How to Include Deployed Troops on Your Holiday Card List

The holidays are a time to share joy and connect with loved ones — but for many service members deployed around the world, being home isn’t possible. A thoughtful message of thanks and encouragement, especially during the holidays, could be the highlight of a service member’s year. It’s also an important reminder that they are never alone.

For warriors far from home, a card isn’t just pen and paper. It’s:

• A reminder they’re loved and not forgotten.
• A boost of morale during lonely times.
• A connection to family, friends, and community.

"Receiving a letter from home is the most uplifting feeling a deployed service member can get," said Kristy Hogan, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) international Alumni manager.

Are you thinking about sending a card or letter to a deployed warrior? Here are some things to keep in mind:

Do’s and Don’ts When Making Cards for Troops

• Be positive and upbeat: Do thank them for their service, share some words of encouragement, and inspire hope. Don’t discuss things like politics, making the ultimate sacrifice, death, religion, scripture, etc. Don’t point out that they’re in the hospital, injured, or without family/friends.
• Share about yourself: Do share things like holiday traditions and connect with them through the card you send. Don’t give out personal information like your address or pressure them to respond.
• Get creative: Do draw on or decorate your cards. Make them colorful and personalized. Don’t include glitter or confetti with your card to protect any medical equipment or other areas from getting messy.
• Don’t place cards in individual envelopes — the organization sending cards will do that for you.

How to Send Your Holiday Cards

Use one of these resources to send cards, letters, and care packages to troops near and far. Before sending, be sure to review each organization’s mailing guidelines.

1. Wounded Warrior Project 

Even in an American military hospital, the distance from loved ones can feel overwhelming — especially during the holiday season. WWP helps bridge that gap by sending cards to service members recovering at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany, as well as to deployed personnel across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

“This is always hard for them since they've been pulled from their deployment and their team and are alone in a hospital in Germany, not knowing what will happen next,” Kristy explained.

Send cards to:

Card(s) for troops

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300

Jacksonville, FL 32256

2. Hugs for Soldiers

Send cards to:

Duluth First United Methodist Church

3208 Duluth Hwy. 120

Duluth, GA  30096

3. Operation Postcard by Blue Star Moms

Send cards to:

East Bay Blue Star Moms

P.O. Box 2537

San Ramon, CA 94583

4. Support Our Troops®

Send cards to:

Support Our Troops®

Care Goods

P.O. Box 696

Ayden, NC 28513

Other resources:

• A Million Thanks
• The Military Holiday Card Challenge

A simple card to a service member can have a powerful impact at any time of year. Letters of gratitude and encouragement bring comfort and connection. Rally your family, friends, and neighbors and send your words across the globe to lift the spirits of those who serve.

Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964

About Wounded Warrior Project 

Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.