Some advice on writing to someone in the forces?

moromir

Firstly I apologise if this is the wrong place to post, it just seemed more appropriate than the other forums.

So to cut a long story short - I've spent a couple of years not actually doing very much with my spare time, and recently starting to feel that well... I've been wasting my life a bit! So I came up with a list of 'things I could do that would be nice for others', one of which was that I thought maybe I could write to somebody serving in the forces.

I saw a link (on the MSE forums) to an article by Deidre at The Sun which spoke about writing to people in the forces and saying you could email in for a list of people who would like to recieve letters which I dutifully did and received the list today.

Took myself off to the post office and got a couple of the blue envelopes to use and now I'm stuck. I actually don't know what to write.

Does anyone have any advice? I really don't know whether I am supposed to ask how it is there? or write about whats happening here?

Or whether they'd like to know about me? (Although this seems self centered and not in the spirit of what I was trying to do!).

Is there anything to avoid? (for example I imagine politics/the whole reason they're out there might be a bit of a no no?).

I've tried googling for help but most of the 'what to write to your penpal' sites seem geared towards young teens which doesn't really help me here!

Any advice would be much appreciated and once again apologies if this is not the appropriate forum for this post.

Alias_Omega

I would draft a letter maybe on the computer, and re-write it removing any personal information afterwards.

Maybe start with something small, maybe upto 6-8 lines and let them write back to you.

How about...

"Dear Reader,

I hope your well, Ive always said to myself that i would write to a soldier, so here we are. I hope you dont mind.

It's getting pretty cold back in the uk now. Summer is long gone, and Winter is knocking on the door. I dont know where Autum has gone. Its dark by 7 in the evening, and doesnt get light till 7:10am.

Not long and you will be home.

If you would like to write back to myself, i would be more than pleased.

Take care,

(insert name)
(insert an address, maybe a work one at first.?)

oscardog

You could also place a penpal advert in Soldier magazine. It is read around the world and reaches pretty much every Army location. We had a number of blokes with penpals on operations and it is very much welcomed.

bowesworld

That is how I meet my wife !!

skylight

I have emailed Deidre as well.

ICATQ

Just a few basics to start with and see if they are interested in writing back.

Normal life is always nice to read about when on Ops. Obviously blokes wont (shouldnt) talk about operational stuff apart from generalisation so best not to ask from the outset.

MRSMCAWBER

Hi there

I met hubby that way too ..I was sat one day reading "best" magazine back in 2000 and someone was asking for people to write to the lads in Bosnia... so I did... a long rambling letter to "whoever" about me and where I was from and what I did etc and asking about their family, trade etc... and low and behold I landed me my hubby ....nothing like having to "go" all the way to Bosnia to find my soul mate
Im sure that a lot of the lads will be just gratefull to hear from someone

linz81

Hi guys sorry to bump this post but thought it was the most relevant to my question!

I've started writing to an old friend of mine who's been in the Army for 12 years now and is currently posted in the Falklands. I'm happy with the writing letters side of it but my question is around what (if anything) can I send to him?

I've asked him if there's anything he needs (as I had no idea what you can and can't post and what he has access to there) but he said the NAAFI store is well stocked and he has his hard drive with many films on it, although I could send him something if I wanted to?! I thought it would be a nice gesture as he's posted there for a long time and with him being there over Christmas and New Year something from home would cheer him up.
He is a friend, no romantic interest at all from either side so any suggestions you could give me would be great.

Thanks in advance...:beer:

ICATQ

I was sent xmas decos when I was in Basra to decorate my 'room'. You couldnt get them anywhere on Camp so that was a bit of morale.

Doesnt really matter, just nice to get stuff from the UK. I recently sent a box out to a couple of mates in Afghan, there was a individual xmas pudding, some chocs, a couple of small toys and mini crackers, choc coins, etc etc, sort of things you get in stockings.

Nothing perishable as it wont survive!

BFPO website gives details of things you cant send.

Alias_Omega

If your from the same area, then throw in some of them free newspapers you get.

Alias

dizzygillespie

linz81 wrote: »

Hi guys sorry to bump this post but thought it was the most relevant to my question!

I've started writing to an old friend of mine who's been in the Army for 12 years now and is currently posted in the Falklands. I'm happy with the writing letters side of it but my question is around what (if anything) can I send to him?

I've asked him if there's anything he needs (as I had no idea what you can and can't post and what he has access to there) but he said the NAAFI store is well stocked and he has his hard drive with many films on it, although I could send him something if I wanted to?! I thought it would be a nice gesture as he's posted there for a long time and with him being there over Christmas and New Year something from home would cheer him up.
He is a friend, no romantic interest at all from either side so any suggestions you could give me would be great.

Thanks in advance...:beer:

The NAAFI may be well stocked but its also pricey, so I think any sweet/choc treats would be good to send, and what about a comedy dvd if he has his laptop with him?