Operation Stars & Stripes

Talking about Army and Service. Was just going through my e-mail and got an invitation to write a letter to a US soldier overseas. Will anyone else be interested in it?

Here's some info:

As a PenPal, we ask that you write your service-member once a week. It doesn't have to be a long letter, but just a card of cheer, newspaper clipping, or something of that nature. Below is a short form you might want to send your servicemember, so you will know more about them and their correct information.

As a supporter, we ask that you write once a week and send a small care package at least once a month. You will find suggested care package items on our care package page. Be sure to also visit the packing instructions page for important shipping information.

Suggested questions to ask your service-member:

Birthday
favorite types of movies
favorite types of books/magazines
favorite foods/snacks
hobbies
dates of any special events taking place during your deployment (i.e. birth of child, anniversary, etc.)
special requests?


[url]http://www.operationstarsandstripes.com/OSSLetters.asp[/url]

Yes I'm interested. Very interested.

me too, i'll get everyone at work on it.

click on: Offer Support, and fill it out. you can also send small packages.

I'm not really interested.

Care Packages:

Most-needed Items: Postage Stamps, Sunscreen, Crystal Light On The Go Packs, Chewing Gum, Tuna and Chicken Salad Lunches To Go, Chapstick, Toothbrushes, Travel Size Toothpaste, Travel Size Body Wash, Travel-size Unscented Wet Wipes, Men’s Razors, Recent DVDs, Playing Cards, Travel Games, Disposable Cameras, Black Pens, Long and Thick Black Socks, Pocket Fans, Canned Fly Traps, and Batteries.

Toiletries and Other: (Travel size toiletries work well.) Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Razors, Shaving Gel, Chapstick, Unscented Lotion, Mouthwash, Combs, Eye Drops, Q-tips, Dental Floss, Sunblock, Insect Repellent (Off with Deet is requested for troops in Iraq and Africa.), Wet Wipes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Foot Powder, Inflatable Pillow, Small Travel Pillow, Batteries, and Pocket/Foot Warmers (during winter months only).

Entertainment: DVDs, CDs, Comics, Phone Cards, Disposable Cameras, Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, Paperback Books, Current Magazines, Playing Cards, Travel Games, Frisbees, Water Guns, and Hackie Sacks.

Writing Supplies: Envelopes, Stationary, Black Ink Pens, and Highlighters.

Food/snacks: Note - all snacks must be prepackaged. Homemade goodies are discouraged, due to Custom's regulations. Chocolate (only during the winter months), Hard Candies, Tic-tacs, Chewing Gum, Trail Mix, Cracker Jacks, Slim Jims, Cookies, Fruit Cups in Metal Tins Only, Individual Size Drink Mix Packs, Nuts (unshelled sunflower seeds and pistachios are favorites), Handi Snacks, Mini-Boxes of Assorted Cereals, Pretzels, Pre-popped Popcorn, Fruit-by-the-foot, Gummy Snacks, Pringles, and Prepackaged Tuna and Chicken Salad Lunches.

Suggestions for Birthdays: Party in a bag -- Streamers, party hat, party blowers, candles, bag of balloons, some small candies or lollipops. For the guys -- Turn a kids plastic baseball hat upside down (a baseball cap will work, as well.) Fill it with unshelled peanuts, balloons, party blowers, beef jerky, and Cracker Jacks. Wrap with cellophane and tie off with a curly ribbon.

For the girls -- Purchase an inexpensive makeup bag and fill with some small lotions, a party blower, balloons, candies, and lip gloss.

boo CB, you suck

No you suck!

I won't suck you, you greedy bastard!

No thanks, I don't support our troops.

you know i am not a fan of army, but it won't hurt me to write a letter and make someone happy. just look at how much crap we write here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Indignant [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]

you know i am not a fan of army, but it won't hurt me to write a letter and make someone happy. just look at how much crap we write here.

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Yeah, I guess.

I've definitely written a book on this forum.

My g/f is a bit jealous she never gets to read any of it.

I wish we could email a soldier. I don't like writing formal letters.

i do feel sorry for any troops out there fighting for something..(eh nothing)...i do feel sorry that they are used like that to fullfill some other idiots ego (coz they sure as hell don't need the money). if i was in america i guess i would be interested coz i feel so bad for the poor bastards but as it is; i'm not. i would guess one has to live in the great :P US of A to participate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]

I wish we could email a soldier. I don't like writing formal letters.

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Formal letters are the whole point.

It's to give them mail.

Do you have any idea how exciting it is to get real mail?

In AmeriCorps I rarely got any, but when I did it was awesome.

I still don't like writing them.

BTW - some soldiers don't support the war, either.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]

I still don't like writing them.

BTW - some soldiers don't support the war, either.

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I wasn't arguing whether or not you should like or dislike writing them, I was pointing out that e-mail is the equivalent of junk mail, so don't bother.

well, i signed up for it. will keep you posted.

Its a nice idea, but I'd rather support a kid's education. In my own city/area. Everyone to help where they feel it will help most.

we are talking about a letter though, not any cash value. nothing but reaching to another human being who is away from home.

Time = money.

no comments then

You should tell them they should allow emails. Then I would do it.

i wish it was that easy

Eh, it should be. My nephew is a marine, and I know they can get email over there. Not daily, but they DO have access.

The problem with those suggested care package lists, is that's all anyone sends. I was up to my ears in chap stick and toothbrushes after a couple months. Not to mention all that stuff can be purchased by the troops themselves at the PX. Send them something they really want, like porn, alcohol, and smokes.

Tell them that they are doing an important job getting rid of the Taliban and that hopefully it will be finished soon so they can go home.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shheadz [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]

The problem with those suggested care package lists, is that's all anyone sends. I was up to my ears in chap stick and toothbrushes after a couple months. Not to mention all that stuff can be purchased by the troops themselves at the PX. Send them something they really want, like porn, alcohol, and smokes.

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but there's a way to communicate and find out what they need, right?