Posted on Jul 15, 2015
Who remembers standing in formation for mail call? Does the military still conduct mail call?
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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
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
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Edited 4 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 377
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my friend SGT Bill Nixson for responding and letting us know that you remember standing in formation for mail call in 7 places in CONUS and 3 abroad. I expect it brings back mixed memories - hopefully mostly good memories.
FYI SGT Philip Roncari SFC William Farrell COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Richard Williamson SPC Nancy Greene TSgt David L. SGT (Join to see) SGM Mikel Dawson LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon Maj Robert Thornton Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SPC Randy Zimmerman SSgt Terry P.
FYI SGT Philip Roncari SFC William Farrell COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Richard Williamson SPC Nancy Greene TSgt David L. SGT (Join to see) SGM Mikel Dawson LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon Maj Robert Thornton Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SPC Randy Zimmerman SSgt Terry P.
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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.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my friend SPC (Join to see) for responding and making us aware that you "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.'
FYI SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA SSG(P) (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland SGT Philip Roncari SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Robert R. SGT Robert Hawks SPC (Join to see) TSgt David L. TSgt Joe C. COL (Join to see) SGM Mikel Dawson SSgt Marian Mitchell SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik LTC Hillary Luton
FYI SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA SSG(P) (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland SGT Philip Roncari SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Robert R. SGT Robert Hawks SPC (Join to see) TSgt David L. TSgt Joe C. COL (Join to see) SGM Mikel Dawson SSgt Marian Mitchell SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik LTC Hillary Luton
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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.
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Pvt SanJuana Méndez
SGT Dan Gray , thank you for your sentiment. I've had many veterans, from E-1s to officers of diverse ranks, assure me same as you Sarge. I only wish Dept of Veteran Affairs review board was committeed by veterans.
It was a sister Marine who'd also been wrongfully separated, a random stranger in a public park, escorting her niece & nephew same time I was walking around with my grandchildren, who advised me to go to Admissions at V.A. hospital & request VHIC (veteran's health identification card). What she & I had in common was gender discrimination: she'd reported for duty (Boot) after her cab driver raped her, which resulted in pregnancy that became basis of dishonorable discharge; at age 18, I (oldest of 7 children raised in same household) became family matron when our widowed mom was killed by drunk driver.
That sister at arms was able to prove more discrimination easily after another veteran advised her she'd been discriminated against & her DD-214 was amended to honorable, based on service connected sexual trauma.
In my case, I was fortunate to be granted honorable discharge but it was in fact wrongful separation that was recorded as based on ATTITUDE, something that followed into job market the entirety of my marketable yrs. Discrimination was double-edged: if I'd been male who had become family patron, I wouldn't have been arbitrarily denied when I expressed concern about 5 minor siblings I'd helped my mom raise; I'd have been advised I was wrong to request "indefinite leave of absence" & would have been offered hardship. On other side of discrimination I suffered was that their denying me "indefinite leave" violated my right to follow my beliefs. I'd been raised to believe firstborn (NOT firstborn son) inherits responsibility for younger siblings when family becomes orphaned. That comes from Hispanic upbringing & I've learned along the way, several yrs since, that it's also a part of Native American heritage.
But enough of that! Tho I may not have had attitude when discharged (was actually naïve, believing Marine Corps knew what was in my best interest), roadblocks they've created in 22 yrs since I learned I am in fact a veteran have served to educate me. The only obstacle that has deterred me is this pandemic...only 'cause I depend on public transportation when I can't just hop my scooter. Once pandemic normalizes, Dept of Veteran Affairs & DoD will have a lot to answer for 'cause I DEFINITELY have attitude now... thanks to them.
It was a sister Marine who'd also been wrongfully separated, a random stranger in a public park, escorting her niece & nephew same time I was walking around with my grandchildren, who advised me to go to Admissions at V.A. hospital & request VHIC (veteran's health identification card). What she & I had in common was gender discrimination: she'd reported for duty (Boot) after her cab driver raped her, which resulted in pregnancy that became basis of dishonorable discharge; at age 18, I (oldest of 7 children raised in same household) became family matron when our widowed mom was killed by drunk driver.
That sister at arms was able to prove more discrimination easily after another veteran advised her she'd been discriminated against & her DD-214 was amended to honorable, based on service connected sexual trauma.
In my case, I was fortunate to be granted honorable discharge but it was in fact wrongful separation that was recorded as based on ATTITUDE, something that followed into job market the entirety of my marketable yrs. Discrimination was double-edged: if I'd been male who had become family patron, I wouldn't have been arbitrarily denied when I expressed concern about 5 minor siblings I'd helped my mom raise; I'd have been advised I was wrong to request "indefinite leave of absence" & would have been offered hardship. On other side of discrimination I suffered was that their denying me "indefinite leave" violated my right to follow my beliefs. I'd been raised to believe firstborn (NOT firstborn son) inherits responsibility for younger siblings when family becomes orphaned. That comes from Hispanic upbringing & I've learned along the way, several yrs since, that it's also a part of Native American heritage.
