I know I have posted before about  "where did they go?" with older contacts to whom I have been sending packages.  I realize deployments end and things change.  but in reading some of the "new" contacts  info I realized something,  I miss the soldiers/airmen/marines/coasties I sent packages to. I miss their updates and sense of humor and mostly I  hope they are doing well and getting along with their life.

It is interesting being part of anysoldier. Finances have put some restrictions on how generous I can be with my packages, but I have learned the value of a letter.  I have learned  how you can squeeze just one more item into an already  bursting at the seams FRB  (just wrap more tape around it, it will be fine)  I've learned a sense of honor and respect  with each post office trip.   I've learned how people can group together, sight unseen,  to offer such strength in support, whether it be to scatter in search of post cards for one soldiers project, find the perfect rock ,  or  cut, glue, paste and share your family smiles  with holiday cards. 

 I guess  Old Contacts  are still part of us. They are the foundation of AnySoldier, though faces and names  change from one deployment to the next,  the Old Contacts are what keep us striving to show support and send care.

They've held the torch and we've followed the light.  

 Thank you AnySoldier

Well said, AmyG!  I can relate to the part about squeezing in one more item into an already full box.  My wife is the packing expert, able to consolidate 6 boxes of donated items into 4.  I once joked about one bulging box, "I won't stand too close to it."  The amazing thing is she can do that without squashing anything.

I agree AmyG.  I had to laugh as I just got back from shipping a box that I put extra tape to help hold the buldge. Hope they have a good knife to help them get in.

 Anna

You hit the nail on the head, Amy.  I actually met one of my old contacts on a welcome home mission with the PGR.  Bitter sweet, so glad he was home safe and sound (that deployment).  Found out he was redeployed this Sept. but he's not on anymarine (yet).  I actually took some time "off", just did some letter writing.  Between PGR and any.....com I had gotten a little overwhelmed.  Have better control on things now, and now back in the "saddle".  Pop used to call it "battle fatigue" lol  Did organize some fund raisers and kept "advertising" any....com.  I know at least six who joined any....com and are now supporting, so whoooo rah there!  Still holding the torch for our guys and gals in harms way, Joyce (Jazee Girl)

I guess the best thing about those bulging boxes is that you don't have to worry about things "settling" while in transit.  ;)

I'm sure that all of the old contacts are remembering the people that have thought of them while they were deployed and will always be grateful.   

 

Sending that last box, finishing up their folder, moving it to the “Inactive, Coming Home, (Thank You God)File” is both a happy and an “I’m gonna miss them” time. I reeeeeeeally Thank the ones that have sent me a photo of themselves and their units right about then because then I have those photos to remember them by too.

But the biggy goes something like what follows even tho the words might not quite be altogether very eloquent.J

When you get to a certain age, you don’t worry about too many things. In the beginnings of old age, the things that are most important to me are my family, my country and my God.

I have learned from the young men and women I have met through the contacts on the Any Soldier site some very important things to a “woman of a certain ageJ ”.

When my time comes to go, I will go with a peace I would not otherwise have had

because I know America, it’s values and it’s freedoms, is protected, once again, by one of the most competent, loyal, best generations of America’s young men and women.

My country is safe in their hands!

For this peace, I am forever grateful to the men and women of today’s military. I Thank you all from the bottom of my heart not only for what you do for us but for what you and your families teach us every day by your example. And maybe also for showing us what is best in ourselves! Teaching us to BELIEVE again!

Thank you!  You are leaving an imprint on my heart.

Of the many Soldiers I have had- I have managed to still be in touch with several- Every pkg I send I include a letter or card-- In it I put my Name-Address- Phone # and Email address- In the letters I state that I am their adopted "Granny"- and I ask that when they go home to please let me know they are safe and sound- One Marine gave me his wife's email and I struck up a friendship with her till this day (he has since retired) I also ask them that if they REDEPLOY to please keep my info so they can send me their new addresses. This has worked wonders for me (happy dance going on here As a result I have had some Troops that are on their second and third deployment. My Dog Handler is currently at Langley due to redeploy soon. I have had him since 2004. 

To date - I have received 2 phone calls when they came "BACK TO THE WORLD" as they call the USA LOL -- One invitation to a wedding- one to a surprise welcome home retirement  party by my Marine's Wife- One letter from a wife- thanking me for supporting her husband-- A tee shirt from Iraq (written in Arabic )  I think of them as FAMILY!