Mail Call

Mail call first became something important when I was in Basic training.  Mail and the occasional phone call was really the only connection you had with the outside world.  While you were in basic what you received was censored to make sure you weren't receiving treats or anything else that you weren't supposed to have.  It didn't matter about not getting any 'stuff' because the letters were what really mattered, hearing something from the outside world or getting a word of encouragement.

My sister had some Batman paper/envelope things that she used when she wrote me while I was in basic.  One of the DS used it to come up with a new way to torment.  There was the time that he had me go on the other side of the room and everyone had to say 'na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na' and when I took the letter everyone yelled 'Batman!' or another time when everyone yelled 'POW! BAM!' when I got the letter.  It was the one part of basic where there was the chance to be a little silly with the DSs present. 

When deployment came around, mail became really important again.  Even though you might have had access to the internet or been able to make phone calls, there was still a huge comfort in getting a letter or care package from home.  Throughout my first deployment, I'm pretty sure my parents provided at least half the guys I worked with at least one snack a day.  I still have all the letters that I received through both my deployments.  Those letters became the link to those you loved as well as those who wanted to show their support for any soldier whose address they could get their hands on.  Having someone take that time seemed to make the time you were away from home a little more worth it.