How to Write to Troops in Iraq
Not all soldiers in Iraq have steady support system at home of friends and family, so letters of any kind, even those from strangers can be very welcome. Writing to a soldier in Iraq is easier than you may think as there are organizations available online that can set you up with a soldier to write to. Also, there are websites that have posted the names and addresses of soldiers in Iraq, making it easy for anyone to write them.
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Instructions
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Go to one of the many websites that can match you up with a soldier to write to in Iraq. For example, Any Soldier, or Adopt a US Soldier if you don't already know someone that is serving in Iraq. Follow the rules to receive a name and address of a soldier in Iraq.
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Write to your soldier twice a week once you receive his name and address. Some soldiers don't have anyone to write to them so your letters could be your soldier's only link with home.
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Tell your soldier about yourself. Just as you are curious about him, he is going to be curious about you, so tell him about yourself. Consider sending a photograph as well so he can see what you look like, and put a face to the letters.
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Fill your letters with news of home. Tell your soldier about events in your home town that you've participated in, or even the funny thing your kid did the other day. Any upbeat piece of news from home will be welcome.
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Address and mail your letters. Remember that you don't have to put international postage on letters to your soldier because your letter will go to the point of his debarkation here in the United States, and then from that post office it will go for free the rest of the way.
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Tips & Warnings
Always be positive when you are writing letters to your soldier. They are already dealing with a lot, and this really helps. Read all the rules for the organization that is giving you the name and address of your soldier pen pal, if you received his name and address from an organization. Consider sending a care package, but be sure and check to see what it is okay to send first. Remember to include a return address so your soldier can write back to you if he is able to. You can also send your e-mail address but remember that some soldiers don't have access to the internet.
Be aware that it can take up to 8 weeks before your soldier receives your letter and or package, so don't stop writing because you don't receive a response right away. Be aware that should you try to start a romantic relationship with your soldier that the military can shut down the organization that you got the name and address of your soldier from. Be aware that if you send a care package, you cannot send adult materials, alcohol, or pork related products. Don't include politics or your personal views about the Iraq war in your letters. Soldiers have enough to think about without someone trying to sway their views to for or against the war.
