Frequently Asked Questions: Mail and Packages

Are there any potential problems with mail delivery?
What are suggested care package items? Are there any restricted items?
What if my contact requests a restricted item?
What size care packages are recommended to send to soldiers?
Do I have to use the US Postal Service?
Do I have to send my packages Priority Mail?
How can I increase the chances of hearing back from my soldier?
I signed up, but have yet to receive a soldier contact.

Are there any potential problems with mail delivery?
It takes several weeks for packages and letters to reach your soldier. In some cases, it's also possible the soldier may not receive anything. Any pieces of mail that miss the serviceperson at the address given is returned, not forwarded.

Furthermore, Operation Military Pride is aware of soldiers on active duty and those who are scheduled to return home, so inactive soldiers will not be assigned to participants.

For more information on the USPS guidelines and regulations for sending mail to US forces, follow this link to their FAQ on the subject on their Web site: http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/supportingfaqs.htm

What are suggested care package items? Are there any restricted items?
Click here for a care package guide.

What if my contact requests a restricted item?
Soldiers may ask participants to send them restricted items, such as: candy that melts, pressurized items, religious items, and sexually explicit materials. If your contact requests a restricted item, do not comply or the package may be confiscated by authorities.

What size care packages are recommended to send to soldiers?
Packages that are no larger than the size of a shoebox are strongly recommended. Smaller packages have a more ensured delivery.

Do I have to use the US Postal Service?
You must use the US Postal Service when mailing packages and flat mail. Mailing a letter to an APO address requires only a regular postage stamp.

For care packages, Priority Mail offers free oversized envelopes/boxes and on average costs about $5.00. All packages sent to military addresses must have a customs form (available at all post offices).

Do I have to send my packages Priority Mail?
Not necessarily. However, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS), packages sent via Priority Mail have higher spotential to arrive to your soldier quicker than other mail carrier. The USPS claims that they ship Priority Mail letters and packages within an average of 2 days to the APO/FPO addresses.

How can I increase the chances of hearing back from my soldier?
We can’t guarantee you will receive a response. However, here are some tips to increase your chance of receiving a reply:

1. Request a response.
2. Enclose a self-addressed envelope, pen, and paper.
3. Remain Patient; remember that soldiers sometimes get mail once a week, and sometimes as little as once a month. We ask that you wait five weeks after sending your letter to request a new soldier from My Soldier.
4. Ask them questions about themselves: about their hobbies, their families, favorites, etc. Making an effort to get to know them envokes a higher rate off response.

I signed up, but have yet to receive a soldier contact.
It takes about 10 business days after registering on our Web site to receive a soldier contact. If you have waited longer than 10 days without receiving a soldier name, make sure it's not in your e-mail's junk and bulk mail folders. If you still can't find it, e-mail mscontact@mville.edu with "Request Contact" in the subject line.