TROOP SUPPORT MAIL POLICY STRESSED
To bolster force protection, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to service members forward deployed unless you are a family member, loved one or personal friend.
On Oct. 30, 2001, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the "Operation Dear Abby" and "Any Servicemember" mail programs due to force protection concerns. Although these programs provide an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones stationed overseas, they also provide an avenue to introduce hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail from family and loved ones.
Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals who continue to support some form of the "Any Servicemember" program by using the names and addresses of individual servicemembers and unit addresses. These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces. Some individuals and groups publicize the names and addresses of service members, ships or units on Web sites, with good intentions. The result, however, is a potential danger to the troops they wish to support.
DoD cannot support creative and well-intentioned efforts that defeat force protection measures, but can instead recommend alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show support to troops overseas, the following are recommended:
* Log on to the following Web sites to show support, to include greeting cards, virtual Thank You cards and calling card donations to help troops stay in contact with loved ones:
http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html
http://www.usocares.org/
http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html
* Visit Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and nursing homes. Volunteer your services to honor veterans who served in past conflicts.
Mail from family members and loved ones has always been encouraged and the military mail system will continue to work hard to get that mail to servicemembers overseas.
Gifts for deployed personnel are discouraged
since they overload the transportation and
distribution systems and offer a threat of bioterrorism
to deployed personnel. DoD urges
the public not to send unsolicited mail, care
packages or donations to service members
unless they are family members or personal
friends.
In lieu of sending mail, the public may log on
to the following websites to show support.
[url]http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops
.html[/url] (on-line thank you card for troops)
http://www.usocares.org.hom.htm (contribute
to the purchase of a care package of items
requested by troops such as sunscreen,
disposable cameras, prepared calling cards)
posted on November 20, 2004 04:08:37 PM new
I'm not sure what your point was in all that copy and pasting.
But if you think for one minute you have a clue about anything military related you are sorely wrong....again.
Now I understand why a gentleman here kept asking you what branch of our Armed Forces you served in....because when you speak of military related issues ...you really have NO clue as to what you're talking about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on November 20, 2004 04:17:36 PM newThe whole thing has been misnamed. The war in Afghanistan was about terrorism. The war in Iraq was about getting rid of Saddam and bringing Democracy to Iraq.
Nice to see that you understand the difference. I find it strange that even now how many still think it was Iraq that was behind 911.
As far as the marine in question goes it is very hard for me to condemn him just from the video as I have no clue what was going through his mind at that very minute.
Will wait and see what the report says. Under the same circumstances Im not sure what I would have done.
LOL If the British at the time of the Revolutionary war were not so busy fighting the French and the Spaniards the insurgents would have never have been able to win.
posted on November 20, 2004 04:26:58 PM new
Linda...
According to the Department of Defense, there is some unintended danger in posting names and addresses of military personel based in Iraq and Afghanistan because some "Kooks" (my word) may take this information and send hazardous substances or materials in the mail system. They also mention that there is limited airlift space used to transport supplies and so these packages present a problem.
posted on November 20, 2004 04:51:26 PM new
Linda - Microwavable foods like Easy Mac, Ramen, etc. (Since most of the Marines on the site seem to be mechanics and support they don't seem to need as much "on the move" food), drink mixes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and since it's starting to get cold.. boot socks, thermals, sweats, sweaters in black or camo green. Also DVDs, recent paperbacks and magazines.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 20, 2004 05:09:49 PM new
fenix - Yes, I forgot to mention shampoo, toothbrush and paste. Some have requested CDs so someone's family must have sent them a portable CD player.
Fenix, I know it's not necessary for me to say, but I think what you're doing is just fantastic. Better than fantastic but I don't have the words to properly express my thanks for people like you. They soooo appreciate these 'care packages'. And if everyone would do what you're doing/done even just once...it lifts their moral so much.
