Vox

How To Say Thanks

One of my Protest Warrior friends, Amber, has gone through the grueling process of getting a soldier pen-pal. Not a quick and easy task, but well worth it. If you have the time to devote to it, I recommend signing up yourself (she can tell you how). If you can't be sure you'll write on a regular basis, read the email below for how to make the connection our soldiers need.

Hello All,

I just wanted to let you know that I finally got the approval for a Soldier pen pal. The organization is pretty strict, and rightfully so, in the past some mail addressed to 'any soldier' was hurtful and malicious. Now they are very thorough in whom they give addresses to. Luckily, after more than a month of waiting and a phone interview, I got the name and address of my soldier.

I want to ask all of you to send me general emails of thanks, praise, and encouragement that I will send to my soldier to share with his mates who may not get mail. I also have a Chaplain's address and I'm sure he knows best who needs your letters.

Here is a story I heard at a Support our Troops rally that may help you understand:

We heard from a mother with two sons away fighting for us, and for Iraq. One of her boys was coming home on Mother's Day. Then her son called her in tears, and she was afraid to hear what he had to say. But the potential bad news was not so bad; he was stopped on a layover on the East coast. He had called emotionally overwhelmed because there was a giant group of people there to meet the soldiers. There were banners and flags everywhere, all because we appreciate those young men and women fighting for us. He said that he had no idea that anyone here still cared. He had been fed a constant left view via CNN and thought the country was spiteful.

Because of stories like this, and because we do care about these soldiers, please take a minuet to write a thank you note to one. What else can you do so quickly that will touch someone in need? I have created a new email address that you can CONTINUOUSLY submit emails to that I will regularly send to those in need.

AmbersSoldier@bkennelly.com (note the 2 s's)

I thank you for your time and in advance for your many letters that I can send to my soldier! And I'm sure the soldiers thank you!

Please take a minute or two each week and remember what those soldiers are going through - and let them know you are grateful.

Posted by Vox at May 30, 2004 01:11 PM | Iraq