But enough of that! Tho I may not have had attitude when discharged (was actually naïve, believing Marine Corps knew what was in my best interest), roadblocks they've created in 22 yrs since I learned I am in fact a veteran have served to educate me. The only obstacle that has deterred me is this pandemic...only 'cause I depend on public transportation when I can't just hop my scooter. Once pandemic normalizes, Dept of Veteran Affairs & DoD will have a lot to answer for 'cause I DEFINITELY have attitude now... thanks to them.
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Pvt SanJuana Méndez
SGT Dan Gray , ty, dear brother, but if u read my last comment more carefully, u'll find that I am infact female.
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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!
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my friend SSG Eric Blue for responding and sharing your experiences from mail call in BCT. Meeting the challenge of one hundred pushups non-stop before breakfast probably gave you a good appetite. Since the Senior Drill and Drill Sergeant always confer, it seems the SOP of 10 pushups per piece of mail and you receiving 15 pieces that day sealed the case. I am glad you were helped up the steps to the floor and your bunk.
Where did you go through BCT?
FYI SFC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SGT (Join to see) SGT (Join to see)1sg-dan-capriSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy Curtis SSgt Boyd Herrst Col Carl Whicker SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik PO1 Robert GeorgeSSG Robert Mark Odom LTC Jeff Shearer]CWO3 Dennis M. SGT (Join to see)
Where did you go through BCT?
FYI SFC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SGT (Join to see) SGT (Join to see)1sg-dan-capriSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy Curtis SSgt Boyd Herrst Col Carl Whicker SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik PO1 Robert GeorgeSSG Robert Mark Odom LTC Jeff Shearer]CWO3 Dennis M. SGT (Join to see)
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LTC Stephen F.
FYI SGT Philip Roncari SFC William Farrell Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen LTC Wayne Brandon CPT Jack Durish MSgt David Hoffman SPC Randy ZimmermanSP5 Geoffrey Vannerson TSgt David L.
CPT Paul WhitmerSP5 Jesse Engel SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Jeannie Carle SP5 Geoffrey VannersonCOL Charles Williams LTC Jeff Shearer
CPT Paul WhitmerSP5 Jesse Engel SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Jeannie Carle SP5 Geoffrey VannersonCOL Charles Williams LTC Jeff Shearer
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you, my friend SFC Richard Williamson for responding and making us aware that mail call was your life line back to the "World" or home.
I am thankful you survived and are still with us.
As well as you, my friends
FYI SGT Philip Roncari SFC William Farrell Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen LTC Wayne Brandon CPT Jack Durish MSgt David Hoffman SPC Randy ZimmermanSP5 Geoffrey Vannerson TSgt David L.
CPT Paul WhitmerSP5 Jesse Engel SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Jeannie Carle SP5 Geoffrey VannersonCOL Charles Williams LTC Jeff Shearer
I am thankful you survived and are still with us.
As well as you, my friends
FYI SGT Philip Roncari SFC William Farrell Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen LTC Wayne Brandon CPT Jack Durish MSgt David Hoffman SPC Randy ZimmermanSP5 Geoffrey Vannerson TSgt David L.
CPT Paul WhitmerSP5 Jesse Engel SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Jeannie Carle SP5 Geoffrey VannersonCOL Charles Williams LTC Jeff Shearer
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LTC Stephen F.
FYI SFC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SGT (Join to see) SGT (Join to see)1sg-dan-capriSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy Curtis SSgt Boyd Herrst Col Carl Whicker SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik PO1 Robert GeorgeSSG Robert Mark Odom LTC Jeff Shearer]CWO3 Dennis M. SGT (Join to see)PO3 Bob McCord
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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.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my friend SPC Robert Bobo for responding and reminding us about how those soldiers who received the Dear John letters responded from drowning their sorrows to attempting suicide or going AWOL.
FYI SP5 Jeannie Carle SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik SPC Diana D. SSG Diane R. LTC Hillary Luton Maj Kim Patterson Sgt Kelli Mays SFC (Join to see) SGT Elizabeth S SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" MSG Andrew White SSG(P) (Join to see) 1SG Steven Imerman COL Mikel J. Burroughs Col Carl Whicker Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen MAJ Rene De La Rosa TSgt David L.
FYI SP5 Jeannie Carle SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik SPC Diana D. SSG Diane R. LTC Hillary Luton Maj Kim Patterson Sgt Kelli Mays SFC (Join to see) SGT Elizabeth S SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" MSG Andrew White SSG(P) (Join to see) 1SG Steven Imerman COL Mikel J. Burroughs Col Carl Whicker Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen MAJ Rene De La Rosa TSgt David L.
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SFC Richard Williamson
I got two "Dear John's"; one while in Basic and the other while I was in AIT, both from the same gal. Worked out just fine.
