Soldiers are deployed to countries all over the world. Without the presence of family and friends a soldier can become lonely and feel detached from the people and places he once knew so well. It can be both frightening and boring. Many times letters and care packages from home are the very things that keep a soldier’s spirits up. Correspondence from home not only gives the soldier something to look forward to but it also helps him to feel connected to his home. More importantly, letters of support and thanks help a soldier to feel valued and appreciated for the sacrifices he makes. Many soldiers do not have a lot of family back home to send letters and packages. Writing letters to a soldier is a great opportunity to become active in giving back. With the cancellation of the Any Service Member Program by the Department of Defense as a part of the anti-terrorism effort, you may be wondering how to get in contact with a soldier. Here are some tips to help.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
Give Back by Writing a Soldier
1
Look to your local community first. If a local soldier has been deployed, you may want to choose to write to them. You can find contact information for local soldiers through churches, newspapers, and civic organizations in your area.
2
Search the web. There are some great websites which will give you the addresses of soldiers who need your support such as AnySoldier.com and OperationMilitarySupport.com.
3
Get involved in the existing letter writing efforts. You can send a postcard through Xerox “Let’s Say Thanks” website, or send an email at ForgottenSoldiers.org.
4
Remain positive. Once you have found a soldier pen pal you need to remember to be upbeat in your communications with him. Avoid burdening him with your problems. Instead, try telling jokes or talking about an inspirational experience.
5
Follow the proper addressing regulations. If you are sending handwritten letters, be sure to write the address according to the correct protocol to ensure the letters reach the soldier. First, use the service member’s full name. Second, put the soldier’s unit number and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office) address including the nine digit zip code (if assigned). Third, include a return address on the letter.
Tips & Warnings
Never underestimate the power of a simple thank you when writing to a service member.
Also, don’t overlook the Veteran’s hospitals as a place to get involved in showing your support.
Military service members face the awesome task of protecting their homeland. This may involve deployment to a variety of overseas missions. Although...
