Anyone know much about anysoldier.com?

[kevinbgoode]

Once again it is the holiday season, and those of us who think about our troops overseas might be also thinking about ways to show them our support. And while there are programs out there like the USO and places that provide phone cards to soldiers, I was surprised to find out about this organization which seems to have the support of Democratic Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (Maryland. . he's an honorary member of this organization).

A friend of mine was telling me about this web site and organization while we were driving down the highway to celebrate the holiday today. . .and, while I haven't looked at everything at the site yet, what I do like is that it seems much more personal and direct than some of the other programs I've seen to send necessities to our soldiers. While I was talking with my friend, we decided that we wanted to put something together to send one of the units in need. . .their supply requests include things as simple as chapstick or soap. . .dvds or cds. . .

My apologies if someone has mentioned this organization before - if someone knows more about this, maybe you could enlighten us with additional information and/or stories of experiences in sending things through this group. At any rate, I'd encourage anyone who would like to know more about them and their mission to visit the web site at:

http://www.anysoldier.com


and get a sense of what this organization does in trying to directly communicate with our soldiers/sailers/airmen overseas. There are multiple links to sister sites for each branch of the services.

[redwitch]

1. my town Dem committee has sent packages through this group

We think it is a good organization. We sent shampoo, soap, lotion, stationery, letters, books, candy etc. I think it is a great way to support the troops. Not sure what kind of feedback we got if any, I am sure all care packages are greatly appreciated.

[kevinbgoode]

2. Thanks! We were talking about this as a holiday project

and actually got excited about certain things we could put together ..you know, along with something special, like some gourmet cookies/popcorn, or some really good coffee.

I started reading some of the posts at this site and they really are personal. . .it makes you feel like you are much more directly connected with the people out there serving our country.

[Skittles]

3. I have sent many packages through anysoldier

use their search methods to keep track of your troops

[walldude]

4. IIRC this was started because you used to be

able to send packages to the army addressed to "Any Soldier" but they put a stop to that at the beginning of the war(there they go supporting the troops again) so Anysoldier was created to help people who didn't personally know a soldier serving in combat could contribute..

[silverlib]

5. Great!

A P&J group I'm in adopted a newly deployed unit in Afghanistan back in March through this site. We picked Th's group because one of them was from Austin and it was a small unit of eight - three women and five men. Anysoldier will tell you not to expect a response. Not only do we receive letters, but one of the soldiers visited the group when he was home on leave. The troops enjoy the stuff we send, but I really think they enjoy the letters more than anything.

Of course, we don't talk about our agenda. This is hard at times.