Posted on Jul 15, 2015

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

LTC Stephen F.

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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

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Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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Yes - I remember mail call which brings back many memories

No - I only receive text messages or email and my snail mail is delivered to me

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Responses: 376

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CWO3 Dave Alcantara

Posted >1 y ago

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

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you, my friend CWO3 Dave Alcantara for responding and letting us know that you had mail call in boot camp and on board an Ice Breaker.
Speaking of bonuses, I remember qualifying and receiving my enlistment bonus at age 18 in 1975. In those days 20% was taken off the top for taxes.
PO2 Jeffery Marcussen Sr LTJG Robert M. PO3 (Join to see) PO2 Jonathan Scharff LCDR (Join to see) CMC Robert Young PO1 John Johnson LTJG Richard Bruce Sgt Jay Jones CWO3 (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. CMDCM Gene Treants

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CWO3 Dave Alcantara

>1 y

LTC Stephen F. my reenlistment bonus was $12k in 1980, after taxes I got about $7.5k. The fun came when filing my taxes the next year and learning about income averaging. Since I went from E-1 to E-5 in my first 4 years I didn’t make a whole lot, and I didn’t have a job before, so I got a good haul if my withholding back.

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Cpl Ryan McGrath

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you, my friend Cpl Ryan McGrath for letting us know the mail distribution process while you were deployed to Iraq.

FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL MSG Andrew White 1SG Steven Imerman SSG Samuel Kermon SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson Col Casey "Radio" G.SFC John LichSgt Jackie JuliusSFC Richard WilliamsonSPC Randy ZimmermanSPC Richard (Rick) Henry
SSG Pete Fish SSgt Terry P. Sgt David G Duchesneau CWO3 Dennis M. CMDCM Gene Treants SPC Americo Garcia Sgt Jay Jones

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you Cpl Ryan McGrath for responding

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SSG Alfred Woods

Posted >1 y ago

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!!!)

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you SSG Alfred Woods for responding and making us aware that you have memories [hopefully] good from mailcall.
Here is a link to the parallel question on paycall
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-remembers-pay-call-what-country-ies-did-you-receive-pay-call-in

FYI SP6 Stephen RogersonSSgt Corwin Whicker CPT Paul Whitmer 1SG Steven Imerman SSG Samuel Kermon
SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson Col Casey "Radio" G.SFC John LichSgt Jackie JuliusSFC Richard WilliamsonSPC Randy ZimmermanSPC Richard (Rick) Henry

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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SPC Dwight Turner

Posted >1 y ago

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 !!!

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you SPC Dwight Turner for responding and making us aware that you remember pay call in basic training.
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.

FYI SSG Robert Mark Odom SP5 Jesse EngelSPC Matthew LambSSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth Capt Rich Buckley
CW4 G.L. SmithSPC Russ BoltonSPC Gordon Rice
PO2 Roger LafarletteSPC Nancy Greene SSG Franklin Briant1stsgt Glenn BrackinJennifer Lee (Doerflinger) HillSP6 Stephen RogersonSSgt Corwin Whicker CPT Paul Whitmer 1SG Steven ImermanSgt Jackie JuliusCol Casey "Radio" G.

Who remembers pay call? What country(ies) did you receive pay call in? | RallyPoint

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MSgt Gilbert Jones

5 y

I had pay call from Feb 1960 until Nov 1967. My last one was at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand and my OIC were the lucky ones to have to pass out the money. We were paid with American Currency, and the next day after pay call I had to fly into Tan Son Nhut VT to escort some highly classified equipment. I was sent on VOC orders, and was not suppose to disembark from the aircraft when I arrived. Well some young MP wasn't familiar with the procedures and he made me get off the aircraft even thougth I told him I couldn't. Well before his Sgt arrived my aircraft left going back to Thailand. The next day I went to the cafeteria for lunch. As I said before we were paid in American Currency, and when I pulled out a $20 bill to pay for my lunch the CID agents came out of the woodwork before I could even blink my eyes. Since I didn't have actual orders to show I was only suppose to have been in and out they wanted to lock me up. Can you imagine trying to get out of VN without orders. I tried catching rides with everything flying out even with Air America (CIA) to no avail. After nine days my unit finally got orders to me, that was after my commander wanted me to do some research.

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1SG Joseph Dartey

Posted >1 y ago

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

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you, my friend 1SG Joseph Dartey for responding and making us aware that "remember mail call and pay call, especially when we were in the field."
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT (Join to see) SGT (Join to see) CWO3 (Join to see) PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC (Join to see)1sg-dan-capriSGT Robert R.CPT Tommy Curtis A1C Ian Williams SSgt Boyd Herrst Col Carl Whicker SPC Margaret Higgins

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MSgt Gilbert Jones

>1 y

MSgt Aldi, being in the AF where did you have to stand out in the snow and rain to receive mail? I was in the service for 22 years, stationed at 13 different AF bases and never did I have to stand out in either to receive my mail. We had mail rooms in all the squadrons I was in. The only lines I had to stand in were pay lines up until 1967, and most of them were inside. Also, were you in the reserve because I see your service time was from 1969 to 2010, if I'm counting right that is 41 years, and E-7s could only stay in up to 26th year, or turn 55 whichever came first. That is if you are on active duty.

