1Q. How does this work/how do I get assigned a soldier?
1A. Simply click on the “adopt a soldier here” link on our home page : www.adoptaussoldier.org. Fill out your registration form, being sure to include your complete email address correctly so we can connect you with a soldier. After you register, the system puts you into a “validating” group and you will be sent an email with instructions on how to validate. Once validated, you have access to the forum and other features on the site. All you do next is WAIT for the AAUSS volunteers to send your soldier information via your email. This is the perfect time to visit the forum, and how to send and what to send areas of the site!
2Q. How long do I wait to be assigned a soldier?
2A. AHHH-our most asked question! We have been averaging a 3-5 day wait. When there is a program on TV, an article in the paper, or a blurb on the radio about adopting a soldier, we always get many registrations in a small amount of time. Obviously, it may take longer at these times. If you wait more than 10 days and you had no special requests and have not heard anything from us or on the forum, please do contact us as there may be a problem with your registration.
3Q. Can I make specific requests when I register for a soldier?
3A. We can do special requests for male/female, and sometimes we can fulfill requests for a certain branch of the military. It is VERY difficult to fill requests beyond that. We do NOT fulfill requests for race, religious beliefs, age, marriage status, or common interests because we have very limited information on the soldiers. If you receive a soldier that after contacting them, they are not what you wanted and you would not like to support this soldier, contact us and we will assign you another soldier.
4Q. Will my soldier write back/I have written, but have not heard back?!
4A. We do NOT guarantee that all soldiers will write back or thank you for care packages that are sent. Of course, we wish and hope they do, but many do not or cannot. Remember, we are here to support THEM! This is not for us to gain a pen pal or mate. With that being said, there are thousands of supporters who have heard back and have become extremely close to their assigned soldier. We do suggest to include a self addressed (no need to stamp) envelope in your letters and care packages…it makes it easier if they want to respond! Please keep in mind the soldiers first responsibility is the war and staying safe! Again, if you are not happy with the soldier you are assigned, please contact us and we will assign you a different soldier.
5Q. Does my soldier have email? If not, why?
5A. Some do have email, but many do not. If they do, it will be included in the information letter underneath the soldiers address. We know most people would prefer a soldier with email, but we do not want to neglect those who do not. Often, the soldiers without email are in more remote areas and may need more support than others. Some need to keep their email private for security reasons and they specifically ask us NOT to give it out. Some soldiers also do not have access to computers. Whatever the reason is, if you receive a soldier with no email, please try to contact that soldier through regular mail first. Ask if they have email and if you may have it!
6Q. Where is my soldiers address and information?
6A. No need to search for the soldiers information on our site…it will not be there! For security reasons, we volunteers are the only people with all of the soldiers’ information. As long as you registered, you will be assigned a soldier through your email that you registered under. It will come in a letter from Adopt a US Soldier, and in the body of the letter is your soldier’s information and comments that he or she may have given us, along with some handy tips from us!
7Q. Why do other supporters have the same soldier as me?
7A. Yes, we do assign one soldier between 3-10 supporters each for several reasons. First, we know that we all have lives that get busy at times and we all have good intentions, but after doing this for three years (and counting), we have found that one…or even three… supporters cannot support a soldier enough! Especially after 6 months! Secondly, many people cannot financially accommodate sending care packages and many letters. Thirdly, we have NEVER heard a soldier complain of too much support, and we HAVE heard a huge “thank you” and “I share with others who have nothing”! We would rather them have PLENTY of support and have to share, than not enough support!
8Q. Can I adopt more than one soldier?
8A. Sure, please put it into your comment box when you register, or email us requesting another. Remember to please be patient, as we have other supporters waiting who do not have one yet!