I feel so very thankful to live in this small town/community...where several surrounding communities [towns] have made this a BIG combined effort to show support for our troops in this way. And this 'we're with you boys' attitude has really motivated me to contribute too. Just watching the support from members of my community ...most who are retired and many who are members of one of the many VFW groups around here. They're VERY active and some can hardly walk...but this is a priority to them so they all 'rally' together in this way. We've even had big community 'send offs' at our local college for the troops as they have left this area. You'd think it was the Fourth of July....GREAT community support - like I've never seen before in my life. I love it.
posted on November 21, 2004 09:12:48 AM new
crowfarm...says, "linda, if YOU know SO much about the military why do you CONTINUE to be unaware that there are WOMEN in the military also."
Crowfarm, The notion that linda knows so much about anything is a misconception that you should avoid suggesting - even if your intention is ironical.
posted on November 21, 2004 09:25:07 AM new
Some are addressing the "reality" of war by sending goodie boxes. How trivial that action seems in the face of this "reality".
In addition to the dead and seriously wounded, FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND Iraqi children are suffering from "wasting," a condition characterized by chronic diarrhea and dangerous deficiencies of protein. This condition has been attributed to dirty water which can't be sterilized because there is no electricity and the cost of Kerosene is not affordable due to an econonmy crippled by unemployment. General malnutrition and hunger is increasing.
posted on November 21, 2004 09:34:14 AM new
You and that soap box Helen.....
People do what they can.
Rather than sit here on my ass finding articles to cut and paste to try to belittle the actions of others I actually did something to try even in a small way to make things a little more tolerable for people involved in this conflict.
I can't employ any Iraqis and I have no civil engineering experience so I am not going to be a lot of help on that end but there is tangible request for something that I can do and I did it and if you think that there is something wrong with that, then I don't know what to tell you.
It's unfortunate that even as people try to do something positive for another human being you feel the need to go on a web search for a way to try to detract from it.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 21, 2004 09:38:48 AM new
Helen youre so coy to bring 'children' into this to support your mantra of [i] How trivial that action seems..[/]
Did you miss the part about the soliders giving the "Children" stuff? I'd bet half of them are giving them food as well. The military feeds and clothes them you know, they have a set-up px and can get most things, though they probably dont feel like standing on line after a long day at the office shooting and being shot at.
What do you know what they're doing with that stuff? You dont. You are not there.
And telling you that doing something spiritual is not trivial is like talking to a dumb rock.
posted on November 21, 2004 10:43:06 AM new fenix...
It's unfortunate that even as people try to do something positive for another human being you feel the need to go on a web search for a way to try to detract from it.
This topic came up last year and I learned then that the Department of Defense had requested that boxes not be sent for the reasons that I stated on this page. I looked it up to see if that policy was still in effect and found that it was. So, I posted the link to the DOD site. I'm sure however that it's not a felony to send a package to Iraq. . I'm not on a soap box and if you read the thread from the beginning to the end you will see that I simply stated my opinion about my position on supporting the troops while objecting to sign the letter on the same site that also ran a petition to find Kerry guilty of Treason.
neroter,
"And telling you that doing something spiritual is not trivial is like talking to a dumb rock."
I don't understand your comment neroter or how it relates to anything that I have said. Sending a box is spiritual? I suppose we all have a different concept or definition of "spiritual".. I don't consider sending a box spiritual. But I certainly wouldn't criticize your feelings on that score.
posted on November 21, 2004 10:49:37 AM new helen - you're just too funny.
When you can show me just ONE woman's name on the list of those being sent to Iraq....from MY town or surrounding communities...then we can get down to discussing your pettiness and nit-picking and pretend I don't know women also serve in our Armed Forces. Until then....you only make yourself look smaller and more petty, imo.
----------------------
Yes, neroter...may people have sent toys and school supplies for the Iraqi children. Can't remember the commanders name, but they did a segment on him [on TV] and all those that he inspired to send those supplies for the soldiers to hand out. I think I may have posted it in one of my Good News threads.
And I believe people also remember the children and wives, husbands and parents of our soldiers are going through difficult times too - not JUST the Iraq people/children. And the Iraqi people had many of these problems before the war started....as saddam wasn't spending much of that oil-for-food money to care for them. But rather he used it to buy off the votes of our supposed allies...in addition to building more and more of his personal palaces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on November 21, 2004 11:02:57 AM newForget the friggin soap on a rope.. and get our Soldiers out of the hell hole that we have put them in as quickly as possible.. Your atta-boys and kind words compare to a Frenchmen's bath... cover up the stink with perfume..try to make it go away... Maggie
posted on November 21, 2004 11:13:47 AM new
This appears to be the part that the anti-war just can't comprehend.
