Friday, September 6, 2013

I HAVE A GOAL, WON'T YOU HELP ME REACH IT


After receiving an email from a deployed hero made me realize just how much that these brave folks appreciate hearing from us, right? Show them that you care – take 2 minutes right now, reach beside you for a piece of paper and a pencil, and write a thank you. 

My goal is to send 100 Anyhero cards by Thanksgiving 2013.  Can you help me out? 

Remember that kids can also write letters or send coloring pages.

If you need to know where to send your letters please email me at woloszyn6289@verizon.net with the subject Any Hero.  I will post a count as I get letters on my blog so everyone will know where I stand.

Just some FAQ to help you out:

How long does it have to be?
These notes can be short or long; we get folks who write 2-3 page letters, others who jot a note in a storebought notecard, and kids who draw elaborate pictures or color downloaded pictures for our heroes to display. All are welcome!If you choose to use a storebought card with a sentiment inside, please jot a short note along with it instead of just signing it.
Who do I write it to?You can start your letter “Dear hero,” “To an American hero,” or a variation – or simply start with “Hello!” We use the term hero instead of soldier because then the letters can apply to any branch of the armed services.
Can it be typed?Handwritten really gives these letters a personal touch; you can keep it short if you don’t want to handwrite a lot!
Does it need to be stamped on the back or have an envelope?Neither are needed, but you may do both; the letters are placed in a ziploc bag on the top of our cards. Please don’t seal the envelopes, as our shippers review all mail before it’s sent.
Can I get others involved?Sure! Letter writing is a great community activity; we’ve had schools, corporate offices, holiday parties, all sorts of groups have had cardsignings. We’ve even had folks set up a table at a local store or art festival and invite people to write a note to a hero, and some have carried postcards on flights to ask other passengers to sign them. You’ll be amazed at how many people would enjoy writing a note.
What should I talk about in a letter?Anything! Thank them. Tell them the freedoms you’re grateful for. Share your life with them if you wish – describe your family, community, hobbies. They love to hear that life is going on well here at home – so send them a news clipping about a happy story in your hometown, or a cartoon that will make them smile. Tell them your pet’s latest antic.
What should I NOT talk about in a letter?Politics, negative news, anger about the war or society. Our heroes need positive encouragement, so save these views for the water cooler

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

THIS MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT

This is an email that I received from a solider for helping out with Operation Write Home:

Ms. Loughrey,

Thank you for taking the time to create cards for Operation Write Home.
As a deployed soldier I send three cards home per week to my family.

I enjoy looking through the boxes of cards to send home. The cards make
it easier for me to write home which both my family and I appreciate.

Thank you for your service to our country!

TIMOTHY CHRISTENSEN
MAJ, TC
Director, Rail Advisory Team
North Kabul Compound, Kabul