Send A Holiday Card for a Soldier

Because of heightened security, military hospitals are not accepting anything that is not specifically addressed to a specific service personal and they are ending up being returned or in the trash.  You can read more at http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/walterreed.asp.

Instead, the recommendation is to send mail through a program set up through The Red Cross:

As they have done in the past, for the 2013 holiday season the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are sponsoring a “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program to distribute holiday cards to service members, a program that encompasses not just troops who are recovering in military hospitals but also service members stationed throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as veterans and their families.

Well-wishers who would like to send Christmas (and other seasonal) cards to U.S. service members should address those cards as follows:

All cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, 6 December 2013 in order to ensure sufficient time for sorting and distribution before the holidays.

Read more at http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Thank you Red Cross for stepping up.

Original  Send A Holiday Card for a Soldier article

The holidays can be a lonely time for many – particularly if you are away from home and laid up in a hospital.  Practice a Random Act of Kindness and share a holiday card for a soldier.

A Holiday Card for a Soldier

by Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos

It is the Holiday season and some of our countries most precious assets, our injured soldiers, are lying in hospital beds. Think of the difference we can make in someone’s life who has given us so much, with one card. When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send a holiday card for a soldier to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people who have sacrificed so much will get. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

Here is a sample text for a holiday card for a soldier:

Dear Soldier,

You don’t know me, but I know you. You are one of my Heroes. You put your life on the line for me and almost paid the ultimate price. During this nation’s time of Thanksgiving, I am sending you this letter of gratitude.

When I hang my head for grace, you will be in my prayers. When I raise my glass in cheer, you will be in my heart, and when I give thanks for all I have, including the freedom to write this, you will be in my thoughts.

A Grateful American,
(Your Name)

Click HERE to Connect with your Daily Horoscope!

About the Author

Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos is a two-time stage-four breast cancer survivor who penned SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing. She is represented by Scovil, Galen & Ghosh Literary Agency & Steve Allen Media. She’s a phone counselor for R.A. BLOCH Cancer Foundation, Q&A cancer columnist for CapeWomenOnlineMagazine, an inspirational speaker, mentor, cancer volunteer, and Cambridge Who’s Who Executive Professional of the Year 2009-2010.  Connect with her at: www.survivingcancerland.com