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Writing to our military

 
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clpeters23
Ensign


Joined: 21 Aug 2004
Posts: 70

PostPosted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:27 pm    Post subject: Writing to our military Reply with quote

I went to the soldiers angels site and want to start by writing letters. I need advice on what to say, beyond giving them 100% support. I don't want to bore someone with trivial information.
What can I write that will have the most positive impact?
Cathy
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cipher
Vice Admiral


Joined: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 902

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 12:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tell them stuff that's happening to you. What's going on in your life. How normal your life is. Talk about the movies you've seen, the books you've read, the places you go, the things you do.

Every once in a while, let him/her know that you are thinking of them. Ask for a picture. Send a picture. Send several.

Ask if there is anything he/she needs. Sunglasses, a specific brand of toothbrush, a boar bristle hair brush, teflon razor blades, cough drops. It's the SIMPLE stuff that is hard to get.

Be genuine. Be honest. Don't make any promises you can't keep.

You can't TELL someone that you support them 100%. You have to show it a little.

It doesn't take a whole lot to bring a tear to a GI's eye, if you're from home and you let them know you're happy and feel safer for them being out on the pointy end of the stick for you.

Trust me, they'll understand.
_________________
USMC 69-72, 7th Comm, 3rd MarDiv, FMFPAC
US Army 75-79, 97th Sig, SHAPE, NATO
Arkansas National Guard 79
Defense contractor for US Navy, SSPO, SP-20, SP-24, OP-12 84-92
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Knighthawk
Commander


Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 323
Location: Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

As someone who has already completed a year in Iraq, I must echo what Cipher said.

A letter of supprt means a great deal to "Joe" who is out on patrol in downtown Baghdad or Mosul.

You will definitely make someones day when they get you letter, and who knows you may make a new friend.
_________________
Regards,
Brian

Beware of the lollipop of mediocrity! Lick it once and you'll suck forever.

If guns kill people, then I can blame misspelled words on my pencil.

Knighthawk's Pictures!
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JannDallas
Seaman


Joined: 26 Sep 2004
Posts: 166
Location: Dallas, TX

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:50 am    Post subject: Need more advice Reply with quote

I am preparing a package to take to my son's school. His Algebra teacher is a Guardsman and he has a person he sends stuff to in Iraq and then that person distributes it to soldiers in his unit.

So far I have about 30 paperbacks, 3 huge packages of baby wipes (about 400 in each package) and powdered drink stuff, kool-aid, lemonade, tang and pink lemonade. Any other suggestions.
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Nutso
PO3


Joined: 25 Aug 2004
Posts: 271
Location: Minnesota

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

As a father of a soldier in Iraq I have a lot of contact with my son. It is the little things that matter, snacks like granola bars, dried soups, peanuts etc. I just sent 2 boxes a few weeks ago and he used them to have a football party with the guys in his unit, he said it was a real chance to get away for a couple hours. If you don't know where to send something contact any local military post or reserve center, they can let you know.
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Curtis H.
Lt.Jg.


Joined: 19 Aug 2004
Posts: 143

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nutso wrote:
If you don't know where to send something contact any local military post or reserve center, they can let you know.

http://www.anysoldier.us has a wealth of information that will help those who are interested in sending letters, cards, care packages. You can also read emails from our troops and hear first hand what they need or want as it varies.
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SooZQ
PO2


Joined: 21 Aug 2004
Posts: 369
Location: Central Kentucky

PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the link Curtis. I've been over on the Any Soldier site
for about an hour. It's a wonderful project, something like I would
have done if I'd had a son in the service. And now I am involved
and will be sending some love and pride to other mother's son's and
daughters! Very Happy
_________________

Really support the troops, send them a letter and care package! Visit:http://www.anysoldier.com
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