Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Several months ago, I heard about this group, called Reagan Roundup. Started by the mother of one of the sailors on the USS Ronald Reagan, people started 'adopting' the sailors, sending cards, letters and packages to them. Like all good things, it grew and it now includes all branches of the military. 

My first soldier was an administrative assistant/driver at the Army base in Kuwait, just across the Iraqi border.  I sent her cards, amusing clippings, and goodies in her I-care packages.  This was her third tour there.  She worked 15 hour days, with no days off and had little time to write back.  But, when she did, she enthused how the little items I included in her packages made such a difference and she felt  her sacrifices and efforts were really being appreciated.  

We were pen pals for about 6 months when I got this email from her:

"Hi Retta, I am so glad that I actually have computer access today.  I wanted to let you know that I found out last week that I will be heading back to the states this weekend.  Talk about your short notice....  I wanted to let you know before anything else was mailed out.   I really wanted to tell you that you have made this deployment for me.  Your continued support and friendship has been such a breath of fresh air.  I have to tell you...sometimes it feels as if we are kind of forgotten about..sadly sometimes by our own families because the length of this war so far.  You are such an amazing person.  You have a huge heart....and I will never forget you.  If you would like to keep in touch once I redeploy my stateside address is as follows ..."

Well, Eva got home to her pre-teen daughter just in time for Mother's Day, and I'll continue to write her. 

I just heard from my new pen pal and have been putting together his next package.  It's just writing cheery notes and letters, just so they'll get something in the mail from someone who cares.  And if you can't afford to send packages, you can get a pen pal who just wants mail.

Regardless of what you feel about the war (I'm a mother, I hate all war!) these guys and gals are sacrificing a lot to do what their country asks of them.  And Bless them, they share all the goodies they get with each other.  Eva reported that whole batch of chocolate chip cookies was gone in 10 minutes!

So, here is yet another way if you want to make a difference!