The soldiers are already there. Those who dismiss what some American's are doing to support them....until they return home...really isn't helping them at all. It's just whining, complaining and still doing nothing except giving 'lip-service' to supporting them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on November 21, 2004 11:18:34 AM new
Oh please Helen.......
Please tell me how this comment
Some are addressing the "reality" of war by sending goodie boxes. How trivial that action seems in the face of this "reality".
Has anything to do with this explaination.
I simply stated my opinion about my position on supporting the troops while objecting to sign the letter on the same site that also ran a petition to find Kerry guilty of Treason.
BTW - I also cannot explain the level of irony I find in the fact that the only time you have ever decided that the DOD is correct is when it you can use it to justify not doing a kind act. Are you going to site the same regulation when it comes to the packages of school supplies requested by a unit in Afganistan to be given to kids in the area?
As for you Maggie - tell you what - when someone gives me the power to bring people home I will do it until then....
As for your opinion as to what the packages mean... I am more inclined to take the word from the horses mouth than from you.
I find it incredibly arrogant and more than a little humorous that I can read notices from servicemen (an I say men because none of the lnotices I read were from women) asking for specific items and saying how much these small packages mean and then come here and read from you and Helen making these declarations from the mount regarding how meaningless they are and incorrect in their contents.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 21, 2004 11:19:23 AM newWhat part of Bring them home as soon as possible and get them out of this hell hole we have put them in.. don't you understand as support
No you would rather send them well wishes and your Atta-boys.. from your armchair? Like I said Frenchman's bath.. sprinkle the perfume over the stink..and put on a happy face
posted on November 21, 2004 11:23:23 AM new
Well Maggie dearest - why don't you tell me what it is I am supposed to do to bring them home. You want to complain about what it is I did - why don't you in your infinite wisdom tell me what it is I am supposed to be doing differently....... You seem to have all the answers and all the time in the world to criticize others... give me the solution....
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 21, 2004 11:25:48 AM new
As for you Fenix.. all I have heard from you is lip service.. And if you are looking for an ass to pin the tail on.. may I suggest you look a little closer to home? Besides.. didn't I understand that you were very anxiously awaiting your departure from the good old USA..returning home? Did your visa expire? Maggie
posted on November 21, 2004 12:01:22 PM new
I truly love when people try to be a smart ass and manage only to succeed only in proving themselves to be the latter half...
1) I take it from your response that you don't actually have an answer to how I am supposed to bring the troops home. Now that you have been given the opportunity and shown yourself unable to "put up" perhaps you will choose the alterntive in the age old option.
2) As for my Visa expiring... this is one of those situations when someone jumps in in the middle of a conversation and does not bother to find out what they missed before forming their assumtions. I am a US citizen dearest. I was born on here in the US. The conversations you were referring to are ones regarding my impending move to Mexico. I am going thru the motions neccessary to obtain residence status.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 21, 2004 12:24:12 PM newLOL..Fenix....touched a nerve did I? Of course you are a Citizen of the USA, and clearly proud of the fact...applying for Residence status in Mexico! Yep.. I can see by your red..white and blue..suitcase that you are proud to be American! LOL
Since you asked my advice as to what you could do personally to help our soldiers..I actually do have a suggestion for you..
Take a 8 X 10 glossy of yourself and send it along with a horses tail and let them amuse themselves by pinning the tail on the horses ass.. why don't you..Oh.. and make sure you include your Mexico address for them to send you their thanks...
posted on November 21, 2004 12:35:17 PM new
Awwww... poor widdle Maggie. She made sucha big show and yet is so incapable of following thru. I must applaud you on the rather original tactic of now implying that I might be unamerican.
