The Bryan-College Station Eagle (Bryan, Texas)
March 4, 2006

GROUP MEMBERS SEND LETTERS, GIFTS TO SOLDIERS

By KRISTY GILLENTINE
Eagle Staff Writer

Soldiers overseas may be out of arms' reach, but local residents can join a pen pal program that allows service members to receive virtual "hugs" while they are away.

Hugs From Home Inc. is an Internet-based organization that pairs people with soldiers, providing them with the comforts of home through mail. Members adopt deployed soldiers and write to them or send care packages on a monthly basis.

The program, which was founded in 2004, operates out of New Jersey. There are a few members from the Brazos Valley, but one Brazos County participant hopes to get more local huggers get involved.

Susie Junek is a service member recruiter for Hugs From Home and has been a member of the organization for more than a year.

"I was looking for a way to support the deployed members of the military, and I became involved with several groups, but this one was more personal. I was able to adopt an individual hero," Junek said. "I've been able to make a real difference in people's lives, and I want more people to know this organization is out there."

Junek said Hugs From Home asks that members write their soldiers once a month. But most people write more often, telling soldiers what is going on in their lives and including a few words of support and appreciation.

Members don't always hear back from their adopted soldiers, but the reward is knowing that they are making a difference, Junek said.

"It takes 39 cents to mail a card or letter to a soldier overseas. It's definitely worth it," Junek said. "This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling. It's hard to explain."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of Hugs From Home can ... fill out an application online at Website www.hugsfromhome.org to be matched with a soldier, usually within 24 hours.

• Kristy Gillentine's e-mail address is kristy.gillentine@theeagle.com.