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SPC Robert Bobo
SFC Richard Williamson
Sorry, I didn't find out my gal was servicing "JODY" until I got home and caught her, it worked out for the best
Sorry, I didn't find out my gal was servicing "JODY" until I got home and caught her, it worked out for the best
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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.
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.
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LTC Stephen F.
I have a vague recollection of that incident my friend CPT Daniel Cox. We were in the same company but different platoons. I think I was in third platoon because we were at the south end of the building [I believe it was south :-) ]
I looked through the USMAPS yearbook to see who Bear might be. Was he SP4 Conn. The copy of Susan Ford's letter is on page 32 of the yearbook.
Image of letter from Susan Ford [no relation to me :-) ]
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs Col Carl Whicker LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Greg Henning LTC Bill Koski LTC Jeff Shearer LTC Stephen C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SSG William Jones
I looked through the USMAPS yearbook to see who Bear might be. Was he SP4 Conn. The copy of Susan Ford's letter is on page 32 of the yearbook.
Image of letter from Susan Ford [no relation to me :-) ]
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs Col Carl Whicker LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Greg Henning LTC Bill Koski LTC Jeff Shearer LTC Stephen C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SSG William Jones
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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?.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you SGT Frank Pritchett for responding. To be honest the question you posted would fit better at a parallel question.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-remembers-pay-call-what-country-ies-did-you-receive-pay-call-in
There people discuss MPCs in Korea, Vietnam, pay currencies OCONUS, cash payments, etc.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-remembers-pay-call-what-country-ies-did-you-receive-pay-call-in
There people discuss MPCs in Korea, Vietnam, pay currencies OCONUS, cash payments, etc.
Who remembers pay call? What country(ies) did you receive pay call in? | RallyPoint
I remember pay call while being stationed in Bamberg, Germany in the early 1980's. I think pay call was only used for forces stationed overseas [expect that includes all Navy vessels as well] where a choice of currency to receive your pay made sense. Pay call made sense when many service members did not have direct deposit for their salary. I don't know if pay call still exists and where it is used. [Update July 19] I was an infantry training...
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SGT (Join to see)
Yes, I first experienced Pay Call at Ft. Hood in 1975 until I opted for Direct pay by getting a checking account; then again in 1980 Boeblingen Germany.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you, my friend SSG Robert Cole for responding and making us aware that mail call [at many times] was the highlight of the day at your units :-)
FYI SGT Mark Anderson SGT Jim Arnold SSgt Terry P. Maj Robert Thornton SFC (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland MSG Andrew White Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MSG (Join to see)COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarterLTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SP5 Mark KuzinskiCWO3 (Join to see) PO1 William "Chip" NagelCol Carl Whicker SPC Margaret Higgins PO3 Phyllis Maynard
FYI SGT Mark Anderson SGT Jim Arnold SSgt Terry P. Maj Robert Thornton SFC (Join to see) SGT Steve McFarland MSG Andrew White Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MSG (Join to see)COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarterLTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SP5 Mark KuzinskiCWO3 (Join to see) PO1 William "Chip" NagelCol Carl Whicker SPC Margaret Higgins PO3 Phyllis Maynard
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you, my friend SPC Terry Martin for responding and making us aware that you gathered in group formation for mail call.
FYI PO2 Jeffery Marcussen Sr LTJG Robert M. PO3 (Join to see) PO2 Jonathan Scharff LCDR (Join to see) CMC Robert Young CWO3 Dave Alcantara PO1 John Johnson LTJG Richard BruceSgt Jay JonesCWO3 (Join to see) GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad SPC Americo Garcia Sgt (Join to see) SSgt Terry P. Sgt David G Duchesneau LT John Chang LTJG Josh Thaxton CWO3 Dennis M.
FYI PO2 Jeffery Marcussen Sr LTJG Robert M. PO3 (Join to see) PO2 Jonathan Scharff LCDR (Join to see) CMC Robert Young CWO3 Dave Alcantara PO1 John Johnson LTJG Richard BruceSgt Jay JonesCWO3 (Join to see) GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad SPC Americo Garcia Sgt (Join to see) SSgt Terry P. Sgt David G Duchesneau LT John Chang LTJG Josh Thaxton CWO3 Dennis M.
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LTC Stephen F.
FYI CMDCM Gene TreantsLTC Orlando Illi CPT Jack Durish CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Andrew White Sgt Albert Castro SGT Charles H. Hawes SSG Martin Byrne CPT Gabe Snell LTC Greg Henning SGT John MeredithMSgt John McGowanMSgt David M.1SG John MillanTSgt Rodney Bidinger SFC Randy Purham CDR (Join to see) SPC (Join to see) SPC Tom DeSmet
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SPC Terry Martin
The disappointment was when we didn't receive mail, and others did. The fun part was a wife or girlfriend's letter with a heavy smell of perfume!
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