My Soldier Pen Pal Program:

Give Thanks To The Troops With The Gift Of Friendship

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Can you imagine celebrating Christmas in the blistering desert heat or bone-chilling mountain cold? These are just a few of the challenges that face members of our Armed Forces on a daily basis.

This is sixth year Americans will celebrate the holidays while troops are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Manhattanville College My Soldier office reports that soldiers tell them that around the holidays “the need for mail and emotional support is greatest.”

The Manhattanville My Soldier pen pal program offers the opportunity for Americans to give their thanks by giving the gift of friendship and support to the brave men and women of the military who are deployed in hardship areas. The goal of the program is to show support for troops serving in hardship areas by establishing pen-pal relationships with them. Participants also get something in return: the warm feeling that comes from making a difference and in the process, maybe even a new friend.

Richard Berman, Manhattanville president and cofounder of the My Soldier pen pal program, notes, “Civilians coping with the demands of everyday life often forget the sacrifice of our soldiers. As we pay the rent and go shopping and raise our children, we take for granted our relative security and prosperity compared to the rest of the world.

“Soldiers, however, know all too well the chaos and turmoil of trouble spots because they witnessed it firsthand. By writing letters and sending occasional care packages, civilians show how grateful we all are for everything our soldiers and marines do to protect our freedom and liberties,” he said.

He adds that joining the My Soldier program as a family can be a meaningful holiday activity. “We have had every scenario of family participating imaginable.” Individuals and groups from different generations have participated. Writers get to know soldier, establishing friendships. Children learn the values of service and community.

To participate individually, with a group, or as a family, sign up at MySoldier.com. Within a week registrants will receive a starter kit with guidelines for contacting their “adopted” soldier, a bracelet to wear as a show of support for their soldier until he or she returns home safely, and a special embroidered hat to send to their soldier with first correspondence.

The My Soldier office notes that the United States Post Office (USPS) has announced December 11 as the deadline to guarantee holiday delivery for letters and packages being mailed first class to APO/FPO military addresses.

For more information visit MySoldier.com or call 914-323-5172.

The program is free; for those who can afford it, however, a voluntary donation is requested to counter the costs of postage and operating expenses.