Wow do I feel stupid. A Private is a lower rank than a PFC. I’m sorry about any confusion I may have caused.
I’m going to chalk this up to being stupid/upset. Today I had to discuss with my husband, who is only 34 years old, where he would like to be buried if he is killed in action (Arlington, or home) and he reminded me that if he is killed by WMD his body will not be returned. This sucks.
Anyway, the packages and letters marled to “any soldiers” are the ones they are requesting not me sent.
I still suggest that people send letters first, and follow up with a package.
I sent a package (with brief note) and a separate letter simultaneously because I figured the letter would get there sooner, and that way he wouldn’t have to wait such a long time for a follow-up package. In both I mentioned I got his name through the Operation Military Support program so he wouldn’t wonder who the heck I was.
My letter ended up being quite long and possibly extremely boring. I hope I don’t destroy morale entirely!
I got a name too. I wonder if I should still send it? My nephew is an officer in the Air Force, and he just sent me this memo:
No. 139-03
(*deleted phone number)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2003
(*deleted phone number)
TROOP SUPPORT MAIL POLICY STRESSED
To bolster force protection, the general public is urged not to
send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to service
members forward deployed unless you are a family member, loved
one or personal friend.
On Oct. 30, 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the
“Operation Dear Abby” and “Any Servicemember” mail programs due
to force protection concerns. Although these programs provide
an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones
stationed overseas, they also provide an avenue to introduce
hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from
unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from
organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift
space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail
from family and loved ones.
Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals
who continue to support some form of the “Any Servicemember”
program by using the names and addresses of individual
servicemembers and unit addresses. These programs are usually
supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups
who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military
forces. Some individuals and groups publicize the names and
addresses of service members, ships or units on Web sites, with
good intentions. The result, however, is a potential danger to
the troops they wish to support.
DoD cannot support creative and well-intentioned efforts that
defeat force protection measures, but can instead recommend
alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show support to
troops overseas, the following are recommended:
According to the news, the UK has a similar program BUT packages can be no more than 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and will cost almost £7 (over $10) to send. Thank you very much, Consignia. :rolleyes:
I’ve got some more information that people might find useful if they want to support troops and military families, but are not sure how to do it.
The Defense Commissary Agency has a “Gift of Groceries” program whereby people can purchase commissary gift certificates. You can donate them through charitable organizations (some are suggested) or they can be given directly to a specific person. The website is www.commissaries.com
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is offering CertifiChecks at www.aafes.com , then click on the link “Gifts from the Homefront”
However, these must be donated to a specific person.
Both of these types of donations could be a godsend to a military family whose military sponsor has been deployed, or to a soldier in the theatre who has the opportunity to shop at a field PX.
I have to second this, that it seems to me the serviceman is always remembered, but the family is oft forgotten.
Please, remember the folks behind. Call 'em up and offer to help shovel their snow, mow their lawn, watch their kids for a night, go grocery shopping with 'em, spend some time with them, etc.
I’m single, so I don’t count, but I know of a lot of families that could use a little company and help in these times . . .
Carmex
Peppermint cream (manna for sore and crusty feet)
Vitamin-E cream (ditto for sunburn and rash. Stings like crazy for the first minute, but feels 110% better afterwards.)
If a moderator/admin feels this is out of place, please feel free to delete this post (deleting the URL would render the rest of the post utterly pointless). I’ve been really unsure about where to put it, but i didn’t want to just do nothing with it. Some of you’ve already gotten it in email.
Does anybody here know anything about an organization called Books for Soldiers? According to their website, they collect (surprise!) books to send to members of the armed forces. Seems like a good idea, but I never heard of it before.
Especially any service members, their friends or family: What do you think of this concept? Do you think this is worthwhile?
Also, of the various other support organizations, which do you think the actual folks on the front lines appreciate most: The USO? Groups like the Navy-Marine Relief Society? Or what? For those of us who don’t have personal friends or family members in the military, but who appreciate the sacrifices they make, what is the best way, in addition to paying our taxes (!) that we can make a difference to them and show our appreciation