Who remembers standing in formation for mail call? Does the military still conduct mail call?

2015-07-15T14:07:39-04:00

I was recently reminded me of the importance and significance of mail call especially in the days before email, cell phones and texting existed in the 1950's 1960's, 1970's and I think through the 1980's. Waiting with anticipation in formation as a young enlisted man in sun, snow, rain or wind for mail call. The weather was much less important than hearing the names of friends called out to get mail and then hearing my own name which was wonderful. Going back to the barracks to smell envelopes from girl friends, read the letters on my bunk.
Later as a cadet at West Point one of the duties of the freshman class known as plebes was to distribute the mail to the upper classmen. It was a very important function and seemed to release a sense of common humanity and a brief period of humane treatment.
After I was commissioned in 1980, my mail was delivered to me except when we were away from home station when we would have mail call or else wait until the operation was over and then mail would be distributed.
Images: mail call wingen 70th ID WWII; Korean War early afternoon mail call brought these Thunderbirds in the 279th Infantry; Mail call! Pfc Glen Zachery of the 19th Army Postal Unit brings a sack of mail to the

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 15 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-07-15T14:09:19-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I remember it Sir. I believe everyone now pretty much has a mail box at the barracks unless they are in Korea. I am pretty sure they still do the unit mail rooms.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jul 15 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-07-15T14:12:29-04:00

I was on subs. Mail call was finding your mail buried under the paperwork you needed to do your job. I found letters a couple of months old a few times.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 15 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-07-15T14:18:42-04:00

LTC Stephen F. You knew my answer would be yes, but when I went to Europe we just picked it up and delivered it to other peoples area of operation on the AFB. I really don't think they do it anymore. We didn't do it in the sandbox either; we just put in the sections box at the distribution center within our Big Tent!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 15 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-07-15T14:20:35-04:00

We had it in bootcamp, then in the Fleet when deployed (WestPac) on on longer exercises like CAX. Usually, it ended up being one guy from the platoon running over to the mail clerk late in the afternoon and grabbing it for everyone though, and was much less formal though.

I remember one of my guys writing to a hot sauce company while one ship, and ended up getting an entire promo box while we were in Kuwait, which was kind of neat.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-07-15T14:22:43-04:00

LTC Stephen F. my BCT was last year, it is recent yet, I hated Sunday and Mondays nights because usually I didn't get anything. I remember waiting after lights were off to read my letters and cry in silence. Those were good times!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-07-15T14:26:06-04:00

I also remember forming for pay call

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 15 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-07-15T14:28:21-04:00

In OSUT, yes. Once I got to my unit, we had a mailroom.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 15 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-07-15T14:31:50-04:00

Yeah I remember mail call the "old way" as you described. Now it's much less formal as Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS stated. One person is usually designated "mail clerk" for your shop/division and they pick up our mail for us, bring it back to the shop and say "here's your mail. Sort out your own." No formations anymore.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 15 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-07-15T14:36:52-04:00

mail call in BMT then on deployments depending on length of time

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-07-15T15:14:53-04:00

To be fair, I've only been stationed in the states, on shore so far so I can't really speak for ship life, but I do recall in boot camp, mail call was one of the most exciting things. Waiting to hear your name for what seemed like hours. Now with recruits getting tablets, I can only hope they still only do mail as opposed to email or texts, because there is something special about opening a letter and reading a friend's or family member's handwriting.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jul 15 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-07-15T15:23:44-04:00

The only thing I remember about mail call was either boot camp when they would come in with our letters, or when they would pass the word over the 1MC for Mail Call. We never stood in formation for mail call.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 15 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-07-15T15:31:13-04:00

that and payroll officers. Getting your check cashed buying German Marks and then pay day activities!

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jul 15 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-07-15T15:55:11-04:00

Indeed I do!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 15 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-07-15T16:06:29-04:00

Went from group mail call to bags dropped off at the department to mailboxes just like the Post Office. Funny MSG Private RallyPoint Member mentioned pay. In the old haze gray and underway days, you'd go down to the DK shop where there was a clip board with everyone's name on it. It had everyone's balance on it and you'd fill in how much cash you wanted. There were limits depending on grade. There wasn't much to buy so Coke and toothpaste money pretty much covered it. All this stuff would never pass PII muster but back then we were required to stencil in our SSNs on the inside of all our clothing.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jul 15 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-07-15T16:15:22-04:00

Mail call in Basic Training and AIT. Once I got to my first Permanent Duty Station, the unit had a mail clerk and you were assigned a "mail box". Deployment to Desert Storm, OIF, and OEF didn't have "formation based mail call", but you went to a specific location within the unit to check for mail.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-07-15T16:21:39-04:00

We still had mail call (at the company mail room) when I was stationed in Germany in the early 90's. Since then, it has only occurred during deployments.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 15 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-07-15T20:37:20-04:00

Mail Call was always a big deal. However, outside of Boot Camp, the Navy doesn't really do formations... What really surprised me was that the Postal Clerk rating was subsumed into the Yeoman rating in the Navy. I would have thought that a Supply rating would have made more sense, but then the Navy has made a lot of strange rating changes in the last 15 years...

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jul 15 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-07-15T21:03:35-04:00

My boys took advantage of the fact that they still do this in IET. A high school friend of theirs ran a few months behind them when shipping. They gave him a few weeks of training before sending said PVT a letter addressed to SGT "nickname". He reluctantly raised his hand when they yelled who the hell is SGT ....? He was not very happy with my boys, but latter admitted that they had gotten him awfully good.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jul 15 at 2015 9:27 PM

2015-07-15T21:27:36-04:00

I sure do remember it. Clear as day.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 15 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-07-15T22:26:37-04:00

Ah yes, I remember it well. My favorite mail call was in BCT when the Sergeant read the return address on an envelope addressed to me = "SooHoo!" - when I received the letter from a Chinese gir I had dated once before enlisting.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-07-16T11:32:03-04:00

Only in Basic Training/AIT and downrange

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jul 16 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-07-16T12:26:57-04:00

We were out in the field this one time and we had mail call. The 1Sgt was calling us out. He called out Hernandez. Hernandez had not come out to the field with us. So the 1Sgt called out Hernandez again. Still no one replied. So the 1Sgt says "God damn it Hernandez, I knows you out there!" Of course for fear of questioning Top, we all kept our mouths shut. So he begins to spell it out, "H-E-N-R-I-K-S-O-N, Hernandez!" Henrikson, of course wanting his mail speaks up. "That's Henrikson 1sgt." Top replies, "God damn you Hernandez, get out here and get your mail!" To which Henrikson replies, "Yes 1Sgt!" Nobody said anything at the time for fear of insubordination, but we all got a pretty good chuckle out of it afterwards.

Ah, the good old days!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 16 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-07-16T13:03:02-04:00

We went individually, to get our mail; LTC Stephen Ford. I was stationed at a very small post. And, I don't know if they still have mail call.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jul 16 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-07-16T16:29:09-04:00

Had mail call when I was in AIT in Aberdeen Proving Grounds Edgewood MD

Response by SSgt Anthony Parmenter made Jul 20 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-07-20T13:58:43-04:00

I only experienced Mail Call in Basic and in Tech School. Once assigned to a duty station, personal mail was processed and delivered via the Post Office. Deployed, we delivered all mail via OMC/to units... although I don't know how each unit handed out personal mail.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 20 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-07-20T17:47:23-04:00

Oh Mail Call. The Platoon Sgt would read the "to" line, call your name, and the individual would repeat his name, break ranks, sprint to the front, and try to grab the mail from the Platoon Sgt's hand. God be with the man who actually touched the Gunny's hand! After snatching your item, you'd return to ranks. Letters would be stuffed in cargo pockets until "free time" --so, we read our letters at night (by a flashlight) or while seated in the head. E-mail, I-phones, and PDA's hadn't been invented at that time. It was pure entertainment --or better put, a nice break from the training schedule.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jul 20 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-07-20T20:42:24-04:00

I remember it well from Basic in 1973. I got kidded a lot as I got a letter every day from my wife who was living with my parents until I got done. On the rare day when I didn't get a letter from her, or Mom & Dad or my Sister I would get several the next day. Only thing is, I was the "Trainee Field First" (anybody remember those?) and wore the armband of an E-7 and the DI's had me do Mail Call.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jul 21 at 2015 4:57 AM

2015-07-21T04:57:38-04:00

I was Active Duty from 1988-1990 before e-mail was common and long before the Army issued e-mail addresses. I learned to be nice to the mail clerk in Korea. We actually got 7 day delivery, Monday-Friday to the mail room but weekends the mailroom was only open a few hours. I was good friends with the mail clerk, so after she closed the mail room she would deliver mail to my barracks room. I was one of a very select group of soldiers who got room service. At Fort Hood I was designated by my NCOIC of the BAS I worked in to pick up mail for the whole BAS when I went to pick up supplies at the hospital.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 21 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-07-21T14:02:40-04:00

Yah, we still do that in BCT-land

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Aug 19 at 2015 9:20 PM

2015-08-19T21:20:38-04:00

During Basic Training, our unit got smoked because a love letter.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 19 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-08-19T21:50:26-04:00

LTC Stephen F., I do not recall mail call. My service during the Cold War, really was so very long ago for me. And I didn't get very much mail.
I Think I remember it in Basic Training; but I am not sure.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Aug 20 at 2015 1:59 AM

2015-08-20T01:59:06-04:00

LTC Stephen F. - Colonel; The most hilarious thing that I recall ever hearing while in formation was a highly decorated (and long retired) BGen telling the School Commandant to "Have the men stand at ease if they aren't already doing so." before addressing the march off parade for a class of graduating 2LTs.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 20 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-08-20T09:30:59-04:00

Yep, I still remember....

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 20 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-08-20T10:29:18-04:00

I don't think we do mail call while in formation no more(As far as i remember), all we do is sitting in classroom while our ds hand out mail.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 20 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-08-20T10:31:15-04:00

Well, We all make a mistake every now and then but wrong boot, that a diffrence story.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 20 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-08-20T11:41:45-04:00

I remember mail call in the combat zone; not so much in garrison. My memories of the Army touching my mail in garrison are not great when I lived in the barracks. That is why I got a PO BOX. In my BN, the Soldiers in the barracks have box which are serviced by the post office. I think that's a good thing.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 20 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-08-20T12:12:17-04:00

I remember Mail Call in Basic Training in the 90's. It wasn't fun being the DS would make fun of you, and if it was a care package, you'd have to open it up and share. Heaven help you if the letter had perfume on it. In Bosnia I remember having it too. But at least this time I got to eat what was sent to me. And in Afghanistan, we were very remote so ANYONE getting mail was an event in itself. Eventually we got slow internet, but that didn't take away the excitement from when snailmail came in.

Response by SPC Bill Earley made Aug 23 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-08-23T17:39:28-04:00

I remember very well! It was the highlight of the day waiting to hear your name called. It was also a very lonely experience when your name wasn't called. Loved care packages from home made me feel better on those long nights.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Apr 4 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-04-04T18:27:16-04:00

No Sir, that doesn't happen anymore. Even when deployed it was dropped off in a box for you to sort through. You may get an email letting you know who got mail. LOL. Iraq 2010-11. Fun times...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-04-04T18:34:26-04:00

Best time of the day!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 4 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-04-04T19:24:31-04:00

LTC Stephen F. - Mail Call was the highlight of many-a-days! If someone got a picture of their girl, it went directly to the "Hog Board." "Dear John" letters were posted here as well. If someone got a "Care Package," it was opened and promptly shared (by direction) with the platoon. Often, the intended recipient was left with an empty box. Also, we made a point to share our mail with those who didn't get any. It was a great way to get to know your shipmates! There was always the challenge of reading letter in the order in which they were written --had to open 'em in order of post-dates. Great memories!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 5 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-04-05T20:48:01-04:00

LTC Stephen F. There is something very special about standing in a group of soldiers and hearing your name called out to go forward and receive that piece of heaven and having everyone's eyes on you as you received it - especially the wanting eyes of those waiting for a letter. Was also great when I reached the front of the pay line, standing at attention, saluting, giving Dawson, Mikel W, SSN.

Response by SSG Steven E. made May 15 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-05-15T23:26:36-04:00

I had a Platoon Sgt on the first trip to Iraq who would hold mail call as the last step of the end of mission/duty day accountability formations. Sometimes, when mail would hit just right and he would get slammed with boxes, he would make a big comical production (solely for the laughter it normally generated) about how we were wearing him out with all the mail we were receiving, and on and on.. It was quite often the most savored moment of each day as it co-existed with another day done, the pulling off of the sweat soaked IBAS (body armor) and catching up/going over the events of the day with the rest of the platoon.

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Jul 6 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-07-06T16:30:24-04:00

I remember mail call and having to stand in line to receive our paychecks. I remember once, at a payday, two women showed up. One was the soldier's wife and the other his mistress. I shouldn't have to tell you what happened next, but more MPs we're brought in to quell the situation

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 24 at 2017 11:04 PM

2017-07-24T23:04:04-04:00

I do, indeed, remember standing in line for mail call. -Margaret

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 25 at 2017 12:28 AM

2017-07-25T00:28:52-04:00

Oh yes I do LTC Stephen F.. Good times and good memories!!! And, I remember getting my ass kicked at OSUT and OCS for getting so much mail... A nice problem to have indeed. I shared my letters, from girlfriend (now my wife) at OSUT with some of my buddies. I also remember pay call, which ended shortly after I left OSUT (1 Oct 80 - 15 Feb 81).

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 25 at 2017 1:51 AM

2017-07-25T01:51:08-04:00

They still did mail call in 1981 when I joined the Army.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 25 at 2017 7:34 AM

2017-07-25T07:34:45-04:00

I remember mail call from when I was at Fort Leonard Wood.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 25 at 2017 11:05 AM

2017-07-25T11:05:23-04:00

I joined in 1985, I think the only time I had "mail call" in formation was in OUST. Even at my 1st duty station in Germany, 1986, mail was delivered to the PSG and it got passed out by section leaders or sometimes at a PLT formation....

