As we continue into 2005, many of you may be interested in ways to express your appreciation to the men and women of the Armed Forces currently deployed overseas.  The military has seen an unprecedented outpouring of gifts and mail from the home front, a testament to the support from families and other individuals alike.

However, the high volume of mail has also created its own problems, such as slowing the delivery of mail and packages from family members and concerns about security.  Therefore, the Department of Defense suspended the "Any Service member" and "Operation Dear Abby" programs in 2001 (DoD Press Release Here) and strongly encouraged individuals who are not family members to use non-mail programs to express their support.

There are quite a few programs available to the general public for this purpose, and some of them are listed below.  While you review the information, please remember that there are also families and veterans remaining in the U.S. who may also appreciate your thoughts and well-wishes during this time of war.  Try contacting a local veterans' organization, such as the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars to see if they need volunteers for food drives, rental assistance, or care packages to families locally who are affected by a loved one being deployed.  I hope that this information helps you decide which way to show your support for those who are answering their country's call to service. 

U.S. Postal Service Information 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions from the Postal Service on mailing packages to soldiers, sailors and airmen currently serving overseas.

http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html
A site that provides general support information, including links to organizations outside of the military.

http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/About.html
With the closing of the "Any Service Member" program, Operation Dear Abby has teamed up with the Armed Forces to create an electronic messaging system that allows people to communicate with deployed troops without using the traditional mail system. 

http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
A similar site dedicated specifically to those serving in the U.S. Army.

http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/
Information about how to volunteer in local veterans hospitals and clinics.

http://www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) runs all Post Exchanges and Commissaries throughout the military, even in locations such as Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.  They have developed a program that allows individuals to donate gift cards for service members to use to purchase items at these locations.  This is an excellent way to fulfill your desire to provide small luxuries, while not impacting the flow of mail from families.