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Spouse CallsJoin the conversation with Stripes columnist Terri Barnes, as she explores issues relevant to the lives of military spouses. |
Miracles of Christmas Mail
Posted December 3rd, 2007 by Terri Barnes in
The military postal service outdid itself this week. I sent my husband a package that I hoped would arrive by Christmas. Instead, it traveled from Germany to Iraq in only two days. I thought this must be some kind of aberration, until I talked to my friend, Nancy. Her husband is deployed here in Germany. He mailed a package back to the states, which Nancy received in two days. The folks moving our mail through the APO system must be working around the clock!
This week's spouse calls (click here to read) has some suggestions for staying in touch with deployed loved ones by phone, mail, letter and care package.
Even though mail has been moving very quickly lately, I'm planning to get another Christmas package in the mail very soon, in hopes that it will reach Iraq by the 25th. The volume of mail is bound to increase exponentially in the next days and weeks.
Also in this week's Spouse Calls is a reminder to think of Toys for Tots this Christmas. This United States Marine Corps program donates toys to needy children every Christmas. You can donate new toys at your local exchange.
See the Toys for Tots Web site for more information, including drop locations and other ways you can help.
Thank you
As a Navy Postal Clerk's wife, I'd like to say "Thank you!" for recognizing their hard work. Just FYI, they are working around the clock. My husband works 14-16 hour days beginning at 4, 6, or 7 P.M. to make sure everyone in Europe (or stateside) gets their packages in a timely manner. Knowing that his hard work is being appreciated makes it easier for me to have an empty bed most nights!
PCsWife
Santa's elves
Dear PCsWife,
I hope your husband is still able to experience a little peace this Christmas and that he'll get much needed rest after the rush.
I mailed another package to the states after my last posting, and it also arrived in only a few days. Keep up the good work!
The holidays aren't a time of rest for everyone. Many, like Santa's elves, have to work even harder at this time of year.
Some, like medical personnel, security forces, firefighters and all our deployed troops, work around the clock and the calendar.
(And -- I have to add to that list -- newspaper folks!)
Everyone in the military knows that "Peace on Earth" takes a lot of hard work.
Thanks to Christmas, peace in our hearts is available no matter where we are.
A Merry and Blessed Christmas,
Terri
Just wanted to say that the
Just wanted to say that the Postal system has never let me down so far in my life but we are waiting the arrival of my husband's Christmas gifts in Germany. Many other gifts sent to my husband have long since arrived and I am happy for them but sad for my children and husband that he won't feel the love that comes from opening presents from us!
I know you have it tough this time of year but, Mr Mailman, could you please get our box there?!
The package
Did the package get there yet? I read in the paper (after the fact) that the post office here at Ramstein was open late on Christmas Eve and wondered if Scott checked his mail that night and received his gifts from home.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. I'm sorry we couldn't send Scott home to be with you while Mark was here with us :)
Love,
Terri
One day late
Scott said the package arrived the day after Christmas. I know he was glad to get it!