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 25 at 2017 11:34 AM

2017-07-25T11:34:40-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I remember it well in Basic Training and AIT (1975) and then you just received if from your platoon or section on a daily basis once you got to your permanent party.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 25 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-07-25T11:46:13-04:00

Just in Boot Camp.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Jul 25 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-07-25T11:51:39-04:00

Worst mail call ever......received a box of chocolate chip cookies from my mother while in boot camp. Not fun!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 11:52 AM

2017-07-25T11:52:35-04:00

In basic. When you're deployed kind of. S1 would sometimes bring packages around. In garrison no. If you live in the barracks you better catch the mail clerk at the times posted or you won't be getting your package was my experience. Otherwise we had mail boxes.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jul 25 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-07-25T12:49:07-04:00

Korea in '64 we gathered around the front of the company HQ quonset for mail call when in garrison. When we were up on the zone we got our mail when we went down the hill for chow.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 3:13 PM

2017-07-25T15:13:38-04:00

Depends on the unit needs and command directives. We did not. Just go to the post on your time off. When we brought it to our SEN's it was given to them.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 25 at 2017 6:50 PM

2017-07-25T18:50:14-04:00

Yes I remember forming for mail call back in Ft. Lewis in 1965 when I enlisted,also reporting for pay at the company orderly room,with of course the mandatory training on how to report for pay

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jul 25 at 2017 7:15 PM

2017-07-25T19:15:14-04:00

Remember in boot camp we'd be standing " on line" and the DI would be on the quarterdeck. He would call out your name and you would have to hold one hand over top the other and report for mail call. Depending on the DI's mood he would put it in your hands or through it down the squadbay and say " Air-mail !", God help you if you had lipstick or perfume on your letter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-07-25T23:09:53-04:00

I'm a loser, no one ever wrote to me! But then again, spooks don't have many friends... lol... and if I didn't call my mom regularly she sent out the Sheriffs Dept to do a welfare check. So no fun memory letters for me. :(

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jul 25 at 2017 11:22 PM

2017-07-25T23:22:15-04:00

Wow! I remember mail call! During my 2nd tour in Korea I was battalion postal section chief. I had HQ battery as well as 7 outlying batteries spread across a pretty large area of South Korea from Seoul to south of Osan. Anyway, in that capacity we had to separate all the mail coming into battalion into 8 sections and get the battery mail ready for the couriers to load up and head back to their respective batteries. Then we sorted HHB mail. We never had mail call as such. Mail was sorted by section and/or hooches. Some guys would come to the mailroom and see if they had anything others would wait until we delivered the bunches to either individual sections (i.e. S-1, Motor Pool, DSP, etc.) or to individual hooches. Then officers, of course, got their mail delivered personally to their duty station or their individual hooch, depending. Other than that I really don't recall mail call, maybe a little memory while in Basic but I have no memory of mail in AIT at Ft. Gordon. Before taking over batallion mail I was in S-2 and TDY from time to time and really don't recall much about mail. Only mail REALLY recall was a letter from my "fiance'" announcing her upcoming marriage the following month. That really fuck with me for a long time. Otherwise, I guess I got goody boxes from time to time. But after my girl dumped me I really had no use for mail. It was better for me to see guys get their stuff from home.

Response by SPC Stanley Robinson made Aug 8 at 2017 10:26 PM

2017-08-08T22:26:39-04:00

I remember mail call in Basic, AIT, and in the field when we were at NTC or reforgers. It was an amazing rush when you heard your name called and it was a scented letter from your sweetheart!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-04-14T13:47:13-04:00

Iwakuni, Japan 1978. We also had pay call and were paid in cash.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 14 at 2018 1:59 PM

2018-04-14T13:59:21-04:00

Here’s my most memorable mail call, LTC Stephen F.! I was at Camp Mackall for SF Phase 1 (APR-MAY70), and my mother made the huge mistake of sending me a care package while I was there. All I got was a battered, partially opened box with crumbs in the bottom!
I was disappointed, but not surprised. Needless to say, I said nothing to the SF cadre! I’m sure they were just waiting for me to complain! I figured that was neither the time nor the place to argue about opened mail!
Even there, though, mail call was not done in formation.

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Apr 14 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-04-14T14:06:35-04:00

Definitely brings back memories LTC Stephen F.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 14 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-04-14T14:56:57-04:00

Only at OTS. Everywhere else we had mailboxes.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 14 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-04-14T15:02:32-04:00

One of my favorite country song involves mail call.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIG9C3n-SPc

John Michael Montgomery - Letters From Home (Official Music Video)

You're watching the official music video for John Michael Montgomery's "Letters From Home" from the album 'Letters From Home' (2004).John Michael Montgomery...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 14 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-04-14T15:06:12-04:00

Good times during basic.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 14 at 2018 3:15 PM

2018-04-14T15:15:48-04:00

LTC Stephen F.: I arrived at my first formation: with my polished brass, and, with my shoelaces in my hand....Much to my Chagrin. I knew absolutely Nothing about the Army. Later on, in AIT: I read a pamphlet about the Army; in the PX. Then, I became a Squad Leader and a Graduate with Honors; also in AIT.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 4:01 PM

2018-04-14T16:01:28-04:00

I remember mail call. Some fun times.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 14 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-04-14T16:04:02-04:00

Well technically never experienced this, but know the feeling. During Vietnam had a PO Box so checked every day and fortunately my new wife sent letters daily. Later when stationed in Turkey, still had a PO Box but mail only arrived once or twice a week, so everyone checked on the day mail came in. Always good to get mail, even if it was a few days/weeks worth.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Apr 14 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-04-14T17:37:47-04:00

Stephen I remember during my last trip over, I had access to SATPhone, email, some times a regular phone but there was nothing like getting a letter from home. I did not want an expensive card, just a hand written note. I remember reading the letters and thinking I could almost hear her voice, and see her smiling as she was telling what was in the letter. Emails and phones are cool but a simple piece of paper with your thoughts on it is the best. I have had some letters that I have read kept in a pocket and would re-read whenever I could.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 9:36 PM

2018-04-14T21:36:33-04:00

I don't remember Mail Call ever having a line, it was just a bunch of guys in a Cluster F!!K. Name was called, someone said here, and the mail just thrown in that direction, except the packages.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 15 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-04-15T16:50:47-04:00

I remember mail call while stationed in Uijongbu. Some times it was the only highlight of a long day.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 15 at 2018 5:50 PM

2018-04-15T17:50:47-04:00

I don't remember much mail call, most all units had PO Boxes in the barracks or a central mail room. But I do remember mail being handles out. Long time since That has even entered my mind. Now my son was in during e-mail and the likes. He was on a cariier and if no mail showed up you knew something was going on. At times the legal office got full and it was all the dear John mail.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 15 at 2018 8:43 PM

2018-04-15T20:43:44-04:00

Highlight of the Day - yes we used highliters too. and grease pencils, and maps, and compasses, and canteen cups. and steel pots. and web gear. Wow! - am I old or what?

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Apr 16 at 2018 12:00 AM

2018-04-16T00:00:50-04:00

For the most part being at smaller units in the CG (outside of training, the largest unit I was at had 87 officers and enlisted, and the average unit was between 15 and 20), we did not have formal mail call. CG was not real big on standing in formation either to tell the truth. Most units we either had mailbox slots somewhere or we would find our mail shoved under the door of the derthing area or tossed on our racks. The exception would be the training centers which were the only units I was ever at large enough to get official. The other issue was for the most part, I was either on watch, coming off watch or off ... duty was often port and starboard, and on occassion port and report ... best duty I ever had was 5 Day, 5 eves, 5 mids, 5 off. Not bad when you're single.

Response by SSG Adam Wyatt made Apr 16 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-04-16T20:28:39-04:00

Oh yes, and I remember finance always thinking we were going to rob them when it came to monthly withdraw at the FOB. Like they were going to stop a bunch of swinging dicks with live ammo and frags if we actually wanted their measly $100k. Good times

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 16 at 2018 10:37 PM

2018-04-16T22:37:59-04:00

When I was the S-2/STA Plt Ldr; On deployment the STA Plt Sgt just distributed the mail in the squad bay. Except... If there was a care package for me from home. Then mail call went in the 2 shop, the entire platoon on deck.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 17 at 2018 1:46 PM

2018-04-17T13:46:48-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I was the postal clerk on a destroyer for a while, mail call is a big morale booster.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Apr 17 at 2018 1:48 PM

2018-04-17T13:48:24-04:00

Mail call in Boot camp 1978 & OCS 1990. Anticipation was the biggest emotion. If your name was called, joy & if not disappointment.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Apr 17 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-04-17T13:51:02-04:00

Mail call, regardless the weather or the time, was always welcomed. I lived through it and have many fond memories from the letters that came to me--all except the "Dear John."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 1:58 PM

2018-04-17T13:58:52-04:00

I like this comedic version of mail call which is not as tough as it was in 1994 but the verbal outbursts were there.

https://youtu.be/S3gwQv_53bY

Golden Era Mail Call 3

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 2:01 PM

2018-04-17T14:01:54-04:00

https://youtu.be/O-O7puyglsY

Mail Call part 2 (ReUpload)

New T-Shirt Link: https://www.yushathomas.com/collections/men/products/hold-what-you-got-t-shirt Click Link To Subscribe to My Youtube Channel: https://www.y...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 2:02 PM

2018-04-17T14:02:23-04:00

https://youtu.be/UA8hOKMYxSs

Golden Era Mail call

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Apr 17 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-04-17T14:07:08-04:00

Remember it quite well old Navy.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 17 at 2018 6:05 PM

2018-04-17T18:05:58-04:00

Here is a WWII video - HD Stock Footage WWII V-Mail To Speed Up Mail Service 1944 Newsreel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWnSujuTPi8
FYI SGT Robert Pryor SGT Michael Hearn SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D SPC Randy Zimmerman TSgt David L.Sgt Jay Jones MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi SMSgt Lawrence McCarter GySgt Thomas Vick PO2 Private RallyPoint Member SPC Nancy Greene SGT Denny Espinosa PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Private RallyPoint Member Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SPC Matthew Lamb

HD Stock Footage WWII V-Mail To Speed Up Mail Service 1944 Newsreel

http://www.buyoutfootage.com/pages/titles/pd_mnr_139.html True HD direct film transfer New service speeds mail to American GI's in all parts of the world. Sh...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-04-19T15:58:06-04:00

I had mail call in Basic and AIT, 1986. After that, we had a much less formal mail call when I was in Afghanistan and Iraq (2011 and 2009 respectively) - no standing in formation, etc. Just someone (usually a group of folks) would go stand around the mail room, the mail for our organization would be put out on a pallet, and we'd all go through and grab boxes and take them to our AO and distribute to the addressees.

Response by PO1 Jeffrey Pennala made Apr 26 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-04-26T15:40:44-04:00

When I got out to the fleet and met my first ship in Yokosuka Japan, mail was sent to the division which sorted it by work center. My shipmates would get excited to get mail we had a designated mail clerk who would pass out the mail. I would never get any, my family really didn't miss me and rarely sent any letters, if I did receive any it was to announce a wedding for one of my three sisters, I know they were thinking I'd send some money to them as a gift. Mail call was a lonely affair for me, so I decided to buy a 35mm camera and take up photography, I would shoot a lot of film and send it out to be developed so when mail call happened I'd have something to look forward to.

Response by SGT Steven Ransbottom made Apr 29 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-04-29T20:19:57-04:00

In Basic we had stood formation for Mail Call, after that, I was in the 1st CAV, we had a mail room, with mail boxes.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made May 14 at 2018 3:27 AM

2018-05-14T03:27:15-04:00

Mail call, how many millenium ago was that. Basic, at Lackland AFB, 1971. Waiting to read mail from my family and friends. But oh the pain of getting a "care package" from one of them! How many people wanted Oreos or see what other items I received.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made May 14 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-05-14T10:06:07-04:00

Who remembers being assigned the Mail Bouy Watch? MCPO Roger Collins PO3 Bob McCord SCPO Larry Knight Sr. PO2 Brian Rhodes PO3 Steven Sherrill @

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made May 14 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-05-14T19:31:24-04:00

RTC was the only place we had an actual mail call. On Ships, we had a Mail Petty Officer who collected all the mail fro the Division and delivered it to us. At shore stations, we also had a Mail PO, but we usually got our mail at work since many of us lived off base.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 21 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-05-21T14:29:46-04:00

When at Fort Lee for an advanced field train’g course we got mail when the pipeline students did.. at a Mail call.. the clerk pass’g it out got a thrill pass’g it out.
He would get all the letters n pkgs in order and s’times go reverse alphabetical
If a lot of pkgs, come after mailcall and get your pkg.? He had a list and called from that. Abbott, J.T., Amn Nothing,
Nothing and nothing , Biggs; 2 letters,
Calligon 3 letters and a pkg, see me after
To get your pkg and on and on.. We had guys that consistently got nothing.. a few just quit coming.. pay checks? Report to 1SGT.. I was TDY, I had sure pay..! I did get a leave/earn’g statement.. One day the clerk posted a notice.. All Personnel will report for Mail call, NO Exceptions !
He loved digging on the guys w/o letters..
What it was... he hated having to take Mail back to the orderly em.. He typed the letter and got the Cmdr to sign it. As per the cross. If only one pkg he’ brought it out and a AMN
Didn’t show .. he hatred hauling it back..
Another reason for e’body being at Mail call was an important letter from Unk Sam. One day he had important letters
From Sam and two guys were not there..
poor guy had to haul the two letters..and a package back to the orderly em. Nothing worse than being told no Mail. I didn’t care.. I wanted to see who else got no mail.. I was 18 and all I could get was near beer if I ordered.. a couple of us go over to the beer shack .. i’d Go in and get a ginger ale One of the other guys would buy a big pitcher..I’d guzzle my ginger ale down and refill with beer.. yellow like beer.. no prob.. within a half hour the place be full, the bar gals were busy..
I’d contribute a couple more bills and Marty go get some more.. Some Army SSGT be wandering around an look’g people over pretty seriously.. I was TDY an A1C and not one of the Pipeline students.. I fidn’t Have no leadership rope either.. SSGT was watching the students..
i’d Had enough and got out of there getting rid of my cup, smashing it as I went and shov’g it down in the can. I seen the SSGT coming but stopped at a table of some Army Cooks I knew.. Them guys were permanent party.. go f** k with the students.... geez! I got outta there and went to the CharlieCo. Mess Hall.. chewing on some gum.. I got there with 10 minutes to spare.. there was still plenty
To get.. The Pfc gave me a good serv’g of e’thing; Swissed processed pressed Steak. Smashed potatoes and a dished of green beans.. “Can I have 2, you’re closing in a few minutes.” The Spc4 said sure.. so I got another and went and got some beverage.. . A few minutes later they started pulling pans off the line..
Daggum, that was close !... I got eating and finished up..and grabbed my ice cream sandwich and got out of there..
A SSGT was standing by the door look’g for food going out.. he turned and caught some Pvt with a Sandwich.. it had a bite or two gone and he let him go.. I got my ice creams out.. They were rock hard.. I got
Back to my room and gave one to the door guard.. I had the other with a bite out of it.. I went to my room and got ready to get a shower.. it was Friday night
Time to howl.. See what’s at the movie?..
Ma & Pa kettle go to Hollywood.. hmm..
Special feature at theater II.. Godzilla Eats Hollywood .. never was into Godzilla movies... Petersburg never had much..
Go to D.C.? Hmm see who else wants to go.. So much for the weekend !

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made May 22 at 2018 7:52 PM

2018-05-22T19:52:34-04:00

During my buck sergeant years in the 206th Signal Company, I served as the unit mail clerk when necessary. I became the most favorite GI in the company.

Response by MSgt Thelbert (Whitey) Roark made May 31 at 2018 6:42 PM

2018-05-31T18:42:47-04:00

Last time I had mail call was in basic training in ‘66. After that we always had a PO Box. I do remember the anticipation.

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made Jun 3 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-06-03T21:54:59-04:00

Mail call,we had in basic, our DI,would call out names. If you didn't respond you got no mail.

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Jun 3 at 2018 9:56 PM

2018-06-03T21:56:20-04:00

Yes, we were still not sending text messages or emails when I retired in 94.

Response by SFC Armando Sanchez made Jun 16 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-06-16T15:53:06-04:00

Mail Call & Pay Call

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Jun 20 at 2018 2:35 AM

2018-06-20T02:35:22-04:00

Royal pain in the butt in the modern Army in the field, but it was a big deal in the 70s in Germany. Getting people the mail card for field duty was a real nightmare as a First Sergeant in Germany; the end of the old orderly room and the rise of the PACs made those soldiers hard to identify and train. Very few takers in the field, too. In Conus, most exercises were short enough to not worry about it. But, then something massive would come up and you'd have problems because the three people who had the cards before were PCSed. Mail is critical, and given how good we are at getting upset about disruptions in our routine -- soldiers are very good about not liking change -- it's important. Of course, there are good stories. A friend of mine, my lieutenant in 1977, had been at a previous assignment. He'd had to have a major car part shipped from the states; the battalion mail clerk very diligently got this muffler-tail pipe assembly in and made certain that Lt Cantu got it immediately -- in the field, in Grafenwoehr, during tank gunnery.

