DECATUR — Lensey Watson, a sophomore at the Decatur High School, was recognized by the Decatur VFW at the May 17 academic awards ceremony for sending letters to overseas troops through Any Soldier.
Any Soldier is a Web site that connects those who would like to help with American soldiers in all branches of the military. The Web site provides contact information for soldiers in harm's way as well as lists of what they need and want so letters and packages can be sent directly where they are needed, according to anysoldier.com.
Soldiers can also volunteer to help by distributing letters and packages to those that don’t get much mail. So far Any Soldier helps nearly 100,000 American soldiers in all branches of the military, and has become one of the leading efforts in making sure the men and women who have been deployed are cared for through letters and packages from “home,” the Web site said.
Watson said she has sent about 12 thank-you letters to soldiers over the past two months. Watson said she was inspired to start sending letters because her family has a background in the military and her grandpa is a Vietnam veteran.
“Since they fight for our freedom, I felt like I was giving something back,” she said.
Jeff McFarland, Watson’s history and geography teacher and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, encourages his students to participate in Any Soldier by writing letters and sending packages.
McFarland and his wife, also a combat veteran, send packages and letters personally and through the Bella Vista VFW. Since December, he estimated they have sent a total of 30 to 40 boxes.
Many troops are stationed in the middle of nowhere and getting them food and water is the priority, followed by ammunition, according to Mc-Farland. The military provides the basics, but non-necessities - like toothbrushes for example - are way down the list, he explained.
Many soldiers ask for toiletries, snacks, reading material and DVDs. Simple items like ramen noodles, lip balm, fly strips and artificial tears are commonly requested, McFarland said. It’s also important to remember there are many female soldiers who appreciate items like nail polish and scented lotion.
Participants don’t have to buy every item on a soldier’s wish list, and letters are also welcomed. The point is to let soldiers know that they are not forgotten and what they are doing means something to someone, McFarland said.
“Support - that is what this whole thing is about - supporting our troops overseas,” McFarland said.
“The package that I received was a pleasant surprise. It was not only enjoyed by me but also other soldiers that I shared the contents with,” Doug of Centerton wrote in an e-mail to the Decatur Herald. (He asked that his last name be withheld because he is currently deployed in a hostile country.)
“Those packages really make a difference. Some soldiers receive more mail in a week than some soldiers will get in a year. For those soldiers that do not get a lot of mail, it makes their day a little brighter,” Doug said.
While shipping a package to Afghanistan or Iraq may sound expensive, the United States Postal Service offers a Priority Mail APO/FPO flat rate box for $12.50 - $2 less than domestic shipping prices. The boxes are shipped to Army Post Offices on the east and west coasts before being sent overseas. McFarland estimated a box could be outfitted for about $20 plus shipping.
“It’s not cheap but they’re defending our freedom. Put a price on that,” he said.
Before sending packages or letters, it’s important to read all the information and tips on anysoldier.com, according to the Web site.
News, Pages 1 on 06/02/2010