Adopt a U.S. Soldier

Need a project for the holidays? Perhaps your church group, company, or civic organization wants to make someone’s Christmas brighter? Consider adopting a U.S. soldier. Our men and women are serving in myriad locations all over the world, some of which are dangerous and inhospitable. A little holiday cheer can go a long way.

At the Adopt a U.S. Soldier site, you simply sign up, and within a few days they’ll send you the name and contact information for “your” soldier. On the site it looks like you’re signing up to join a message board, but it really does contact the organization and get the process going.

While it’s up to you if you want to send care packages and how often, it’s ideal that you write to your service member once a week or so. Many of them do not receive mail from home, so receiving letters and goodies in the mail is a big deal. It lets them know that they’re appreciated, they’re not alone, and that someone cares.

Check out the Adopt a U.S. Soldier site and find out how you can provide important moral and possibly material support to someone who’s risking their life for others’ freedom. Many soldiers appreciate t-shirts and socks (regulation colors), snacks, games, reading material, and toiletries. It costs about $18 to ship a large flat rate Priority Mail box, but just a postage stamp to send a letter. Even those on limited incomes can make a world of difference.

Heaven knows I’m someone with strong opinions about foreign policy and what America does or doesn’t get involved in. But I’m a staunch supporter of the troops themselves, who often do thankless jobs at great risk and, when they come home, have the physical and psychological scars to prove it. While this organization is clear they’re not a pen pal service (the soldier might be unable to write back) or a matchmaking service, they are an excellent means by which you can be personally involved in a soldier’s well-being.

(P.S. A pointer from one soldier: Don’t send Monopoly; it ruins friendships.)

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What is Christmas?

It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. -Agnes M. Pharo

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©2014 H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com. All articles/posts on this blog are copyrighted original material that may not be reproduced in part or whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from H. Hiatt/wildninjablog.com.