By Samantha L. Quigley

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009 - A recent increase in mail addressed to "Any Servicemember" has prompted the Military Postal Service Agency to remind the general public not to send mail or care packages addressed in such a manner. "Mail to 'Any Servicemember/Any Wounded-Recovering Warrior,' deposited into a collection box and erroneously accepted at a United States Postal Service post office will not be delivered," MPSA officials said in a news release. "This restriction applies to all classes and types of mail."

The Defense Department suspended the "Any Servicemember" and "Operation Dear Abby" programs in 2001 following the terrorist attacks. The policy was adopted as a way to bolster force protection.

"Even though these programs may provide an excellent means of support to deployed personnel and wounded-recovering warriors, they also provide an avenue to introduce hate mail and hazardous substances or materials into the mail system," MPSA officials said in the release.

The Dear Abby program, founded by the newspaper advice columnist, delivered mail to U.S. servicemembers overseas during the holiday season for 25 years. "Any Servicemember" mail grew out of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Since shortly after the start of recent operations in the Middle East, many grassroots organizations have made sure servicemembers know they're remembered. Those interested in writing to servicemembers can visit the Defense Department's Community Relations Web site and click the "Citizen Support" link on the right side of the page to find groups that support troops with letters.

Middle of the week already

It's Wednesday already.....where has the time gone? I sent out 6 packages today....one was actually to our son. We had picked him up an Old Navy shirt so getting that out along with the clipping from my hand getting it's 15 min of fame week before last. Still have a couple more packages to send out & I should be caught up. I am getting some cards made along the way tho I am sticking them in the packages....thank you & encouragement type cards. Need to get a couple of projects done for the packages tomorrow as I will be out tomorrow nite & again on Friday. Want to get these in the mail Friday afternoon.

Talked to "The Communicator" a couple times today.....actually me once & then he talked to his dad this evening. He is putting in for leave next month & wants to bring his girlfriend with him to stay here also. A major dilemma for sure. I really do not think he is ready to get married at this time but if we don't let him stay he will go to a friend of his who we definitely do not like & then we prolly won't see him at all. Not sure why she isn't going to stay with her family as they are basically local too. This parenting thing just doesn't get easier at all does it?

If he is going to try to get leave I'm gonna talk to him about this item I saw on Jack Army about 1,106 soldiers ordered back to recruiting duty. Maybe he can apply for Hometown Recruiting & stay a couple extra weeks. Would be nice for him to earn some extra cash for sure. Hope he will have enough time to put in for it......I think he has to give 2 weeks notice for that maybe. I know he didn't get it done in time for Exodus in December. Will be good to see him but wish it wasn't with so much drama involved.

Well.......it's late.....gonna head off to bed. Have a good Thursday all.