To the editor:

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail, including packages, letters and holiday cards addressed to “Any Wounded Soldier” or “A Recovering Wounded Soldier” that Walter Reed can not accept these letters and packages. This is in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “A Recovering American Soldier” letters or packages.

Instead of sending an “Any Wounded Soldier” letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the “America Supports You” Web site (www.americasupportsyou.mil).

Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops, wounded service members and their families include the USO (www.usocares.org) and the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

For individuals without computer access, your local military installation, the local National Guard, or military reserve unit in your area may offer the best alternative to show your support.

Walter Reed will continue to receive, process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.

Julie Throne,

Lawrence