Spring Break
Letter-writing group provides support to soldiers in Iraq
Jenna Werfel
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Campus
Blue Star Mothers, a nonprofit organization in Oxford, has a similar mission as Kelly and according to president and founder Marilyn Ballman since December 2006, the group has sent more than 100 care packages to soldiers serving overseas.
"Our organization is a support for soldiers who don't get any support," Ballman said. "… When (soldiers) get a package or letter, they also share it with other soldiers."
Ballman explained that it doesn't matter what a solider receives, either a package or a letter, as it is a piece of home.
Junior mass communications major Alison O'Hara said she would be interested in helping out with this project and thinks it could become popular all over campus.
"I'm sure a lot of people would be really interested in joining this organization," O'Hara said. "(First because) it's a great thing to do, but also because a lot of people know at least one person overseas and this could be a great way of keeping in contact."
Junior finance major Katherine Brozen said she would be interested in participating in the letter-writing project as well.
"I would love to get involved in something like this," Brozen said. "I haven't heard anything about it yet, but I think it would be a great opportunity."
Over the summer, Kelly hopes that students continue writing to soldiers. She plans on sending out e-mails as reminders, since she recognizes that it is hard for students to keep up with things over the summer.
Next year, Kelly hopes even more people will get involved so that the organization can adopt more soldiers.
For more information about the on-campus letter-writing group, e-mail Kelly at kellyhc@muohio.edu.
Additional reporting contributed by Stacey Skotzko.
"Our organization is a support for soldiers who don't get any support," Ballman said. "… When (soldiers) get a package or letter, they also share it with other soldiers."
Ballman explained that it doesn't matter what a solider receives, either a package or a letter, as it is a piece of home.
Junior mass communications major Alison O'Hara said she would be interested in helping out with this project and thinks it could become popular all over campus.
"I'm sure a lot of people would be really interested in joining this organization," O'Hara said. "(First because) it's a great thing to do, but also because a lot of people know at least one person overseas and this could be a great way of keeping in contact."
Junior finance major Katherine Brozen said she would be interested in participating in the letter-writing project as well.
"I would love to get involved in something like this," Brozen said. "I haven't heard anything about it yet, but I think it would be a great opportunity."
Over the summer, Kelly hopes that students continue writing to soldiers. She plans on sending out e-mails as reminders, since she recognizes that it is hard for students to keep up with things over the summer.
Next year, Kelly hopes even more people will get involved so that the organization can adopt more soldiers.
For more information about the on-campus letter-writing group, e-mail Kelly at kellyhc@muohio.edu.
Additional reporting contributed by Stacey Skotzko.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 31
Lisa Milligan
posted 10/09/07 @ 6:57 AM EST
Hi Kelly,
I would be interested in writing to the troops. If there is a way to e-mail them, that would be even better. I think this is great and I'm sure the soldiers appreciate it. (Continued…)
Ryan Balls
posted 11/15/07 @ 2:45 PM EST
Hi Kelly
I was wondering if you had the address to wright troops letters???? my uncle survived in Iraq. but any wase if u have the address can you give it to me please well got to go bye
Ryan Balls
Terri Dormire
posted 11/20/07 @ 12:00 AM EST
I would be interested in writing to soldiers across seas. My brother is in the Navy and we are fortunate that his was based in the U.S., but I have had friends who have served in Iraq and have come home saying that the only thing that kept them going were our letters. (Continued…)
Mary
posted 11/22/07 @ 6:56 PM EST
Dear Kelly: I think what you are doing is very needed for our soldiers. They need to know that their service is very much appreciated by the United States Citizens and others. (Continued…)
CharleyG
posted 12/03/07 @ 1:20 PM EST
How can I send some christmas cards to either vets in hospitals or soldiers serving now? I am a disabled vet in Tucson. I have some cards ready to send to anyone in the military just to give a christmas cheer. (Continued…)
Natalie
posted 12/12/07 @ 7:42 PM EST
hi. i am 14, and in high school.
my school wants to do this as a service project!
help! names, addresses!?!?
thanks!
damecia means
posted 12/20/07 @ 7:49 PM EST
hi
my name is damecia i'm 28 female who will love writing to the troop service our country.please feel free to email me someone i can write to....
rachel
posted 1/06/08 @ 12:15 AM EST
hi i would like to send a soldier a letter like someone who doesnt have anyone to send letters to wether it be a man or a women it doesnt matter to me but i would really like to be a pen pal with one so if you get me and address of one i would really appreciate it. (Continued…)
christy
posted 3/03/08 @ 3:50 AM EST
hello,
im very interested in writing to a soldeir.....i have many friends i already write to but not everyone is lucky enough to have someone write to them. (Continued…)
KIM
posted 3/27/08 @ 3:14 PM EST
Hi, I had read an article in a magazine about a lady that was sending e-mails to a Marine that did'nt have any one to send him letters or e-mails, and it just killed me. (Continued…)
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