Before I go further into this, I was just wondering if there were anymore stupid asumption that you would like to make and put forth at this time so that I can correct them all in one fell swoop. I just wanted to go ahead, maybe save us a little time and give you the opportunity to put them all out on the table now.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on November 21, 2004 01:07:14 PM newROFLMAO@FENIX!!..what's the matter..Fenix.. now you have to borrow a line from our beloved Crow... poor widdle Fenix...hee hee..plagerism.. by the way.. where did you learn to read and write? LOL..damn schools here in the US.. are falling behind on their spelling lessons it seems... Awwww...just kidding you old girl..honestly.. I have the utmost respect for all minorities.. lol..
I've even been known to donate to them in the same manner you are sending gifts to our soldiers....see.. I'm not so cold hearted.. Need some ankle socks for your journey?just let me know what color your high heels are and I'll get some right out to you..LOL
Now quit your whining and get your papers in order Maggie
[ edited by maggiemuggins on Nov 21, 2004 01:08 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2004 01:40:28 PM new
Damnit - if people don't stop trying to catagorize me with Crow I will be forced to stop being my sweet. charming self.
I'm trying to get everything together, the fact that I am traveling between two different states right now is making things difficult. I made commitments to family to help them take care of things before I leave and it's starting to take a toll.
Seriously though, Since I am not a tourist, a student or an employee, the only way for me to legally live in Mexico is with the residence visa. It also allows me greater freedom in the beginning stages of starting my business there and gives me tax advantages with my business that will retain US based operations when I move.
As to the respect for minorities... does that mean that you will begin to respect me after I move since I will be one?
Oh yeah - most of my spelling is more a matter of wierd typing than bad spelling. My hands and brain work independently of each other. If I get on a typing tear, more often than not there are not just typos, but whole words that I did not think but did type. Is there a form of schtizophrenia where the other personality manifests itself only thru typing?
Re: ankle socks... I only wear black
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
[ edited by fenix03 on Nov 21, 2004 01:42 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2004 02:56:13 PM newLOL....Fenix... that's right, you have mentioned your preference for black clothing. Anyway.. good luck on your new adventure. I do know what you are going through. I had to apply for a resident visa when I lived in Africa for a year, and all the red tape it took was frustrating. Then I had the nerve to apply to bring my little yorkie with me...oh...yes..that was a bright move.. ha..
Maggie
posted on November 21, 2004 07:57:44 PM new
Military Balks at Generic Care Packages
Updated 10:33 PM ET November 21, 2004
Near San Francisco, the Blue Star Moms collect things like snack bars, Chap Stick, socks and underwear.
In Santa Cruz, there's a similar effort to collect batteries, baby wipes, Christmas decorations and potato chips, then pack it all in boxes addressed "to any soldier serving in Iraq."
But across the country, most of these goodwill packages will never get there because the military says they just can't handle it all.
"We want to handle mail from families and friends, relatives, known mailers," says Mark Dedominic of the Department of Defense. "To get the mail from just the general public can overwhelm the system."
Last December, the military postal system received eight million pounds of packages and letters, much of it addressed, "to any soldier." This year, with full combat in Fallujah and increased attacks on convoys carrying fuel, bombs and bullets, the Department of Defense is limiting the mail to items addressed by name only — and asking that they be sent only by immediate family and friends, much to the disappointment of the Blue Star Moms.
posted on November 21, 2004 10:11:48 PM new
Helen is right about unsolicited mail, care packages or what ever sent to those in the military on forward deployment, unless related, a love one or friend.
My wife and I send care packages, as does all religious org. and schools in my area. The packages are given to the U.S.O. or the Navy Marine Corps Relief. Both are able to deliver without going through the mail process.
During Vietnam the only care package I ever received was from the U.S.O. It nothing on it. No name, address or unit. It was just a sealed box.
Names and addresses of U.S. Military on forward duty on a public list can cause them to receive letters about unfaithful love ones and it not be so. Their Families harassed. Those are just two reasons. Thank about what happen to the families back home of military personnel during Vietnam. Prostesters are nuts when they get out of hand.
posted on November 21, 2004 10:24:15 PM new
Thank you for verifying that information, Fred and for your suggestion of an alternate way to send the packages.
