I need help writing a letter.

[Mrs.Clayton]

Normally letters are no problem for me to write, but this one is different.
A young man I worked with 6 months ago is now in Iraq, and friday I got a letter from him. It was very simple and he sounded anxious to hear back from me.
I really don't know what to put in the letter. I thought I'd just tell him all about what's happening around here. I don't know anyone who has ever been in combat, so I don't know what you really want to hear when you're in that situation.
Has anyone here been in this situation? What have you done?
Thanks
Mrs.Clayton

 

[Mr. BAW]

Regardless of whatever your views of this war may be, I do believe that your solider is simply looking for words from a friend. Write whatever comes to your mind as if you were talking to him first-person; after mailing it, sit back and think of the smile on his face when he gets it...you'll do good!

 

[Bonochick]

I agree with Mr. BAW.

Any kind of correspondence is likely to be appreciated.

 

[jkayet]

A good friend's husband spent a year in the middle east & europe after 9/11...he always liked to hear what was going on with friends, general life here (as you mentioned). Also, he encountered criticism in a lot of areas for being there (from locals, etc), so he appreciated anyone who sort of said that they are proud of him, etc. He developed questions about his role, and he knew that I had huge doubts, but he still liked knowing that people supported HIM, appreciated him. Sounds obvious, but...(I suppose, depending on your point of view, that might be harder to do now than it was 2 years ago...I think just knowing that he's remembered & has a place/people to come back to is good, if that makes sense. )

 

[Mr. BAW]

A good friend's husband spent a year in the middle east & europe after 9/11...he always liked to hear what was going on with friends, general life here (as you mentioned). Also, he encountered criticism in a lot of areas for being there (from locals, etc), so he appreciated anyone who sort of said that they are proud of him, etc. He developed questions about his role, and he knew that I had huge doubts, but he still liked knowing that people supported HIM, appreciated him. Sounds obvious, but...(I suppose, depending on your point of view, that might be harder to do now than it was 2 years ago...I think just knowing that he's remembered & has a place/people to come back to is good, if that makes sense. )

The last sentence speaks volumes!

 

[fah]

Be positive and supportive. If possible enclose some small token of home like a press clipping from the local newspaper.

 

[Mrs.Clayton]

Thanks everyone, it sounds weird, but I really had no one else to ask about this.
I better get busy!

 

[zoney!]

some of you may know this....

I am working a "temporary" job right now. I have moved to a new city and have been here for a year. I am "covering" for a Reservist who was called to Iraq.

For Christmas, we all chipped in here at work (mind you, I have never met him, and the of the staff he had before he left, only two remain) and sent him a "care package."

We sent him some small bottles of alcohol, some treats that are unique to the area we live in, some magazines ( - my female employees actually suggested this, AND bought them) and a nice card. He sent back a real nice postcard.

He returns stateside this weekend!

 

[Mrs.Clayton]

Are there guidelines of what can/cannot be sent to soldiers?

 

[zoney!]

yes.

I will try to figure that out for you (if someone else can't) - but probably not until tomorrow.

 

[sue4u2]

We are getting together care packages here at work. We have everything from practical- shampoo razors, contact lens cleaner etc, to more personal hygiene products for men and women.
The more I read the list the more I realize what I take for granted daily. Can't imagin not having my coffee in the morning or soap even.
Some guide lines I'm reading are: no pressurized containers like shaving cream. Chocolate will melt of course. No Porno- it's illegal in some countries. Liquor may be illegal for soldiers to posess to name a few of them.