Instead of our regular feature, spotlighting one of our own, this month's Member Spotlight sends kudos to all of our enlisted men and women, both stateside and abroad. If you are able, consider participating in programs organized by AnySoldier.com. Here is their story:Member Spotlight
It was March 26th, 2003. Army Sergeant Brian Horn, one of 1,000 soldiers, parachuted into enemy territory in Northern Iraq. Five months later, Brian Horn was able to call his parents. Marty and Sue Horn had been sending their son an average of six care packages per week. So when Brian asked his parents to send more, they thought he was kidding. But Brian wanted them for soldiers that weren't receiving anything.
Both Marty and Sue Horn had spent their careers in the military, so they immediately understood what Brian was saying. Millions of these men and women serving overseas never receive any mail. Besides often lacking basic necessities, these men and women have to cope with the harsh conditions of serving overseas without signs of support from friends and family back home.The Horns developed the idea for AnySoldier.com during that phone call. Marty created a website that explained the project and offered Brian's address -- including the words "Attn: Any Soldier". Brian would give these packages to the soldiers not receiving any mail. "Within two weeks, we were getting flooded with email from all over the world,” said Marty. “It was like an avalanche."
The growth has continued. To date, the program has served over 1.4 million troops stationed in 22 locations. Visitors to AnySoldier.com can search for contacts by service location, where the unit comes from, the number of males or females in the group (some supporters prefer to write to "Attn: Any Female Soldier"), and the number of times their address has been requested -- among other options.
Visit AnySoldier.com to see how you can participate. Show your appreciation today!