Response by A1C John Weiss made Jun 22 at 2018 1:35 PM

2018-06-22T13:35:10-04:00

The only time I had mail call was in AF Basic, reminded me of the old war movies. But yeah it was kinda cool to hear your name called out and getting the looks of envy from the guys that didn't get mail that day.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Jun 23 at 2018 8:19 AM

2018-06-23T08:19:03-04:00

Being a Yeoman I used to go get the mail sort it out and put it in the appropriate boxes for each department. If it was to big then I would find someone in charge of that department and give it to them. Even in foreign countries I would do this since we had a FPO address. We did have to send a message to switch where it went and sometimes the mail would almost chase us. We would pull into a port for a day or two and leave. One time we did not get mail for 3 months due to us going in and out of different ports. Yes we would get family grams but those were done by radio broadcasts and printed out by radio. We did not have internet at the time so it was that or snail mail when we got into port and stayed there for about 1 week or more. Man some of that mail smelled like a person just poured a perfume bottle on the letter. This of course made the others smell as well. Have some interesting stories to tell about getting the mail but that will have to wait for another post. Great memories.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Jun 23 at 2018 11:44 PM

2018-06-23T23:44:01-04:00

Remember it only too well. Also remember standing out in formation in a driving rain at 0 dark thirty doing PT in our skivvies for giving a certain troop a blanket party. Ah yes, memories.

Response by LTC Dave Dreher made Jul 14 at 2018 11:35 PM

2018-07-14T23:35:18-04:00

Not only mail call but pay call, you reported for pay and we’re paid in cash, you then proceeded down a line of tables to square debts like your laundry bill. The last station at the tables was the Old Soldier’s Home donations, the 1SG stood close by and “observed” those who didn’t donate.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Jul 21 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-07-21T12:01:31-04:00

What was embarrassing was when your girlfriend put perfume on the letters lol

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Jul 22 at 2018 4:58 PM

2018-07-22T16:58:02-04:00

I remember mail call when In was in the Army and Navy, it sucked when you stood waiting and didn't get any mail. In the Navy back in the 70's and 80's when we were underway we had to wait until we got stores brought to us and when you were independent steaming we had to wait a week or 2 until we got stores and fuel. It's great now that they have the computers so they can stay in contact most of the time.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jul 26 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-07-26T17:12:33-04:00

I did that in Basic Training. In permanent party, there was a mailroom and we had our own box with a combination lock.

Response by SSgt Brian Brakke made Jul 28 at 2018 2:14 AM

2018-07-28T02:14:56-04:00

I remember it from Basic Training as well... Great old pics LTC Stephen F. !

Response by CCMSgt Robert Hall made Aug 1 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-08-01T08:53:02-04:00

Yep, Amarillo AFB, every afternoon following noon chow.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Aug 1 at 2018 4:57 PM

2018-08-01T16:57:56-04:00

I always felt like mail call was a great bonding time during my first few years and while deployed. I have some pretty good memories of those times and hate to see it drifting away.

LTC Stephen F.,COL Mikel J. Burroughs,PVT Mark Brown,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,Lt Col Charlie Brown,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SPC Douglas Bolton

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Aug 1 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-08-01T23:40:14-04:00

I was at Wright-Pat AFB Regional Hospital waiting at aeromedical barracks for a flight to take me back to Grand Fotks for Medical Retirement on TDRL... in Nov. ‘77.
I’m glad I didn’t get over there until the last few weeks of November because one has to be available if a flight comes available that’ll take you. There was one flight I could of got but the Colonel there conferred with my doc and passed on it. I would of had several stops and a possible layover and maybe get bounced for a more serious patient.. So I stayed until after Thanksgiving.. They gave me a pager and I was able to go to the main hospital and get around and see people.
I knew.. one of them the Neurosurgeon that kept some new guy from drilling burr holes to relieve pressure... Doc ward thought the pressure was / had relieving(ed) itself pretty good..
I thought it had .. was find’g some clear sticky fluid on the pillow case quite often..
So she kept me on the ward until after Doc checked me.. then my pay was going to my Grand Forks acc’t.. $594.60
Before taxes.. I was allowed to add the year of Reserve.. and that put me over 8 for pay.. because I was being retired. A thoughtful young man at finance checked regulations. The board set my retirement
In Jan ‘78, They didn’t for some reason use the board date as freezing my TIG but the retirement date and that was in the minutes for the board.. YES THANK YOU, JESUS ! and adding my Reserve year putting me over 8 years. My pay jumped to $618 as over 8 they added full cola after they halved it . So I didn’t do too shabby.. then I started vocat-rehab.. I
Was earn’g more than when active duty..
on school pay I got cola also.. I checked to see if mistake.. I was earning a nice check.. paid a hell of a price to get it... With a TBI and some bruised ribs and fractured left forearm.. I still had to get my writing up to par again.. practice that cursive.. As I was a right handed writer..
for some reason I was trying to pick up the.silverware they gave me left handed.. since my arm casted I switched back to my right hand.. The ribs only hurt when I laughed hard so not too funny of jokes for those first few month after the accident.. I told people.. they wanted me to wait on school and work on getting better... Therapy said I was doing really swell.. walking and balance.... I thought my mind was sharper than before the TBI..
I did a lot of vocabulary tests at W-P Hospital. Some math .. cursive .. before accident writing was edging on sloppy (IMHO)... and I had gotten some books at base library.. I had left in my room before accident on Base flightline. My roomy informed me he returned my books.. when he visited me The first time..
That was back shortly after the accident when at Univ ND Trauma ward..
go forward again... back to
Community College and culinary School..
The first few weeks were in the class...
A lot of safety.. running is not part of getting around in the kitchen.. especially when having a knife or other sharp object
One of the clowns tried taunt’g me while Chef was out of the room.. I ignored him and he could not handle that.. he come over and slammed his hand on my book...
Right then chef walked in.... “I just don’t
Know what his major malfunction is Chef.. but I’m surmising maybe his mama didn’t love him much....he’s clammering for attention... maybe he has A.D.D.” I need say no more.. Chef invited him out in the hall... there were out there for about 15 minutes... and then returned... and apologized ... that’s ok, you had an
Uncontrollable moment.. let’s forget it happened.. his buds were trying not to laugh at him.. and we moved on.. he lost control of his fan base..

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Aug 2 at 2018 9:13 AM

2018-08-02T09:13:45-04:00

I remember mail call when I was in training in the US but I don't remember them after I became an officer. Maybe I stopped getting mail then HaHa.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Aug 3 at 2018 6:32 PM

2018-08-03T18:32:24-04:00

The last time and only time I remember doing mail call while in formation was when I was attending AIT back in 1993. And like probably most of us, it was pretty much the norm in basic training.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 4:42 AM

2018-08-05T04:42:21-04:00

There wasn't no standing in formation for mail call, never. Just a Cluster F$%K of guys crowded by the mail clerk.
Anyway what do I know, only got two letters in my 4 years.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Aug 12 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-08-12T14:07:01-04:00

I remember sitting at a desk in the American Express Bank with a .45 at my right hand and two MPs with shotguns on either side when we held Pay Call at Hohenfels. We paid our soldiers in cash in those days, long before direct deposit. Yes, I also remember mail call.

Response by Sgt Daniel J. Daly made Aug 24 at 2018 10:31 PM

2018-08-24T22:31:51-04:00

I remember standing mail call in Staging Bn. at Camp Pendleton, CA. The postal clerk calls out all the names. He then says does anyone know someone in Belmar, NJ. I yell out I do. A family friend had written me a letter, but put my uncle name on the letter of whom I am named for, but he is Daniel Kenney . Back during WWII she had dated him prior to his going over to England. He was a S/SGT in the Army Air Corps on a B-17 as a waist gunner. Shot down over the North Sea and was captured by the Germans and held in a POW Camp for 22 months.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 28 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-08-28T21:46:33-04:00

Not really. Units run mailrooms and there is an additional duty guy with a 285 card that puts the mail in everyone's boxes and issues out parcels, usually at the barracks. When deployed, they have the units, again with a 285 card holder issue out mail a few hours a day. Sometimes they bring it to you if it's piled up or you have a box taking up space.

Response by SSG Bob Klement made Aug 31 at 2018 9:27 PM

2018-08-31T21:27:34-04:00

Absolutely! Also remember reporting for pay!

Response by LTC Jack Regan made Sep 21 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-09-21T11:44:57-04:00

Oh yes, I remember it well. I also remember pay day formation and duty as a pay officer while paying soldiers in cash.

Response by SGT Larry Cooper made Oct 6 at 2018 1:50 AM

2018-10-06T01:50:55-04:00

Mail call was second only to pay call.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Oct 18 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-10-18T14:11:02-04:00

Presumably, mail call is still conducted in an initial training environment. While deployed, an informal version was not uncommon for persons not out on mission when LOGPAC came in...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 9:40 AM

2019-03-23T09:40:50-04:00

As the names were called there was often an "Alphabets!" That was the person with a long, hard to pronounce name.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Mar 23 at 2019 3:41 PM

2019-03-23T15:41:04-04:00

I still remember mail call in the mid to late 80's and I hated it! Why? Look at my last name! lol

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Mar 24 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-03-24T16:31:16-04:00

LTC Stephen F. Definitely,LTC.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Mar 24 at 2019 5:16 PM

2019-03-24T17:16:52-04:00

We had a few guys with names that were in the last 6 letters of the Alphabet.. Our MTi handed the mail to our Flight chief and he would go through occasionally and do those guys on the back end first. I held that position the last 4 weeks of training.. I kept up that idea.. I would go through and do those Airmen in the middle, we had 12 with names in the middle 7 or 8.. gave somebody else a chsnce to be in the first dozen to get their mail quicker..

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Apr 1 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-04-01T17:48:30-04:00

Yea mail call was the high light of the day, especially in Vietnam. It fun to watch and see who got those most mail and the care packages. It was sad to see the guys who didn't get mail too. I remember one day I went to mail call and the mail clerk gave me a small bag of letters from my high school in Frankfurt, Germany. One my teachers put my address in the school bulletin and I got a bunch of letters. I remember my last year in high school we wrote to guys in Vietnam, this was in 1966 and I never thought it would be me the next year in 1967. It helped us get through the loneliness helped us get through the time over there. My Mom and grandmother would send me a package and would send me packs of Koolaide, In used to give it to the mess Sgt and he would make us Koolaide.

Response by SPC David Roberts made Apr 4 at 2019 1:47 AM

2019-04-04T01:47:11-04:00

I remember one horrible mail call in basic training. We were cleaning our weapons after coming back from the range and while doing that we had mail call. My name was called and it was a package! But when I went up there, the drill sargeant made me open it in front of him in case it was contraband.

It wasn't contraband. It was delicious-looking homemade chocolate-chip cookies from my grandmother. She had been a mom during World War II and knew how to take care of boys in the service.
But the drill sargeant wouldn't let me eat one and I had to leave the box on the table while I finished cleaning my weapon. When I finally finished and brought my weapon up for inspection, it passed and I took the box. But it was empty! Every single cookie my grandmother had made for me had been eaten by someone else. I was a very sad trainee that night in my bunk. I wouldn't had minded sharing but I would have liked to eaten at least one.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Sep 16 at 2019 7:30 AM

2019-09-16T07:30:58-04:00

When I was in, we had mail boxes in the company area so soldiers could pickup their own mail. When we were deployed, then the supply sergeant would bring it out with the food. In the field it was usually not a formation as much as everyone sitting around eating while someone called names for the mail.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Sep 17 at 2019 10:14 AM

2019-09-17T10:14:22-04:00

We did not have a formation, just ganged up around the mail guy.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 7 at 2019 6:58 PM

2019-11-07T18:58:41-05:00

I remember one day after mail call the Drill Sergeant told us there was no time to read them, I don't remember why, and to put our letters in our pockets. So, being the smart guy that I was, I asked the Drill Sergeant if I could go to the bathroom and while I was in the stall I read the letter from my girlfriend. While I was reading I saw these two shiny black boots appear in my vision just above the letter. Yeah, busted. While doing extra duty or KP or whatever it was, it occurred to me that the DSs have seen it all before and that it probably was not a very smart thing to do. Why is wisdom always so painful?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 8 at 2019 12:58 AM

2019-11-08T00:58:35-05:00

The only pace I had been where mail call was done was in basic training everywhere else We had a Mail room to pick up our mail.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 8 at 2019 9:15 AM

2019-11-08T09:15:36-05:00

Yes I remember mail call, A week after I enlisted BCT. Senior Drill would start calling names and folks would go get their mail God help you if he had to spell your name cause he could not pronounce it you were down knocking out push-up's. I kept thinking who would write to you here you don't have time to read it. About that time Senior Drill called out John Boy, I just stayed at ease mind running side ways with every thing we were learning then I Heard Private Walton do you know anyone that can write? Yes Senior Drill SGT. Well get you ass up here. You know the position just hit it. So as I knocked out the twenty push ups he informed me I was now John Boy, of course I laughed and decided I would just do another twenty because I knew it was going to happen anyways. Later in life I got the honor of passing out mail for mail call at perm. party. I was done way different then. But fond memories. JMTC

Response by SFC James Smith made Nov 12 at 2019 1:55 PM

2019-11-12T13:55:30-05:00

We were an Airborne unit mobilized in 2003 to Camp Atterbury, IN. Our 1st SGT, an old school tough guy, would hold a company formation, call each individual up to receive his or her mail, then we would have to do 10 push ups for every piece of mail. Us senior NCOs, also being old school and clever, conspired with the rest of the members of the company. We asked each individual to reach out to all their family members and have them all send mail.... to the 1st SGT... quiet then for a few days... then BAMMM! 20 letters for good Ole 1st Sgt Nichols in one day! as the old Airborne Jumpmaster that he was... he got down and knocked those push ups out... over the course of about 10 minutes of course.

Boy did we pay for that one! lol.... All the senior NCOs had to do every push up he did for the next week or so till we could shut down the flood gates of mail.
ahhh those were good days. I am responsible for putting together the reunion for the unit on Veteran's Day every year. 25 of those ole Desert Storm paratroopers showed up.Good times. Thanks for your service to everyone on the page!

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Nov 12 at 2019 7:36 PM

2019-11-12T19:36:07-05:00

Mail call throughout the 1960s and 70s were especially meaningful for me. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth in 1960-1962 I had received three "Dear Johns" from the same girl. I finally put her to rest and went on with life.

Standing in line to report to the Paymaster was of mixed emotions. As a Private E2, when reporting for pay, I would feel pressure from the First Shirt to "donate" a dollar or two at each table flanking him; from Salvation Army, Red Cross, the poor, the afflicted, the maimed, etcetera. My $98 quickly dwindled.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 6:03 AM

2019-11-13T06:03:27-05:00

...good times...

Response by SFC Dennis O'Neal made Nov 14 at 2019 8:57 AM

2019-11-14T08:57:58-05:00

Yes, Also had mail call during Gulf War. Then mail addressed to" "any soldier" .

