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Every Monday Matters: Write a letter to a soldier By Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT)
There are approximately 2.1 million active and reserve men and women in the U.S. military.
Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula, and on ships throughout international waters.
U.S. service members are deployed for long periods of time. They love receiving good wishes and words of appreciation and support, even from total strangers.
The most requested item by military men and women is a letter.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1. Select a soldier you know or one who is related to someone you know.
2. If you don't know a soldier, ask a friend, fellow student, co-worker, clergymember, or military chaplain to help you make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.
3. Grab some paper, an envelope, and a pen.
4. Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, shows your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself as well as ask questions about the person you're writing. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.
5. Include your e-mail or mailing address in case the recipient wants to write back. You could even include a self-addressed envelope.
6. Send the letter.
Our military protects our nation's freedom, and, regardless of your political affiliation and whether or not you believe in war, these brave men and women need to know that we appreciate their sacrifices and service. With a simple card or letter, you can brighten the day of a soldier who is overseas ensuring your freedom. Your letter might be the only thing that makes that soldier smile that day.
YOU MATTER
Two weeks ago, Maria Estancia of Gainesville, Fla. boarded a flight to Texas to find out that her seat was next to soldier coming home from his second tour of duty in Iraq.
"I was a bit nervous when I first sat down because I wasn't really sure what to say. I definitely had Every Monday Matters on my mind, so I wanted to figure out the best way for me to thank him for his service to our country. I had just never done this before, so I wasn't sure where to start," said Maria.
It is very common to see military men and women on commercial flights these days. Our military is obviously quite mobilized these days and many of these men and women are either getting ready for deployment or coming home ... again.
"I just decided to start talking to him like he was any other normal person. He was extremely friendly - a family guy, young, and excited to be coming home. He asked me a lot of questions as well."
And then Maria went in for the answer she needed. Her curiosity was bursting.
"I then decided to thank him for serving our country and protecting our freedom. He was beyond appreciative for what I said and told me that it was an honor," said Maria. "Then I asked him the question: 'What is the best thing we can do for you to show you our support while you are overseas?' And his answer blew me away. He said, 'Send us letters, we love to get mail.'"
Maria, in a small state of shock, responded with "Really? Huh." Because of her response, the soldier acknowledged that she seemed a little bit surprised by his answer.
"I was so moved by the experience that I told my group of friends that we are now going to write letters every week," shared Maria. "It is such an easy thing to do and, clearly, they love it. These soldiers matter."
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© 2009, The Modesto Bee Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Arnold Ahlert | |||||||||||
