Abizaid asks Congress to help stop unsolicited mail

  • Published
  • By Samantha L. Quigley
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The commander of U.S. Central Command is asking Congress for help in eliminating unsolicited mail to servicemembers.

Army Gen. John P. Abizaid said the military mail service is running at capacity, and he noted the propensity of America to be especially generous during the holidays.

"I would greatly appreciate your assistance in communicating to your constituents the challenges bulk donations from the public present," General Abizaid wrote in a letter provided to congressmen inquiring about mail issues.

Unsolicited mail is no longer accepted because of the stress it creates on the military mail system and because of the possible threat it can pose to servicemembers. Programs like "Operation Dear Abby" and the "Any Servicemember" mail program were suspended Oct. 30, 2002.

"As a matter of policy, the Department of Defense and United States Central Command generally discourage bulk donations because of the added burden on the DOD transportation and distribution system and the real threat of bioterrorism and associated security concerns," General Abiziad wrote.

The U.S. Postal Service no longer delivers items not addressed to a specific servicemember. If packages are left at a collection site and the sender can be determined, they will be returned. If no return address is listed, any care-package items will go to a local charity, a customer-service agent said.

Before images of Scrooge begin forming, there are other ways to support the troops. Dozens of organizations are accepting donations to put together care packages. They include the services' relief societies, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Red Cross, Armed Forces YMCA and the United Service Organizations.

Those wishing to support servicemembers through the USO, for example, have a choice of donation methods. Donations can be made through its Web site, by phone or in the mail.

Donations to the USO can be directed to one of several specific programs, including "Operation USO Care Package," which the DOD endorses. Through the USO care-package program, servicemembers receive items that they have indicated they want or need.

The USO also runs "Operation Phone Home," using donations to buy international phone cards in bulk for distribution to deployed troops. A general donation to the USO supports, in part, USO centers worldwide that offer free Internet and e-mail, as well as a place to just hang out during down time. The newest such center is set to open in Afghanistan by the end of the year.

Donors should not feel that just because they have not personally wrapped a care package that the donation is anonymous. Many organizations provide some method of letting troops know who is supporting them.

"If they donate online," said Donna St. John, USO communications director, "they can include a message for the troops."

General Abizaid commended the "admirable" efforts of the American people in demonstrating their support to the country's deployed servicemembers. He is, however, encouraging a refocusing of generosity so American servicemembers get the maximum benefit of donated goods.