Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker ["The ideal size is a shoebox"]

DpD - American Forces Press Service ^ | Aug. 28, 2003 | K.L. Vantran

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker

By K.L. Vantran
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2003 – The U.S. Postal Service and the Military Postal Service Agency process about 2 million pounds of mail a week for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some items make it to the recipient faster than others, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Lomax, agency chief of plans and policy, said here today.

Depending on where it originates, a letter or package spends "a couple of days" in the USPS system before it reaches either San Francisco or New York City, Lomax said. Then it travels another 16 to 19 hours by plane before landing in Kuwait or Bahrain. From there, it's picked up or delivered by motor vehicle.

Once in theater, a letter takes seven to 14 days to reach the service member, while a package usually takes 14 to 24 days, Lomax added. Packages make up 90 percent of the mail.

"The mail is getting to the troops," he said. "The troops are happy. Our intent is to continue to make improvements and exceed their expectations."

Using automated mail scanning equipment and increasing the number of people working at mail facilities are two improvements that have speeded up mail delivery, Lomax said.

People who mail letters and packages also can help, he added. "The size of the package plays an important role," Lomax said. "Large packages take up a lot more room. If there's a choice between taking one large box or a lot of smaller boxes and letters, the large box will stay (at the mail facility). The ideal size is a shoebox. It's also important to correctly address the package."

Aerosol cans, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, fireworks, flammable or explosive materials and illegal or infectious substances are among items that cannot be mailed to service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information, call 1-800-ASK-USPS or visit the USPS Web site.

Though it's not one of the restricted items, Lomax recommends against sending chocolate. "Chocolate and 140 degrees makes chocolate paste," he said.

Cookies and sunflower seeds seem to travel well, he added, and placing cookies in a coffee can helps to protect them.

Heat also takes its toll on the tape used in packaging, Lomax said. The USPS Web site states a clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape is best. Cord, string and twine should not be used, because they can get caught in the mail processing equipment.

Service members love to get mail, Lomax continued. "When I was out at sea, it was always a joy to get a letter from home or a copy of a report card. It's an exhilarating feeling: 'I'm out here doing my job, and they haven't forgotten who I am.'"

Lomax said the mail system's success is a result of the joint effort of the USPS and his agency. "We have motivated soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are committed to doing their job to make sure the mail gets to the troops," he said.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

8 Unapologetically Pro-Coalition News Links and Articles

[Britton J Wingfield]

PING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lelio]

The the Post Office (or Military for that matter) were smart they would make a "Operation Iraqi Freedom" box that's a uniform size. Stuff anything you want in there up to 5# and it costs a set rate to get over to our troops.

Wrap it in red white & blue and everyone will know where the package is going. Don't even have to look at the label. Sorting is more efficient and people can see you're supporting someone over in Iraq when you're dropping the package off.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

"When I was out at sea, it was always a joy to get a letter from home or a copy of a report card. It's an exhilarating feeling: 'I'm out here doing my job, and they haven't forgotten who I am.'"

Mail's getting through. Sometimes paper's better than electronic. Can keep and reread, and pass around. Jokes are good. Freep rally threads. No porn, but inspirational artwork would at least make the postal workers smile.

If you want on or off my pro-Coalition/anti-wanker ping list, just ping.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

That's a great idea.

[floriduh voter]

bookmarked. Is that a picture of you RC? Just teasing.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Source correction. DoD, not 'DpD'. Doh.

[lelio]

It accomplishes a couple of things:
a) uniform so you can stack em easily
b) all look the same so you can sort them easily
c) show your troop support
d) strike up some interesting conversations while in line at the PO ("Oh, your son's in Iraq? Mine's over in Germany right now ...")
e) gives a US company a printing job
f) the PO can have a "mail your troops" kiosk in downtown lunch spots
g) no squabbling about the price. If its less than a certain weight its a certain price. Ba da bing, you're out of the PO line.

Etc. Hey, that's just after 5 minutes of thinking about it.

[Coop]

Thought this would be the perfect thread for you to once again announce your great program you've got supporting our troops. :-)

[Ramius]

One ping only please...

Have you noticed this?

[mystery-ak]

Well, right now, Im working on Mike's birthday package, and it's bigger than a shoe box...LOL...I better finish it so it gets there in time......no matter what size box I have sent it, usually takes anywhere from 10 days to three weeks.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Yes, of course. (^;

[floriduh voter]

lol

[Think free or die]

"it was always a joy to get a letter from home or a copy of a report card.

