How to Communicate With American Soldiers in Iraq
You can support American soldiers stationed in Iraq or elsewhere overseas by making personal contact in a number of ways. This will help raise the spirits of the men and women who fight for the U.S., and let them know that we are thinking of them.
With these tips, you can send greetings to a friend, relative or even a complete stranger serving in the military. Whether through live contact or packages sent from home, troops overseas will be happy to communicate with Americans who appreciate their sacrifices.
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Instructions
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Type an email. You may post a generic message addressed to all soldiers on an official U.S. military website. If you have a specific email of a friend or family member, use that American Knowledge Online address (AKO) to send the message. If you are related to a soldier serving in Iraq, obtain your own AKO email address to send both emails and instant messages to your loved one. Due to security concerns, soldiers must sponsor family members with AKO addresses.
Some servicemen use Internet cafes on base to answer emails, while others bring their own laptops, so keep this in mind when waiting for replies.
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Call a serviceman. You may use Skype, or another low-cost voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service online, or send the soldier a prepaid calling card so she can call you when off-duty.
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Write a letter. This method is more personal than email or instant message, and it gives the soldier a physical copy to keep in his bunk or put it in his pockets to reread whenever he wants. Include photographs of home with the letter and keep your soldier up to date on his spouse, children or friends. If you write a generic letter to a soldier not related to you, include details of life in America or in your hometown that will reverberate with her.
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Set up webcam or video messaging. This form of communication is restricted, so check with the military before enabling the service. Open an account with a service provider, attach a webcam to your computer, and send one to your soldier in Iraq. Have him set the webcam up on his laptop and assign emails for each account. When ready, you'll be able to see as well as hear your serviceman.
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Mail a food care package to soldiers in Iraq. A care package consists of items that go beyond the basic foods and drink soldiers receive overseas. Send powdered drink mixes like hot chocolate or lemonade, ramen noodles, snack crackers, soup mix, candy or cookies. Any ready to eat non-perishable item or prepackaged food that needs only hot water to prepare will help to nourish soldiers and raise their morale.
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Send survival and comfort items to soldiers, such as pillows, blankets and other necessities. Include batteries, small flashlights or small personal fans to help soldiers keep cool and safe in the tough desert terrain.
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Tips & Warnings
Include personal letters in care packages to soldiers to save on postage.
