Letters and Cards for Troops
Send a letter, card or drawing to a U.S. service member deployed overseas. Troopathon volunteers pack every message into a care package, all year long. It's free, and classrooms, families, churches, scouts and companies can all take part.
They Protect. They Serve. We Support.
Long after the snacks are gone, the message is what they keep
Troops tell us they read these messages hundreds of times, because they remind them of home. Picture the toughest service member in the unit, thousands of miles from family, holding a card from a child and fighting back tears. Our Director of Operations, a Navy veteran, still has the two letters he received while deployed, packed in his seabag. Your words matter more than you know. Make sure no one is forgotten.
How to write a letter to a soldier
- Start with "Dear Hero" or "Dear Service Member." Messages go to troops in every branch.
- Write from the heart. Say thank you, offer encouragement, and let them know they are not forgotten.
- Share a little about yourself. Jokes, drawings, your hometown, and questions about their day are all welcome.
- Any format works. Cards, coloring pages, drawings or a letter on notebook paper. There is no wrong way.
- Sign with your first name, or your school, church or company name. Full names aren't needed.
- Want a reply? Add a return address or email: your school, church or organization, or any address you are comfortable with.
Need an idea? Borrow one of these
"How are you today? I am so grateful for men and women who serve and protect this great nation. You are the true definition of an American hero. Thank you for your service."
"I just wanted to remind you that you're never alone. Your sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed, and we're so grateful for everything you do. Thank you!"
"Wishing you a Christmas overflowing with love and joy! Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything you do. We'll always be here to support you. Thank you!"
What should I avoid writing to a soldier?
- Questions about fighting, injuries or death, or wishes like "I hope you don't get hurt"
- Scary, sad or violent drawings
- Last names, home addresses, phone numbers or student photos
- Requests to be pen pals or to stay in touch
Keep it upbeat: thank them, cheer them on and share a little about your world.
Where to send letters to troops
Mail or drop off your messages at Troopathon, 3105 Fite Circle, Suite #108, Sacramento, CA 95827. Any paper or material works, as long as it fits a 12 x 12 inch box. There's no deadline. We pack and ship care packages all year, so messages are welcome any time.
Cards for every season
Veterans Day
Honor our veterans by writing to those serving today. Free classroom kit with card ideas and templates.
Veterans Day cards for troopsChristmas and the holidays
Holiday cards bring a piece of home to troops far from family. Running late? Send them anyway. Troops are happy to get them whenever they arrive.
Get the free kitMemorial Day and the 4th of July
Patriotic messages for the summer holidays, plus Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving notes any time.
Get the free kitFor churches and faith-based schools
Two free fold-and-color cards with a cross, a blessing and Psalm 91:11. Print, color, fold and write a message inside. They go into care packages like every other message.
Sign up below and choose Faith cards (or both). We email them right away.
Get the free classroom kit
More than 1,000 tons of care packages shipped since 2004.
Letter templates, coloring pages, card ideas, a teacher guide and a class packing slip. It's optional, so use as much or as little as you like. One minute to sign up, and we email the kit right away.
More ways to support our troops
Know someone deployed?
Request a free, hand-packed care package for a deployed service member.
Request a care packageQuestions about writing to troops
How do I send a letter to a deployed soldier?
Write your letter or card and mail or drop it off at Troopathon, 3105 Fite Circle, Suite #108, Sacramento, CA 95827. Our volunteers pack it into a care package for a U.S. service member deployed overseas.
What should I write in a letter to a soldier?
Thank them for their service, offer encouragement, and share a little about yourself. Start with "Dear Hero" or "Dear Service Member." Jokes, drawings and questions about their day are all welcome.
Is there a deadline?
No. We pack and ship care packages all year, so messages are welcome any time. Running late for a holiday? Send them anyway. Troops are happy to get a holiday card whenever it arrives.
Do I have to use your templates?
No. Handmade cards, coloring pages from any website, drawings and letters on notebook paper are all welcome, as long as they fit in a 12 x 12 inch box.
Will troops write back?
Some troops write back when they can. Add a return address or email: your school, church or organization, or any address you are comfortable with. We also share troop thank-you photos on our social media.
Can my company, church or scout troop take part?
Yes. Any group can write messages. Use the free kit, or contact us about a letter-writing or packing event.