Army Warns of Holiday Email Hoax

December 5, 2007 -- The U.S. Army is warning the public of a holiday "hoax" email asking recipients to send cards or packages to recovering Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The email suggests recipients to send Christmas cards to "A Recovering American Soldier," and lists a Walter Reed, Washington, D.C., address. But, U.S. post offices won’t deliver general-address cards, letters or care package. Under a 2001 policy designed to improve security, hospitals can’t accept mail addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier" or "A Recovering American Soldier."

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The Army appreciates the support of the American public, and there are other ways citizens can demonstrate their support. One of them is to visit the Department of Defense's "America Supports You" website - www.americasupportsyou.com - which is a great place to visit to learn what you can do to support our Soldiers and their Families.

Additionally, the Walter Reed website, http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/Lists/WRNews/DispForm.aspx?Id=25&, has the following information posted about their position on receiving letters and packages addresses to our Wounded Soldiers.

Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for Soldiers or assist wounded service members and their Families include:

http://www.usocares.org/

http://www.redcross.org

http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/

For 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.

Source: Congressman John Murtha