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1) What are the responsibilities of a Soldiers Angel?
To provide aid and comfort to the military and their families.
When adopting:
Sending letters, cards and care packages to your soldier(s). While there are no rules about frequency we hope that all our angels will be able to send weekly letters and monthly packages to their soldiers
2) How can I learn more about my soldier?
We have sent you all the information about your soldier available at the time your welcome letter was sent. If we obtain additional information will update you by email as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to ask questions about your soldier in your first letter so you can get to know him or her.
3) What should I write in my first letter to my soldier?
Introduce yourself as a Soldier Angel and let your soldier know that you have "adopted" him/her and will be writing and sending care packages. Tell your soldier about yourself and your family, they love to hear about what's going on "back home" so don't feel like you are giving too much detail. Ask your soldier questions about where they come from and what they do in the military as well as what snacks, books or music that they like. Remember, what is treasured most of all is the knowledge that someone they don't know cares enough to reach out to them. Be sure to include your mailing address and email in all communications so that your soldier can write back if they want.
4) What items should I send in my care packages?
We have detailed lists available on the Soldiers Angels website, but snacks of all types, powdered drink mixes, small portable games, books, CD's and especially DVD's are wonderful additions. Many deployed soldiers have access to a PX so toiletry items aren't needed as much as they initially were, but foot powder, chapstick (with UV protection) and eye drops are always appreciated.
5) Can I share my soldier's address with other people if they want to write to him also?
Please keep your soldier's address confidential, for your use only. If you have friends or family that would like to support your soldier they can give you letters to send. Even better, have them sign up for their own angel and we will be able to reach out to more soldiers.
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| How Do I Adopt A Soldier ? |
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Go to www.soldiersangels.org and click on the adopt a soldier link.
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| How much time/money will this take? |
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The most important thing about being a Soldier's Angel is to be steady and consistent. Set a goal for your adoption activities and try to stick with it - at least one note or card a week and one package a month is a reasonable goal for most people. If you can do more, that's wonderful. A card, letter or note takes only a first class stamp - 39 cents. A care package can be simple or lavish, either will be greatly appreciated. Perhaps a group you belong to (work, church etc.) would be willing to help defray expenses or help collect care package items. To avoid duplication, keep a record of what you send. All care packages are shared so don't worry about sending something your soldier won't like.
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| What do all those abbreviations mean? |
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If you're REALLY curious, you can check out this website for military abbreviations. (Use Control+F to search the page) In general, APO stands for Army Post Office; FPO for Fleet Post Office. AE refers to the part of the world , in this case, Europe, Middle East. Africa. or Canada The US Postal Service will get your package as far as the Army Post Office. Then the Army Postal Service will take over. The other abbreviations in your soldier's address refer either to his unit or his location or both. Many units have webpages. Use your search engine and see if you can locate one for your soldier.
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| What should I do first? |
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Best bet is to sit down and write a note or letter of introduction. Mention that you are a member of the group Soldiers' Angels and that that's where you got the soldier's address. Tell your soldier a little about yourself, your family, where you lilve - those sorts of things. Explain why you joined Soldiers' Angels. Be positive, be supportive. If you are praying for your soldier, tell him/her that as well. Don't discuss your problems or your worries - he has enough of his own! Remember that your soldier may or may not be like you. He may come from an entirely different kind of family and/or culture. Be sure to include your email address as well.
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| How soon should I expect to hear back from my soldier? |
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In a word, NEVER. Deployed soldiers are just that - deployed in a difficult place doing dangerous jobs. Many soldiers don't have the time or inclination to write letters. It's not because they don't appreciate your support. Some may be reluctant to write to someone they don't know or may be self conscious about their writing skills. You may send letters and packages for a year and never hear anything. Don't be discouraged. Those of us with relatives in the military KNOW that each piece of mail is appreciated whether you get a reply or not. Occasionally you might want to enclose a self-addressed envelope (no stamp necessary) and some paper. If you do get a reply it will be a great treat.
