I have received a couple of e-mail forwards now that make the suggestion to add "any recovering soldier" to your christmas card list to show support. I hate to be the wet blanket on this grand idea, but cards and packages sent to nonspecific personel will not be delivered. Here is the notice that is posted at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website:
| Support A Recovering American Soldier | |
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Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. Instead of sending an “Any Wounded Soldier” letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website, www.americasupportsyou.mil Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops or assist wounded servicemembers and their families include:
For individuals without computer access, your local military installation, the local National Guard or military reserve unit in your area may offer the best alternative to show your support to our returning troops and their families. Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual. As Walter Reed continues to enhance the medical care and processes for our returning service members, it must also must keep our patients and staff members safe while following Department of Defense policy. The outpouring of encouragement from the general public, corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and support they receive from their countrymen. |
Should you receive a similar e-mail, please help spread the word that cards and packages cannot be delivered to "any soldier". Then please direct people to organizations that support our military members. Thanks!
1 comment:
You may not agree with me on this but I have a hard time donating money to the government facilities because look at what they do with our tax money if they can't balance the countries budget why should I entrust another job to them ... I think I will send it to a local family and soldier this year , that way I know it will get to the soldier and not a organization..
hugs
Sherry
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