Read my latest "Carper's Connection" e-newsletter here: 1.usa.gov/ucCawK. #netDE

— Senator Tom Carper(@SenatorCarper) December8, 2011

Dear Fellow Delawarean,

As we look forward to 2012, I’m hopeful that my colleagues in Congress and I can come together to enact common sense legislation that will make real progress for Delawareans and all Americans. At the top of our ‘to do’ list should be legislation that will help put Americans back to work as well as reduce our federal debt and deficit in a balanced and responsible manner. We should also address other challenging issues facing our country – ranging from education reform to curbing waste and fraud in government to improving transportation to protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. Among my top priorities will be pushing for a full Senate vote on the First State National Historical Park Act, legislation I co-authored with Sen. Coons and Rep. Carney to finally create a national park in Delaware. Second, I’ll continue to push Congress to pass the comprehensive, bipartisan postal reform legislation that I co-authored with Sens. Lieberman (I-Conn.), Collins (R-Maine) and Brown (R-Mass.), the 21st Century Postal Service Act, which would help address the U.S. Postal Service’s significant financial crisis and preserve this important national institution for future generations.

I’m hopeful for what we can achieve next year, but as we end this year it’s important to remember that this special season is one for serving others and reflecting on what’s most important – our families, friends, communities, and those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and free.

Bringing a 'Touch of Home' to our Troops this Season

As a former naval flight officer who served three tours in Southeast Asia, I know how hard it can be to spend months – in some cases years – away from home. I remember how exciting it was to get mail from my family, and now I’m sure our servicemembers eagerly check Facebook and email for word from their loved ones. But nothing means more than receiving a letter saying thanks or a package of gifts around this time of year. That’s why, a few weeks ago, I took some time to send cards in support of our men and women in uniform this holiday season as a part of the American Red Cross' "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program.

This project provides Americans with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings, expressions of gratitude and well wishes to service members, veterans and their families worldwide. Last year, the Red Cross distributed more than 1 million cards for service members, veterans, and their families, in communities around the world.

All cards being sent in for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program should be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.

To watch my Carper’s Corner video blog post supporting the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, click here.

Important Holiday Mail Dates and Deadlines

Each year, many of us rush to get packages, cards and letters in the mail so that they arrive to their destinations before the holiday celebrations begin. It can be a hectic time of year, so I wanted to remind you of important "mail-by" dates and deadlines.

The deadline for Priority Mail packages and First-Class cards and letters to American service members in Iraq or Afghanistan is Dec. 10th. The deadline for Express Mail Military Service is Dec. 17th.

The U.S. Postal Service has also provided these dates as a guide for dropping holiday wishes into the mail. Postmarking for domestic mail — mailed from and delivered within the U.S. — and international mail destined for overseas should occur by:

• First-Class Mail: Dec. 20th
• Priority Mail: Dec. 21st
• Express Mail: Dec. 22nd
• Parcel Post: Dec. 15th

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Please continue to stay in touch with me when you have questions, concerns or comments about issues that are important to you. And as always, you can find the most up-to-date information on issues and ways in which my office can be of service to you on my website. I would also like to encourage you to stay connected with me through social media on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. To sign up friends and family for my e-newsletter, click here.

With warm personal regards,

I am,

U.S. Senator Tom Carper