The “Troops In Touch ™” Story
How it began and how the postcards fill the needs for which they were created:
A close friend of my family was deployed to the Persian Gulf, leaving behind his two young children – causing much heartache for him, for them and for all of us.
After his departure, I became aware of the many organizations that send items to our troops, but found little that deployed parents can have readily available to easily communicate with their young children.
In an effort to help my friend keep in touch with his children, I designed interactive postcards for him to mail home. The cards were viewed as little gifts by him and the kids, with space for a note from him and drawings the children enjoy coloring, connecting dots and working out mazes.
When completed, the art was mailed back to him, sharing the children’s creativity and accomplishments and maintaining ongoing communication– an easy, economical and fun way to keep in touch.
Thus began “Troops In Touch”. Now, there are over 50 designs -some gender specific, others general in nature, including military, sports, seasonal and holiday themes
These cards are perfect for young children who cannot write on their own and for busy spouses with little time to supervise letter writing –the activities on the cards require little or no supervision. They’re especially easy for the deployed parent since he/she doesn’t have to come up with new things to say as required by letters –and when the postcard is returned, the “artwork” provides a topic for a response.
Most importantly, unlike e-mail or phone calls, the postcard has been touched by loved ones. Children can hold the cards, carry them around, sleep with them under their pillows and know they’re receiving and sending their very own mail.
Here’s what they say about Troops In Touch postcards:
I received this note from The White House: Dear Beth, Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas with me. Supporting and honoring our military families is of the utmost importance to me and it’s always helpful to receive suggestions about how to best serve families who show such strength and courage. Your voice has been heard and I hope you continue to dedicate your time and creativity toward supporting military families. I wish you all the best. Sincerely, Michelle Obama
“My kids LOVED THEM!! And my hubby plastered them all over the walls of his Chu. Thank you!”
“My kids have been crying and begging to write him. I got(the Troops In Touch postcards) last night, and this morning, I wish you could have seen their faces light up! They were so happy. And it is so, so nice not to have to “dictate” a letter to them! My daughter wanted to make sure hers stayed in the girls’ pile. I truly hope you one day know what you are doing for our kids.”
“He packed the post cards, and he is grateful for them. He thanks you as well.I have your stuff to show everyone at our FRG meeting coming up! I can’t wait to show them off!”
“Thank you the outreach you have established. I will pass the information to our priests in the Offices of the Chiefs of Chaplains for their action. I very much appreciate what you are doing and I believe getting the word out to our chaplains may be a great help.”
“I had the opportunity to present the Troops in Touch cards at our Deployment Briefing last night. The advisors and FRG leaders were very excited about the idea. We are very interested in using your cards as our main fundraiser”
“Thanks, innovative idea, your interest to better the lives of deployed troops is wonderful.”
And from a 7 year old – “Thank you for the postcards to send to my daddy. I think they are perfect because I don’t have to write very much words and daddy sends them back to me. I feel happy about you because you send the most good postcards”
Now, “Troops In Touch” has grown to be a resource of Art Activity “colorable” products — coloring pages, “Salute the Kids” Art Activity Coloring Book, “color-dorable” children’s clothing and accessories, the Flat Brat(tm)–and more to come.
