the hero blog

From a military wife featured during Hero Arts’ blog challenge a few weeks ago; her husband received a box of cards last week:

They are beyond thrilled with the cards. He said they went fast. He was excited to snag a few to send home to our kids. I can’t thank you enough.

Because of you sending those cards, my hubby found out that a few of his Sgt’s are scrapbooking and cardmaking when they have down time. He had no idea and told me because he KNEW I would enjoy hearing that. I emailed back and forth the last few days to find out that they had used up almost everything they brought with them and said they would be grateful for anything we could send over. ha! I have a small store in my basement so I am boxing up stuff left and right for them. She said it’s something to help them get through the days and to make them sorta forget where they are.

She took pictures of the box and the guys and gals grabbing the cards. She will most likely send you an email or even a real card to thank you. Her name is Sgt. XX. Her husband, also Sgt. XX is leaving next year to go to Afghanistan for a 15 month deployment.

Have a great one!
-K.M.

I can hardly wait to see the SGT’s photos, can you??

From a military wife, dated 22 Aug 08:

Just wanted to let you know how much our family appreciates what you do.

My husband is deployed to Iraq right now and has sent my children and I some of your cards. They are so special and I know he appreciates being able to send some nice cards to us. Thank you so much for what you are doing. It makes a difference in peoples lives. It’s nice to know there are still people who realize our troops are still over there. Your organization not only supports the troops but their families as well. Thank You!

Sincerely,

N.D., Wiesbaden Germany

An email from a marine mom dated 04 July 08. Our cardmakers have been secretly showering her with cards (a card written to her son, that she can forward to him in his deployment); she knew about a different card shower, but not that she, too, would be washed over with gratitude for their family’s service to our nation:

Dear Sandy and the wonderful folks at Cards For Heroes ~

This note carries my sincere thanks and appreciation for the cards arriving here at my home.

Ironically, I checked my own mail as I returned from the Post Office yesterday with all the gifts for our wounded warriors overseas. At first I was confused by all these return addresses from people I didn’t know. But curiosity got the better of me and I flipped one of them over to open it . . . and I saw your loving messages of “We honor you by honoring your son”. I was sobbing before I even opened them J And I sobbed some more as I saw your amazing art, and the ~*~ sweet ~*~ heart-felt messages of support. That you would remember my son right now means more to me that you’ll ever know. And I thank you. (please attribute any typos to tears in my eyes…OK?)

Praying for peace and the protection of those who serve,
L.P.

(And for those still working on the mission - keep the flood coming! Email sandy@cardsforheroes.org if you’d like to join in the fun!)

First email dated May 17, from Ohio cardmaker Deloris; be sure to read letter #2 as well!

I was looking through the Any Soldier.com website and found a National Guard unit from Ohio that is asking for stationary and envelopes to write home so I thought they would could use some cards. Can you add them to your mailing list for cards? From the count it appears the address has only been requested 8 times so they are not getting as much of a response as some of the other posts.

Since I am from Ohio, I thought I would try to help them with some care packages. I will be sending them snacks, books and a few other things from their wish list.

Thanks and have a great weekend!
Deloris

We sent a box of cards to this Army National Guard unit in May, and received this letter bak from him:

I would like to thank you and everyone at Cards for Heroes for the beautiful cards you sent. Now, my platoon has a array of cards for every occasion. Until now, we had limited supply at our PX which would sell out on holidays.

Today we got this email from Deloris:

Thought I would share my CFH story. Last week I mailed a box of books, puzzles, candy and laundry supplies to this National Guard unit from Ohio that you had sent the cards to last month. Today in the mail I got the nicest thank you card from this SGT. He said he was thrilled to get a care package and to know that some one back home was thinking of them. Said it really made his day.

I showed the thank you card to my husband and noticed on the back it was stamped with Cards for Heroes. Made my day too! :0)

How amazing is that chain of mail? This is one great reason we try to either stamp or write Cards for Heroes.org on the backs of all cards whenever possible.

If you would also like to mail packages to our heroes, or even just write them a letter — it’s EASY! And they love to hear from home.

Go to the AnySoldier.com website, browse around, and have some kleenex handy if your heart gets tugged easily! Please read the terms on the site to be certain you are not sending items not permitted - obvious things like weapons and non-obvious things like homecooked food. This blog post does not purport to contain all current restrictions and guidelines, just to give you an idea how easy it is.

1. Choose a hero from the “Where to Send” page. You can search by item you’d like to give, state the unit is from, branch of service, number of times their unit has been requested, all sorts of things.
2. Request their address using the link on the hero’s page. DO NOT REQUEST IT IF YOU ARE NOT MAILING TO THEM RIGHT AWAY, please. You can look at their list and go shopping, but check in just before mailing so you get the most current address. You may choose two addresses per day only.
3. Mail your package! APO and FPO military addresses are considered domestic, so you’re not paying extra for international shipping. You’ll need to fill out the large quadriplicate customs form at the P.O, but it’s not as hard as you think.
4. Be sure to include a personal “Dear hero” letter - or a dozen! These contacts will share them with those who get little mail. We’ve heard back from a number of heroes who are not on our list of box recipients—but they got a card from an American and were so touched they wrote back. (No guarantees they’ll write back however - they’re busy!)

Another great letter from a military wife! Dated 21 June 08:

My husband, Air Force Major XX, has been deployed to Taji, Iraq since just after Christmas. We have two girls who have both had birthdays since he’s been gone (3 and 1). An avid scrapbooker, I’ve been handmaking him cards with photos of the girls. What a surprise for me when all of a sudden, I started receiving beautifully handmade cards from HIM. After about six of such cards, I noticed one thing in common. . .your website. . .so I just had to look you all up online. I definitely plan on starting to make cards for others now. What a fantastic idea! Thank you so much for your kindness. E-mail is fantastic, but there’s nothing quite like a handwritten note to brighten your day! My brother, Army Capt xx, is also in Iraq. I plan on telling him about these great cards, too.

Thanks again,

L.M., Alabama