U.S. Postal Service dedicated to connecting service members and loved ones

By Linn’s Staff

In a Dec. 3 press release, the United States Postal Service highlighted its steadfast commitment to maintaining connections between those serving in the military and their loved ones.

“From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to modern-day global operations, the mission to deliver mail to the military has remained a cornerstone of U.S. postal history and a crucial morale booster,” the Postal Service said.

Steve Kochersperger, the Postal Service’s historian, is extremely knowledgeable of this aspect of the Postal Service’s mission.

“Ever since George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to lead the Army and the Post Office, we’ve had a strong partnership built on service to the American people,” Kochersperger said. “When away from home, to get a handwritten card or letter that was in the hands of your loved one just a few days before, maybe it even has a smear of lipstick or a scent of their perfume — no email can do that.”

The Postal Service can trace its support for military mail back to the Civil War, when the Post Office Department (precursor to the USPS) worked closely with the U.S. Army to keep mail moving expeditiously.

“A ‘Soldier’s Letter’ program was introduced that allowed soldiers to send letters without stamps, with payment collected from the recipient, ensuring communication was not hindered by lack of postage,” the USPS said. “In addition, postal money orders allowed soldiers to securely send money back home, and absentee ballots allowed them to cast their votes from distant battlefields.”

Other key historical milestones included the creation of the Military Postal Express Service during World War I, the introduction of V-mail (Victory mail) during World War II, and the use of Space Available Mail and Parcel Airlift to move massive quantities of mail during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“The modern APO/FPO/DPO system (Army/Air Force Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) continues this legacy, with the USPS collaborating closely with the Military Postal Service Agency, established in 1980, to ensure reliable delivery across more than 85 countries,” the Postal Service said.

Today the Postal Service provides numerous resources for families and friends sending care packages to military addresses.

Free shipping kits, addressing tips and more are available online at www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm.

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