Response by Cpl Mark Oresko made Nov 15 at 2019 4:37 AM

2019-11-15T04:37:41-05:00

2001-2005 USMC, we did mail call from the day I went in to the day I got out. Bootcamp was funny. Some guys would get letters with lipstick kiss marks, and the drill instructor threw it down and made the recruit do push-ups over the envelope. Each time he’d go down, he had to kiss the lips and say oo-baby that’s nice. It was hilarious. In SOI there was a Seargent Draper handing out mail. He trained the 52’s which I think were TOW gunners. He had Turrets syndrome and talked like Johnny Dep in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Then he’d randomly cuss, twitch, and flap his arm with your mail flying in any random direction. This one guy kept getting called out and one letter flipped like the feather in Forrest Gump. Everyone watched as the envelope landed upright and slipped through a crack in the storm drain. The dude looked like he was going to cry even though he had like ten other letters already. Those were two moments I’ll never forget. Thanks for this topic. It brought back some memories that i hadn’t thought of in years.

Response by CSM John Mead made Nov 15 at 2019 4:52 PM

2019-11-15T16:52:15-05:00

I remember one particular deployment from Ft. Lewis to Korea in 1992 for Ulchi Focus Lens. We were temporarily set up on a ROK air base at Suwon. We were supposed to set up an APO for us and even had an APO number so that mail, etc. Could be sent us. No such luck. The APO didn't work out, so we didn't receive mail or checks from wives for over 8 weeks until we rotated home. There was a lot of mail sent back because "APO does not exist" was stamped on all post. We didn't have access to any other means of contacting family, so it was aggravating. Especially when one's money ran out.

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Nov 20 at 2019 12:09 AM

2019-11-20T00:09:04-05:00

What memories! All through BCT & AIT. After that, you walked to the mailroom .

Response by MSgt Bedell Toro made Nov 22 at 2019 12:19 PM

2019-11-22T12:19:57-05:00

I think as time goes on it will change. But lets remember that even in this modern age. Not everyone has a Computer. Plus how do you Email those cookies or fruit cake. LOL

Response by SSG Terry Bruns made Nov 24 at 2019 8:50 PM

2019-11-24T20:50:04-05:00

They had it when I was in Iraq.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 26 at 2019 12:47 PM

2019-11-26T12:47:20-05:00

Last time I had mail call was Basic Training back in 1971. But nothing significate happened. But during my third week of basic my parents sent me pictures of their vacation visiting family in Mexico. Sitting by the pool, dad playing around a motor cycle, etc. My TI reminded me, that I still had five more months before I could even start thinking about leave.

Response by SP5 George Smith made Nov 29 at 2019 5:06 AM

2019-11-29T05:06:46-05:00

Biggest memory was in Nam in 1969. Got six weeks of mail catching up all bundled up.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Dec 8 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-12-08T22:26:38-05:00

I remember standing in formation praying silently and hoping my name would be called. I remember my eyes watered at times ( Holidays ) when I didn't get a letter from home. The one day when my Squadron was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy. Our shop Ssgt. Brought mail to us, he only had 5 letter size envelopes and one of them was for me ! My baby sister took time out to write her big brother. And let me know how she was so proud of me, to this day I remember that day so clearly and if it were yesterday. Now because of the high Tech Advances in communications and calmer measures and counter common measures and communications I'm here in there are troops can barely get any time to speak to anyone back home. It's too afraid the enemy can easy drop or intercept the signals. I think they need to go back to letter writing and teach that in Boot camp. If the US Army can get the mail delivered to the front lines during the Korea war and Vietnam or why is it so hard to get letters and mail to our troops in Afghanistan , Iraq and certain parts of Africa?

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Dec 8 at 2019 10:32 PM

2019-12-08T22:32:02-05:00

Nothing better than to get mail, then hir the chow hall for a cold cup of Bug Juice.

Response by SSG Jeffery Payne made Dec 8 at 2019 11:55 PM

2019-12-08T23:55:35-05:00

I had lots of mail call. It was always a good time of the day. News from home was always nice to get. You were always happy to get mail.

Response by Cpl John Cogswell made Dec 10 at 2019 6:18 AM

2019-12-10T06:18:54-05:00

We had an Italian kid from the Bronx name of Evangelista. Yup, he got reduced down to Alphabet. My name? Cosgrove. Always freaking Cosgrove no matter where I went.

Response by SGT Willie Norwood made Dec 11 at 2019 7:12 AM

2019-12-11T07:12:12-05:00

Idk if mail call is still conducted due to all of the technology that trainees are allowed to have now. I entered in 2001 and we were still not allowed to have cellphones etc. and were getting mail call.

Response by CPL Cadrew Strickland made Dec 11 at 2019 10:26 PM

2019-12-11T22:26:01-05:00

I loved mail call. And if your girlfriend put perfume on the letter she mailed you was great. But of course the drill sergeants always made fun of the perfume letters.

Response by MSgt Michael Webster made Dec 14 at 2019 9:23 PM

2019-12-14T21:23:36-05:00

Around 1975 I had extra duty as the Unit Mail Clerk and I had serve other organizations on base. Everyone came to my mailroom to pick up their mail. I would deliver boxes of books for the ladies at the base library.

Response by SSG Michael Needham made Dec 14 at 2019 10:04 PM

2019-12-14T22:04:50-05:00

I remember that ,and reporting to the company commander and first sargent for my pay , where you walked in the orderly room saluted reported for pay and the CO. Counted out your cash ,you signed the log and Top set there with a 1911 ,cocked and locked ..That and I drew a whopping $78.oo a month after my one allotment

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made Dec 16 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-12-16T17:34:45-05:00

I only had mail call most of my Active Duty time. I had three sisters and my girl back home...and they all wrote me regularly. So one used only purple envelopes, one only pink, one yellow, and one a deep rose red color. And each would put a dab of perfume on it too.
My girl always kissed the back of her envelope with her lipstick and wrote : Sealed with a Kiss on it. So every Mail Call, my buddies thought I had a Harem back home. And when my girl sent pictures of her in her new mini-skirt (this was 69,70,71) the guys would drool so much I had to put her pictures in a sandwich bag and carry them with me all the time so they wouldn't get stolen! LOL

Response by PO1 Gerald Sutton made Jan 15 at 2020 10:54 AM

2020-01-15T10:54:22-05:00

Don't remember having formation for mail call. It was more of mill around mill.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Jan 15 at 2020 10:49 PM

2020-01-15T22:49:38-05:00

Mail call? I stood in line to get paid in cash by an armed officer and an armed MP behind him and had to sign for it.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made Jan 16 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-01-16T11:05:35-05:00

I use to love mail call. There was a huge mud hole in front of formation and whomever got the biggest package always had to push right in the middle of it for their package.

It was hilarious until my mom decided to send me a huge package.

lol

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2020 11:18 AM

2020-01-16T11:18:35-05:00

Last time I stood in formation for mail call was basic training in 1984

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Jan 18 at 2020 7:32 PM

2020-01-18T19:32:52-05:00

Well Colonel, I'm a bit older than you and got my commission via OCS in '67. They never had us deliver mail to the company ahead of ours...too many other things filling our waking hours ! I do remember standing in formation for mail call during basic training and AIT & the guys hanging around me afterwards once they learned my Mom sent home-made cookies OFTEN ! Formation for payday too, until I became Company pay officer in Germany. Then I sat and everyone else filed through. Still remember (fondly) the footlocker/s full of cash ! Those were the days, Sir !

Response by SSG Franklin Briant made Jan 18 at 2020 11:17 PM

2020-01-18T23:17:20-05:00

I remember both mail call and pay call.

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Jan 19 at 2020 11:21 PM

2020-01-19T23:21:33-05:00

Yes to mail call in Turkey in 1985. Then we got a small military post office and every volunteered to help our two postal clerks especially the months of November, December and January!

Response by SSG Mark Zbrudzewski made Jan 20 at 2020 11:49 AM

2020-01-20T11:49:18-05:00

In Basic training back in '82. Our mail room was broken into. Most of the mail was located. My girlfriend had sent a care package, that was found with the stolen mail. She had included a mushy letter. When Drill Sgt returned the box, he called me by her pet name she calls me. EMBARRASSING!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2020 8:58 AM

2020-01-21T08:58:08-05:00

I remember when our DS would do mail call, he would throw them like boomerangs and we would have to catch the envelope. if not, by God you dropped with it

Response by SP5 Peter Hawkins made Jan 21 at 2020 2:01 PM

2020-01-21T14:01:34-05:00

I remember mail call in BCT, but we didn't form up, we just crowded round. Any name the sergeant didn't want to pronounce, he called, Alphabet!
We also had pay call, and for that you had to line up and look strack or no pay.

Response by AN John Filidoro made Jan 21 at 2020 11:51 PM

2020-01-21T23:51:34-05:00

We used to look foreword to the Cod to bring mail to the carrier and pray they landed safely. Being at sea we didn’t have phones, email, or internet. I did use the ship to shore radio once, after every time your done talking you say “OVER” so the guy on shore can hit the mike so the person could talk back to ya.

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Jan 26 at 2020 2:56 PM

2020-01-26T14:56:12-05:00

Wow I am surprised how many say texts, I was in prior to cell technology but would at least expect them to take your phones away during basic.

Response by SGT William Nixson made Feb 16 at 2020 12:36 PM

2020-02-16T12:36:32-05:00

And I remember those incredible highs when I got mail; and also those "damn - does anyone even know I'm alive?" blues when my name wasn't called.

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made Feb 19 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-02-19T18:37:48-05:00

This has to be one of my favorite threads of all time! Even with the Dear John's and Dear Jane's - and I think there is only one fruitcake in the world...and we just keep regifting it! Man, you can't help but have memories pound up the steps from your past when you read these things. Wonderful.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Feb 19 at 2020 11:13 PM

2020-02-19T23:13:03-05:00

It is hard to explain to the young folks today why mail call was such a big deal. The avenues open today to stay in touch have taken the Christmas feeling away

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Feb 20 at 2020 4:45 AM

2020-02-20T04:45:21-05:00

I Definitely Remember’Mail Call’!
My Drill used to open my packages in Basic and display the contents in front of my company.
So, when I received a Valentine package from my mom, he was shocked!
I had her send me red lingerie! He pulled out the contents of my package. As he ‘displayed’ red lingerie; he was REALLY embarrassed. He NEVER opened my mail again.

Response by CH (MAJ) Wesley Sullivan made Feb 20 at 2020 11:02 AM

2020-02-20T11:02:22-05:00

In Desert Storm I served with the 47th CSH. A female cook wrote to Ann Landers stating how difficult it is to get "feminine products" when in a combat zone. When the "short" combat time was over and we returned to our rear location, there was an enormous pile of packages at least 5 feet high and 15 feet in diameter waiting for her. She had to go to the mail facility and "lay hands" on 7 semi trucks of mail waiting for her!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-02-20T19:36:11-05:00

Yes, I remember mail call. I hate it when people order too much and you always had that one guy that had tons of stuff. Lol

Response by CPL Dan Lemon made Feb 21 at 2020 6:13 PM

2020-02-21T18:13:50-05:00

I remember waiting for letters from my students while I was in Basic Training, MI training. It was great hearing from the kids during this time as Vietnam was still in the forefront of the military.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Feb 23 at 2020 1:17 PM

2020-02-23T13:17:36-05:00

I remember in desert Storm we still had mail call

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Feb 25 at 2020 7:24 AM

2020-02-25T07:24:35-05:00

I remember this almost like it was yesterday, I think. I also remember reporting to a pay officer every payday, in dress uniform. We would have our morning formation, inspections of the barracks as well as in ranks inspection. This usually took until about noon at which time if we were "non-essential" personnel, we got to take the afternoon off for payday activities.

Response by PO3 Karen McNeal made Mar 12 at 2020 2:36 AM

2020-03-12T02:36:27-04:00

It was in PI, and Boy did I Love mail Call when my name was called. Which it was atleast 1 or twice a week but I tried Not to GLOAT.

Response by PO3 Karen McNeal made Mar 13 at 2020 12:39 AM

2020-03-13T00:39:18-04:00

Goes to show how time has changed sooo Much!! When I referred to my memory it was of my Great Aunts on one side of the family that asked me to wear the Dress Blue's when in town and for there mother's Funeral,which was an Honor since she was my Nana(GreatGrandMother)McNeal.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Mar 14 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-03-14T16:17:17-04:00

Yes, in basic training and in the field. We had mail-call. Was not usually a formation. The individual would call out names and send the mail flying thru the air in the general direction of the voice responding.
For bonus points. What was the reason that that individual would call out "SKI". and several voices would say "which one?"
Haha.

Response by CPT Fain Edwards made Mar 17 at 2020 5:32 PM

2020-03-17T17:32:59-04:00

Can remember how important mail call was to us in ranger school... Always felt bad for those guys who got none. Another distinct moment etched in my mind is when I got divorce papers from my wife in the field on a rainy day in Hoenfels.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made Mar 17 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-03-17T18:22:50-04:00

We just gathered in a Group Formation.

Response by Af Widow made Mar 17 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-03-17T21:36:00-04:00

I am a 66-yr old RN, civilian, the widow of my dear Air Force Retired E-8 husband for the last 20 years. And I have to say how important letter writing was to us back in the 60's and 70's, during isolated tours and TDY's. We had a total of 23 wonderful years and 3 children together, which never would have happened without those love letters. I met Richard (Dick) whenI was 15 1/2 at our roller rink near his base. Then he went for a year isolated to Thailand and we wrote letters each day of that year and fell in love through them. Luckily when he returned he got a base near the previous one and were able to see each other often. After I graduated high school, we continued dating and allowed me to finish a two-year RN program, graduated, took the nursing boards and married the following weekend. Now I am still without him physically but will always have him in my heart and in the letters I will read and reread.

In clearing my 94 y.o. mother's house to sell and have her move in with me, we came across her and Dad's love letters from the 1940's / 50's. He was also AF, a retired Major. We used to all write letters and wait for weekly MARS station calls with pre-arranged times. Such wonderful memories!!!

Thanks for reading!
Alene (Patty) Gauthier, RN
Bradenton, FL 34209

Response by SSG Robert Cole made Mar 18 at 2020 8:36 AM

2020-03-18T08:36:20-04:00

I do.. Was the highlight of our day. LOL.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Mar 20 at 2020 1:53 PM

2020-03-20T13:53:28-04:00

I have one better, who remembers reporting to the pay master to get paid then later receiving the Treasury Check and going to to the Post Theater to Cash it?.

Response by CPT Daniel Cox made Mar 20 at 2020 2:19 PM

2020-03-20T14:19:53-04:00

Steve, I don't know if you remember the memorable piece of mail I received at Fort Monmouth in mid-1976. When I was a Cadet Candidate at West Point Preparatory School we had a huge mail orderly known as Bear. Normally, we would just go to the mailroom to pick up our mail.
One day while I was outside, I think it was PT time, up lumbers Bear, moving faster than I'd ever seen him run. Out of breath, he hands me a letter with the only return address the printed words "The White House." That is what got him moving.
I had written a letter to The First Daughter, Susie Ford, Inviting her to the Graduation Dinner Dance at USMAPS. It was a very polite rejection letter, typed but personally signed. They even put the letter in the Year Book.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 22 at 2020 2:14 PM

2020-03-22T14:14:58-04:00

I also remember mail call and pay call, especially when we were in the field.

Response by SPC Dwight Turner made Mar 22 at 2020 3:05 PM

2020-03-22T15:05:46-04:00

oh something you never forgot I don't care !!! during basic was best !! reporting for pay then having traveler checks made out !!! drill instructors where tops on that !!! sure why not best times where your first !!!! I guess somehings we just don't forget !!!

