Spring Break
Letter-writing group provides support to soldiers in Iraq
Jenna Werfel
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Campus
In an effort to help American soldiers serving in Iraq keep their morale levels high, one junior marketing major at Miami University is starting her own letter-writing campaign.
Hillary Kelly is currently in the process of creating a new organization on campus where students write letters to soldiers overseas. Students would be developing a pen pal type relationship with these soldiers and be writing to them on average once a week.
Each student involved would be assigned the name of a soldier and an address to reach them at.
"I am looking for people who are willing and dedicated to sticking with it," Kelly said.
Kelly said she hopes other students on campus will want to join this organization because of the significance the Iraq war has played in the lives of the college-age generation.
Kelly's incentive to start this group grew out by a desire to get involved in a new activity. After talking with marketing professor, David Rosenthal, she decided that this organization would be most beneficial and have a positive impact for all included.
Kelly also said she knows someone from high school who is serving overseas and figures many other students might know someone as well.
"I really want to get the word out there to support the troops because I think this is such an important cause," Kelly said.
Kelly said she plans on starting with a smaller group of students and hopes eventually more people will want to get involved. Eventually, Kelly hopes that enough people get involved that they can send care packages to soldiers as well.
So far, Kelly has begun contacting members of the Greek community through e-mails and said there has been a good response, with at least 75 students showing an interest.
Since her campaign is still new, there haven't been any meetings scheduled, but Kelly said once all gets moving she will hold regular meetings.
Right now, Kelly is working with a list of about 150 soldiers who have lost people close to them and do not have much support from home. This list was compiled with the help of Rosenthal.
Hillary Kelly is currently in the process of creating a new organization on campus where students write letters to soldiers overseas. Students would be developing a pen pal type relationship with these soldiers and be writing to them on average once a week.
Each student involved would be assigned the name of a soldier and an address to reach them at.
"I am looking for people who are willing and dedicated to sticking with it," Kelly said.
Kelly said she hopes other students on campus will want to join this organization because of the significance the Iraq war has played in the lives of the college-age generation.
Kelly's incentive to start this group grew out by a desire to get involved in a new activity. After talking with marketing professor, David Rosenthal, she decided that this organization would be most beneficial and have a positive impact for all included.
Kelly also said she knows someone from high school who is serving overseas and figures many other students might know someone as well.
"I really want to get the word out there to support the troops because I think this is such an important cause," Kelly said.
Kelly said she plans on starting with a smaller group of students and hopes eventually more people will want to get involved. Eventually, Kelly hopes that enough people get involved that they can send care packages to soldiers as well.
So far, Kelly has begun contacting members of the Greek community through e-mails and said there has been a good response, with at least 75 students showing an interest.
Since her campaign is still new, there haven't been any meetings scheduled, but Kelly said once all gets moving she will hold regular meetings.
Right now, Kelly is working with a list of about 150 soldiers who have lost people close to them and do not have much support from home. This list was compiled with the help of Rosenthal.
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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