Hi Rebecca:
I was just reading about your efforts...I'm an Army Reserve Officer. I'm deployed in Iraq right now.
I wanted you to know that packages like the ones that you are sending really lift the spirits of the troops. Packages..end up in the hands of young soldiers who would otherwise receive little or no mail.
The vast majority of these soldiers would tell you that they are not concerned about not receiving regular packages from folks at home, but judging by how pleased they look when they get to open a box, it's clear that it matters to them a lot and gives them a real lift.
Most people here share some of the contents of care packages that come from home, so even if someone doesn't get a lot of mail, they end up getting a share of someone else’s goodies. It's kind of fun to watch a young soldier who doesn't get much mail open a box and sort through it and start to offer things to people who have shared with them.
Mail time, needless to say, is one of the most important parts of our day.
I think the inclusion of kids’ items that can be given out by the troops is incredibly thoughtful.
In any case, thanks again for your efforts. Your work matters.
WP
Thanks for offering to send boxes our way.
...rolls of duct tape (olive green or sand color if you can find it) are always welcome. Also, we also never seem to have enough weapons cleaning supplies....a zip lock bag with a couple of cotton rags and some q-tips would be a hit.
People should feel free to be creative too. Almost anything that is sent will be used in some way. Rubber banks, silly string and paper clips are handy...Soldiers are creative when it comes to finding good uses for things. Silly string is used to look for trip wire.
When it comes to magazines certain subject matters are usually big hits and will be passed from person to person: cars, trucks, sports, guns, military subject matters, foreign policy, history, travel, and in-depth news (some might be surprised to hear that the Economist and Atlantic Monthly are widely read here). Thanks again for your thoughts and effort.
Rebecca and volunteers,
I would just like to thank you for everything you do. The fact that you all take time out of your busy lives to think of the men and woman overseas means a great deal to them and their families.
Being away from all that you know and love for 6, 9, 12 and 15 months is difficult. Not being able to see ones parents, spouse or children is hard but is necessary to keep us all safe. My husband is a Soldier and loves his job and wouldn't do anything else.
Receiving a letter or package is a highlight for all military personnel. Mail is a huge moral booster and can help them focus on something positive…[especially for soldiers] that do not receive [a lot of] mail.
Your organization and others like it make a huge impact for Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Seamen.
Thank you,
Mrs. G., Army Wife
