Help for a new junkie please -    I have a young friend who recently asked to help with our Op Santa project, and I got her some names from an officer of the unit that could use some mail and she and her family continued writing, sending packages.  Now that unit is deployed home and she would like more names and asked me to help find them someone who didn't get much/any mail, etc.    I sent her info on the KOP and she would really like to help there.

Would any of you with direct contact be able to get me the names/address of 5 guys, not already contacts, that  maybe don't get support from home, personal ltrs, etc.   She now has two neighbors that want to help, and her Mom/Dad.    I only have one contact I have heard back from personally and it's rare to get an e-mail from him.  I was thinking the 1LT's would be able to provide that. 

She just made over 100 gaiters that we sent over, and is starting on neck coolers and REALLY REALLY wants to find guys that need the support  she and her husband/family can give on a personal basis..

Thanks for any help..   Anita 

 PS   After typing all that, I just thought maybe that wouldn't be allowed?  

Anita Hello!

How kind of them to support our soldiers. Smart point on KOP as according to the news reports the soldiers in Afghanistan are underfunded and undersupplied.

Marty doesn't want us to give out contacts addresses for good reasons, therefor I would suggest your dear group only ask other members for contact names. Then your friends can apply for the addresses so that we stay safe.

I have a group I would like to mention. It is a large group that is under supported. They are also in Afghanistan. I can't give you the address but I can sure give you the name.

Just look up "Scott Waterman". He has over 300 soldiers.

I don't know if he will give you a soldiers name but if you send him something he will try to make sure the right people get it and then they may start writing back. To increase the odds put your return address label on each item. Then if it is handed out of the box they will know who sent it. They will have to remove the label before disposal but at least they then have your contact information.

Tell your friends - Thanks for their important support, door 

Hi Anita,

I'm not sure if this will help you or not, but one of the clerks at my local PO has a son in Iraq, she was in the Army for 10 years.  She said if you write CDR on the 'redirect" part of the customs forms, the commander of the unit will get the letter/package and they usually make sure the ones in their group that are getting the least mail get the letter/package.  Marty tells us to make it to the nearest clergy, but this in only in the case where it cannot be delivered to the addressee.

Perhaps you could address the letter/package to the 1LT of CDR (Commander) of the unit.  Then in the envelope have one letter for that person and ask that he/she give the other letter or the package to a soldier who gets little to no mail.  Include a postcard so the soldier can provide their name & any other info. they'd like to share.  Perhaps that way your neighbors can start a connection without giving out names/addresses you shouldn't.

Having said that, you can always 'ask' Marty if he it would be okay to share an address since you know the people.  It cannot hurt to ask him.

Good luck.

Sharon

Hi Anita, I was just wondering, is there a reason they can't choose someone from this site themselves? That way they know for sure it's a soldier looking for support! I think i missed something? Sorry, just not sure whas up.

Thanks Kristen for the update!! I'm always so glad when someone "checks in" : ) Hugz, Shelly

Thanks everyone.  They just wanted to write and send encouragement to someone who doesn't get mail.  I think going thru a contact and asking them to pass on a ltr to someone who needs it will be a solution.

Before when I worked with mostly Sgt Maj's  in the Marines I would just ask them for names of some guys that needed mail and they would give them to me, but that was after quite a bit of contact, plus I was working thru Marine Corps Family Foundation so they knew I was OK.   I always continue with whatever group we do for Xmas until they deploy home, which our last Company just did a few days ago.

I totally understand the need to be careful though.  And I will check out that large group Door suggested too, they're bound to have some that need a little boost.   Cindy and her friends are new to this and wanted some help in finding someone that may be missing out.

Thanks again,  Anita

Mrs. A:

Cindy and her friends are new to this and wanted some help in finding someone that may be missing out.

What about directing them to the thread of "Overlooked contacts - 2008 edition"? There are quite a few names there of contacts who have specifically said in their recent postings that they haven't received support in awhile. I think most of them are in Iraq, but if your friends want to find those who are missing out, these folks have said exactly that.

Tell your friends good luck, and thanks!

KristenF,

Glad you heard from Cody Gary! I just mailed him a small package with a can of Copenhagen and some snacks... 

CPT Dan Kearney posted today, 29 Feb 08. Glad to see he's back to current contacts!

Jenifer One N.

CPT Dan Kearney posted today. All is well. I don't get a personal response from him either but I am happy when he posts. He has his hands full. Such responsibility for a young man. ( they are all young). I can now gather supplies for his group again . They are amazing. Diane

I've been sending to CPT Kearney since August & I think I only skipped December (I sent end of November)...but I knew he was getting the boxes (from another contact at Camp Blessing).  I have it redirected to my contact if CPT Kearney were unable to receive.  So far, even when wasn't active, nothing's been returned.

Good to know, venus-marie. Thanks for the info!

As a rule, I don't send anything to a contact that's gone inactive, unless I am in contact with them and know they are receiving the packages. So I'm glad he's back to "current" status!

I've not had anything returned that I sent him. I actually have only had 1 package returned to me (due to the contact giving me a different address with an incorrect zip code!), at least on the AnySoldier site. On another site I also participate in, I've had a couple things returned - VERY frustrating. 

Brooklyn Born:

Jenifer We must be on the same wavelength. But you beat me! LOL

When I saw his name, I quickly read his update and then came here to post that he was back! I almost sent you a PM, since you'd mentioned you also sent to him, but I figured you'd come here...

Great minds think alike, right???