Looking for a pen pal during this pandemic (and beyond)? These veterans would love to hear from you.

Veterans at the Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Sill Veteran Center are eagerly awaiting to hear from you. (Lawton /Sill Veterans Center)

The isolation that many people have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in modern times.

And for many living alone, or in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, the separation has been especially devastating.

Army wife Christie Etchberger of It’s a Military Life had isolated veterans in mind when she joined forces with the Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Sill Veterans Center to create the Veteran Pen Pal Project.

“I was was inspired by my grandfather who is a veteran and also in an assisted living facility without visitors — even with supportive family nearby wanting to visit,” Etchberger told The Spouse Angle on Thursday. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back when I can’t in person, and also provide a way to help our veterans who really need the support during such isolating times.”

Letters, crafts and photos can be sent to:

My Veteran Pen Pal
501 SE Flower Mound Rd
Lawton, OK 73501

Emails can be sent to Marilyn.Woods@odva.ok.gov with the subject line of “Veteran Pen Pal.”

More details can be found on the It’s a Military Life Facebook page.

Marilyn Woods, the center’s program administrator and recreation director told Etchberger that the letters will mean so much to the veterans. Some even were asking about pen pals before this initiative began.

“Remember, these residents have no visitors due to COVID, and your small act of kindness will make a big difference,” Etchberger said. “I know their pen pal letters back to you will do the same for your own happiness!”