How to Write to a Soldier Addressed to the USO

Soldiers serving overseas appreciate receiving mail.

Soldiers overseas are often lonely and miss having a connection to home. Some soldiers do not have family members or friends who write to them. Many people want to show their appreciation to the troops and choose to write letters or send care packages to the soldiers who are deployed. With more than 160 centers worldwide, the United Service Organizations (USO) has many different programs to help support the troops, including programs for writing to the troops.

Instructions

1. Go to USO.org to see if a letter-writing campaign to soldiers serving overseas is currently being offered. If it is not, anysoldier.com provides soldiers' names and addresses for volunteers to send letters or care packages.

2. Request a soldier's address after viewing her name. On most websites, the soldier has to allow you access to his address.

3. 

   Write a letter to your soldier. You can include any information you think would brighten your soldier's day.

4. Include your return address in the letter because envelopes often get damaged. If you have an email address, include that in the letter too. Many soldiers prefer to respond by email.

5. Address the front of your letter exactly as the address appeared on the website. The address may look different from those you may be used to. The letter must be addressed to a specific person and not to "any servicemember." Include your return address and add a regular postage stamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect a response. Many service members may not be able to reply.

• If you plan to send a care package, make sure you check the websites to see what is allowed or needed.

References

• USO: Programs Assisting Our Troops
• Any Soldier: Where to Send