enough for all the support that you all have shown while we have been deployed and extended. The fact that we got as many boxes as we did on a moment's notice the community pulled through donating all the food and snacks that were sent here," Foote wrote. "It is nice to know we have such a great community and the supporters that make it happen. Thank you again on behalf of all the soldiers here in the 1-133D IN BN."

Volunteers from across the Cedar Valley banded together just days after hearing about the Guard unit's 125-day extension order. They had sent boxes to the men and women five months earlier, but it was obvious another shipment was in order. In just a few weeks the volunteer organization collected almost $10,000 worth of food and entertainment items for the soldiers. Cell Phones for Soldiers donated about $10,000 in calling cards, and others stepped forward with cash donations totaling more than $4,500 to cover shipping costs.

"I am so grateful for our community support of our Iowa's Bravest projects," Ehlers said. "… We also hoped it would be a morale boost that they might need to get them through the additional months. Our community stepped up and has done a wonderful job again. These shipments are only possible because caring community members give of themselves and donate funds to make them happen. … Receiving notes from soldiers like Denver Foote and James Goss helps to keep our efforts going."

Sgt. James Goss also sent Ehlers a note of thanks after receiving the dozens of boxes intended to be split among his soldiers.

"I want to send you the warmest thank you from all the soldiers of Weapons Company 1-133 IN for your generosity and dedication in supporting our efforts over here in Iraq. We have taken the box of Easter gifts and made it up for our Battalion Soldiers that are stationed out at one of our outpost bases so they will enjoy your generosity and efforts as much as we do."

The other supplies, including microwave meals, graham crackers and frosting, and beef jerky, were separated into groups to pass along to platoons heading out on three or four day runs, Goss wrote.

"Your continued support proves to us that the majority of Americans support our mission here in Iraq contrary to what we read or hear in the news. That is very comforting to us and lets us know our efforts are appreciated," he wrote.

Ehlers said notes like these are what motivates her to forge ahead. The next round of boxes is scheduled to be shipped in time for Christmas.

"We brought a little joy to these fine soldiers, if only for a brief time," Ehlers said. "They will always remember the second Easter they spent in Iraq. …We really do make a difference, it just takes a little time and effort."

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1520 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.