Writing a Letter to a Soldier

1. Write your letter or note by hand (you don't need a computer!) and feel free to include pictures, and artwork (adult & child). There is a lot of negativity going around and frequently, the Soldiers do not want to be where they are, doing whatever they are doing. Keep letters positive and light to help get them through the day.

2. Use a general, positive salutation such as “Dear Hero”, “Dear Brave Patriot”

3. Express your gratitude for their service & how proud you are of them with phrases such as “Thank you so much for your service”, and “I am so thankful for you and all the other Soldiers who are sacrificing their time, energy, and lives to keep me safe and free.” If you have connections in the military, mention that.

4. Write about yourself in broad detail and avoid mentioning or writing specific dates as delivery times vary– “I'm Ellen, I'm a CPA in Omaha, and my father served in the Marines in Vietnam”, “My name is Joe. I am in the 4th grade. I like spelling class and recess but not math. I have a little sister named Rose.” Our service members love homefront updates, funny notes, and genuine correspondence from other people about the day-to-day events. It makes them feel connected, even if they are thousands of miles from home. Tell them funny stories. As long as no one was hurt and the result is 100% funny, share it.

   Use the following list or brainstorm some topics of your own to write a story to share with the soldier you are writing to.  

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               Gardening          Cars                Sports       Cooking/baking       Pets               Nature        Hiking           Fishing

               Local events       Holidays         Movies      TV Shows                  Hobbies        DIY              Family           Favorite Foods

               Grilling/BBQ’s    Travel              School       Local Attractions     Collections   Books          Careers        Video Games

               Weather              Home Remodeling         Work (unless it’s super negative, then skip this one)        ​

                Community Service/ Volunteer Work

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   5.  Avoid mentioning death, killing, politically charged or polarizing topics to a stranger. Remain kind and uplifting throughout.     

        Consider the following question- if you were invited to supper with a stranger, is this a topic you'd want to introduce to someone else in their own home?

   6.  An adult may provide contact information if you wish but don't expect a reply.

   7.  Add a closing sign-off and your first (and maybe last if adult) name. “Yours Truly”, “Sincerely”

   8.  You don't have to put in individual envelopes encouraging a group to write and gather a collection of letters. Leave the finished letters in the collection barrel or send them to Operation Empowering Hope 9125 Hampshire Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN          55445. Consider donating to cover shipping costs.

 

 

Suggestions were adapted from the following resources. Feel free to check them out for further ideas!

 

WikiHow

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Letters-to-Soldiers#Writing-an-Uplifting-Letter-to-a-Soldier

 

https://soldierangels.org/how-to-write-your-first-letter/

How to Write Your First Letter - Soldiers' Angels

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Sandboxx

Sandboxxhttps://www.sandboxx.us/blog/have-writers-block-heres-what-to-say-in-a-letter-to-a-soldier/

 

https://www.livingasunshinelife.com/writing-letters-to-deployed-soldiers-what-not-to-write/ WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY TO A SOLDIER?