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Letters to service members

What to write to someone who is deployed

When writing to someone who is deployed, share ordinary news from home, tell them you’re proud of them and thinking of them, and keep the tone steady and upbeat. Small everyday details are what most service members say they treasure. Avoid adding worry, and never include sensitive details about their location or mission.

18 examples below: Short and simple · Heartfelt · Funny · For a service member you don’t know

Short and simple

Quick notes to slip in a care package or send between longer letters.

“Thinking of you every single day. Proud of you always.”
“Sending a little bit of home your way. Stay safe.”
“Your seat at the table is waiting. Miss you.”
“Just a note to say we love you and we’re counting the days.”
“The porch light is on for you. See you soon.”
A sample thank-you card front in our hand-drawn style
A sample card front in our hand-drawn style. The message is written inside with a real pen.

Heartfelt

For a spouse, child, sibling or close friend serving far away.

“The kids made a paper chain to count the days until you’re home. Every night they tear off a link and tell me one thing they want to show you.”
“I know you can’t always say much about your days, and that’s okay. Just know that here, life is quiet and good, and we’re holding your place in it.”
“Your dad and I talk about you every morning over coffee. We’re so proud of the person you’ve become, uniform or not.”
“The maple you planted is turning red. I took a picture so you wouldn’t miss it. Everything here is waiting for you.”
“I reread your last letter until it got soft at the folds. Whenever you get a moment, I’m here, and whenever you don’t, I’m still here.”

Funny

Light news from home often lands best. Keep the jokes kind.

“Update from the home front: the cat has claimed your side of the bed and refuses to negotiate.”
“Your brother tried to grill without you. We ordered pizza. Please hurry home.”
“The neighbors finally finished their fence, so I need a new hobby. Write back with suggestions.”
“I’ve been keeping your favorite team’s scores in a notebook so you can complain about them properly when you’re back.”

For a service member you don’t know

For community letter drives, school projects and care packages to troops.

“Thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your family make. You are in our thoughts.”
“Greetings from a classroom in Ohio. We are thinking of you and wishing you safe days and a happy homecoming.”
“Please know that people back home are grateful for you and hoping you have a peaceful day.”
“Our scout troop packed this box with snacks, socks and letters. Every one of us hopes it brings a little comfort and a reason to smile.”

Do

  • Share everyday news: the weather, the garden, what the dog did, a funny moment at dinner.
  • Include photos, drawings from kids, or a printed recipe from a favorite meal.
  • Number your letters if you write often, since mail can arrive out of order.
  • Ask simple, open questions they can answer whenever time allows, like favorite snacks to include in the next box.
  • Keep a steady, encouraging tone even if you’re having a hard week.
  • Follow the military’s guidance on mailing addresses and package rules for their unit.

Don’t

  • Don’t mention their location, unit movements, return dates or anything about their mission.
  • Don’t unload big worries they can’t do anything about from far away, like money problems or minor family fights.
  • Don’t send bad news by surprise in a letter if it can be shared another way with support around them.
  • Don’t include political opinions about the deployment.
  • Don’t make them feel guilty for being gone or missing an event.
  • Don’t ask questions they may not be allowed to answer.

How to write it

Open warmly, with how much you’re thinking of them or how much you enjoyed their last message. Let them feel connected straight away.

Fill the middle with ordinary life. Service members often say small, normal details are what help most: the new coffee shop, the kids’ soccer game, what you made for dinner.

Close with encouragement and love, and something to look forward to together. “Your favorite pie will be waiting” is the kind of line they’ll read twice.

Questions

Avoid details about their location, mission or schedule, stressful news they can’t act on, and anything that adds guilt. Keep it steady, loving and full of ordinary home life.

Thank them for their service, tell them a little about yourself or your town, and wish them safe, peaceful days. Keep it friendly and simple; you don’t need to know their story.

Cards can usually go to military mail addresses (APO, FPO and DPO) through the regular postal service. Check the address format with the service member or their family before sending.

As often as you can keep up. Short, regular letters tend to mean more than one long letter every few months.

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