Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Fort Report: Holiday Mail for Heroes Program

November 30, 2012

As we head into the month of December, there are a number of issues Congress must consider, including the fiscal cliff and tax reform. But for now, we have a special opportunity to say thanks to the people who actually make it all possible – our brave men and women in uniform. We are grateful for their service and commitment to the security and well-being of all Americans.

This year, as in years past, there are special organized efforts to express thanks to our military heroes who spend this Christmas away from family and friends and the comfort and joy of their homes. The "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program, sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc., gathers Christmas and holiday cards from people across America to deliver to U.S. military members. I took some time this week to sign a few cards for our troops. If you wish to learn more and participate in this year's "Holiday Mail for Heroes," please review the program guidelines at the end of this Fort Report or for more detailed information, visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon Channel asked me to record a Christmas greeting for our troops to be broadcast worldwide. I couldn't get the actual video, but here is some behind-the-scenes footage. It's a bit rough, kind of like being on reality TV, I guess. I invite you to click here to watch the video and I hope you will join me in sending a Christmas card to our troops.

Information on the Holiday Mail for Heroes Program

To ensure your card will reach a service member, please follow these guidelines:

• All cards must be received at the following PO Box by Friday, December 7, 2012.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

• All cards should be signed.

• Use generic salutations such as "Dear Service Member, Family, or Veteran."

• Do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.

• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gifts, or letters.

• If sending more than one card, mail all the cards together in one shipping envelope or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.