How to Find a Military Pen Pal

Troops stationed overseas enjoy receiving mail. Packages and letters connect them to home and make them feel appreciated. Corresponding with soldiers is a great way to support the troops and is not only reserved for soldiers' friends and family members. It only takes a moment to write a thank you note or send an email, but such simple gestures can mean the world to those serving in the military.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Register with a military pen pal service. Most require minimal personal information before providing a soldier's snail mail or email address. Each organization has rules, many of which correspond with government directives, so be sure to read the regulations closely before signing up. Legitimate groups require no fee, although some encourage and accept donations.

2. Leave politics behind. The point of having a military pen pal is to provide soldiers with companionship and a much-needed connection to home. It is inappropriate to use correspondence with a soldier to criticize his decision to join the military or to condemn the politics of war.

3. Write a thank you note. Many have a hard time writing a letter to a stranger, so consider a short note of appreciation instead. A simple note expressing appreciation for your pen pal's hard work and dedication is sufficient. Chances are she'll respond, sparking conversation and providing more to write about in future letters.

4. Assemble a care package. Most military pen pal organizations have suggestions about what to send soldiers. Some groups post soldier wish-lists that detail the items particular service members want or need. Popular items include playing cards, holiday decorations, hard candy and personal hygiene items.

5. Ask your kids to write a letter. Soldiers are especially touched by correspondence from children. If you have children, have them write a few words or draw a picture. Cards and letters signed by large groups of children are popular and are often arranged through schools or religious organizations. If you don't have access to such groups, ask neighborhood kids to pitch in and write a few encouraging words.

6. Send email if you're short on time. Many troops have access to email and sign up for email correspondence with pen pals. If you're too busy to write letters or send packages, send an occasional email to brighten a soldier's day.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not send pornography or liquor to soldiers. Other items that you shouldn't send in a care package include home-baked goods, food that can melt, or liquid hand sanitizers. Homemade foods pose a health and safety risk, chocolates and other items that melt create a significant mess and liquid sanitizer mixes with sand to create an unpleasant mud.

• Be patient. It can take up to two weeks for a letter to reach a soldier. Most troops do eventually respond to correspondence, although they are incredibly busy and do not always have access to conditions that promote letter writing.

• Beware of organizations that charge a fee to join. Reputable groups that arrange correspondence between military personnel and soldiers are non-profit and ask for voluntary donations.

Resources

• Links to military pen pal sites.
• Information about military mailing restrictions.