My Soldier Adoption Program

My Soldier is a program that lets U.S. soldiers know that someone back home cares.  When a person enrolls in the My Soldier program, they agree to adopt a soldier.  They receive a "starter kit" containing guidelines for letter writing and care package preparation, a red My Soldier bracelet, and a specially designed My Soldier baseball hat to include with the first letter they send to their deployed United States Armed Serviceperson.  The first letter/care package they send is addressed to their soldier's platoon contact who then distributes it to their soldier.  The soldier then replies and direct correspondence begins (about 80% of soldiers respond, but 100% appreciate getting the letters).

The program was created by Juan Salas, an active U.S. Army Sergeant who also is a student at Manhattanville College.  Salas, a naturalized US citizen originally from Venezuela, served for almost two years in Iraq, where he saw active combat duty and was commended for his part in saving the life of a child.  For Salas, the My Soldier program is a way to give something to his fellow soldiers who are still in Iraq.  "I was there for 14 months," said Salas, "It was long.  But the thing that kept me going was getting letters.  From kids, boy scouts, students.  A letter was like a piece of gold.  Something you will keep for the rest of your life."  
 
Participation is open to individuals and groups.  It was the goal of the program to have participants from all 50 states; a goal that was achieved within 10 days of the program launch.  Within 24 hours of the launch volunteers had received over 1,000 phone calls and e-mails from people eager to participate.  During work hours, they receive an average of 30 calls and e-mails an hour.  Among the hundreds of new participants are citizens from both sides of the red/blue divide, girl scout troops, Vietnam Vets, parents of soldiers, Canadian citizens, police precincts, school classes, families, churches, doctor's offices and more.

There is absolutely no charge for participation in My Soldier.  However, for groups or organizations of 25 or more people, there is a suggested contribution of $10 per kit to help us defray the costs of the program (and individual donations are also welcome).  All donations go directly to fund My Soldier.

More information can be found at  www.mville.edu/mysoldier.  Information regarding this program can also be found in Newsweek and other magazines/newspapers.

To sign up with My Soldier, simply go to www.mville.edu/mysoldier and follow the registration links.