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| How do I decide what to send? |
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There are many lists of suggestions on the internet. Remember that packages will be subjected to much jostling and high heat. Check out these links for ideas:
A Soldier's Blog Care Package Ideas
Soldiers' Angels Comprehensive Care Package Suggestions
Check out the Soldier's Angels Message Boards as well. In addition there are many commercially available care packages. Just put "military care package" in your search engine and you'll find many companies who will send care packages.
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| What are the rules about mailing? |
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For detailed information about mailing rules and regulations, click here to visit the US Postal Service website.
In general, APO mail is treated the same as Domestic US mail. First class rates for postcards and letters. Just put on a stamp and put the flag up on your mailbox!
Packages are a bit more complicated. The fastest way to send a package is by Priority Mail. Free Priority Mail supplies are available from your local Post Office or can be ordered direct from the USPS website. This includes free boxes, envelopes, labels and stickers. For detailed instructions on ordering from the website, click here.
All packages are subject to high heat and much bouncing around. Ch= oose items accordingly and pack securely. Scented items and liquids should be placed in zip lock bags. Use lots of packaging tape! If you're going to be sending lots of packages, one of those packaging tape "rollers" is a good investment. Because of the heat, aerosol cans are not a good idea.
Each package will require a customs declaration form. It is easiest if these are filled out before you go to the PO. Get a handful on your first visit and you'll be prepared for the next time. (For a more detailed explanation on filling out the customs form, please see answer #13 below.)
Some items are NOT ALLOWED in care packages - pork or pork products, alcohol, pornography, glass containers or anti Muslim literature. For a detailed list, click here.
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| How long does it take a letter or package to get to my adopted soldier? |
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In general you can figure at least 10 days for a letter and 14 days for a package. If your soldier is moving around or "in the field", it may take longer.
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| Where is my soldier located? |
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For a list of locations in Iraq, click here:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/iraq.htm
For an Iraq Zip Code list, click here:
usmilitary.about.com/cs/wars/a/iraqzipcodes.htm
For military abbreviations, click here:
www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/acronym_index.html
Many Units have webapges. Put the name of the unit in your search engine and see what you can find.
Ships List Zip Codes
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/lists/ship-fpo.html
US Forces Order of Battle April 2004
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_orbat.htm
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| Can I deduct items sent to my soldier? |
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According to IRS publication 526, you may deduct items or services given to an orgainzation as a whole, but not to a specific individual. Therefore, you may not deduct items or postage to send to your individual soldier, salior, marine, or airman.
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| How do I fill out the customs form? |
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First off, what you'll need is Form 2976-A, nicknamed the "long white form." Form 2976-A is required for all boxes weighing over 1 pound (16 oz.) regardless of size.
There is another, little green form like a sticker that can be used if you're shipping a box under 1 pound or if you're shipping something other than a box (for example, like a big padded manila envelope.)
Now for a quick explanation on filling out Form 2976-A:
-In the "From" section: your address
-In the "To" section: your soldier's address
Do not put the name of the country (ex. "Iraq") in the "Country" section, otherwise your package could accidentally get routed into the international mail system.
1- Detailed Description of Contents-- doesn't need to be hugely detailed. Some post offices require more detail than others-- a brief list is probably your best bet.
2- Qty (quantity)-- you should be fine leaving this blank
3-4 Skip
5-6 Value: doesn't have to be absolutely exact; just pick an estimate and put the same amount in both spots
7-9 Skip
Check one: Check "Airmail/Priority" if you're shipping Priority; "Surface/Nonpriority" if you're using Parcel Post
10 Check one: Check "Gift"
11-14 Skip
15 Date and sign
16 Sender's Instructions in Case of Nondelivery: Check on "Redirect to Address Below" and put "Chaplain-- same address" if you'd like any soldier to get your box in case your adoptee doesn't get it. If you'd rather have the box returned to you, then just check "Return to Sender."
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