ASWL - Adoption FAQs

How long will it take to receive my trooper?

Depending on the volume of requests, you should receive an email from Julieann within 5-7 days. If you have not received an email after this time, please check your bulk email or "junk" folder. If you did not receive an email, please resubmit the form and note in the comments that it is your second request.

Many emails are returned to us due to an incorrect email address. PLEASE ensure that you are providing your correct email address when you sign up or we will not be able to reach you!

Is it possible to receive a trooper from my state?

Occasionally we are able to match adopters to troopers based on home state when requested. But please understand that only one person handles the adoption assignments which already take several hours a day. Our first priority is to make sure that trooper assignments are made in a timely fashion and special requests can significantly slow down the process.

How old is my trooper?
Does my trooper celebrate the upcoming holiday?
Is my trooper married?

We will share everything we know about your trooper with you. We do not ask for personal information as it is not important to our mission. (You can view the trooper signup form here to view the questions we ask.)

Regarding holidays, it's safe to say that seasonal candy is appreciated regardless of religious preference.

Has my trooper received their package?

We have no way of knowing. Once you have been assigned to a trooper, you are the sole contact, not ASWL. If you were given an email address for your trooper, you may contact them directly. Please understand that not all troopers have their own computers and often have very limited computer access.

We also suggest enclosing a self-addressed envelope with paper to make it easy for your trooper to contact you (no stamp is necessary).

Our troops are in "harm's way" and may not be able to answer you. If you require an acknowledgment, please do not participate in this program.

If the trooper has updated their status with us (rare), we will share that information with you. In most cases we simply have no way of knowing.

If you want to check the casualties list, we recommend the following website. While sad, it is a moving tribute to our fallen soldiers: US and Coalition Casualties

I can't afford to buy expensive items or send packages every month. Can I still participate?

Of course! Wish list items are provided as guidance; you are not required to purchase everything or anything on the wish list. If finances are tight, sign up to send a single package. When you're ready to send another one, simply sign up again.

Remember, letters are priceless to our troops.

Any special instructions for the first package?

Be sure to indicate on your package that you are with "A Soldier's Wish List" so the soldier knows it comes from a trusted source.

To make it easy for your soldier to contact you, include a self-addressed envelope. No stamp is necessary.

Remember to email Lisa at lisavwood@gmail.com after you have mailed your first package.

How often should I send a box?

This is up to you. However, if you signed up to send packages for the trooper's full deployment and you are no longer able to do so, please contact us so we can reassign your trooper.

When should I stop sending packages?

You will receive your trooper's approximate return date when you receive your assignment. Send your last package or letter 30 days before their return date to ensure that it is received.

I would like another trooper. What do I do?

Please complete another Adopt a Trooper form. Mention in the comments section that you are a current adopter and would like a second, third, etc. trooper.

Any shopping recommendations?

CALLING CARDS - We recommend AT&T International card for the best military rates: https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx

BOOTS - Visit http://www.uspatriotstore.com We've been told these are the best and have sent hundreds of these to our troops. If the order form asks for a phone number, enter (803) 787-9398. The city is the APO and the state is the AE or AP.

FOOD - We suggest www.netgrocer.com

ITEMS TO BEAT THE HEAT - This company will donate one free wrap to a lucky soldier for every two you buy! www.iceywrap.com

I need step by step info on how to send a package. Can you help?

Information specific to sending packages is available on our Sending a Package FAQ page here.