- Tales of romance during the world wars are legendary. Soldiers would sometimes get engaged---or even married---shortly before shipping out. Love letters exchanged in a time of war are sometimes passed down for generations in a family, a testimony to love without physical contact, dating or the rewards of a traditional romance.
- To become a military pen pal, connect to soldiers through one of the many nonprofit organizations that link servicemen and women with civilians back home. Business that charge a fee or are for-profit should be avoided.
- You may find that your military pen pal becomes a friend for life. Some appropriate topics when writing an initial letter to a soldier include asking about the school he went to, pets he has or had, and his hopes for the future. Many choose the service as a path to a college education. You may cheer him up by allowing him the chance to talk about all that he hopes for the future. By being a willing ear and asking questions, you give him a forum to be heard and appreciated for who he is.
Thank the serviceman for his dedication and sacrifice in service. You don't have to agree with war to agree that he is working hard to protect the rights of this country, and he is likely among those of all walks of life and financial situations who turn to service as an obligation, an honor or a step up in life. - Some people use the military pen pal organizations as a way of arguing political beliefs, to try to "wake up" enlisted military men and women by arguing the nature of the war in which they serve. This is not helpful for the average soldier, who may or may not agree with the war but may have enlisted before it broke out and is doing as her superiors command, and doing such a thing is highly discouraged. Those wishing to address political concerns should address the politicians and authorities within the military. Becoming a pen pal to debate is not recommended. Certainly a healthy (and serviceman-initiated) debate is just fine, but it should not be the basis of any contact or military pen pal friendship.
Some see having a military pen pal as a way of meeting someone they may wish to befriend or date later. This is not recommended. The focus of a pen pal friendship should initially be on bringing cheer, comfort and a piece of home to someone serving his country. - Every country has specific rules and laws regarding mail. For instance, for the troops currently in Iraq, do not send any kind of pornography, written or visual. Nude photographs are also forbidden. Liquid hand sanitizers should not be sent, nor should any other liquids. Homemade goods that can go bad along the way should be avoided completely, in case the mail is delayed by days or weeks. Pork products should not be sent. Anything that goes against the Islamic faith in a bulk amount is also forbidden. See the USPS website for a list of other things that should be avoided.
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