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CPO Arthur Weinberger

4 y

MSgt Gilbert Jones - Being in AF is a country club. Your mail is delivered with tea and crumpets. Massages are given afterwards if the mail is disturbing.

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MSgt Gilbert Jones

4 y

CPO Arthur Weinberger - You could left have out the tea and crumpets. Never had a massage, must have been in the wrong unit. Remember, in the AF you are trained and expected to use your brains, not your feet, that is why it's not as easy to get into the AF. Do they still let individuals join the Army without a HS diploma?

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PO1 Mike Pulju

Posted 3 y ago

I'm still waiting on a package my mother sent me in 1985 when I was deployed on the USS Saratoga.

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LTC Stephen F.

3 y

Thank you my friend PO1 Mike Pulju for responding and letting us know that you are still waiting on a "package my mother sent me in 1985 when I was deployed on the USS Saratoga."

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SSG Rob Lawrence

Posted 3 y ago

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.

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LTC Stephen F.

3 y

Thank you my friend and brother-in-Christ SSG Rob Lawrence for responding and sharing your thoughts on reading real mail letters

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SSG Rob Lawrence

3 y

LTC Stephen F. I appreciate your comments. This comment was written from the heart and describes exactly the way I feel about mail call. Many things in the military can be judged by using numbers. Mail call can only be judged by how it effects morale and believe me when I say, it always raises morale when mail call happens.

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SP5 Rockland Rhodes

Posted >1 y ago

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..

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you my friend [~1920429 Rockland Rhodes] for making us aware that for you "ail 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." I am glad to learn that most of the letters you wrote home "were saved and have been a very useful resource to help myself and guys in my unit validate our experiences as soldiers in Vietnam.'
I am thankful that you were able to locate the girl who meant so much to you [although it took almost 40 years]. It is wonderful that you reconnected and were able to enjoy 9 years together before she passed away for lung cancer.'
I expect that you like me appreciate written letters.
FYI SFC William Farrell CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 SGT Mary G. 1LT Voyle Smith SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Armando Sanchez PO3 Phyllis Maynard 1LT Sandy Annala Col (Join to see) CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw SFC Bernard Walko MAJ Bob Miyagishima SPC Lyle Montgomery SGT Tiffanie G. MAJ Roland McDonald 1SG Joseph Dartey SGM Gerald Fife CWO4 Terrence Clark CPL Ronald Keyes Jr

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MSG Louis Alexander

Posted >1 y ago

I fondly remember those times. The mail clerk hunting you down when you come in from patrol etc.

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LTC Stephen F.

>1 y

Thank you for responding my brother-in-arms MSG Louis Alexander and letting us know when you came into the base camp from patrols, etc the mail clerk searched for you to ensure you received your mail.
I expect that mail clerk has goo memories of delivering mail and bad memories of undelivered mail for soldiers killed in action.
FYI MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SGM Gerald Fife CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 PO3 Edward Riddle SSG Bill McCoy LTC Wayne Brandon SFC William Farrell CPT Jack Durish CWO4 Terrence Clark SGT Ed Matyjasik SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D PO3 Charles Streich SPC Michael Terrell SFC Jim Ruether CWO3 Dennis M.SPC Steven Depuy LTC David Stark SPC Jeff Daley, PhD Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen

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SSG Byron Hewett

Edited 4 y ago

Posted 4 y ago

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!!

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LTC Stephen F.

4 y

Thank you my friend SSG Byron Hewett for responding and making us aware that when a 'shoe box sized stack of mail thrown at me and then push ups were required' and in AIT as a PFC your uncle wrote ypu a letter with 'PFC(crossed out) [and] SGT or LT Hewett congratulation on your promotion, then me finding about 6 Drill SGT's licking their lips like hungry wolves read to go in for the kill.'
I expect you had a interesting reacquaintancewith that uncle while on leave :-)
FYI PO3 Phyllis Maynard PO3 Steven Sherrill CSM Chuck Stafford PFC Craig Karshner SGT Jim Ramge, MBA MSG Danny Mathers Sgt Robert Hellyer1SG Mark Rudoplh LTC Ken Connolly CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw Cpl Robert Russell Payne MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi CWO3 Dave Alcantara LTC Stephen Conway MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi SPC Nancy Greene SPC Margaret Higgins

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SSG Bill McCoy

4 y

When my youngest son was in Basic, I'd mail him letters and put patriotic, pro-American logos oon the envelope. I "threatened" to send him one addressed as SGT if he didn't write home to his Mom. LOL Never had to do that.

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SSG Byron Hewett

4 y

LTC Stephen F. - you could say that but my uncle Norm 6ft 7in tall so he and I had a great laugh together later on down the road about 6 months later over a couple of cold coke’s

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

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