A Way to Say We Care...

I was researching links for teaching Julia to support our troops when I came across a system HQMC has instituted for sending mail to Marines and Sailors attached to Marine Units in Iraq today.

The system is for Marines/Sailors, their families and friends who want to send fast correspondence. It is called MotoMail. The site address is: http://www.motomail.us/. The system works as follows:
1. Sender logs onto http://www.motomail.us/ to create the letter.
2. The letter is sent to the MotoMail server.
3. The designated USMC post office downloads the letter to a special machine which prints, folds, and seals the letter.
4. The letter is delivered through unit mail call.
5. Unlike e-mail, it allows a Marine/Sailor to keep a physical reminder of their loved ones with them at all times and can be read and re-read.Motomail is a unique Marine Corps system.

Delivery transit time is usually within 24 hours. It is free. Senders are required only to know unit addresses, not location.

The MotoMail Printer, Folder, and Sealer ensures complete privacy and that contents remain confidential.

Senders can track letters from submission, download and when it is printed. You cannot send pictures or graphics in your letter (jpegs/gif files).

For people who don't know Marines personally in theatre, but would like to send a note, there is a tab for Support the Troops where people can send messages.

These messages are reviewed by the Marine Corp prior to being posted. No individual information can be submitted (troop locations, etc). After they are reviewed, they will be printed out in the mail room and posted in the Chow Halls and Post Offices for everyone to see.

Individual emails are NOT posted unless the sender writes their email address in their note.

Currently there are 4 locations that can receive Motomail. Once it is printed, it is distributed accordingly to the various camps.

Another site I found was:
http://www.forgottensoldiers.org/write-soldier.shtml

If you are compelled to send care packages, then this is one way to go:
Another way to reach out is at http://www.anysoldier.com/

I know I'm going to write a few. Its my way of feeling less helpless, I suppose. I'm an Air Force Brat and know the lifestyle. It means a lot to know people - ordinary people - are proud.

- Elicia