Writing To Heroes: Sending Letters To Soldiers In Afghanistan

Yes, you can write letters to soldiers in Afghanistan. It is a great way to communicate your support and thanks to the troops. War is never easy, and writing letters to soldiers can boost their morale and keep them going through tough times. You can send letters to a soldier you know or participate in the work of an organisation that sends letters to anonymous soldiers.

How to address a letter to a soldier in Afghanistan

If you want to send a letter to a soldier in Afghanistan, there are a few guidelines you should follow to ensure your letter reaches its intended recipient. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to address your letter:

• First Line: Start with the title and full name of the soldier. You can omit any rank designation. For example, "Private JAMES WILSON" or simply "JAMES WILSON."
• Second Line: Include any unit, PSC, ship, or hull number, followed by the box number. For instance, "UNIT 123, BOX 456" or "PSC 789, BOX 123."
• Third Line: Provide the appropriate APO or FPO details, along with the nine-digit zip code. For Army and Air Force personnel, use "APO," followed by "AA," "AE," or "AP, depending on their location. For Navy or Marine personnel, use "FPO" with the corresponding region code. The zip code is essential for accurate delivery.
• Format: Ensure that your handwriting is legible. The U.S. Postal Service prefers all caps when addressing envelopes.
• Return Address: Include your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. This is important, especially if you are expecting a response.
• Postage: Affix the appropriate postage in the upper right corner of the envelope.
• No Country Name: Do not write "Afghanistan" on the envelope. Address the letter as if it were being sent within the U.S., regardless of the soldier's location.
• Positive Tone: Keep the tone of your letter positive and uplifting. Express your gratitude for their service and sacrifices. Avoid mentioning death, killing, or politically-charged topics.
• Contact Information: If you wish to receive a response, provide your contact information, such as your mailing address or email. However, be aware that soldiers may not always be able to reply.
• Avoid Last Name and Email: When writing to an anonymous soldier through an organization, omit your last name and email address.
• Artwork: Include drawings or artwork if you'd like, especially if you're writing on behalf of a child. Encourage children to draw happy scenes and avoid depictions of fighting or violence.
• Inspection: If sending through an organization, leave the letter unsealed for inspection.
• Delivery Time: Be aware that delivery times can vary, so avoid mentioning specific dates in your letter.
• Use USPS: When sending to a specific soldier, use the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as they are the only carrier authorized to deliver mail to military installations worldwide.
• Online Options: Alternatively, you can use websites like Letters to Soldiers, Soldiers' Angels, or Forces Pen Pals to connect with soldiers and send messages or care packages.

Remember, receiving mail can be a great source of comfort and encouragement for soldiers serving far from home. Your letter is sure to be appreciated!

What to write in a letter to a soldier

Writing letters to soldiers is a great way to show your support and gratitude for their service. Here are some tips on what to include in your letter:

• Salutation: If you are writing to a friend or loved one, you can use a typical, personalised salutation. For an anonymous soldier, consider something like "Dear Hero" or "Dear Brave Patriot" to set an uplifting tone.
• Expression of Gratitude: Start the letter by expressing your appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication. You can simply write, "Thank you for your service" or "I am so thankful for you and all the other soldiers who are sacrificing to keep us safe."
• Introduction: Spend a few lines introducing yourself and providing general information about your life, such as your name, age, occupation, hobbies, interests, and family (if you feel comfortable). Keep the information generic, especially if you are writing to a stranger.
• Positive Tone: Keep the letter positive and uplifting. Avoid mentioning death, killing, or politically-charged topics. Stay away from controversial subjects and personal struggles. Focus on sending cheer and encouragement.
• Artwork: Include drawings or photos of happy scenes, sunsets, or nature. If you are writing with children, encourage them to draw pictures of positive subjects.
• Contact Information: If you wish to receive a response, provide your contact information, such as your mailing address or email. However, do not include your last name, email, or mailing address if you are writing to an anonymous soldier through an organisation.
• Closing: End the letter with a simple closing like "Yours Truly" or "Sincerely," followed by your first name (and last name if comfortable).

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for writing to soldiers. Write from the heart, and your letter will surely bring joy and encouragement to its recipient!

How to send letters to soldiers you don't know

If you want to send letters to soldiers you don't know, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure your letter reaches its intended recipient. Here is a guide on how to send letters to soldiers you don't know:

Find an Organization

Firstly, you will need to find an organization that facilitates letter-writing to soldiers. Some organizations like Operation Gratitude and A Million Thanks collect batches of letters addressed to anonymous soldiers and ship them to deployments both domestically and internationally. These organizations have specific guidelines for writing letters, so be sure to review their instructions carefully. They will also screen letters to ensure they are positive and uplifting before sending them on to the soldiers.

Format Your Letter

When writing your letter, it is important to maintain a positive and uplifting tone. Begin by addressing the soldier with a respectful salutation, such as "Dear Hero" or "Dear Brave Patriot." Express your gratitude for their service and sacrifices, and write generally about yourself without including any specific personal details. If you wish to include artwork or drawings, focus on happy scenes and avoid any depictions of fighting or violence. It is also recommended to avoid mentioning specific dates, as delivery times can vary, and instead refer to general seasons or times of year.

