Posted on 10/10/2006 3:10:22 AM PDT by Tinman
Since arriving "in country" a little over eight months ago, I've had the chance to spend time on five different bases, I've met people from every state and from, at least, a dozen other countries.
(Allow me an aside here. Regardless of what the MSM would have the folks back home believe, there really is a "multi-national" force over here. I seen and met troops from; UK, Austrailia, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Poland, Macedonia, and Albania. These are just the ones that I've had personal contact with, I know there are others.)
To get back on topic; One thing that is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone in this diverse group of people (soldier and civilian alike) is...Mail from HOME! Getting e-mail is nice but it doesn't compare to receiving a card or letter, via snail mail, that you can keep in your pocket and re-read as many times as you like, knowing it has a bit more of a personal touch from the person that sent it. And, to receive a "box"?! Oh happy day! Many times I've seen adult men and women walking away from the mailroom or APO, grinning from ear to ear and their only comment may be, "I got a BOX!".
If any of you FReepers are saying, "I would be happy to send something but I don't know anyone who's serving or working over there." Don't be so sure. As I've already stated, there are people from every state over here, from our largest cities to our smallest towns. Where is that young fellow who mowed lawns or shoveled snow, in your neighborhood, a couple of years ago? Heard from that nice girl who used to babysit your kids,lately? Ask around, you might be surprised. I've seen handmade cards from grade schoolers, posted in the dining hall that had simply been addressed "To Any Soldier".
What's the big entertainment over here? DVD's, CD's, and video games. News from HOME is what everyone really craves. Current magazines are also nice but be careful, do not mail anything that could be considered "pornographic", by local standards.
With that sole caution, I say to you all, "Get writing!"
Regards to you all,
Tinman
Thank you for the posting, and the advice, Tinman...we keep all of you in our thoughts and wish for your safe, speedy and honorable return to the US of A!
Wonderful post!
BTTT!
Thanks, Tinman for a first-hand account. We at the FR Canteen know how important this is.
For anyone out there who feels this way, there are many organizations you can find online that will give you this information. I believe there was a thread in the recent past that listed different links to sites one could find more information.
If I may be so bold as to point out that one can always start at a site that was recently started by a few concerned members of FR of which I am one of the members.
This is the link
There is information there which we hope would answer many of your questions. We can help get you started or point you in the right direction, if you'd prefer.
Terrific link. Thanks
Regards
I truly didn't know anyone serving but I searched the net and found NUMEROUS support programs. A "plug" for the one I've used the most for the past 3 years to send letters and packages: "www.anysoldier.com". (The site supports ALL the branches. Just substitute 'soldier' for another branch; for example, "www.anymarine.com".) Individual service people post information about what they need; the site has info on what to send and HOW to send it.
But most important, as stated above, are letters. LETTERS COST ONLY 39 CENTS AND 10 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME! JUST DO IT!
Regards
Thank you all.
Regards
Regards
Regards
Thanks for the support.
Thank you!
I hope many are just quietly planning to make contact with someone who is over here, real soon.
My FRiends, I really can't explain how great a morale boost a upbeat letter from home can be.
Do this simple thing and I'll bet you'll feel good. I know you'll make some serviceman (or woman) feel a whole lot better.
This is FREE REPUBLIC, for gosh sakes. How 'bout using those "ping" lists and getting something organized? Maybe a group of FReepers could "adopt" a certain unit or camp. (The folks serving in the smaller, more remote bases, are the ones who would most appreciate hearing from home.)
Just an idea.
Regards
For those of you who belong to a veteran's service organization, i.e. VFW, American Legion, if you haven't already adopted a unit, now would be a good time. My Ladies Aux of my VFW Post did this when the troops first headed out. If you are not a member of one of these organizations, contact them and find out if you qualify. They would be glad to have the new member and they provide many wonderful services for our veterans and active duty. You will find that there are lots of ways to serve and honor our troops. Be safe Tinman.
Thank you.
I will.
I write a note almost daily to our son over there. There are times when his dog Sophie writes and our dog Simon writes a rebuttal to what she might have said in her letter. My son thinks these are hilarious. Be safe..
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