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.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting letters or packages addressed to "Any Service ember" or "A Recovering American Soldier." Mail addressed in such manner will be deposited into a collection box and not be delivered.

Mail addressed to a specific individual will be delivered.

Walter Reed officials are recommending that instead of sending an "Any wounded Soldier" letter or package to the medical center, 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" Web site www.americasupportsyou.mil. Other organizations that provide a means to show support for American troops can be found at several Web sites: http://www.usocares.org, http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/ or http://www.redcross.org.

For those who do not have computer access, the local military installation, National Guard or military reserve unit in the area may offer the best alternative to show support to returning troops and their families.

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