Walter Reed has changed it's policy:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those
individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to
include packages and letters, addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier" that
Walter Reed will not be accepting these packages in support of the
decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation
Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well
being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the
Department of Defense.
In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any
Service Member" or "Any Wounded Service Member" letters or packages.
Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box
will not be delivered.
Instead of sending an "Any Wounded Soldier" letter or package to
Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more
than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and
their families listed on the "America Supports You" website,
http://www.americasupportsyou.milOther organizations that offer means of showing your support for our
troops or assist wounded servicemembers and their families include:
http://www.usocares.org/http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/http://www.redcross.orgFor individuals without computer access, your local military
installation, the local National Guard or military reserve unit in
your area may offer the best alternative to show your support to our
returning troops and their families. Walter Reed Army Medical Center
will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is
addressed to a specific individual.
As Walter Reed continues to enhance the medical care and processes
for our returning service members, it must also must keep our
patients and staff members safe while following Department of Defense
policy. The outpouring of encouragement from the general public,
corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been
incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and
support they receive from their countrymen.