Great list Rose.

I'd like to add blankets, pillows. sheets and pillow cases. 

Ok here's my two cents (and its probably worth less then 2)...I read and re-read this thread. No backlash here.  I think everyone has brought something to this thread that has enlightened me in how "others" help our soldiers.  I've learned alot from this thread, thank you.  I know my family soldier would appreciate a simple checklist.  My guys n gals that I correspond with keep their letters and emails simple, not alot of time to write.  On contacts that have become quite close I will ask is there anyone that needs something special (could be a simple letter directed to a buddy).  On other contacts I just write that I'll continue to watch their emails on anysoldier. Gosh, I've been doing this since Nam and I've sent some "strange" things out and about.  (Never send all 4 books of a serial at the same time to a Marine grunt who only has a nap sack and pockets.  I'm still hearing about that one years and years later.  lol)  Selecting a soldier/sailor/Marine/airman is as varied as we are and that in my two cents is what makes anysoldier.com work.  I think that I would vote for keeping it simple with maybe an "all other section" where the soldier could list what isn't on the checklist.  We all do the best we can for our guys and girls in harm's way, thank you and thank you anysoldier.com!  Joyce

Ok.    ..Here is my 2 cents worth.  At first I got all excited but then I thought about it for a while.

I think that expanding the checklist or redesigning it is a good idea for those individuals that don't want to ask for specific items because they don't feel comfortable asking, but would like support.  I think if it is too long or too detailed that it will just backfire!!  This is coming from a person who likes detail. 

This is just a maybe idea, but what if the contact was given the email address of the people that requested his address and he/she could send an introductory email and say something like thank you for requesting my address.  We would then be able to contact the contact :) and ask them directly what they need, what size, what color and ask for more details.  It drives me crazy when they say they need t shirts from medium to extra large, but they don't say how many of each. 

I would also like to direct the ones who ask for a laptop to the site on anysoldier, that supplies computers to the troops when they are available.  I am not in a position to donate items of this nature and I doubt that many of us are.  I think for the most part the people on the forum are kind, caring and generous people that give until it hurts!! 

Maybe at the top of the form it could be suggested that they read a post first before they fill out the form or have a simple, but complete request shown as an example.  I really think that by some of the posts, that some do not read the application. 

Any how there it is a few humble suggestions. 
 

Thanks Marty for giving us the opportunity to be involved in the evolving application.

Vicki 

 

I have one more cent : ) Just a quick  thought re: mom from sf, that on the second read gave me some pause...... i am also a little concerned that new supporters might think they have to go grocery shopping to "support" a soldier. I have no solution to how to present the finished checklist on the site, so alas, i just repeat the concern, it's valid.... Still loving the idea of a checklist and Rose's way of doing it! Not trying to contradict myself really : )

Adding two cents more to the list of thoughts -

Love the idea of a generic check list - not too detailed.  Too much detail, I think, will send people running for the door.  After all we support junkies do have the site info and we can read other posts.

I think it should also be voluntary and  I like the idea of letting the contact choose when they fill it out - on signup or later.

Also - one request - could a request for letters of support be put at the very top of the list - I think many people would check that right off the bat and we could get mail rolling out to them in the very beginning.

Ann

I really want to share my newest experience in Any Soldier land to weigh in on the topic. My second contact that fell off the list about a month ago, just responded to a package (already packed) I had sent w/ letter asking... why?

His words: "I guess they pulled my listing off. I understand why they do it, but I have to continuously write a monthly letter explaining what is going on with our guys or whatever, and/or post pictures and such. In all honesty, I just don't have the energy to always do it."    Nor the time, from what I gather. 

I have a friend that died of cancer, and she was going to journal about the experience, but after writing twice, she quit, because she said it was enough to live through it once without recounting it on paper. I'm guessing it might be similar for some of these guys. I think they don't know quite what to expect from/of Any Soldier in terms of what they'll get or what the requirements will mean for them.

All that said, here's my suggestion... I think it would be good to keep in mind the policy of K.I.S.S. on any re-design that you do. (keep it simple, stupid). Maybe a disclaimer at the top of whatever checklist it ends up being, that says "Please fill this out once, and then, ONLY if you have time, you can fill in the specifics..." or something along those lines.

I guess I finally understand a little better the big picture for them... especially those gifted writers-requested hundreds of times-with folks on our end just hoping to hear from them personally.  It all takes time, which I hope they have.  

For those with time, it IS nice to get some specifics (I'm not against a new request checklist). I hope the list includes some things like converters, pain or cold meds, etc... because it's good to know you're sending help they need.

I just don't want Any Soldier to be so time-consuming to them that it becomes a chore instead of a support tool.

Bardea:

I just don't want Any Soldier to be so time-consuming to them that it becomes a chore instead of a support tool.

here here

Bardea:

I really want to share my newest experience in Any Soldier land to weigh in on the topic. My second contact that fell off the list about a month ago, just responded to a package (already packed) I had sent w/ letter asking... why?

