How to Support Deployed US Troops
Look for an organization to join., Check out the organization you plan to join., Contact the main office of the organizations., Decide on an organization to join., Go to the mall and talk to the recruiters., Use the USPS Flat Rate shipping., Choose...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look for an organization to join.
The military mail will no longer accept mail to 'any soldier' since 9/11 because of security reasons.
Organizations can get addresses of Chaplains, FOBs (Forward Operating Bases), or base commanders who can receive care packages and mail.
Often addresses come to organizations from families. -
Step 2: Check out the organization you plan to join.
Make sure it is not only legitimate, but that it has a good reputation.
There are organizations out there that only want your money.
Do they have any awards? From whom? Look at those pages. , Is there open information? Do they list their office phone numbers, email, address, list of corporate officers, and links to their financial information? Get the necessary information on membership.
Some questions to ask may be:
What obligations are there? Are there any dues? If there are other monies exchanged, how are they spent? Can they tell you where their money goes? Don't be afraid to call their office and ask some pointed questions. , Get involved with people from that organization who have the experience.
They can help you along the way, avoid mistakes, and make your membership fun. , Many of them have been forward deployed recently.
They can be very helpful.
Thank them for their service while you're there. , You can put anything in the box as long as it fits, up to 70 pounds for domestic mail.
You will have to use a customs form, but an APO or FPO address is considered domestic. , There is a long list of items that can be very useful to the troops (see Tips).
Imagine a year-long camping trip.
What would you need if you were 18 years old? , Get an address and other information about your adoptee.
Consider committing to a 6
- 12 month obligation.
You may never hear from him/her, but the important thing is that they hear from you and they are supported.
Adopt one at first.
If all goes well you might want to adopt another later. , There are a lot of people serving overseas who get little or no mail at all. -
Step 3: Contact the main office of the organizations.
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Step 4: Decide on an organization to join.
-
Step 5: Go to the mall and talk to the recruiters.
-
Step 6: Use the USPS Flat Rate shipping.
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Step 7: Choose items to send.
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Step 8: Adopt a service member.
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Step 9: Send one or two care packages and as many letters and cards as you can send every month.
Detailed Guide
The military mail will no longer accept mail to 'any soldier' since 9/11 because of security reasons.
Organizations can get addresses of Chaplains, FOBs (Forward Operating Bases), or base commanders who can receive care packages and mail.
Often addresses come to organizations from families.
Make sure it is not only legitimate, but that it has a good reputation.
There are organizations out there that only want your money.
Do they have any awards? From whom? Look at those pages. , Is there open information? Do they list their office phone numbers, email, address, list of corporate officers, and links to their financial information? Get the necessary information on membership.
Some questions to ask may be:
What obligations are there? Are there any dues? If there are other monies exchanged, how are they spent? Can they tell you where their money goes? Don't be afraid to call their office and ask some pointed questions. , Get involved with people from that organization who have the experience.
They can help you along the way, avoid mistakes, and make your membership fun. , Many of them have been forward deployed recently.
They can be very helpful.
Thank them for their service while you're there. , You can put anything in the box as long as it fits, up to 70 pounds for domestic mail.
You will have to use a customs form, but an APO or FPO address is considered domestic. , There is a long list of items that can be very useful to the troops (see Tips).
Imagine a year-long camping trip.
What would you need if you were 18 years old? , Get an address and other information about your adoptee.
Consider committing to a 6
- 12 month obligation.
You may never hear from him/her, but the important thing is that they hear from you and they are supported.
Adopt one at first.
If all goes well you might want to adopt another later. , There are a lot of people serving overseas who get little or no mail at all.
About the Author
Ruth Mitchell
Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.
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