It's been said that all you have to do to contact an old Army buddy is send a letter in a blank envelope to St. Louis and they'll find them and send that letter of yours to the veteran in question. Is that still the case?

Below is an extract from the NRPC website (it looks like they do NOT forward letters):

7. How can I get an address roster to get in touch with old service buddies?

Our primary mission is to research requests from veterans or their authorized representatives who are seeking service information that will assist them in obtaining benefits, employment, reenlistment, hospitalization, loans, pensions, and burials. NPRC (MPR) is neither staffed nor budgeted to respond to requests that require extensive research. In addition, the Department of Defense Privacy Program, 32 CFR 310.41(d), considers the release of rosters (lists) or compilations of names and home addresses, or single address of current or former service members, to be a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, and is prohibited. Also, addresses found in the records of discharged personnel may not remain valid for more than a few months.

We understand that some individuals have had success locating former members of the Armed Forces by placing advertisements in publications of various veterans organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which have special columns for reunion purposes.

NOTE: To contact NPRC, go to our Requesting Awards and Decorations page.

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