Say “thanks” or say you're proud of the job they do as a soldier. Thank them for their previous service. Wish them a safe return, or a quick recovery. Draw a picture of something – it will likely become part of the soldier's home away from home.
Don't send pornography or 'pin-up' or nude photos, off-color or racist jokes or comics. These items can get your soldier, sailor, marine, airman or guardsman in serious trouble. Don't send packages of goodies. Basic is not the time for 'Care Packages”.
“Wishing you nothing but the best on your mission.” “You'll be in a lot of people's thoughts, prayers and hearts while you're over there.” “You and your unit are strong, brave, trained and skilled. You got this.”
Ordinary mail, however, is always allowed. A letter from home can encourage your recruit during the demands of basic training. If you do send a letter, use a plain piece of paper and an envelope.
At the end of the duty day, the drill instructor will enter the barracks, call out names and pass out mail. You're then usually granted about one hour of free time to read your mail. If you read fast, you may even have a few extra minutes to write a quick letter back.
Address your letters to "Rct. Last name, First name." Your son or daughter is NOT a Marine yet. DO NOT put any other rank other than Rct. —which means "Recruit"—and refer to him or her as such when addressing the envelope.
Use a greeting such as “Dear Hero, Dear Military Person, or Dear Service Member”. Comfort and Care Packages are sent to members in all branches of the service. It is ok to say things like “We are praying for your safety.”
Thank you for your service! Thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the things you carry, for protecting us, and for defending our rights. Thank you to all our veterans for your courage, strength and dedication to keeping us safe.
Inspirational Military Quotes
Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.
“An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.” "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once." Who dares, wins.
“Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.” “America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.” “No man is a man until he has been a soldier.” “Freedom is never free.”
Telephone, video chat, texting and social media
You may not be given a phone number to call your service member during their time in boot camp, but they will likely be able to call or text you while they are there.
Recruits are allowed to have pictures of their loved ones, in fact, they may be allowed to hang one or two on the outside of their locker [The details of this are definitely subject to the opinions of each Drill Sergeant]. Include a photo from of home, family, friends, or motivational photos or quotes.
"There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country." "Over all our happy country over all our Nation spread, is a band of noble heroes–is our Army of the Dead." "What I can do for my country, I am willing to do." "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
“Hooah!” “Oorah!” and “Hooyah!” are all cries that are considered military slang. While related, they do not always have the same meaning. These terms can be used to say yes, understood, thank you, you're welcome, amen, nice to meet you, and many other things.
A simple greeting of the day, “Good morning, Sir (Ma'am),” is acceptable and encouraged. Use your judgment. You don't have to salute in an airplane, on a bus, when driving a vehicle, or in public places such as inside theaters or other places of business. The driver of a moving vehicle does not initiate a salute.
The best way to help the soldier is to support his or her family back at home. Other meaningful gestures include sending letters, postcards, pictures, care packages, and phone cards (it is expensive to call back home).
A battle buddy is a partner assigned to a soldier in the United States Army. Each battle buddy is expected to assist their partner both in and out of combat.