That line just brought a lump to my throat. My husband always attends our sons' school conferences, and reviewing report cards with the boys is his special responsibility. It just reminds me of one more sacrifice being made by our military and their families at home. I am grateful to them for their many sacrifices for our freedom.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker
["The ideal size is a shoebox"]
PING
Thank You Ragtime Cowgirl

“Operation USO Care Package”
Delivers Needed Items and Personal Messages to
Service Members Deployed Overseas
You, Too, Can Show a Service Member You Care

With thousands of U.S. troops deployed around the world, still actively engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and the fight against terrorism, the United Service Organizations (USO) is offering a unique way for individuals and corporations to let our nation's defenders know we haven't forgotten them. “Operation USO Care Package,” sponsored by the USO World Headquarters and administered by the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), enables individuals to write a personal message and financially support care packages that will be delivered to service members participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages to 'Any Service Member.' Operation USO Care Package is approved by the Department of Defense, providing a safe, easy way for individuals and corporations to show their prayers and thoughts are with our men and women in uniform.

Corporations may also contribute to this program through financial contributions, items donated in bulk for the care packages, or through implementation of an employee participation program. AT&T is a major supporter of this program, providing a complimentary toll free number for individuals to call for further information (1-866-USO-GIVE) and donating thousands of prepaid international phone cards to be included in the packages for the troops. “Our men and women in uniform give so much to the country, we wanted to give something in return as a token of our appreciation that would allow their separation from their loved ones to be a little easier,” according to Paul McQuillan, Defense Sales Vice President, AT&T Government Solutions.

“These Care Packages help the USO bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. The care packages contain an assortment of items the military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also include greetings from the American public, transcribed onto official “Operation USO Care Package” post cards by volunteers and USO staff members.

“Operation USO Care Package will continue for as long as our country is at war,” according to Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President. “This program is possible because of the support from individuals, corporations and organizations that donate funds to sponsor these care packages.”

Individuals and corporations can learn more about how to get involved and support “Operation USO Care Package” through donations of product or funds, by calling 866-USO-GIVE.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE?

• Individuals may donate $25, which goes toward sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package.” Personal greetings may be forwarded to our post office box with the contribution. USO will transcribe the message onto an official “Operation USO Care Package” postcard, available for preview here.
• Corporations may make a tax-deductible financial donation to support “Operation USO Care Package.” A $25 donation goes toward sponsorship of one care package. Each care package will recognize corporate sponsors.
• Corporations may donate items listed on the “Service Members’ Wish List” to USO-Metro, many of which may be branded with your corporate logo. These items must be sent in bulk from the manufacturer. Please call (703) 696-2628 for advance coordination of deliveries.
• Corporations may delegate an employee to serve as its “Operation USO Care Package” liaison. The liaison will communicate your corporate involvement and enlist employees to participate. Employee participants could sponsor an individual care package, which would include their personal message. Corporations interested in participating in this option or willing to match their employees’ support should call (703) 696-2628 for further information.

Please send all checks and personal greetings for “Operation USO Care Package” to:
USO-Operation USO Care Package
C/O Pentagon Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 19221
Alexandria, VA 22320-9998

Due to the threat of anthrax following September 11, DoD suspended its practice of forwarding personal care packages and correspondence by the American public to “Any Service Member.” In its place, USO created a care package program. Through sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package,” an individual’s personal greeting will be transcribed onto an official postcard and included in the care package going to a service member.

MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!

SERVICE MEMBERS' WISH LIST
Travel Size Personal Items*	Miscellaneous Items*
Disposable Razors	Playing Cards and Board Games
Toothbrushes	Compact Discs
Toothpaste	Current Movies on DVD
Tissues	Crossword Puzzle Books
Shampoo/Conditioner	Disposable Cameras
Shower Gel	Pre-paid Global Calling Cards
Sunscreen	Stationery and Journals
Baby Wipes	Sunglasses
Hand Lotion	Small Footballs, Softballs
Lip Balm	CD/DVD Cases with Zipper
Cotton Swabs	Individually Wrapped Snack Items
Sewing Kits	Shoe Polish Kits
*Many of these items may be imprinted with your corporate logo and /or the USO logo.

These are two of the many links in the USO Canteen Post Office.

The Blue Star Mothers now have an area on their forum
where people can send messages to our troops.
They are printed by families and placed in care packages and letters.
These messages can go to any area where our troops are located.

CLICK BELOW TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE



CLICK BELOW for more info.

[armymarinemom]

I have found that insured items get there faster no matter what the package size. The large boxes of fans made it faster than letters did. Go figure.
I just sent a small insured package this morning. I wonder how well that will work?
You guys can drop a note at bluestarmothers.org to our troops once a week. Families print messages left on our forum area for troops support and stick these messages in care packages and letters.

[ladtx]

...Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker ["The ideal size is a shoebox"]

Need to show this to Mrs ladtx. She keeps sending boxes the size of small refridgerators and wonders why it takes so long.

[2Jedismom]

I sent a BUNCH of packages to Afghanistan...usually the 12" square, 8" deep Priority mail boxes that you get free from the post office. Never had one take longer than 2 weeks! Once it only took 9 days!

Thanks for the ping, rami...

'I'm out here doing my job, and they haven't forgotten who I am.'"

That got to me...gave me a lump in my throat too.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

No fireworks!

I didn't see any prohibition against lacy lingerie.

[2Jedismom]

That made me smile! She sounds like her heart is the size of a small refridgerator...