Correction

Thanks to Patrick and Cookie, you can disregard the previous post and instead heed this advice from the folks at Walter Reed Hospital if you want to help a wounded US soldier during the holiday season or any time for that matter.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include 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.

This does make sense as any nutjob wanting to hurt the feelings (or worse) of a recuperating GI could send anything through the mail to him.

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

Other 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.org
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. Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.

On a personal note, I've been busy helping my wife cope with the deah of her dad. We emptied and cleaned his apartment and went to Surrogate Court this morning so we can administer his estate. She is doing okay but has her moments. Our consolation is this: that one day we will all be together again. And we will never be separated again.

But until then, things just won't be the same. Again, my heartfelt thanks to all our family and friends for helping us through this time. Dad will be sorely missed.

During this time I was also preparing for a job interview. I was in Albany last week for the interview and I think it went rather well. Hopefully I'll hear something within the next few days on whether or not I get the position.