I've been getting more emails from this contact than letters..which is fine! We are also friends now on Facebook which is cool to chat with him sometimes when he is on.  He also emailed me pictures last night of Afghanistan!

Klar-- Isn't A'stan beautiful?  I have received pics of it as well as Iraq and both countries remind me of Arizona and surrounding states-- The colors in the mountains reminded me of the Grand Canyon

Fly Gal's Mom

 The Grand Canyon is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw his pictures! It is a pretty place...just not one I could imagine looking at for 9+ months at a time!

Heck Klar-- I wouldn't want to be there for ONE day-- much less 9 plus months!! Gotta give our Troops big time Kudos!

FGM

I received an email from one of my contacts this morning letting me know that his group would be leaving a month early(end of Nov) and not to mail any package after Oct 31. He thanked me for my support and said his soldiers appreciated the support. Question: do letters reach the soldiers quicker than packages? How late should I send letters? Thanks so much for everyone's help....

ncbeth Hello!

With packages, it is best to go by the cutoff date, though I have fudged a few days in the past, I wouldn't suggest pushing it. A letter is not financially a big investment so go ahead and fudge on the date but be prepared, that as the deadline days goes bye, it could miss them. If you have their email address that is probably preferable for some communication after deadline, but sometimes they may not have access or time to reply when they are getting ready to redeploy.

If you are on real good terms with them you can ask them to contact you to let you know they are safe on home turf.

It is different with every contact.

Thanks for supporting our troops, door  

Thanks door! That's a good idea about asking them to let me know when they are home safe & sound. I have had 2 or 3 email communications and 1 freemail.  Take care, ncbeth

Yep, It's was happy dance day yesterday!! Free mail from a marine in A'stan.  No matter how many you get, every one fills me with kid at Christmas excitement.  I keep thinking of snoopy dancing around...yep, that was me.

The kids lit up when I told them a letter AND a post card arrived.   Sent out Motomail right back...LOVE motomail.

Ya never expect it, but that is why it is so wonderful when the do arrive!!

OK update:  7 free mails in 3 days  whoo hoo!!!!!  I'm not gonna stop dancin' for a week!

I took a pic of my 4 YO holding the letters with a great big grin on his face.  I am sending that pic...

This isnt really free mail, its better. Saturday I received in the mail a Command Coin, from an Senior Chief in the Navy. It was a thank you for 3 boxes I sent them. So cool, called my sailor right away to tell her (also to ask about the rate-not too savy with them yet!) I show it to anyone who comes to my house and talk about to anyone who will listen, It was so unexpected, it came with a sweet thank you note. Still doing the happy dance at my house. Funny part of it all I had another 2 boxes ready to go for them when it arrived.

Doing the happy dance.  Got my free mail today from a group I've been sending to since May.  Hadn't heard from them since August and was begining to think they weren't getting the boxes because they usually sent a letter each month letting me know they were still getting the boxes.  I know their busy, but it's like hearing your children are okay when you hear from them.  They really like the snack boxes...especially the chocolate.  :-)

 Anna

Yesterday I received Free Mail from a Marine, who I feel sure was with Steve Washechek's group.  The letter was dated September 23.  It took almost 2 months for me to get the letter, but I was still excited to hear that they enjoyed the small things I had mailed to them. 

Last week I received a Thank you card signed by 12 of SSGT Heather soldiers- she said she is going to open a face book acct so that she can touch base with many friends and families all at once- since she has access to a pc in country-- I think this is an excellent way to send just a small line or two to everyone concerned.

Got an email from one of my contacts....first communication from him....he and his group are scheduled to go home in 2 or 3 weeks....it's always great to hear from your "guys"!!!

WHOOOOO HOOOOO --Lucky you ---- ain't it grand to hear from those "kids"???:

What a rush right? It is SO great when you get a reply  God Bless these Kids for taking the time and going out of their way to send us a line ---

I'm so EXCITED! ! ! !  I received an email from SSGT Marie that they had received my box of Christmas goodies, and inside that FRB box was a very small Christmas tree.  He said because of me they now had a tree.  I wish I could have sent them something bigger, but was glad to find that little mini tree and ornaments. 

WWWOOOOHOOO ... this made my weekend! ! ! !