People often say “thank you for your service,” but many don’t realize that encouragement, appreciation, and gratitude aren’t the same thing. Each one offers something different—and when we understand the difference, our words carry more weight.

“Go Beyond Thanks:” New Survey Reveals We Should Do More Than Simply Thank Our Veterans for Their Service

Encouragement

Encouragement tells a service member, “Keep going—you matter more than you know.” It uplifts them during long deployments, tough training, and silent sacrifices. It reminds them their strength isn’t just seen—it’s believed in.

Appreciation 

Appreciation means seeing the dedication behind the uniform. It says, “We notice your early mornings, your missed holidays, and your unwavering discipline.” It’s about recognizing not just the role, but the relentless effort it takes.

Gratitude

Gratitude expresses, “What you’ve given has changed lives—even if you don’t see it.” It’s a deep, emotional thank you for their sacrifices, risks, and service. It carries weight because it’s not about duty—it’s about the human cost.

When we take the time to offer real acknowledgment and genuine thanks, it helps veterans and service members feel seen—not just for their role, but for the sacrifices they’ve made behind it.

A Message to Everyone in Uniform

Dear Hero: Katie’s Message of Thanks

Thank You for Everything: A Letter from Katie

Straight ‘A’ Thanks from a 4th Grader

A Freshman’s Salute to Service

We have an obligation to our military to provide them with letters that are worthy of their sacrifice. Every word, every package, and every connection must be meaningful and sincere.

About 30% of the mail we receive does not meet our quality standards and therefore does not get shipped to our military.

Please:

• write legibly
• address your letters generically (e.g. “Dear Service Member” or “Dear Veteran”).
• go beyond “Thank you for your service.”
• include about 5-7 sentences in your letter
• no religious or political references

Please do not:

• write to a specific individual.

• use or send individual envelopes

• send multiple copies of the same letter.
• purchase greeting cards, thank you cards, blanks cards or cards of any kind
• cards from a commercial printer are still cards
• use your logo; restricted to paid sponsors and donors. Click here for more info –> Logo Placement and Sponsors
• type or computer print your cards or letters

• include contact information such as email, home address or phone number.

• use glitter, confetti, or anything not securely attached.
• send food or care package items.
• date your letter or make reference to specific holidays. Click here for more info –> Holiday Mail Guidelines

Before mailing your letters, please follow these final packing instructions to help us keep the process efficient:

How to Pack Your Letters

1. If you put cards or letters in individual envelopes please remove them before shipping.
2. If you put your letters in ziplock bags, please remove them before shipping.
3. If you folded your letters, please unfold them so they can be shipped flat.
4. Sort everything by size: Full-sheet letters should be stacked flat. Folded cards should be sorted by or size or by half-fold and quarter-fold.
5. Bundle your stacks with rubber bands to prevent damage during shipping.
6. Put everything together in one large envelope or box to ship as a single parcel.

We receive thousands of letters each day, so following these instructions helps us screen and process everything as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Each letter we receive is a gift to a service member—but getting that letter into the right hands isn’t free. Postage alone costs about 75 cents per letter. The rest covers printing, supplies, screening, sorting, bundling, and outreach.

We’re asking for just $1 per letter to keep this mission going strong. If you’re sending 100 letters, please consider donating $100. It’s not just a nice gesture—it makes the this mission possible.

Click here —> DONATION