From the U.S. Army War College Memorial Chapel Bulletin, 29 November 2009:
Due to security restrictions, Walter Reed Army Medical Center cannot accept generic mail addressed to “A Recovering Soldier” or “Any Soldier.” In past years, hundreds of cards were returned to senders because of misleading e-mails. However, the American Red Cross can accept, screen, and deliver holiday cards and letters sent to encourage our wounded heroes recovering at Walter Reed. Do NOT enclose gift cards or money. Address all cards and letters to:
A Recovering Soldier
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P. O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
In order to reach recovering service member at Walter Reed before Christmas, cards and letters should be postmarked NO LATER THAN Monday, December 7. This address will be shut down on January 4, 2010.
Addendum: All military installations, not just Walter Reed, cannot accept these letters and packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “A Recovering American Soldier” letters or packages. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.
One Comment
A group of us at the high school I teach at do a “Letters for Soldiers” drive this time of year for the last 3-4 years and it has been heart warming how many students write some fairly incredibly thoughtful letters.
Chris