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Mar 23 at 2020 9:35 AM

2020-03-23T09:35:56-04:00

Yep, That's how mail call was done and at least one poor guy always GOT THE DREADED DEAR JOHN LETTER, most sucked it up and crawled into a bottle of booze , a few totally lost it and did some CRAZY stuff like drinking windex, jumping out of 3rd floor window, going AWOL etc.

Response by SSG Alfred Woods made Mar 24 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-03-24T12:57:30-04:00

I also remember, having to stand in line on pay day, in my Dress Greens and reporting to the Pay Officer....lol (Private Woods, Reports for pay Sir!!!)

Response by Cpl Ryan McGrath made Mar 27 at 2020 2:26 PM

2020-03-27T14:26:25-04:00

At securing formation, the end of the work day while in garrison. Wasn't actually mail call but that's when we'd get mail most of the time. In Iraq the coc would send a Vic to the platoons and unload those orange mail bags. Simone from each plt would collect as names were called.

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Mar 29 at 2020 8:08 AM

2020-03-29T08:08:52-04:00

That was our life line back to "The World", or home.

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made Mar 29 at 2020 9:19 AM

2020-03-29T09:19:54-04:00

Had it on board the Ice Breaker. And at Boot Camp.

My favorite though was pay day on the breaker, getting paid in cash. I got my first re-enlistment bonus in cash. Dangerous thing for a 21 year old

Response by SFC Tyrone Brown made Apr 22 at 2020 7:55 AM

2020-04-22T07:55:44-04:00

I enlisted in the Army around March 1990. I experienced mail call in basic and AIT but had p.o. boxes at permanent duty. I remember getting so much mail one day that I had to crawl on the ground to retrieve it all. The Drill SGT was like, " Great idea! From now on, everyone will low crawl to get their mail." I was hated by all that day and I became affectionately known as buddy f*cker Brown.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-04-22T16:37:51-04:00

Been a couple units pre and shortly after post 9/11 that did mail call though it was something of a gag post 9/11. Saw it twice in an FA BN where the unit did not have a mail clerk and the 1SG did mail call at end of day formation for us barracks dwellers. Had a tiny but tight knit S3 shop the first time I was in South Korea from 03-04, we would do an impromptu mail call as well internal to the shop. Had a 1SG bring mail to us while in Afghanistan especially on holidays and birthdays out of sheer morale and love of the troops. Had heard of reports of BN level CSMs while in 173rd who would hop on birds and bring mail to the outlying COPs where dudes were going feral out in Afghanistan as well.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 25 at 2020 6:05 PM

2020-04-25T18:05:07-04:00

Yes, I remember mail call very vividly. I had been challenged to 100 pushups non-stop (no time limit) by my drill sergeant that morning before chow and succeeded. But my senior drill sergeant was the one conducting mail call that evening. He was unaware of the previous challenge (or didn't care) and every piece of mail you received was worth ten (10) pushups. I would regularly receive six letters every other day, but I received 15 on this day. I needed help getting up the stairs that evening!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 4:06 AM

2020-04-26T04:06:16-04:00

Only time that I have done mail call, outside of Basic Training, was when deployed. We would all sign forms authorizing our NCOs to pick up our mail from the Battalion mail room. After the mail was picked up, it would be handed out to the individuals, or placed on the "mail table" in the shop so when you came on shift, your mail was waiting for you. When I was on nights at KAF, one of my additional duties was acting a the mail clerk for the guys on night shift. When I knew that we had gotten in a mail shipment, I would sort through it and take it around to the various shops as I did not have time to sit in the "mail SPAM*" all night, and they didn't always have the time to come to the SPAM* during the published "office hours".

*Shelter, Expandable, Shop, Portable, Aircraft Maintenance, somewhat affectionately referred to as the SPAM.

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Apr 26 at 2020 5:30 PM

2020-04-26T17:30:34-04:00

We didn't do formations but in my first Unit, we had mail call every day at 1700, Right after the last formation of the day.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Apr 26 at 2020 10:30 PM

2020-04-26T22:30:26-04:00

When I first joined the Army in 1978, we had mail-call only when we were in the field. When I went back as a Chaplain in 2001, only when we were deployed did we have mail-call.
My assistant in Afghanistan seemed to be getting jealous of all the mail I received (I was getting mail from churches, organizations that wanted to get stuff to the Troops, etc.), my name was called more than anyone else's. So one day I took an empty box, put a piece of candy in the bottom, along with a New Testament, and a comb (he was bald). I the bottom of the "package" I stuck a note, "Man Up! and Quit Whining!" I then proceeded to give it to the mailroom sergeant and explained what I was doing. After laughing so hard, he put the package with the mail the next day. When my assistant's name was called, he was beyond ecstatic, especially given that particular day I received only one letter! He was bragging about his package so much, he failed to realize the box had a file label over the original address and was taped with a different tape on the top than the rest of the package. It was very hard for me to keep a straight face until he opened it! His joy quickly turned to confusion, especially when he saw the note! It didn't take long for the entire HHQ to learn what happened. He never complained about mail again!

Response by SMSgt Robert Anderson made Apr 29 at 2020 10:13 AM

2020-04-29T10:13:08-04:00

In basic and tech school.

Response by Pvt SanJuana Méndez made May 14 at 2020 10:16 PM

2020-05-14T22:16:07-04:00

I remember disappointment I felt at hearing everyone's name called except mine. Went to CO & told her my concern. I had a brother stationed on west coast at San Diego & 5 siblings near Rio Grande border; we had just lost our mom in traffic accident, buried her 5th anniversary of our father having been killed in traffic accident, & our baby sister was recovering from injuries sustained in accident that killed our mom. As oldest who had raised these other 6, I'd asked for indefinite leave of absence to see the younger 5 thru our loss but, instead of explaining there was no such thing as indefinite leave but that I qualified for hardship, suggested my siblings would better benefit if I remained in Corps. I looked at mail call as lifeline that would have supported my recruiter's suggestion. My CO contacted my brother's CO at Pendleton & he was ordered to write; but I was unaware that my uncle who had custody of my younger siblings was sabotaging me. I received exactly one letter from my brother at Pendleton & one from my aunt in remaining time I was on duty. Unable to focus, it was later decided I'd get what I'd asked for (NOT!). Got honorable discharge but it was RE-4, & it was based on attitude; might as well have been general discharge. Following orders ruined my life, & there was no disclosure of any kind; was 28 yrs before I could unequivocally call myself a veteran, & USMC/DoD have yet to admit any wrongdoing nearly 49 yrs later.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2020 1:09 PM

2020-05-17T13:09:28-04:00

I had mail call in basic training and AIT but after that not recalling having it. In garrison single soldiers had a little mail box like at the post office. Overseas usually just had someone bring you your mail or told to go see so and so for it.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2020 2:52 PM

2020-05-23T14:52:05-04:00

Mail call in formation was either great or terrible. I had a 1SG that made us open any package for inspection to make sure we didn’t have contraband in the barracks. If you had a company a-hole you didn’t like, it was always fun to send him embarrassing items in the mail. It could get pretty creative.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made May 31 at 2020 7:37 PM

2020-05-31T19:37:13-04:00

Mid-80's.
Basic, yes. We dropped and gave 20 for letters; care packages were opened and shared.

At Bragg, mail came through chain of command and handed to us by squad leader.

Mail was a big deal.

Response by SGT William Nixson made Jun 21 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-06-21T08:39:46-04:00

yes

Response by SGT Bill Nixson made Jun 30 at 2020 5:38 PM

2020-06-30T17:38:18-04:00

Mail call 7 places in CONUS and 3 abroad

Response by SSG Jeff Beltran made Jul 2 at 2020 5:56 PM

2020-07-02T17:56:04-04:00

We got a few mail call's at NTC rotations and when I was in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. Sometimes, we would do so much moving or would be on patrols and when we got back from our base for refit and repairs, there would be a stack of mail and packages in our bunks or in some instance we would be able to hit our mail clerks during the 48 hours, before we went back out.

Response by MAJ John Vertido made Jul 5 at 2020 7:26 PM

2020-07-05T19:26:09-04:00

LTC Ford, I recall an incident during BCT in 1980 at Ft. Leonard Wood. Our Drill Sgt would have us perform push-ups for every word written on the envelope. A buddy of mine who went there a year before knew this unofficial policy and sent me a letter. The envelope had a one word message “gotcha”. He wrote the entire letter on the envelope! I did push-ups until it felt like my arms would fall off!

Response by MSG Dale Fairbanks made Jul 7 at 2020 7:00 PM

2020-07-07T19:00:31-04:00

Our mail clerk in basic was always getting drunk and skipping mail call. After a friendly blanket party with bars of soap inside a sock, we got our mail everyday. Some people are just slow to wake up to the realities of the world.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jul 12 at 2020 3:51 PM

2020-07-12T15:51:48-04:00

When I was in Basic Training, Airborne School, & RIP at Ft. Benning, GA. Then at Ft. Bragg once I got to the 82nd ABN.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Jul 12 at 2020 7:38 PM

2020-07-12T19:38:12-04:00

Those were the days! In some of the sites that I was sent to, we didn't get mail except once a week but, I always got something. It was always nice except for that time that I got a "Dear John". My folks, on the other hand, kept my spirits up and the care packages were gold!

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made Jul 13 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-07-13T12:57:17-04:00

Oh yes. I was the appointed mail clerk along with my other duties.

Response by MSG Brian Wyatt made Jul 23 at 2020 5:27 PM

2020-07-23T17:27:08-04:00

I can also remember waiting at parade rest for the pay master to be paid. If you didn’t report in right you were sent to the back
Of the pay line. Lol

Response by LTC Jack Regan made Jul 24 at 2020 4:03 PM

2020-07-24T16:03:48-04:00

I remember mail call very well - loved it when I got something. I also remember being pay officer and having to deliver cash payments to personal in the field. Didn't like that.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Jul 30 at 2020 10:25 PM

2020-07-30T22:25:58-04:00

Yep. Remember being paid once a month in cash?

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jul 31 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-07-31T18:03:17-04:00

Hooah and thank you for helping ALL to remember this great weekday daily happening. What would we do without our company clerk a.k.a. Radar O’Riley!!!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jul 31 at 2020 6:16 PM

2020-07-31T18:16:40-04:00

Hooah LTC Stephen Ford!!

Response by MSgt William Harper made Aug 1 at 2020 2:00 PM

2020-08-01T14:00:57-04:00

You were always expected to share your “care package” from home!

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Aug 1 at 2020 4:12 PM

2020-08-01T16:12:16-04:00

I remember mail call. Most of the time my name was never called. I had an Honor Flight in October 208. On the flight back to Las Vegas after about an hour into the flight, the leaders of flight began passing out envelopes making it seem like it was mail call time. That will be one of the things I will never forget. Letters were written to me from adults and children most of which I did know know. Some came from family and friends. It was a crying time for most of us. The saddest part of my flight back is that we lost 2 people. One was civilian and the other was one of us. This was all within 20 minutes over Colorado. Back to now. Two weeks ago I received a "care package" from home. The usual was in inside, cookies,etc.. It does seem people that don't know us will write to us in the cars package. I am happily thankful for my military family. And this includes all you on Rally Point.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2020 6:46 PM

2020-08-02T18:46:57-04:00

Oh yeah I remember getting a care package. Top says you better have enough for you section. Thank god my wife at the time sent enough for everyone in my gun section. A lot of Portuguese cookies and cakes. It was good pogie bait. Lol

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2020 9:27 PM

2020-08-02T21:27:21-04:00

Oh yes!

Response by SSG Roland Starr made Aug 3 at 2020 4:03 AM

2020-08-03T04:03:02-04:00

More then a decade ago i was deployed over seas as a SPC and was assigned as the mail handler for our attachment that was placed on a US Air Force post inside the host countries air force base. The Post had a post office that i would go to every day and help sort the mail then took my units mail back to our tent and handed it out or left it on each soldiers bunk. there was only 19 of us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2020 2:09 AM

2020-08-04T02:09:09-04:00

https://youtu.be/S3gwQv_53bY

Golden Era Mail Call 3

Click Link To Subscribe to My Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUKjtoKGAHFWfME4R4cQsg?sub_confirmation=1 T-Shirts And Apparel From Video: h...

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Aug 5 at 2020 6:40 PM

2020-08-05T18:40:09-04:00

On a ship we had mail call and an assigned person would pick it up for the office.

Response by SSgt Kelly D. made Aug 9 at 2020 5:56 PM

2020-08-09T17:56:21-04:00

Oh yes, basic training in San Antonio, 1983, and it was definitely the best time when you received a letter and the worst when you didn't.

Response by MSgt Morris Walsh made Aug 9 at 2020 6:24 PM

2020-08-09T18:24:41-04:00

I was not a combat enlistee but mail call was as important as eating.

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Aug 18 at 2020 10:53 PM

2020-08-18T22:53:42-04:00

Basic, AIT (Infantry), Visual Tracker Coursel, RVN, during field training in the '70s and '80s.

Response by Cpl Thomas Winch made Sep 4 at 2020 6:59 PM

2020-09-04T18:59:14-04:00

I had a very memorable mail call while in boot camp at Paris Island in the summer of ‘77. The normal platoon mail call would see us standing at attention on line in the squad bay while one of our drill instructors stood at the end near the “DI hut” and called out your name. When your name was called you’d yell out “here sir” and sprint to the DI and stand at attention going through the PVT so and so reporting for mail call routine. This one particular mail call, my name wasn’t called, but right after all the mail had been handed out, the senior DI, SSGT Kemper, told me to report to the DI hut. When I reported, he showed me a large envelope, obviously containing some magazines, that was addressed to me. The return address, which I’ll never forget, was Brucie Gay, 69 Cornhole Way, Out of the Closet, FL. When I saw that I was petrified and my mind raced thinking who could have sent me the package. SSGT Kemper asked me if I knew the sender, and I answered “Hell no sir!” He proceeded to rip it open to find it held three issues of Playgirl Magazine with a short note from my best friend from high school saying enjoy the magazines with some hand drawn laughing smiley faces. My SDI asked if I now knew who sent it and I told him my buddy from high school trying to be funny. I was ready to spend some quality time in the rose garden, but was happily surprised when he just told to go back out and get on line. When I went home on leave after boot camp, I made it a point to go by my buddy’s house and give him a good punch in the sternum...

Response by CPL Cadrew Strickland made Sep 5 at 2020 7:58 AM

2020-09-05T07:58:38-04:00

Best time of the day Especially if your girl sent a letter with perfume .

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Sep 5 at 2020 8:11 AM

2020-09-05T08:11:06-04:00

When I was in, mail call was part of daily life. The closest we came to electronic media was the occasional cassette tape. Fast forward to present day. When my son was deployed, we conversed via cell phone & email on a regular basis. The only "snail mail" was the occasional post card when he was stationed in Germany.

Response by Cpl Louie Serrano made Sep 6 at 2020 4:00 AM

2020-09-06T04:00:47-04:00

yes

Response by SrA David Heineken made Sep 6 at 2020 9:41 PM

2020-09-06T21:41:32-04:00

P f%$king alphabet if he couldn't pronounce your name!

Response by MAJ Van Chase made Sep 6 at 2020 10:07 PM

2020-09-06T22:07:00-04:00

I remember formation for mail call. Formation for pay.

