No free mail for our troops -

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

No free packages to war zones


WHAT’S UP: The Defense Department convinced Congress to kill a propos­al that would have allowed every service member deployed in a combat zone to get a 15-pound package from home each month shipped at government expense. Defense officials said there doesn’t seem to be a lack of mail arriv­ing in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that free packages could over­whelm the military’s mail system.


WHAT’S NEXT: Rejection of the free mail vouchers by congressional negotia­tors during discussion of the 2010 defense autho­rization bill may be the final straw for this issue. Some lawmakers have been trying since the first troop deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan to get free mail approved but have failed each year. As the overall num­ber of deployed troops is reduced, getting broader support among lawmak­ers could become more difficult.






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MASTER SGT . KEVIN MCCANTS/MARINE CORPS

Marines sort mail earlier this year at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Defense officials said it isn’t necessary to allow free packages to be sent to the war zones, saying troops get plenty of mail already.

[Julie]

Perhaps they have taken their cue from the British post office, see article below. I think it is aweful that the government treets the troops this way!!!!
Through campaigning by www.parcels43.co.uk earlier this year, the Royal Mail granted free parcel post to our serving troops in Iraq and Afghanistan until 7th December 2007. After this date it will cost £6.50 to send a 2kg parcel (max weight permitted). The postage price covers the carriage of the parcel, by the Royal Mail to the British Forces Post Office in London.

Imagine spending months on end sleeping in a tent, perhaps on the floor in unbearable temperatures, no day off. Often the parcels will contain basic items such as soap, shampoo and food items, but just as importantly it reminds our brave servicemen and women that we are proud of their efforts.
The aim of our campaign is to ask the Government to review this decision and extend free parcel postage all the while that our troops are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We need your support. Please show your support for our servicemen and women and sign the link below. Once you have done that, please forward the email on to 5 people you know. Thank you; you have made a soldier proud.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/parce...

[Molly mom of 2 + 330,701 sailors]

DAMN IT !!! I wrote so many letters requesting that for our troops ---congressmen after congressmen.
Ar ethey INSANE ????
Wonder what their multi-million dollar housed would look like if it wasnt for out troops ---who by the way live in sub-standard conditions for them to take a dip in their heated pool ~~
Ok enough of my soapbox --but you get it !!

[Susan mom to Niko]

They are a pathetic bunch... they say they support the troops... but actions or lack of action speak louder than their words!

[Barbara (Derek's Mom)]

I bet they get to do all their mailing on our dime!!

[nancy]

Its a sad day when the government thinks the troops serving get enough mail. I would think they couldn't get enough support and encouragement from those back home. Maybe all of our senators and congressmen and women need to do a one month stint over in a giant sandbox with freezing temps at nite and sweltering sun in the day while hauling around 80 pounds of gear. Not to mention the sandstorms and constant danger of being killed. But hey, it might mean sorting a little more mail....wouldn't want that burden on them.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I AGREE. Have always felt that the elected officials should spend some time doing what our military does.

just remember this at the elections of 2010.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

again, just remember all this in 2010. We, the people, can make the change that is needed.

[Yankee's Mom]

I will be getting the names of the persons in the Defense Department...letter writing in my future!! Even though the post office offers a discount to mail to a military address, can you imagine what $11.95 would add to a care package if we didn't have to pay the postage!! I know one of my Senators from Alabama, Richard Shelby works with the Defense Department, so that's one of my first investigations to see if he was one of those that convinced Congress. Got work to do!!

[Molly mom of 2 + 330,701 sailors]

GET EM YANKEE

[Cindy{Jordan's Mom}]

Hey Yankee-Doodle!!

Don't expect to get an answer back from Richard Shelby!! I have sent him so many petitions..NEVER--any response. Sentor Bachus, on the other hand will acknowledge. How many Navy Moms are there now? Would be great if over 26,000 Navy Moms flooded DOD!! That would make a statement!!

Yankee's Mom...lets get to it!!!!

Cindy~Jordan's Mom