Provide Contact Information

If you would like the soldier to write back, you can provide your mailing address or email address. However, it is important to manage your expectations as they may not be able or comfortable doing so. For children, it is recommended to provide the contact information of a parent or teacher instead of their own. Additionally, when including your name, it is suggested to only provide your first name and refrain from using your last name.

Address and Send the Letter

When addressing the envelope, follow the guidelines provided by the postal service in your country. In the US, for example, you would use "APO" for Army and Air Force personnel and "FPO" for Navy or Marine personnel, followed by specific codes and the ZIP code for their deployment location. Remember to treat the letter as domestic mail and refrain from writing "Afghanistan" on the envelope.

Respect Guidelines

Finally, it is important to respect the guidelines and requests made by the organizations facilitating this process. For instance, they may request that you refrain from including glitter or confetti in your letters, as well as avoiding excessive discussions of politics or religion.

By following these steps, you can send letters of support and gratitude to soldiers you don't know, boosting their morale and reminding them that their service is valued and appreciated.

Charities that send letters to soldiers

There are several charities that allow people to send letters to soldiers. Here are some of them:

A Million Thanks

A Million Thanks is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes letters of thanks and support to active, reserve, and veteran military personnel. They accept handwritten letters and notes expressing gratitude and appreciation for the troops' service and sacrifices. The letters can be mailed to their National Mail Intake Facility or dropped off at designated locations. They also accept donations to help cover postage costs.

Support Our Troops

Support Our Troops is a charity that acts as a bridge between civilians and America's troops. They accept letters of support, thanks, and encouragement for deployed military personnel. The letters are sent to their address in Ayden, NC, and then forwarded to soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. They also provide tips for writing uplifting and respectful letters.

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that sends care packages and letters to military personnel, including deployed troops, veterans, and new recruits. They accept handwritten letters expressing appreciation, love, and support for the troops. The letters can be mailed to their address in Chatsworth, CA, or dropped off at designated locations. They also provide guidelines and suggestions for writing letters.

Soldiers' Angels

Soldiers' Angels is a charity dedicated to providing support to deployed military personnel, veterans, and their families. They have a letter-writing team that requires a minimum three-month commitment and monthly reporting of activity. The organization chooses the recipients of the letters, and the writers act on behalf of Soldiers' Angels. This program is suitable for those who want a more structured and long-term commitment to writing letters to soldiers.

Any Soldier

Any Soldier is a website that pairs individuals with overseas military members. Letter writers can choose a soldier contact, request their address, and send letters (and packages, if desired) directly to them. Any Soldier distributes the mail to soldiers who don't typically receive any, and they provide guidelines on what items to send and other frequently asked questions.

These charities provide a way for people to show their support, gratitude, and encouragement to military personnel serving our country. Writing letters can be a meaningful way to uplift the spirits of those who are far from home and sacrificing for our freedom.

How to address an envelope to a soldier

Addressing an envelope to a soldier is a little different from addressing a letter to a civilian. Here are some tips on how to do it correctly:

• Use a plain envelope: While it may be tempting to decorate the envelope with stickers or bright colours, it's best to stick to a plain white envelope and a black pen. This is because some drill sergeants may see this as an opportunity to give your soldier grief, and you don't want to risk them getting into trouble.
• Include the soldier's name and number: The soldier's name is important, but their roster number may be even more so. Drill sergeants often identify soldiers by their roster number, which is usually a combination of their platoon and soldier number. For example, Roster Number 101 could mean they are soldier number 01 in the 1st Platoon.
• Write their unit: This is just as important as the soldier's name and roster number. Write it exactly as it is specified in the Commander's letter or as your soldier does on their return address labels.
• Include the training site address: This is the usual building number and street address, which is required by the US mail.
• Add a stamp and your return address: Letters that go undelivered will not be returned to you, so make sure to include your return address.
• Wait for the Commander's letter: If you are unsure about how to address the envelope, it is best to wait for the Company Commander's letter, which will specify the unit and address of the soldier. This letter is usually sent out on the first day of Basic Training and arrives about 2-3 weeks after the soldier has left.
• Address the envelope correctly: When addressing the envelope, start with the soldier's rank, full name, and roster number. Then, include their unit, training site address, and your return address. Here is an example of what it could look like:

> Soldier's Rank, Full Name, Roster #

> __ Company, __ IN REGT

> Fort Benning, GA 31905

• Use the correct abbreviations: When addressing a letter to a soldier, use the shorthand version of their rank, such as "Lt" for Lieutenant or "Maj" for Major. However, when writing the salutation of a letter or email, spell out the full rank, such as "Dear Lieutenant Smith" or "Dear Major Jones."
• Include the unit designation and PO box: On the line under the shorthand rank and recipient's name, include the unit, CMR (community mail room), or PSC (postal service centre) number, followed by the PO box number.
• Add the APO or FPO and ZIP code: On the bottom line, put APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office), followed by the appropriate code for the region (e.g., AA for Americas, AE for Europe) and the ZIP code.

Frequently asked questions