Utah Soldiers in the Middle East

Hundreds of Utah troops are currently deployed in the Middle East and I have heard from many soldiers, their families, and others who are concerned about their welfare.

Utahns have always proudly served this nation when asked to contribute to the nation's defense, which is why it is so important to me that our soldiers are utilized appropriately and return home as soon as possible.

The resources on this page are designed to help Reservist families and anyone who is concerned about how to best help our troops. Thank you.

Supporting the Troops

Q: Where can I send care packages or letters to the troops?

A: First, thank you for your generosity. If you would like to send a message, please email the troops. You may also want to consider donating a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families via Operation Uplink. Unfortunately, unsolicited generic mail and care packages are no longer accepted due to the strain on the military mail system. Programs like "Operation Dear Abby" and the "Any Servicemember" mail program were suspended Oct. 30, 2002.

Q: Can I get the names and addresses of people from this community deployed to the Gulf, as I would like to send a letter thanking them?

A: The names and addresses of troops deployed around the world are not disclosed for security reasons.

You may want to sign a virtual thank you card. You may also send messages via the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper which includes a daily "Messages of Support" section giving family and friends of deployed service members a chance to pass along greetings, announcements, and words of encouragement. Such messages (LIMITED TO 50 WORDS OR LESS) will be printed on a first-come, first-run basis. Messages may be sent to: messages@stripes.com.

Q: How do I donate to a military relief organization?

A: There are many different relief organizations you can donate to, should you so choose:

• Armed Forces Relief Trust- represents the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force relief societies
• American Red Cross
  The Red Cross is also launching Treasures for Troops, a program that offers a way for Americans to brighten the day for deployed men and women in uniform serving overseas. You can provide troops with a gift from home with a $20 donation to the American Red Cross Treasures for the Troops program.
• The American Legion
• Fisher House
• Operation Hero Miles
• Gift of Groceries

Q: What if I am unable to donate but am interested in volunteering my time?

A: Volunteer efforts in a time of miliary conflict are incredibly important. If you have time and are interested in donating your services, please contact the Salt Lake Veterans Hospital to honor veterans.

TROOP SAFETY

Note: This list of questions was prepared by the Department of Defense and may address some of your concerns. Please contact Congressman Matheson's office if you have additional questions.

Q: My loved one has been deployed to the Middle East. I have not heard anything from him/her for a while and I am worried. How can I find out if he/she is safe?

A: Given the high tempo of operations in the Gulf right now, it is not surprising that you haven’t heard anything. In fact, it is quite normal. Our troops are often in remote locations, or too busy to get to a phone or computer. Mail is also being slowed down as our ships and planes are completely filled with essential military and humanitarian equipment.

Q: How do I get information about casualties? Can Congressman Matheson find out if they are safe?

A: Each of the military services has a robust system for making casualty notifications. In the event of tragedy, next of kin are notified very quickly. It may not put your mind at ease, but in this case, no news is good news. In the event of casualties, the appropriate military service is responsible for notifying the next of kin. These notifications take place very quickly. Names and hometowns of those killed or injured are released ONLY if the next of kin gives permission.