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Sep 6 at 2020 10:53 PM

2020-09-06T22:53:42-04:00

Remember it well

Response by MSgt Gilbert Jones made Sep 6 at 2020 11:54 PM

2020-09-06T23:54:39-04:00

I am sure glad I was in the AF, we had mail clerks but we didn't have to stand out in bad weather to get our mail.

Response by SSG Jim Kissane made Sep 8 at 2020 7:58 AM

2020-09-08T07:58:38-04:00

https://youtu.be/f4zyjLyBp64

Bueller Bueller Bueller

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Sep 8 at 2020 9:07 AM

2020-09-08T09:07:18-04:00

Always a great time, got my mail at APO 20, Chunchon So Korea.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 7:29 PM

2020-09-08T19:29:12-04:00

Mail call made my day.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Sep 8 at 2020 7:49 PM

2020-09-08T19:49:31-04:00

When I was in , no such thing as text, e-mail or any other means of communication, except mail or a phone, if you can find one in a jungle! But to get a letter at mail call was like getting a Christmas present.

Response by SFC Bruce Smith made Sep 11 at 2020 3:42 PM

2020-09-11T15:42:53-04:00

Formation? More like front leaning rest. We earned our mail after push-ups for each piece. The price doubled for packages. I was the one person in the platoon who only sent 2 and only received 3 letters through basic and AIT.

That number is misleading. My family called out of concern because I had neither called nor written home after reception. Drill sergeant went nuts on me then ordered me to write. For letter sent number one I didn’t have any stamps and the runner told me he would put one on for me. Fast forward one week and my name got called. The drill sergeant looked at the envelope and realized it was returned with no stamp and his wrath was even worse.

I felt elementary as I scratched out a letter in front of and dictated by him. After that I purchased the Sunday paper, clipped coupons, and sent them home on Mondays for the rest of AIT. There was no sending it with the runner. My drill sergeant took on that responsibility because he had “a feeling that I would fuck it up”.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2020 7:47 PM

2020-09-12T19:47:42-04:00

Only at basic, but it was a huge event!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Sep 15 at 2020 1:49 PM

2020-09-15T13:49:43-04:00

Last time I had mail-call was in 1978 as an ROTC Cadet. AC in 79, I was an LT so the clerk brought me my mail.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 7:21 PM

2020-09-15T19:21:24-04:00

Yep and phone booths, slot machines of a kind!!! LTC Stephen F. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Sep 20 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-09-20T11:05:27-04:00

In Basic TNG, I remember mail call and push ups. Get too many letters and you did 10 push ups for each piece over one letter.

Response by MAJ Van Chase made Sep 30 at 2020 11:09 AM

2020-09-30T11:09:29-04:00

When I was stationed in Germany pay call was with mail call. Our pay checks came in the mail. I remember one time our company had soldiers AWOL that would turn themselves in the day before checks came. They would get there checks from the mail room the go AWOL again.
2nd Battalion 13th Infantry, 8th ID. Coleman Barracks. Mannheim GE. 1974-1977

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 30 at 2020 11:56 AM

2020-09-30T11:56:32-04:00

LTC Stephen F.: Dear Steve, when I was stationed at Pirmasens, Germany; we had mail call.

Response by CPT Earl George made Oct 16 at 2020 10:13 AM

2020-10-16T10:13:31-04:00

I started getting perfumed letters from my girlfriend in Germany in 1972. At mail call one day I must have been told by at least 20 different people in the company that I had received another perfumed letter from my girlfriend or could they smell the perfumed letter that they heard I just got from my girlfriend.

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Oct 17 at 2020 2:05 AM

2020-10-17T02:05:05-04:00

Yes, had mail call daily during a deployment to Bosnia in 2001 and mail call prior to getting a Post Office at Incirlik AB, Turkey. In fact our Post Office once we got one needed help
pitching mail at Christmas time and just about begged for volunteers!!

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Oct 17 at 2020 10:53 PM

2020-10-17T22:53:45-04:00

Until I joined the Army I never knew a simple 4-letter last name could be so difficult to pronounce.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Oct 18 at 2020 12:46 PM

2020-10-18T12:46:59-04:00

Yes I do.

Response by SFC Dennis Cavaltera made Oct 19 at 2020 12:45 PM

2020-10-19T12:45:00-04:00

During my last deployment, I made an effort to make sure i wrote actual letters to my family. I figured its something different for them to see and touch in the future rather than an email that will never be seen again. I did that every 2 weeks even if its just a quick note. Suggest to have all deployed personnel do the same at some point of deployment. I still see letter from 2006 with my kids box.

Response by SN Jeremiah Passmore made Oct 20 at 2020 6:57 AM

2020-10-20T06:57:12-04:00

Getting a letter or pictures from home has a profound effect on a soldier. I don't know if they still do mail calls the way they use to...now that we're in the age of constant contact. An actual physical hand written letter will lift someone way more than an electronic text message. I hope people will remember that.

Response by 1SG John Jekel made Oct 23 at 2020 1:03 PM

2020-10-23T13:03:15-04:00

Who remembers standing in line for Pay Call???

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-10-23T13:11:57-04:00

Oh yeah standing in line before dinner chow.

Response by SPC Ted Heath made Oct 23 at 2020 10:06 PM

2020-10-23T22:06:12-04:00

In basic I got letters from my female cousin, and her best friend who was my girlfriend at the time. Of course the drill sergeant opened the mail in your presence looking for contraband. If pictures were included, you had to show them to him. Low and behold my cousin sent me pictures of their pajama party. Girls in PJs everywhere, smoking pot and drinking. The Drill sergeant just shook his head and said loud enough for the formation to hear,” I just knew you were a @$&?ing doper! Does your recruiter know about this?” I was allowed the pictures, but you can imagine how the rest of basic, and AIT went for me...

Response by SSG Christopher Boyer made Oct 25 at 2020 6:54 PM

2020-10-25T18:54:21-04:00

Remember standing in line for pay checks too!!!

Response by Kayla Davies made Oct 26 at 2020 3:21 PM

2020-10-26T15:21:56-04:00

I just got out of boot camp this summer and yes they did mail call. If we were out in the field, they would just do it when we got back from the field. Most of the time when we did mail call we were in formation, but we were sitting down. There was only once or twice that we were standing when they did it.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Oct 27 at 2020 12:14 AM

2020-10-27T00:14:24-04:00

When I was in boot camp in 1987, we did mail call. Had one guy that had cookies mailed to him from his mom. The Drill Sergeant made him eat them in front of the squad.

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Oct 27 at 2020 2:46 AM

2020-10-27T02:46:29-04:00

Yeah. In Basic and AIT, and in the field in Germany. The advent of garrison and installation post offices and the shrinkage of the number of "duty troops" made it a less common process. First Sergeant Farrell really grumbled about having to have Mail Call in the field, and we normally didn't until we were at Grafenwoer for 90 days won a pre-deployment deployment. Then it was critical. One my longest surviving and being reachable old buddies was my Lieutenant when I was a buck Sergeant in an E7 slot. (Call it Volar..stuff was weird.) Before coming to us, he'd been the Brigade Chemical Officer for one the brigades in the 8th Infantry Division. He had brought a car over, a VW Thing figuring he could get parts and services. Well, those things were in fact all military vehicles. He had to order parts through his fiancé back in Alice, Texas. So, the Brigade is at GRAF for gunnery, and he is trying not to get in too much trouble. Hanging out with the other Lieutenants and avoiding the brass whom he works for. Suddenly, he gets called out of formation to get handed a couple of boxes of VW parts. Of course, the Thing was back in Mannheim. Not a fond memory...

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made Oct 27 at 2020 8:20 AM

2020-10-27T08:20:09-04:00

WITH ALL THE "TECH", I DOUBT THAT TROOPS ARE ASK TO ENDURE A FORMATION FOR MAIL. NOWADAYS, I EVEN GET MY "BILL REMINDERS " THROUGH TEXT OR E-MAIL. IF
YOU HAVE A CELL, THEN YOU GET YOUR MAIL.

Response by SFC James Corona made Nov 5 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-11-05T15:35:13-05:00

Only in 1978 Basic Training.
The Drill Sergeants threw the mail at you and you had to pick it up.

Response by SGT Adam Wolf made Dec 4 at 2020 7:45 AM

2020-12-04T07:45:36-05:00

We had mail call when deployed but everywhere else you had a mailbox.

Response by SGT Gary Tob made Dec 20 at 2020 9:46 AM

2020-12-20T09:46:46-05:00

We would be in Battery formation(when I was FA) or Platoon formation(when I was Infantry) for mail call

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Dec 27 at 2020 9:40 AM

2020-12-27T09:40:59-05:00

Mail call was an important indicator to unit leadership as to whether some soldiers having family/friendship back in the world. The soldier who never received a piece of mail is the soldier into self-destruction when their life has a setback. As a CID agent, task with investigating suicides (and some major attempts). The unit mail clerk always reported that the noted soldier never received one piece of mail. I had a soldier in Germany shoot himself with his M-16 because he didn’t come out on the E-5 promotion list. He survived but part of his investigation found he had never received mail in 19 months, had major dysfunctional family back in the states and was administratively discharged back into that world.

I was part of a two-man detachment at Camp Howze, South Korea during the Gulf War. We received a piece of mail addressed to “Any soldier in South Korea”. It was from a fourth grade class in Washington. They were looking to becoming a pen pal with soldiers. As a setup, I must state that I was educated at a Catholic school for eight years from elementary through middle school years. The Sisters of Charity taught me cursive handwriting and the reported stories of rulers across the back of your hands was true. In not wanting the corporal punishment, I learned to write cursive beautifully and just like writing samples along the blackboards in the classrooms. Once in the Army, more than one male soldier indicated that I “wrote like a bitch”. Once the kids started to receive my letters in Washington State, the teacher wrote me a personal note explaining she was teaching the kids cursive handwriting and asked my permission to display my letters in her classroom as a good example of the art. I, of course agreed, and thought if the nuns could have known that they’d be proud of their accomplishment years earlier. So, mail call was much more important than simply an administrative process.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made Dec 30 at 2020 2:14 PM

2020-12-30T14:14:40-05:00

Never got much mail. All my guy friends were in the Army because, you know, the draft and all. The only letter I specifically recall was the “Dear John” I got a few months into my Korea tour in ‘69. But I do remember mail call.

Response by SSG Mildred Johnson made Jan 23 at 2021 11:39 AM

2021-01-23T11:39:31-05:00

I remember mail call.

Response by SGT Harald Hendrichsen made Jan 24 at 2021 2:55 PM

2021-01-24T14:55:05-05:00

Double edged sword for me in Vietnam - elation when receiving mail from home; the pits when not receiving any for a long period of time. Funniest receipt was a chocolate birthday cake sent by Mom for my April birthday that arrived in June - covered in green and gray fuzz. Weirdest was receiving a letter many months after it had been mailed, once water soaked and with one corner burnt. It had been on a plane that went down that they recovered mail from and sent on to us.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 15 at 2021 2:29 PM

2021-06-15T14:29:29-04:00

Mail call in Korea but not Vietnam

Response by Cpl Brian Brooker made Aug 19 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-08-19T17:31:39-04:00

Present Sir!!

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Aug 23 at 2021 5:55 PM

2021-08-23T17:55:38-04:00

I remember mail call like it was yesterday.
In BCT, AIT, OCS, Ft Bragg and Vietnam, mail call was a very big event. Letters from home were the most important and the pogey bait I received in Care Packages every week were fantastic. My Grandma baked cookies and brownies and my Dad spent every Saturday morning, standing in line at the local post office. They meant the world to me. I always shared them with others, and sometimes they were broken into little pieces after spending most of a week in transit, but no one complained.

Response by SGT Gary Tob made Aug 25 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-08-25T14:13:12-04:00

Yes and Top throwing the mail towards the voice of the names called

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 13 at 2021 3:33 AM

2021-10-13T03:33:05-04:00

I well remember Mail call as an enlisted man in the 1970s
FYI 1st Lt Padre Dave PoedelSPC Darnella Thompson1sg Jason HastingsMGySgt Private RallyPoint Member 1LT Voyle Smith GySgt Jack Wallace SFC Ralph E Kelley CPT Private RallyPoint Member MSG Private RallyPoint Member SSgt Kelly D.COL Kelly Zachgo CPO Arthur Weinberger COL Lisandro Murphy MSgt Dale Johnson SSG Derrick Iozzio CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana SGT Mary G.SSG Edward Tilton PFC David Foster SGT Scott Adie

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Oct 13 at 2021 9:14 AM

2021-10-13T09:14:17-04:00

Especially when a care package came.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Oct 13 at 2021 4:52 PM

2021-10-13T16:52:12-04:00

yup a shoe box sized stack of mail thrown at me and then push ups or my uncle writing me at AIT when I was a PFC E3 and putting on the front of the letter PFC(crossed out) SGT or LT Hewett congratulation on your promotion, then me finding about 6 Drill SGT's licking their lips like hungry wolves ready to go in for the kill. My Uncle thought it was funny and I just became every Drill SGT's favorite chew toy for about a week. HA HA HA!!

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Oct 14 at 2021 4:20 AM

2021-10-14T04:20:49-04:00

I remember quite well standing in formation for mail call while in BCT and AIT at Ft Jackson in 1966 and in OCS at Ft Benning in 1967. There were no such formalities at Ft Bragg in 1967 or in Vietnam in 1967-‘68. The mail clerk would deliver it to my quarters at Ft Bragg or walk among us in Vietnam. It was always a special occasion because it frequently brought perfumed letters from my wife and care packages from my parents. (Even though my wife at the time didn’t deliberately perfume her letters, I could still catch the faint scent of her hand lotion on the paper, even after traveling 10,000 miles over four days from her parents’ home in Edinburg Scotland.)

Response by MSgt Matt Hancock made Oct 16 at 2021 12:43 AM

2021-10-16T00:43:22-04:00

I also remember doing mail call for my basic trainees. It was a point of the day where things could get a little bit "enjoyable" as I pitched out the mail and solicited an occasional comment from a trainee about the perfume on his letter, or some odd thing about where the mail came from. Of course we also had to check out any pictures to ensure they were authorized for the trainee to have during basic training or else lock them up in the personal storage room until they graduated. And naturally that got some comments from the other trainees (lots of catcalls and whistles). I do hope that little bit never goes away....

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 20 at 2021 10:10 AM

2021-10-20T10:10:12-04:00

When I first got to West Germany, I checked the mail about every day, by my 3rd year, maybe once a month. Only in the field was it delivered.

Response by SFC Kathy Pepper made Oct 29 at 2021 11:25 AM

2021-10-29T11:25:27-04:00

My niece went through Basic Training 20 years after I had gone through, but I still remembered how much it hurt not to get mail from home. To make certain she would not have the same experience, I wrote to her every day (I was also hoping she would do push-ups for each letter). To make her mail stand out, I decorated every envelope (think scrapbooked photo albums) and included a funny saying on the back. When the Drill Sergeants came to one of my envelopes, they would flip it over to read the quote and the entire company would call out, “HAYES.”

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Oct 30 at 2021 7:28 AM

2021-10-30T07:28:20-04:00

We had mail call in boot camp. Mail was delivered to the barracks in my first duty station, Mayport Fl.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Oct 30 at 2021 11:47 AM

2021-10-30T11:47:28-04:00

For Mail Call, we never stood an actual formation .. everyone just clustered around the mail clerk or whoever was handing out mail. For Pay Call, we stood in line in nor particular order, but Navy Corpsmen were PUT at the front of the line by the Marines.

