When receiving cards from strangers while on deployment, What did you hope they would write in the card?

SGT Joseph Rathvon — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:05:09 -0500

As the holiday season approaches many of us will be sending cards and packages to service members on deployment. I am sure most of us were on the receiving end of many similar mailings. What did you hope someone would write to you? Did the generic "Thank you for your service", and " thinking of you and your family this holiday" suffice and fill you with joy, or did you hope for something more?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Nov 29 at 2016 2:20 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:20:24 -0500

Something given freely? I had no expectations. That said, if a card touched me, I would write back...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 2:21 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:21:46 -0500

I just liked hearing about their holidays and their family. Many were veterans who shared incredible stories.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 29 at 2016 2:37 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:37:31 -0500

Honestly, the only thing I hoped for ever was to hear from my family. But once my little brother got his entire class to send me a card. Seeing all those names brought tears to my eyes. It didn't even matter what most of the kids wrote. Just seeing all those names signing a card for me floored me.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Nov 29 at 2016 8:29 PM

LTC John Mohor — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 20:29:08 -0500

Just the fact that they remembered us and expressed their care for us was enough for me. I've made donations to the USO ever since!