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Military morale-booster mail programs suspended

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Although two programs that involved sending letters to active duty U.S. military personnel to boost morale have been suspended in the wake of the anthrax threat, the Pentagon has recommended other ways to show support for the troops.

"Operation Dear Abby" and "Any Service Member" postal programs were suspended for safety reasons, according to a memo from the Department of Defense.

"Both of these programs create an avenue to introduce mail into the system from unknown sources," the memo read. "The recent mail-related attacks have demonstrated the vulnerability of the postal system."

Normal mail delivery addressed by name to individual service members will continue uninterrupted, the Pentagon said.

As an alternative to writing letters to service members, the Pentagon suggested the public do "a good deed on behalf of service members" within local communities.

A statement from the Department of Defense suggested such activities as visiting a local Veterans Affairs hospital or nursing home, or volunteering for other activities within the community.

"Operation Dear Abby" was started 17 years ago by the famous advice columnist who solicited letters from readers that would, in turn, be sent to military personnel. The "Any Service Member" mail program grew out of Desert Storm, but gained popularity during later military operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Sixteen people have been infected with anthrax as contaminated letters were sent to news outlets in New York and Florida, and to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle's office in Washington. Four of those who contracted the inhaled form of the disease have died.



 
 
 
 



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