AnySoldier.com Review

If you have ever wondered how you can support members of our armed services, one great option is AnySoldier.com.  This website provides a gateway to finding deployed troops who would love to read a letter from someone, see a few pictures of your own family, gets some words of encouragement, and perhaps receive some personal supplies or snacks to munch on.

How does the site work?

It's really easy. Just go to the AnySoldier .com website, click on ''Where to Send'', and you'll have access to requesting 1 or 2 contacts from hundreds upon hundreds of active units.  Their APO/FPO address will be e-mailed to you immediately. The contact name will give a brief summary of the unit, including branch of service as follows:

• Army
• Air Force
• Marines
• Navy
• Coast Guard

Also it will include the number of members in the unit (males/females), country they are in, how long they'll be deployed, and which state most of them are from.

The contact will have more information, which could be a brief request for certain items or several lengthy paragraphs and even photos.  I strongly suggest looking at a dozen or so contact names (or more) to get a feel for who you may want to support.  Eventually someone's page will jump out at you and you'll be delighted to send some support right away.

What to send?

You can send them a post card, letters, or make the leap and send a care package stuffed full of goodies. The contact page will most likely have a ''wish list'' of things they need and living conditions. Whatever you do, don't send personal care items like soap or deodorant in the same box as food. The scents will permeate everything and ruin the food!  Here are some items I have sent at various times:

• Beef Jerky
• Trail Mix, Nut mixes
• Potato chips, corn chips  (in containers, like Pringles)
• Hard candy, gum (no chocolate, it melts!)
• Pretzels, crackers
• Microwaveable meals
• Soap, Shampoo. Deodorant, Razors
• Female hygiene items
• Baby wipes (they use these a lot!)
• Magazines, books, crossword puzzles, playing cards
• Batteries
• Pens, paper, misc. supplies
• Sheets, pillow cases
• Socks
• Sun screen

Will I hear back?

You will not necessarily hear back, and to be honest you should not expect to. The deployed troops are often very busy, move around, and may not have ready access to e-mail facilities or writing paper. That doesn't mean they don't appreciate whatever support they get. They do!  That being said, I have gotten a thank you letter or e-mail from about 15% of contacts, which is about average. If you really want to hear back look for a contact that says they will try to acknowledge your support. But again, this should be about them, not about you.

What else should I know?

The AnySoldier .com website is loaded with information about the organization and how to support the troops. You can support the website by sending a monetary donation or you can buy ready-made personal care kits they will send to troops who are in real need.

I strongly suggest reading the Forum to learn more about sending packages. You'll want to make sure the package is securely taped-up, all the address information is filled-out correctly, including a customs form, what not to send, and how much it will cost. The Forum also has many heartfelt stories (good and bad) about experiences the troops and other support members have had while using the site.

What are you waiting for?

So maybe you want to help the troops but feel weird about sending support to people you don't know.  Maybe you think all the time, money, and effort is a waste. After all, why isn't the government providing them with everything they need?  Well, I'll simply say we're dealing with the real world here. These people have volunteered to serve the country and do not have sufficient support from anyone back home.

If supporting the troops interests you then set-aside your personal qualms and log onto AnySoldier.com. You may never know who you helped, but you'll know that someone out there is enjoying getting a card, letter, or care package from someone back home who cared enough to support them. Even if you send support just once, you'll never regret it!