Response by SPC Terry Page made Nov 1 at 2021 12:02 AM

2021-11-01T00:02:52-04:00

Remember it like yesterday; mostly, is was much anticipated highlight of the day and on few not so much. Mostly a real morale booster.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 1 at 2021 12:45 AM

2021-11-01T00:45:20-04:00

Mail call? In boot camp, yes. Schools? Honestly I'm not sure, GINY was close enough to home I could get there in a couple hours by bus or train when I chose to. Otherwise, most units either had a mail slot system or slid it under the door. about 9/10th of the units I served at were about squad sized. With the exception of training commands, all were well under 100 officers and enlisted.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 1 at 2021 8:32 AM

2021-11-01T08:32:49-04:00

I still have my mail from my service days. Some of it was pretty steamy as I got married as soon as I got back from Basic and AIT to the girl of my dreams !

Response by SPC Terry Page made Nov 6 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-11-06T15:11:56-04:00

APO 169 New York, New York

Response by PO3 Dan Wagoner made Nov 7 at 2021 12:06 AM

2021-11-07T00:06:03-04:00

We usually did our mail call during morning muster, they would do roll call then pass out the mail... god forbid a girl send you a package! Lol great times!

Response by PO3 Dan Wagoner made Nov 10 at 2021 6:52 AM

2021-11-10T06:52:35-05:00

On a side note, l remember telling the new sailors that arrived on ship about mail arrival, instructed them to retrieve a large hook and stand on the aft end to wait till the mail drops in the water then pull it up!... many have done this and even more laughed watching!

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Dec 17 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-12-17T13:36:23-05:00

When I went through Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) in 1999, we had made call, but our instructors conducted it in the dorm (barracks) day room whilst we were sitting on the floor rather than with us standing in formation.

Response by CDR Jim M. made Jan 15 at 2022 10:31 PM

2022-01-15T22:31:35-05:00

Yes, I remember one mail call in particular. I got a small box. Two weeks in the postal process. Brownies!! Crumbles basically. Shared with my squad. We ate them using a spoon, a mouthful at a time. I still remember how it tasted and the comradeship of sharing what we had. A squad can finish a small box of brownies in two bites but my brothers and I celebrated a good day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 9:32 AM

2022-01-16T09:32:34-05:00

Only mail call was in basic training after that we went to the mail room

Response by SFC Charlie Broadus II made Jan 16 at 2022 12:31 PM

2022-01-16T12:31:09-05:00

Only mail call I had was in basic
Now all the barracks have there own mail boxes and a mail clerk

Response by SPC Maurice Evans made Jan 16 at 2022 1:02 PM

2022-01-16T13:02:21-05:00

I have a good story but it would have to be personal and it is long

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jan 17 at 2022 9:26 AM

2022-01-17T09:26:08-05:00

I remember mail call. It was the most important event of the day. To get letters from loved ones, care packages from my parents, Christmas cards from sister’s two daughters and their entire classes in elementary school, Valentines also from their entire classes, meant the world to me. I answered each card or letter, often writing by candlelight late at night. If care packages contained crumbled chocolate chip cookies, I didn’t care, I passed the box of crumbs around anyway and no one else cared, either. Mail call was great!

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jan 17 at 2022 12:13 PM

2022-01-17T12:13:59-05:00

Yes, I remember like yesterday, and remember calling home from Korea using Radio Call, the guy would be monitoring our conversation and at times remind me to say over, I tell my wife I love you over, she would have to do the same, crazy times, but I still remember real well

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Jan 17 at 2022 3:03 PM

2022-01-17T15:03:45-05:00

Mail call. Had friend Mike Brogan that wrote me letters of support in basic. I had to read his aloud everyone loved them funny. Wish ai could have saved them.

Response by PO2 Matthew Schroer made Jan 17 at 2022 8:42 PM

2022-01-17T20:42:03-05:00

In my unit, we had to send someone to get the mail. Most were working or sleeping. In my turns, I put everything in the paper slots or pigeonholed packages. No real mail call, outside of passing the word "mail call".

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Jan 18 at 2022 6:30 PM

2022-01-18T18:30:20-05:00

Mail call is still done overseas and when deployed.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Jan 18 at 2022 6:58 PM

2022-01-18T18:58:10-05:00

My, then-girlfriend, would write a letter every day, so at mail call, my name was called so many times the other guys started to rib me.

Response by SFC Mark Wiggins made Jan 21 at 2022 3:22 PM

2022-01-21T15:22:18-05:00

I also remember reporting for pay.

Response by PO2 S.J. Carroll made Jan 28 at 2022 6:33 PM

2022-01-28T18:33:09-05:00

In fact, I was the Mail PO in boot camp until I decided I would rather be on the drill team

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 14 at 2022 4:53 PM

2022-03-14T16:53:49-04:00

I fondly remember those times. The mail clerk hunting you down when you come in from patrol etc.

Response by SP5 James Elmore made Apr 3 at 2022 3:17 PM

2022-04-03T15:17:39-04:00

I remember basic 66-67 where assistant DI or whatever he was (buck sgt) took our mail, called our names, and letter by letter tossed onto the grass. We were not allowed to be on the grass. He did however allow us to step on items to get our mail. He amused himself as people removed field jacket, etc. to step on to get to the mail. A real dick.

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made Apr 5 at 2022 2:13 PM

2022-04-05T14:13:29-04:00

Yes

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Apr 6 at 2022 12:27 AM

2022-04-06T00:27:30-04:00

Ah the good old days, I remember delivering the mail at USMA and standing in formation in Germany to get the mail:)

Response by SP5 Rockland Rhodes made Apr 29 at 2022 11:06 PM

2022-04-29T23:06:36-04:00

Mail call was an important part of the military especially in Vietnam. The mail would be flown out to us in the field about once a week. Most of the letters I wrote home were saved and have been a very useful resource to help myself and guys in my unit validate our ware experiences. On a sad note, I never received a letter from a girl that had been part of my life before the Army. I located her about 40 years later. She was thrilled to hear from me and we enjoyed 9 years before she passed away from lung cancer. Today's military is completely different. Instant communications..

Response by Sgt James McFarland made May 5 at 2022 12:31 PM

2022-05-05T12:31:13-04:00

When I was in the Marines in the 1970's and 1980's we had formations for both mail call and pay call because we still received Government Checks twice a month. Semper Fi

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 7 at 2022 4:54 PM

2022-05-07T16:54:23-04:00

I was a BCT 1Sg and can confirm - we ALWAYS had mail call. There were three things you couldn't deny privates and mail was one

Response by SFC Eddy Meador made May 8 at 2022 7:51 AM

2022-05-08T07:51:33-04:00

Summer of 1983, Basic Training at Ft Knox. Mail call in formation. Always felt good to hear your name called.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made May 28 at 2022 10:59 AM

2022-05-28T10:59:31-04:00

Yes. I do remember mail call. I would say about six months later, it went away and you walked into the orderly room during hours to get your mail. Yep…..

Response by LTC Reginald Brown made Jun 15 at 2022 3:01 AM

2022-06-15T03:01:18-04:00

Yes

Response by 1SG Brian Holt made Jun 16 at 2022 7:35 AM

2022-06-16T07:35:02-04:00

I also remember being paid in cash once a month; "sir, Private Holt reporting for pay"

Response by FN Jim Lewis made Jul 26 at 2022 12:35 PM

2022-07-26T12:35:10-04:00

Yep... while in Boot Camp I got one - only one - letter from my girlfriend. A Dear Jim (John) letter. With the stress of Boot and the letter, guys were quite whilst I was face into my pillow crying.

On a brighter note, my Pop and I played chess by mail. It was featured in our Company graduation book.

Response by A1C Leslie Peer made Jul 26 at 2022 4:24 PM

2022-07-26T16:24:07-04:00

I remember having mail call while out on maneuvers in the rain we tried our best to keep the letters dry but we were not allways successful. Would have to wait till we got back to the barracks and dry them out

Response by A1C Pamela G Russell made Jul 27 at 2022 11:13 PM

2022-07-27T23:13:06-04:00

We had mail call in Basic Trng in our day room. I remember that if anyone rec'd food in the mail, that it had to be consumed by lights out, usually 1 hour or less.

Response by CPT Sean Kane made Jul 28 at 2022 3:26 AM

2022-07-28T03:26:39-04:00

Only in basic. After that there was a mailroom

Response by Sgt John Earley made Jul 28 at 2022 2:24 PM

2022-07-28T14:24:51-04:00

I never had any one writ to me... Didn't get mail call.... DI wanted to know why, told him and the next day he called out my name, I was surprised, but it was a letter from him.... Said a lot of things that a Dad would say to his son... And he never said anything about it again...

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Jul 29 at 2022 4:35 PM

2022-07-29T16:35:30-04:00

I sure do, at both Fort Knox and Fort Polk, in 1968! They'd usually be preceded by the command, "MAIL CALL - FIRST TWO (rows) GET DOWN", so that the D.I. could toss the mail to- and across the first two of the four rows of the formation. Then, in Korea, we all crowded into a rather small mail room in a Quonset Hut. The mail clerk would stand in the half-open Dutch door, and toss mail to the recipients. I got my first contact lenses in Korea - they were rather tiny "hard" lenses. One time, in the tightly-packed mail room, a soldier in front of me reached up and turned at the same time, and with his elbow caught me squarely in my right eye, which knocked my small, hard contact lens firmly into the corner of my eye, near my nose. PAINFUL!?!? I had to have the medic remove it!

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Jul 29 at 2022 10:50 PM

2022-07-29T22:50:37-04:00

Did it in Boot Camp & Training…

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Aug 2 at 2022 3:07 PM

2022-08-02T15:07:22-04:00

On my first ship you knew when mail arrived when the CH53-E landed. there was a post office onboard but with 600 crew and up to 2000 marines you didn't get your mail from there. Each Division had a mail NCO who would pick it up and you would get it after Quarters the next day. On deployment
you had your spouse number the letters and packages so you could tell if you were missing some.

Response by LTC Steve Beres made Sep 1 at 2022 10:13 AM

2022-09-01T10:13:14-04:00

Ahhhh, the memories. I certainly do remember Mail Call. It is still done at various Basic Trainings and Boot Camps, and on some overseas deployments as well. When I was in Basic Training, too many years ago than I want to remember, we all feared receiving boxes, In particular those with food from home. We were not allowed to receive food, and were told to let our families know. However, if we did receive boxes, we had to open them on the spot so the Drills could inspect them for contraband, I remember another recruit next to me that received a box of home made cookies. There must have been 5lbs of them, Being "nice" the Drills did allow him to enjoy the "bounty". He was ordered to start eating, and gave him 2 minutes in which to consume the entire box in front of all of us while all the Drills stood around him yelling at him to hurry-up. To keep this short, he did not finish the entire box, but he did eat enough to make him "toss his cookies", pun intended, all over the parade grounds. After that, we all feared getting those "care Packages" from home! Lastly, I not only remember Mail Call, but Pay Call as well. Back in the days when paper checks were still handed out, with armed guards standing around the pay officer. That was all starting to change back in 1985 when mandatory direct deposit was being initiated.

Response by SPC Thomas Kosakowskii made Sep 1 at 2022 7:03 PM

2022-09-01T19:03:00-04:00

I was one of my units postal clerks, beside my regular duties. We always passed out mail during noon chow.

Response by SSG Mildred Johnson made Sep 3 at 2022 6:56 PM

2022-09-03T18:56:22-04:00

Yes I remember mail call, and pay call. In the Military there was a lot of standing around. Hurry up and Wait.

Response by 1SG Jimmy Bacon made Sep 3 at 2022 8:45 PM

2022-09-03T20:45:14-04:00

I remember Mail Call and Pay Call.

Response by SSG Mark Lawless made Sep 4 at 2022 8:07 AM

2022-09-04T08:07:03-04:00

I remember standing in line for paycall too. Then having to work my way thru the rest of the line doing out cash for one thing or another. Usually when I was in Korea.

Response by SPC Gary Symons made Oct 2 at 2022 5:55 PM

2022-10-02T17:55:00-04:00

We were out clearing villages in Vietnam and as evening came we filled sand bags to put around us when we slept to keep from getting hit by sniper rounds.

As it got darker the fireworks began. I remember my platoon was lighting up the sky with tracer rounds, red one direction and green in the other. My fellow medic, Evans (photo attached), always looked so relaxed when things got crazy.

It got quiet for awhile and you could here the Huey gunships coming our way. Their mission that night was to bring us each 2 cold beers and a sack of mail and after delivering it, they quickly disappeared into that dark evening sky. That night we had mail call and read our mail along with drinking cold beers.

Response by SFC Bob Clark made Oct 3 at 2022 9:00 PM

2022-10-03T21:00:07-04:00

✋

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Oct 4 at 2022 2:49 AM

2022-10-04T02:49:27-04:00

Yes Sir, Indeed!!! That’s one line of anticipation. As I recall years ago, whenever I saw a line, I got in it. It usually meant something good or important. Thank You Sir, for the Memories!!! Doc

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 5:11 AM

2022-10-04T05:11:45-04:00

Try doing it in 30 foot waves.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Oct 5 at 2022 10:03 AM

2022-10-05T10:03:29-04:00

Col, at the risk of giving away my age I do remember mail call and I also remember Pay Call where we stood in line, verified our ID, saluted the Pay Officer, held out our left hand as he counted out less than $100 for the month, and stepping to the right and signing the pay roster in front of Top. Make a sharp right turn and move on. My English counter parts did the same thing except they received the Queen's rations of toiletries, tobacco, and rum tickets. I remember the day when my pay broke $100 for the month, WOW!

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Oct 5 at 2022 10:20 PM

2022-10-05T22:20:14-04:00

It is a moral booster. Nothing like receiving mail from a loved one. Yes we live in electronic technical age with text, email and social media. But it is a blessing to receive smail from a loved one that personally wrote and touched it. I still write letters because text, email and social media feels impersonal.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2022 7:15 AM

2022-10-06T07:15:17-04:00

It kills me that back then our full SSN had to be under our name. I still have some letters.

Response by MSgt Robert E. M. made Oct 6 at 2022 9:17 AM

2022-10-06T09:17:28-04:00

Yes, I do remember mail calls, back in the day what I didn't like doing mail calls was "Air Mail". About 85 out of 100, all of my mail was air mail. When they smell it just before putting it in the air. LOL

Response by SPC Cory Thomson made Nov 13 at 2022 6:33 PM

2022-11-13T18:33:39-05:00

In basic we had a private named Bray, who had the biggest overbite you ever saw, so of course every time his name was called we would make a horse braying sound quietly “HrrrRrr-r-r”. Then one day during mail call the drill Sgt called out “Bray!” And then quietly but loud enough “… hrrr-r-r” it was like hearing a dirty joke in church, I was holding in a laugh so hard I was crying, like I was trying to pinch off a loud fart or a sneeze; and then everyone broke out giggling and then outright howling laughter. One of the best moments from basic.

Response by SSG Peter Larson made Nov 13 at 2022 6:42 PM

2022-11-13T18:42:10-05:00

Call to colors, Mail call, pay call, work call, chow call and retreat.

Response by SSG James Knopp made Nov 16 at 2022 9:04 PM

2022-11-16T21:04:56-05:00

I can remember standing in formation for mail call. Some soldiers got lots of mail from their family and girlfriends while the envious stood by. You could tell if it was from a girlfriend because they always “sniffed” the envelope. And that was back in the seventies. I was also probably one of the last to peel potatoes while sitting on the back steps of the mess hall.
I came in under the new “VOLAR ARMY”, aka all volunteer Army. I saw my pay go from $99/month to over $300 while in basic. Not bad back then for clothes on your back, three squares, and a warm bunk. At least most of the time.
Time warp forward to the 90s when I was in the Aeroscout school at Ft Rucker we had our own mailboxes at the company mailroom.
Nowadays, “snail mail” has given way to email, email has given way to Skype, Skype has given way to Zoom. Oh, how I sometimes long for the old ways of doing things.

