This forum supplies my need to join with others in a more personal way who also engage in the loving task of
shopping, packing and shipping to our wonderful young men and women in the military.   I have four contacts now that I supply and write encouraging words of support. Just as I spoil my grandchildren, spoiling the troops with things that
they want or need brings joy to me. When they write back (they can't all do that of course) and express their delight and thank me for caring and knowing at that moment they are safe and sound, it's precious to me. A country which raises such incredible young men and women will endure and prosper and be a beacon to the world.

I have to agree 100%.. Don't laugh, but I feel like God has answered my prayers. I have tried for so long to show my support and had little success and I am so grateful a vet told me about this site. I have only joined for less than a month and I have sent out 6 packages to 5 diff groups and I just want to keep giving. As I have said on other posts, paying it forward is what it is all about.

I am actually starting a letter at work to send to someone, but unfortunately if I send a letter, at least a little something has to go with it  lol. My husband says I am so much happier these days and I told him it was because of this organization. It it no lie when I say I feel like it is MY duty to help these wonderful heroes. They are the brave ones.. they are the ones who make sacrifices (and sadly sometimes the ultimate one) so that you and I have the true freedom to live in this country. I can't explain the feeling of the joy from giving just like the post says.. I just know that it is the right thing to do. Even if I never get to "connect" with one person on a regular basis, I know that somewhere hopefully someone is simling, even if for one brief second.

Proud Soldier -our prayers are with you on your next deployment! HOOAH indeed:) we are all here for you.. your biggest extended family.. the good ole USA

I agree with all the thoughts, emotions and feelings we have for these wonderful men and women who are fighting in this war.  I suffered from pretty severe chronic depression for many years.  I'm even on disabiity for it.  Had to retire as a nurse, because I just couldn't function any more.  Then two things happened.  First, my nephew was deployed to Iraq.  I searched the internet to find out how to send him packages and what he needed.  I found AnySoldier.com.  It gave me all the answers.  Unfortunately, Patrick, was in an IED explosion 4 weeks after he got there and is now in rehab at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas.  He lost his right leg and severely injured his left.  But that made me even more determined to help these guys and gals.  So back to AnySoldier I went and spent my entire check on the items they said they needed - that I could afford.  Of course, I became hooked and haven't stopped yet.  I feel badly that this month only letters are going because we have a son graduating from high school and all our resources are going towards his party (He is adopted, crack/cocaine baby with Autism and mental retardation).  The second thing that helped me get out of that awful slump was the birth of our only grandchild.  What a doll she is.  Everytime I'm shopping for my soldiers, I end up buying something for the baby too.  Between my soldiers and little Jordan, I am the happiest I have ever been.  I love getting the letters I get from young men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They make me feel worthwhile again.  Yet, they are the ones doing all the hard work.  I feel so honored to be a part of this wonderful organization. 

Mary