To the Editor:

It is that time of year again when we are putting our holiday decorations away and snow is beginning to fall. That means St Valentine’s Day is just a month away. This year, many of our military are stateside and so we are writing to many units in the US.

Perhaps you, your family, your students, your club, your church/synagogue organizations would like to send some “cheer” to our men and women on active duty? Cards or letters can be addressed “Dear Soldier,” “Dear Marine,” “Dear Airman,” “Dear Fellow American.” Young people can say “thank you for your service,” tell them about something that is special to them, favorite sport, subject in school, or their pet.

They can sign their first name and their town. They can include drawings or pictures if they like.

Middle or high school age students can write similar type cards and letters. Adults can write letters of cheer and thanks but can sign their full name and include contact information if they wish. Then the service member can write or email back and say, “Thank you for thinking of me!”

Many of our letters this year will be sent to a chaplain or a senior non-commissioned officer who will know which men or women are feeling blue or missing home. They will be able to give your correspondence to someone who could really use a pick-me-up.

This is the 16th year that we have been writing cards and letters. Over that time, we have sent cheer and greetings to tens of thousands of our military.

If you are interested in participating this year, please email me at AmericanLegionNewtown@gmail.com or call me at 203-577-9568.

Donna A. Monteleone — Commander

American Legion Post 202