Response by 1SG Steven Borts made Nov 17 at 2022 8:02 PM

2022-11-17T20:02:30-05:00

yes

Response by 1SG Paul Ayotte made Dec 19 at 2022 1:50 PM

2022-12-19T13:50:38-05:00

I remember waiting for pay!

Response by MSgt Dee Ann P. made Dec 19 at 2022 5:54 PM

2022-12-19T17:54:13-05:00

I remember sitting in the day room and getting mail. I was in BMT over Christmas and New Year. My sister sent me a Christmas package and my flight was on restriction so no one from my flight was able to share the goodies I received. My sister sent me two dozen rum balls underneath dozens of chocolate chip cookies. Sadly, I was the only girl in my flight who got to enjoy the goodies. I’m still amazed I didn’t get caught!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2022 7:35 PM

2022-12-19T19:35:31-05:00

Yes I'm still in, and yes we still do this.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Dec 20 at 2022 12:47 AM

2022-12-20T00:47:10-05:00

I still love mail!!!!!!!!!!!! every day I go to post office. In basic I had a SSG that would write me. Everytime he wrote folks said Jan has a letter! He was so funny! Mine were read aloud.

Response by CPO David R. D. made Dec 20 at 2022 4:10 PM

2022-12-20T16:10:51-05:00

Only in Boot Camp. By the time I got to my first ship, the Mail PO would get all the mail for our Division, then he would place it on our rack, if we weren't readily available. He would then take the mail up to the work center for the guys on watch.

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Feb 12 at 2023 2:55 PM

2023-02-12T14:55:29-05:00

Off the coast of Vietnam, 1972. I am a sailor aboard the USS Newport News CA148. A helicopter approached the Helicopter landing pad on the fan tail. Everyone is watching to what is going to be off loaded. Word spreads there are mail sacks aboard the helicopter. After a bit the word is passed for us cooks to assemble in the galley for mail call. There is no hesitation among us, because mail call is considered to be even more important among us then church services. The reason for this is because nothing brings more comfort then a letter from home. Soon I hear my name called and go up and get my letter. I have a smile on my face, because for the amount of time it takes me to read my letters, I am transported home to a place filled with peace and love. Food and ammo can keep soldiers and sailors on duty, but nothings fills their hearts and souls with hope, like letters from home.

Response by CPL Thomas Smith made Feb 12 at 2023 9:34 PM

2023-02-12T21:34:31-05:00

Does "your crap is in the mail room, they're open from 10:42 to 11:03 every second Tuesday on Months that end in T" count as mail call?

Response by 1SG Edward Cullen made Feb 12 at 2023 10:52 PM

2023-02-12T22:52:36-05:00

How about Pay Call in Korea, you get cash, you pay old soldiers home, you pay AER and then the 1SG is waiting at the end of the line for the House Boy fund. Lol… fun times.

Response by SFC James Corona made Feb 13 at 2023 11:02 AM

2023-02-13T11:02:02-05:00

In Basic Training only.
It was thrown at our face by the Drill Sergeants for the "trainee" to pick up. Reason.
We weren't "worthy" to receive mail by hand until after B.T. Graduation.

Response by SGM Charles Barber made Feb 13 at 2023 1:00 PM

2023-02-13T13:00:20-05:00

I remember mail call and i remember standing in pay line waiting tobe paid in cash by the pay officer.

Response by PO1 Mike Pulju made Feb 17 at 2023 10:39 AM

2023-02-17T10:39:43-05:00

I'm still waiting on a package my mother sent me in 1985 when I was deployed on the USS Saratoga.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Feb 19 at 2023 9:59 AM

2023-02-19T09:59:03-05:00

I was at AL Udied on the S Team in 2003 and I'm trying to remember how we received mail I sort of remember mail call when I first arrived then I believe we just went to the PO on our own

Response by SCPO Lloyd Sikes made Feb 19 at 2023 10:46 AM

2023-02-19T10:46:37-05:00

Yes I remember mail call, standing in line for payday and inspection prior to liberty . Served 1958-1980, mostly under water (SS)
SCPO Sikes

Response by SPC James Cooke made Feb 19 at 2023 9:21 PM

2023-02-19T21:21:39-05:00

2015-18

At Fort Riley, either get mail delivered to the mailroom at your barracks and hope you are able to leave to get mail (I was a 92G; and for those unable to secure a PO Box at the barracks mailroom) or get a PO Box at the USPS on post. I went with the latter.

On rotation to South Korea, we had our mail delivered to the company "mailroom" at the company motorpool.

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Feb 19 at 2023 9:57 PM

2023-02-19T21:57:49-05:00

Well Brother Steve, I don't know if you could call it a formation, more like a cluster.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Feb 20 at 2023 12:00 AM

2023-02-20T00:00:04-05:00

I love mail

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Feb 20 at 2023 11:08 PM

2023-02-20T23:08:10-05:00

Thanks

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Feb 25 at 2023 6:09 AM

2023-02-25T06:09:36-05:00

Yes I remember not only mail call but also pay call.

Response by LCpl Jose Lugo made Apr 20 at 2023 5:22 AM

2023-04-20T05:22:39-04:00

From boot camp to deployment Mail call Hoorah !!!!

Response by LCpl Jose Lugo made Apr 20 at 2023 5:35 AM

2023-04-20T05:35:53-04:00

From Boot Camp to Deployment Oorah for Mail Call !

Response by 1SG Juan Rodriguez made Apr 23 at 2023 11:41 AM

2023-04-23T11:41:54-04:00

Don't forget the care packages that came in the mail to our men...cookies, snacks etc
.

Response by COL Nancy Bullard made Apr 23 at 2023 11:51 AM

2023-04-23T11:51:17-04:00

Yes

Response by COL Nancy Bullard made Apr 23 at 2023 11:51 AM

2023-04-23T11:51:49-04:00

Yes

Response by SGT Wayne Smith made Apr 24 at 2023 3:44 PM

2023-04-24T15:44:17-04:00

This brought back many memories from when I was in Vietnam. Sometimes we would go a few weeks between mail calls when we were in the field. There was nothing like a letter from home to keep us connected to the "real world". It didn't matter if it was Monsoon season or hot and dry, nobody missed mail call! Thanks for your post.

Response by SPC Vonnie Jones made May 21 at 2023 8:34 PM

2023-05-21T20:34:00-04:00

You can tell be the amount of post mail is big for moral. I recieve one letter in basic training and the one letter ment so much. Then go assigned box at PDS. Then went to Germany got assigned box, but did so much feild duty had formation mail call again. Now while everyone was in tent city, I was up on Bravo Bravo and mail was delivered straight to my tent. My mom only went to the 6 grade in school. She taught herself to read, but had beautiful hand writing (that was a plus for baby boomers). Anyway her greeting always stared with, " How are you, fine I do hope". I was in the field in GE for 269 days one year lol and at one point I was on Bravo Bravo 60 straight days, was covered in moe Gass and diesel on my 22 birthday. I was surprised by a letter from my Dear Mother with that greeting! It brought tears to my eyes then as it does now. That was the best birthday cake ever! I was a medic they brought me and Angle down the hill for showers and wouldn't you know there was a birthday cake there! Not for me! Lol some big wig had a party and gave use the rest of the cake hey but if it's your birthday the cake is for you lol. I have it with the fried spam covered in gravy and rice lol. Later on I became the mail clerk, at the time I couldn't drive, but I never had an issue getting people to help carry the mail bags lol did you know you can't open up a box even if it really stink! You had to keep it for 30 days then take it back to the man mail room, another fun fact, only 2 mail room door keys allowed...if your baby son flushes one down the toilet you sell your soul to get another one lol

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made May 22 at 2023 1:12 AM

2023-05-22T01:12:51-04:00

In the CG we didn't usually have mail call after boot camp. Our units were small enough that they really were not necessary. Some units had mail cubbys, other units they just slipped it under the door, or left it on your rack.

Response by CPL Jo Ann Jones made May 26 at 2023 6:13 PM

2023-05-26T18:13:38-04:00

Mail call was the highlight of the day, especially in basic. After the first four weeks we could get care packages. My mom would send a huge box full of cookies, chips, and candy for the whole platoon!

Response by CPL Daniel Loween made May 29 at 2023 1:14 PM

2023-05-29T13:14:34-04:00

Mail ahhhh postage stamp and some well written words sent yonder... communication the way it was meant to be . Slow and then maybe non existent. We are, not literally, communicating ourselves to death?

Response by SP5 Wick Humble made Jul 7 at 2023 10:04 PM

2023-07-07T22:04:18-04:00

Basic Training at Ft. Lewis WN C-2-2, 1969: Our Sr Drill Sergeant was trying to be a bit 'culture sensitive' and was struggling with pronunciations of last names: no trouble with mine, Humble, but: he hollered out 'Jose'... 'Jose'...'JOSE' ('Ho-say') and got no reply from the company, then a small voice said (with a very middle-American accent 'Uh... that's Jose, Drill Sergeant. It's pronounced Joe-ss.' 'Geesuskhrist! Just when I was getting the hang of sayin' it right!' The trooper wasn't Latino, of course. When I reminded him about it 50 years later, he'd forgotten the incident completely, and didn't think it too funny. I'm still chuckling!

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jul 28 at 2023 5:28 PM

2023-07-28T17:28:05-04:00

Of course I remember mail call, especially in Vietnam long before computers and email, mail call kept up going. Semper Fi

Response by SPC James Ward made Jul 29 at 2023 3:09 PM

2023-07-29T15:09:54-04:00

Yes

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2023 10:44 PM

2023-07-30T22:44:18-04:00

We did mail call every Mon wed & Fri overseas

Response by SFC Floyd Ancheta made Aug 1 at 2023 3:37 PM

2023-08-01T15:37:31-04:00

The military has changed so much. What we did during our careers will always be different compared what is currently being utilized.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2023 6:00 PM

2023-08-04T18:00:41-04:00

I remember mail call in basic and AIT, I dreaded packages but loved the letters from home. And of course, the obligatory, "WHICH BELL?" at both because there were 5 Bells in my BCT company, 2 in my platoon, and 2 in my AIT company, which did mail call as a company. Once I got to permanent party, everyone had post-office-style mailboxes so we could get our mail after work instead of taking up time during the duty day (and having multiple people knowing who was getting mail from who).

It was interesting when my ex deployed for OIF 1 and the mailroom tried to make him forward his mail to Iraq and he refused since there was nothing that needed to go to him instead of me at home. Took them a minute to process that he was a married Soldier who didn't get mail at the company, so it didn't need to be forwarded. Then he had to wait 1-3 days for mail sent to Iraq to be passed out by his platoon sgt, who had to go out to multiple locations to drop it off with each team - so I made a habit of sending several packages at the same time to reduce the number of trips to his location each month.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 5 at 2023 3:33 PM

2023-08-05T15:33:29-04:00

Whenever we pulled into a port, we would have mail call.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Aug 29 at 2023 9:26 PM

2023-08-29T21:26:23-04:00

Yes! It is a morale booster.

Response by MSG Bob S made Aug 30 at 2023 2:08 PM

2023-08-30T14:08:39-04:00

I only had mail call during basic and AIT, and it was delivered "air mail". Once I signed into my unit at Ft. Ord, CA I was given a PO box at the unit mailroom

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Sep 3 at 2023 10:36 AM

2023-09-03T10:36:14-04:00

Every duty day at the end of the day I conducted mail call with my flight of trainees. I recall a number of note written on envelops and packages written to embarrass the trainee or to get a response from the Instructor. One package in particular contained illegal drugs which had been flagged by the police. When that package was handed to the trainee he was immediately arrested. The person or persons mailing the package were also apprehended. So many memories from 1974 to 1985.

Response by SP5 Douglas Murphy made Sep 3 at 2023 1:28 PM

2023-09-03T13:28:49-04:00

Yes. I also, in Germany with the 3AD, did a turn as Paymaster Guard/Driver for the division after I made E5.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Sep 3 at 2023 8:23 PM

2023-09-03T20:23:47-04:00

yes I remember having Mail call, and payday liberty , I remember mail call & Payday Liberty being big Morale boosters , but it could also kill your Morale, if you did not receive a letter from home,

Response by Capt Rory Fitzgerald made Sep 7 at 2023 4:34 PM

2023-09-07T16:34:10-04:00

As an enlisted Marine I looked forward to MAIL CALL. That connection to home was important. After my commissioning, I was assigned additional duties as a junior officer for the unit while serving overseas. One such position was Postal Officer. Realizing how important MAIL CALL was to moral,
I took these duties very serious. I appointed squared away Marines to assist me and monitored the daily event to ensure all went well. It was always a pleasure to see MARINES react to getting mail, magazines and newspapers from home. Semper Fi to all of my fellow Veterans. Be safe, be smart and be strong.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Sep 11 at 2023 12:49 PM

2023-09-11T12:49:23-04:00

This is a pretty old post -- However, I do recall mail call... The last time I recall it was in the preassignment center (Charger Academy) for the 196th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. The mail clerk found great amusement in calling Specialist Darling's name -- DARLING RICHARD!

Response by SFC Bruce Glover made Oct 3 at 2023 3:28 PM

2023-10-03T15:28:41-04:00

I remember mail call very well. Once in BCT I received a letter from my senator who happened to be a family friend. The DS was calling out return addresses. When he got to mine, he had a very strange look on his face and called my name instead of the return address. I got strange looks from all the company Cadre for days. Don't know what they thought the letter was, and I never told them. It was just a letter from my senator congratulating me for joining the Army.

Response by PO2 W Scott Decker made Oct 5 at 2023 10:29 AM

2023-10-05T10:29:57-04:00

In the '80s in Guantanamo Bay Cuba at the Anti-Aircraft Warfare Center I was a Mail Petty Officer, had a bad habit of volunteering, because I got bored easy.
It turned out to be a pretty good gig, everybody always looked out for, was waiting on and taking care of the Mail guy.
We had like an old-fashioned post office at our command with little mailboxes with keys and everything. I was the only one that had a key to the man door that entered the back. So if you got a package you had to track me down.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Oct 7 at 2023 11:53 AM

2023-10-07T11:53:27-04:00

Yes, I remember this. Today we all get emails so I guess they will throw computers at you instead of envelopes...

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 8 at 2023 8:43 AM

2023-10-08T08:43:33-04:00

Yes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2023 1:59 AM

2023-10-13T01:59:39-04:00

Oh, this isan awesome question!!! I remember the last formation of the day was mail call and for the 1st and 15th, if you didn't have direct deposit, you would be handed a hard check for your pay.

Response by SFC Andre Davis made Nov 8 at 2023 1:44 PM

2023-11-08T13:44:03-05:00

I also remember pay call and pay day activities. In the deuce (82nd abn div) we would march up to the bowling alley and wait on the mps and armor trucks to come. Then we go in and we're asked govt green backs, cash or travelers checks. But 1st you had to sound of like you had a pair, Name, rank and last 4. Good old days, back then your unit was your family, top took care of you, but respect was the word, and you showed it everyday, those guys would give thier life for you, we lived by everyone comes home, no man left behind living or dead.