His words: "I guess they pulled my listing off. I understand why they do it, but I have to continuously write a monthly letter explaining what is going on with our guys or whatever, and/or post pictures and such. In all honesty, I just don't have the energy to always do it."    Nor the time, from what I gather. 

Oh, PLEASE!!!

Any 'warrior' that can't take just a few minutes at least every 50 days to let supporters know what is up, does not need support that bad and shouldn't have signed up to begin with.  Of course, some are on mission, hurt, on leave, whatever and we put them right back on when we hear from them again.  I'm embarrassed that we approved the guy that came up with that lame excuse to be on our site.

We have thousands of contacts who 'get it'.  There's always gonna be exceptions....

(I have to continuously write a monthly letter explaining what is going on with our guys or whatever, and/or post pictures and such.)

Since I don't know this warrior, this is only  a thought.  It sounds to me as though this person  might have been afraid that his posts wouldn't measure up to some expectation that he perceived to be the norm for posting.  We all know that many of these guys can't spell and can barely put a sentence together.  It seems that he thought that he was required to write a lengthy composition explaining everything that took place with his unit in the last month instead of just a short line saying that he was still alive and what they needed.

   His job also makes a difference.  Is he a combat soldier or does he spend all of his time on the FOB?  Some of the combat soldiers are outside the wire for days at a time.  When they get back to base they only have time to get a meal, a shower, clean their gear and vehicle, restock it, and maybe get to make a short call home before they have to leave again.  I have been told that if they don't have their own computers or cell phones the wait can be two hours to get on the ones that are provided for them  for a short period of time.  The first thing they want to do is call their wives or girlfriends to tell them that they are ok, not write a long letter to strangers.

  We are all here in the states, safe in our homes, trying to understand the reasoning and emotions of  perfect strangers that are living in stressful conditions that we can't even imagine.  I don't think that any of us should judge one of these warriors for a decision he has made about posting.

  I hope I haven't ruffled any feathers, it's just my opinion.

Ann
 

Two items I'd like more information on are batteries (AA, C, D?)) and coffee filters -- cone or basket? I realize the list needs to be simple to be effective, and this level of detail might be too much. But, since you asked...

I think the checklist is a great idea, and I see it as a convenience for the contacts, not for supporters. Buying and shipping the wrong size batteries takes the same amount of time on my part as buying and shipping the right size.

Pam 

I am really offended by your reply to Bardea, Marty.  I don't think it was called for at all and provided nothing constructive to this thread.

"Oh, PLEASE!!!"

I'm afraid I have to agree with Marty 100% on this one.  I've read far too many soldier posts the last couple of days so I don't remember specifically which soldier said "there's no excuse for my not checking in, it only takes a few seconds."  I really don't think Marty and the gang ask for very much from the contacts.  If they don't have a moment to be a blip on the radar every 50 days, how is they have time to pick up the boxes, etc they receive.   These guys/gals are adults or they better darn well better be working on being such, and they should know you get from something what you put into it.  To expect people to continue to send into an endless void when there has been no update from the person is asking a lot.  As far as posting pictures, I may be wrong, but I don't believe it is a requirement but rather a suggestion and there again for the contact's benefit.  People tend to respond better if they can see something tangible.  It's human nature.  Look at the contacts who have had a kazillion requests and you will see more often than not it is those who share pictures and write more--neither of which is required but  "it works."

With regard to the checklist (discussion of which seems to have come to a grinding hault) it would appear that people fear the checklist will take something away instead of add.  I truly don't feel there needs to be concern that the soldiers will stop writing about themselves in their posts nor do I feel "send letters and cards" needs to be worried about or given special attention.  Sending letters, cards, words of encouragement is a given with any contact.  I seriously doubt anyone in a combat zone is going to not wish to receive those.

Another thing to keep in mind is that none of this is written in stone.  The checklist that Marty et al come up with at first may not be perfect.  It will evolve as does everything else on the site.  So far, they've done a pretty darn good job with things and there is no need to think this situation will be any different.  We are fortunate that they give us an opportunity to air our thoughts and ideas.   The point I am trying to make is I think we are fretting too much over the small stuff.  Relax and let Marty and the gang do their thing.  They do it very well.

Here's another thought...forgive me but  I need to get this off my chest.  Any Soldier is a two-way street.  It is about us (the supporters) and them (the contacts) not just the contacts.  If it ever stops being about "us" the contacts lose.  There isn't one among us who doesn't get a rush when we take another box to the PO or pack a special book or other "perfect" item for that special contact.   We feed off of it whether we like to admit it or not.  You can hear it in the words eloquently and sometimes not so eloquently posted in here...all equally important.   It's that adrenalin rush, that "warm fuzzy" feeling, that "makes my heart feel good" kind of thing going on here that keeps those packages crossing the miles, the words of hope and encouragement reaching that special soldier who needed something just like that to make it through another day.  A contact a few days ago called us "civilian warriors" and I believe he is right.   There are those of us who do not have the privilege of being a combat soldier.  This is our way of fighting the war on terrorism.   We will never experience first-hand what the combat warriors are experiencing but a war needs all of its warriors if it is going to succeed.  I am proud to be a supporter and a civilian warrior.   One solider posted that he was going to compile all the cards and letters he had received from Any Soldier supporters and send them to the war museum in his state.  We are making history here folks.  We have a right to be proud.  So yes...it is also about "us."

