How To Become Pen Pals With a Soldier

Break out the pen and paper, and practice your chicken scratch! A handwritten letter is much more personal, thoughtful, and enjoyable than something churned out by a printer. A little longhand shows you spent some time on your note.

Start your letter with “Dear Soldier.”

Introduce yourself by giving your pen pal a few details about yourself. Include your name, where you’re from, how old you are, and a few fun facts.

Tell the soldier how much you appreciate their service. A little encouragement goes a long way in a tough situation.

Pretend that you’re writing to a friend, and share funny anecdotes or even your favorite joke.

If you’d like to send the soldier a care package, ask them if they have any special requests — but don’t expect a reply. If a soldier has time to write a letter, it will probably be to their family or friends.

Don’t share your pen pal’s contact information with other would-be writers. If you’ve got friends who are eager to drop our troops a line, encourage them to contact the same pen-pal organization you used.