So I belong to an organization that helps out military personnel. Current and veterans. I'm not calling them out by name because knowing my luck I'd be sued for badmouthing them. Don't get me wrong, I still feel that it's a great organization, but the politics behind it, like everything else, SUCK. So if this comes off as a post that badmouths them, forgive me. I'm down with the idea behind the organization but over the years…well, it's gone downhill in my opinion and I know why people don't volunteer as much as they used to.
This organization used to be fantastic. You literally signed up, decided what you wanted to commit to sending or doing and you did it. Then the organization started falling short on money, so they say. First, they began charging members, VOLUNTEERS, $1 a month that's considered a donation which is supposed to verify that you're still a member. Basically, if you fail to do anything with the organization but you see $1 charge on your card, it lures you back to the site, to either get all weepy eyed and begin doing shit, or you tell them you no longer want to be a member. Nine times out of ten, people get weepy eyes and start doing shit again.
Then, they created a database where you're supposed to input how many letters, packages, estimated amounts, etc. that you've either done or paid for, while supporting the troops or veterans. No biggie. This works for everyone since charity donations are considered tax-deductible and this is all charity work. EXCEPT, when you receive your donation letter in the mail, you only get credit for the $12 (the $1 a month donation, amount depends on how many months of that year you were "donating"). The donation list reads something like
Month/Item | Estimated Value |
January - letters/packages | |
February - letters/packages |
and so forth for whatever months you did something. There is literally no amount present anywhere and you're supposed to write in what you think the value was for that month. Better keep all those receipts. However, unless you keep buy supplies solely for this organization once a year or keep track of every stamp, envelope, piece of paper and ink from a pen (and any embellishments you add), you're screwed. I personally do not buy stamps just for this organization and I won't lie and say I used all of my stamps on this organization when plenty of them went on bills. BLAH!
Then there are rules. If you're a member of a team that's only supposed to write letters, you're not allowed to send anything else. This team is a one-time letter deal. If the soldier wants to write back and correspond, so be it. However, if they ask you for items, or you just want to be nice and send them some warm socks, this is a no-no. Literally. You will be yelled at by those in charge if they see that your extra letter cost you $10 instead of $1.50 and demand to know what you sent and why. Um, if this was a one-time letter thing and my soldier CHOSE to write back and maintain a friendship, I think I'm entitled to send my friend whatever the hell I want to.
Another rule. No religion talk of any sort. We're told there's a special team for that. I'm not religious by any means. I honestly have no idea what I believe in, but it's more science than anything. However, if a soldier writes me back and tells me that me and God kept him from going over the edge after watching half his platoon be blown to bits, you can bet your ass I'll discuss his God with him. I understand we're not supposed to start religious talk because we could unintentionally preach atheism to a die-hard Christian, however, I feel STRONGLY that if they bring it up and want to talk about it, it's my duty to respond. After all, we're supposed to be supporting these individuals. I'll discuss anything they want. Well, damn near anything. Asking me for sex talk or nudes is completely out of the question. Correspondence ends there. Luckily I've never had that happen, so no bullets to dodge. Wow, that was a REALLY bad pun. SORRY!
This organization used to be about supporting our troops, their families, and veterans. Now it's all about who's allowed to demand what from whom and when. We're volunteers. We choose to take our time and spend it writing letters, mailing packages, showering military newbie moms with gifts and caregivers of soldiers with praise and pampering for all they do for their wounded soldier. It's not a "who's Johnson is bigger" contest. Get off your high horses and let us support them. I'm sure they won't be hurt by a pair of socks, or a friendly chat about Jesus, Buddha, or King Kong if that's who they worship.
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