Students and faculty can wish overseas soldiers happy holidays or just say thanks during a letter writing campaign in the Brown-Lupton University Union tomorrow.

The university's chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), an honor society, partnered with the United Service Organizations (USO) to sponsor the campaign. The event will take place Tuesday from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. in the BLUU next to Union Grounds, NSCS President Christian Perez said. 

Ajay Gersemehl, junior communication studies major and NSCS vice president of public relations, wrote via email that the cause is very personal to her. 

She wrote that her boyfriend, Pfc. Michael Phillippi, was deployed from March to September of this year.

Gersemehl wrote that Phillippi told her the following when he called on Monday:

"When we get mail call it's like Christmas," Phillippi said. "No matter how simple or long the letter is, it puts a smile on our face, and for a split second, it's like we're not here where we are.

It's nice to know that people back home are thinking of us, that we're not forgotten," he said. "Especially to the guys that don't normally receive letters… Getting a letter is powerful. Knowing that someone out there is thinking of you is powerful. It uplifts us and motivates us to come back home," he said.

Gersemehl wrote that whether people write a short note or a longer letter, it makes a difference. 

Perez said blank pieces of paper, Christmas and other holiday-themed cards will be provided.

“This is the perfect opportunity to do something small that makes a big impact,” Perez said.

The letter writing campaign is part of a nationwide partnership between NSCS and the USO, Gersemehl wrote. This year marks the first time the university's NSCS chapter will be participating in the event.

“People taking the time out of their day to give their appreciation for something we don’t always think about is a big deal,” Gersemehl said.