Adopt a soldier
Adopt a soldier is a popular concept in the UK for those wishing to support those in the armed forces. Including sailors and aviators not just soldiers and is something we encourage and support here at Forces Penpals. Traditionally those wishing to Adopt a soldier would be civilians, possible retired ex military personnel too. Those who wished to to make a serving soldier feel like part of their family. Often around key times of year like Christmas. Adopting a soldier would allow a serving soldier who was away from their own family and (civilian) friends to feel an extra connection. And, boost the moral of those working away from home in difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Adopting a soldier can take many forms, from simply sending friendly and supporting messages (digitally or in the post). Sending “care packages” of snacks or small gifts or even inviting them to join you for a meal or social outing.
Forces PenPals
Most people who adopt a soldier start by simply exchanging messages on a digital platform. And Forces Penpals is a safe and secure way to connect with serving members of the army, navy, marines and airforce. You can get to know each other and see if there is a mutual connection whilst not sharing too much personal information until you are ready. When you are ready you can also share your address information so that, or just the soldier can, so you can send letters or small parcels. Once you are comfortable you can also then make arrangements to meet offline. This is normally in a public place to start with and if successful you might invite them to your home.
How it works
Adopting a soldier can have many outcomes. You might find you share a brief friendship with a soldier when they need it most. You might also find that you strike up a friendship that lasts for years or even longer. Some find that their relationship develops a romantic element. And they begin to date and may go on to marry and start a family. It is important that if you are NOT interested in a romantic relationship you make that clear to avoid confusion and awkward or embarrassing situations. The great thing about Forces Pen Pals is you can set your profile settings to show you are only there for friendship and this will reduce misunderstandings.
We genuinely care
In the USA there are some organisations specifically set up to “Adopt a Soldier”. But they do not offer the same level of personal interaction and social networking as we do here at Forces Pen Pals. The programs in the USA often work through the organisation as the middle-man. At least to start with so you don’t get that instant connection you do here at Forces Penpals. These organisations also do a lot of great work with adopting homeless ex soldiers or armed forces members. This is something you should definitely check out if you are interested in adopting an ex-soldier. Or veteran of any of the armed forces.