Defending Freedom

Home Up Memorial Day Memorial Construction Memorial Bricks In The Service


Let us never forget the purpose of Memorial Day...
To Honor those who fought and died to preserve, protect,
and defend The United States of America.
And the assistance they have given to those around the world who
are struggling against the forces of evil to gain their own freedom
and live with dignity as we are so fortunate to do.

A view of the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, NJ
The New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, NJ

When you happen upon any of our servicemen or women,
be sure to let them know how much you
appreciate their sacrifice and that you support them.

If you know of a UA 322 Member who is currently serving in the Military,
please contact the Union Hall at 609-567-3322.

If you know someone in the Military be sure to send them a letter or postcard from time to time, and maybe a photo or two from home. They will surely thank you for it.

Please note that  according to Marine Corps Postal Officials it takes about 7 to 10 days for mail to be delivered to deployed Marines. And roughly the same amount of time for the other service branches

Letters and packages must be sent to a specific service member. The United States Postal Service will not accept items addressed to "Any Service Member" or other umbrella addresses.

The government is not accepting mail from the general public to service members for two reasons: logistics and security. The military postal system does not have the capacity to screen for safety and process the tons of mail normally generated by Any Service Member mail. To add to the difficulty, bona fide mail from family and friends may be delayed by the volume of mail.

Read the USPS Press Release - OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM MAILING TIPS
 


On Saturday, October 11, 2008, Local Union 322 dedicated
it's own memorial to honor all it's veteran members.


Right-click to download the video slideshow.


You can view photos of construction of the memorial here.

You can also honor a LU 322 Veteran by purchasing a brick.

Sample of Brick


Image link to Motomail web site

MOTOMAIL

Family and friends of deployed Marines in Iraq can NOW send a letter to be downloaded, printed, and ready for delivery, usually within 24 hours. US Navy, US Army & Air Force personnel co-located with US Marines are now eligible to receive MotoMails too.

View
MOTOMAIL Brochure
THE SERVICE IS FREE, PRIVATE and SECURE

Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards

The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell the following prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.


For more information of supporting our troops, visit the link below:

Marine Corps Community Services Deployment Support (MCCS)
(this US Marine Corps website has current information on sending
mail and packages to members of all the US Military Service Branches
)

Suggested items for US Armed Forces Member Care Packages

 o     AA & D Batteries
 
o     Moisture Lotion
 o    
Insect repellent – (mosquitoes, flies, fleas are bad)
 
o     Hand Sanitizer
 
o     Prepaid phone cards (Int’l cards work best)
 
o     Chapstick
 
o     Playing Cards
 
o     Sun block
 
o     Eye drops
 
o     Pre-sugared drink mixes
 
o     Soap
 
o     Foot powder
 
o     Cracker and cookie snacks (in small packages)
 
o     Candy, Gum
 
o     Slim Jims, beef sticks, jerky
 
o     Ready to serve canned foods such as tuna, stews, vegetables, soups, hash
      (those with pop-off tops are easier to open)
 
o     Nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, raisins
 
o     Toilet Paper (Single)
 
o     Condiment packets of ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, sugar
 
o     Tooth paste and brushes
 
o     Band aids/Bactine
 
o     Ziploc type baggies to keep bugs out of food
 
o     Disposable cameras
 
o     Reading material: magazines, paperback books, puzzles
 
o     Liquid Detergent for clothes washing
 
o     Writing paper, envelopes, pens, pencils

When selecting snacks and other foods it is suggested that you choose packaging that will survive shipping. You may also wish to place some items inside zip-lock type bags to keep them dry if the original packaging would become damaged if exposed to water.

It should go without saying that under no circumstances should you send any form of contraband material, pornography, or similarly banned items in care packages.

Wounded Warrior Support

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through the mail by sending packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier" or "A Recovering American Soldier" that Walter Reed cannot accept 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 "A Recovering American Soldier" 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, www.americasupportsyou.mil

Additional information on support options is available on the Marine Corps "Support Our Troops" page.

 

More information on sending care packages to our troops
can be found on the Marine Corps web site.

US Army        US Navy        US Air Force        US Marines        US Coast Guard

Throughout the year and especially during the holidays let us not forget our fellow
UA Brothers and Sisters and all those who are serving their country overseas or
here at home in the military.