I just ‘discovered’ the website AnySoldier.com this past weekend. The idea of sending care packages to U.S. troops overseas is very appealing to me, so I put a few boxes together with one particular group of Army folks --all women-- in mind.
However, I’m having trouble writing a letter (or two, or three) to accompany the packages. It’s stressed over and over again on the website that the most desired items are letters of support. But I don’t know what to say to these women I’ve never met. Should I talk about the weather? My hobbies? (Not that I really have any.) Should I just keep it brief? I don’t want to turn it into a long rambly thing, but I’d like to say more than just ‘Hi. I hope you enjoy the care packages.’
I think “Hi, I hope you like these,” is fine for a starter. If you feel more verbose, you could add something about how you appreciate their service.
Then, just think about what you’d like to hear if you were away from home for a long time. Perhaps a comment about the items you’re sending, depending on what that is. You could also ask if there’s anything else in particular they need or want.
Sometimes you can tell what part of the country the people are from that you’re sending to; if so, you can fill them in on any news you have about that area, how the local teams are doing (even women like sports, sometimes!).
It’s entirely possible you’ll never hear back; they are, after all, working. But they will appreciate your kindness.
It depends on what kind of a relationship you want. I did anysoldier for about 2 years, almost from the very beginning. If you just want to say a simple thanks, say “Thanks, I appreciate all you do, take care.” Perhaps enclose a self addressed postcard to make sure your package was received. If you want to develop relationships, and get to know the servicemembers, you have to be a little more interesting. If you haven’t already picked out your people, try to look for someone you have a connection with, whether they are from the same state, share the same last name, are about the same age, something to get the ball rolling. Then, start writing. Write about your crazy Aunt Louise and how she would plow the lake when it was barely iced over, and Uncle Dick would have to pull it out of the lake every year. Talk about birthday parties, county fairs, Christmas holidays. I once had an entire letter of jokes, and one of good quotes. Think about people here on the 'Dope, and your favorite posters, and why are they a joy to read? Emulate them. And keep writing letters, even if you don’t get a response right away. Sometimes they’re busy, sometimes it might take more than one letter to catch their attention. Be yourself. Be sincere, and sincerely care. There is no way to fake it. And remember, they’re just like you and me, and the world at large, most people you don’t have a connection with in real life, don’t expect one with this. It worked out really well for me, and I met some great people. Oh, and enclose your email address, most correspondence is either email or IM nowadays.
Sorry for the triple post. One guy I still talk to almost everyday, 2 years later, a great friend. One guy I talk to every 3-4-5 months, he just says “Hi, how’s it going?” I am friends with his girlfriend, talk to her way more often. And one guy I talk to every six months or so, but when he came back and said to me, “You know, I received more letters from you and the kids, than I did from all my family and my girlfriend combined. Thanks.” Well, that made me cry, damnit. So, even if you don’t get a response, know that it does make a difference. Thanks for doing this, foxy.
Thank you both for your replies. dahfisheroo, it’s great that you’ve gotten so much out of participating. Very encouraging.
My main concern is, of course, getting these boxes send to the gals. So I’ll suck it up and put pen to paper, and stop worrying about getting it ‘just right’.
Oh, another thing I thought of, right now they are getting flooded with well wishes. Remember them in January, February after the holidays. They’ll be less busy, and the mail will have come to a trickle. It wasn’t my aim to develop relationships through anysoldier, my motivation was more of a follow through to my beliefs, a “Thank you.” But I met a lot of really great people.