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I appreciate your support for the guys over here (I'm an E5 in Iraq, myself).

Just a couple more suggestions...

For those of you who are writing to members from your local area, try including some local newspapers. Being gone 4 or 6 or even 12 months is a long time. You can't see all the small changes that happen day to day, but they add up and when people come back it's one big change for them. It's nice to see and hear of some of the little changes as it's less culture shock.

Be careful on what magazines you send as some magazines are considered pornography (yes, swimsuit issues are pornography here). Penthouse and stuff like that are way taboo and can get someone in trouble.

Finally, while you're writing, try to ask questions, that will encourage the recipient to write back (and give him/her stuff to think about and reflect on). Alot of people get so focused on the job they forget to focus on themselves (yes this happens, you eat, go to work, eat, go to sleep, eat, go to work... Give them a reality nudge.

Thanks again to those of you taking care of the troops!!