Hello,

 I made a BIG mistake in addressing a package yesterday.  I transposed two numbers in the zip code---so where it should have read 09378, I wrote the zip code as 09738.  I was mailing another package today and asked 2 of my postal workers about it.  The first one said that it would delay the arrival time of the package (well, I figured that), but that it would probably be forwarded on to the soldier.  The second one sounded a little more doubtful, like the mail handlers at the other end might not make the effort to figure out the correct zip code and forward it on, and might even return the package to me.  In fact, he told me to say a prayer that the right person handles the box to see that it gets to my soldier (sweet!).  Fortunately, I did insure it, but in the re-direct section, I put to "Local Chaplain."  So, I really don't know what to expect.  I'm really upset with myself because it wasn't just general snackage and fun stuff.  It was specific stuff he requested to help them out and he's really looking forward to receiving it.  And not cheap stuff either, that's why I insured it (which I usually don't).  But I don't know if insuring it will even help since I made the mistake in the address!

Surely, I'm not the only one who has ever done anything like this.  Any of you other support junkies have this happen to you?  And what was the outcome?  Did your soldiers get their packages, eventually?  Anybody have anything reassuring to say?  Thank you all.  You're the greatest!

Ramona

It will be returned back to you with a BIG red stamp marked:  Return to Sender.  Yes, I am guilty of the same error.

 

I did something similar last October (wrote APO AE 09396 rather than the correct 09336) and it was the first time one of these care packages was ever returned to me.  I'm sure they could have figured it out since the address included an FOB name.  It came back with the wrong number circled in bold black ink.  It was actually a relief to see it was something wrong with the address and not my contact!!  It was also interesting to see the shape it was in since it made the round trip.  It was a little beat up but overall not in bad shape. Hope your package makes it to your intended recipient!

Anne 

I sent a couple packages last summer with the wrong zip code. The soldier had written me a letter, and the return address was slightly different than the one I originally got from AnySoldier. I got one package returned to me, stamped in red (as Semper Fi said!) RETURN TO SENDER. The other package did not get returned, and it was never delivered to the soldier, so I guess it's out there somewhere... It was mostly hygiene gear, but it also included a letter and some photos, so I was pretty bummed that it never made it.

My lesson from that one was, if I get a different address than the orignal address from AnySoldier, I will write a letter (or send a an e-mail, if possible) to confirm which address is correct.

Sorry I didn't offer more reassuring news... But I'll cross my fingers for you that it gets delivered!

 

 

Bummer, Sister Ra!  The only package I ever had returned to me was one where I mixed up two numbers in the code.  I almost didn't resend it, but I'm glad I did.  It was my first package to a contact I'm now supporting on tour #3 and he's a great friend.  I hope your package either makes it to your contact or makes its way back to you so you don't have to wonder where it is.

Thank you all so very much for your replies!  I am glad to know that it will be returned to me, if they won't forward it to him.  At least I can re-send it.  Hope it doesn't take too long.  Hot weather's around the corner and I was trying to get the meal replacement bars (among other things) to him while I can.

 Thanks again, everbody!

Ramona