There is nothing unique about printing letters to the troops. Local newspapers — including some of our own — have been printing them for ages. The reason is threefold: The letters are passionate and appealing; they are attractive to advertisers; and it’s just the right thing to do. American service men and women deserve to know we care.
But few news organizations have gone as far as the Sierra Vista Herald. Check this out.
It started with dozens of letters from local high school students, addressed to “Dear Soldiers” or “Dear Hero.” One letter writer even included a CD with Christmas music. Then publisher Phil Vega stumbled on an offering from the Joint Hometown News Service, which I think is a division of the U.S. Army and Air Force. The news service produced short videos of local soldiers, sailors and airmen bidding the folks at home a happy holidays. It’s a free service. All you have to do is sign up and the military will send them to you for your area…


