The commander of U.S. Central Command is asking Congress for
help in eliminating unsolicited mail to service members.
Army Gen. John P. Abizaid said the military mail service is
running at capacity, and he noted the propensity of America
to be especially generous during the holidays. “I would
greatly appreciate your assistance in communicating to your
constituents the challenges bulk donations from the public
present,” General Abizaid wrote in a letter provided to
congressmen inquiring about mail issues. Unsolicited mail is
no longer accepted because of the stress it creates on the
military mail system and because of the possible threat it
can pose to service members. “As a matter of policy, the
Department of Defense and United States Central Command
generally discourage bulk donations because of the added
burden on the DOD transportation and distribution system and
the real threat of bioterrorism and associated security
concerns,” General Abizaid wrote.