Departments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US

Military Mail Must Include Name; Mail to 'Any Servicemember' Won't Be Processed

Posted at 02:23 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by VFW News

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008--Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to military personnel visit a VFW post in your area for assistance. Find a VFW post in your area

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes also have a program supported by DoD to accept cards and distribute them to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Click here to learn more.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.