  rosemary

 

Contributing to the hijack ; )

There are other sites that soldiers can sign up for support that don't require any updates from them. I am of the opinion that Anysoldier is different and better than those sites. For the sum total of 5 or 6 required sentences to be emailed over the length of a tour, the maintenance of this site is possible and I like to think because of the way it's done here, we do it better than anyone else. Yes Rosemary, I get as much out of doing it as my contacts do I believe, more sometimes : ) I don't know if I'd feel that way if i never even knew if my contact was still there. Yes, i send more to the contacts I develop communication with, mainly because it's nice to know you're helping and how to do so best. But I support those that update the minimum too. Many many do. If the soldier can't or doesn't want to do the minimum here, there are better fits out there where they can get support, nothing wrong with that.

Back on topic, the checklist will help us be better supporters, help the contacts get better support and it seems here, that most of us agree shouldn't add to the minimum too much or be voluntary all together. Right on again Rosemary, the folks as AS will get it right.... reason this site works so well, nice of em to ask us too : )

Shelly

 

Thoughts on cards and letters - 

Rosemary,

If you are referring to my post about requesting that letters of support be put at the top of the list and if that is what you are quoting in your post when you say ‘send letters and cards’ you might want to consider being a little more accurate in your quotes. I did not say ’send letters and cards’. I believe I said ‘a request for letters of support’. If you are referring to something else then you have my sincerest apology in advance.

A request for cards and letters of support at any point in the checklist, even if it is at the top, is not necessarily motivated by wishing to give it special attention. The possibility exists that such a placement might serve as a motivational factor to spur the contact on to continue filling out the check list or even just fill out a few more items.

As far as everyone wanting letters of support - I probably agree with that one. However, I have always found it difficult to speak for others. And have noticed that not everyone actually asks for letters even though they do Thank supporters very much for the ones that they do receive.

Could it be that some units have more folks who get no mail whatsoever and letters of support maybe are more vital to these units than to others who get regular mail from home? These units might need letters rolling out to them right away and be more likely to check off an item requesting them at the top of the list. Just my opinion.

As far as worrying about any of this - I have the utmost confidence in Marty and the support staff to do just as superb a job with this aspect of the web site as they have done with every other part of it so I really have no worries on that account.

I also have the same confidence in the Any Soldier support Junkies to come up with the best solutions that they can think of. When a whole bunch of creative minds get together - and there are certainly a whole lot of them here if you read these threads - all sorts of great things happen!!! Like this web site - Forum site and Suggestions Thread!!!!! And all the wonderful stuff and letters going out to our soldiers - Themed Care Packages Thread plus the many threads on letter writing.

 

With all that being said, I Thank you for your concern - not to worry.

Ann

rosepeddles:

"Oh, PLEASE!!!"

...Here's another thought...forgive me but  I need to get this off my chest.  Any Soldier is a two-way street.  It is about us (the supporters) and them (the contacts) not just the contacts.  If it ever stops being about "us" the contacts lose.  There isn't one among us who doesn't get a rush when we take another box to the PO or pack a special book or other "perfect" item for that special contact.   We feed off of it whether we like to admit it or not.  You can hear it in the words eloquently and sometimes not so eloquently posted in here...all equally important.   It's that adrenalin rush, that "warm fuzzy" feeling, that "makes my heart feel good" kind of thing going on here that keeps those packages crossing the miles, the words of hope and encouragement reaching that special soldier who needed something just like that to make it through another day.  A contact a few days ago called us "civilian warriors" and I believe he is right.   There are those of us who do not have the privilege of being a combat soldier.  This is our way of fighting the war on terrorism.   We will never experience first-hand what the combat warriors are experiencing but a war needs all of its warriors if it is going to succeed.  I am proud to be a supporter and a civilian warrior.   One solider posted that he was going to compile all the cards and letters he had received from Any Soldier supporters and send them to the war museum in his state.  We are making history here folks.  We have a right to be proud.  So yes...it is also about "us."

  rosemary

Rosemary hit the nail on the head.

Other groups are based on great ideas, big hearts, good intentions.  Ours is built on experience.  Lots of it.

AnySoldier.com is THE ONLY site which strives to make available legitimate addresses.  We never take an address from the lady down the street who has an Aunt who's daughter was married to a Marine who was in Iraq.  We don't collect address from just anybody and hand them out, then toss them after 30 days.  We have our rules because they work.  As Rosemary stated, the supporters are at least as important as the troops themselves.  We have a truely great support group who understands how this works.  Ever notice how many repeat contacts we have?  As of this note there are 311!!  They know the deal.

This effort is 110% voluntary.  I read that somewhere... :)  If you don't like the site or how it works, feel free to use any of those other ones...  For every negative note I get there are thousands of positive ones.  I really do appreciate the negative ones, they prove this is still America.