Support the Troops: 6 Easy Ways to Really Help
Support the Troops: 6 Easy Ways to Really Help
"Support the troops"–we see the phrase every day on bumper stickers, signs, and those ubiquitous magnetic ribbons on cars. Regardless of your political position or your opinion of the conflicts overseas, here are six Web sites that make it easy to really support the troops. From postcards and care packages to school supplies for Iraqi kids, these are inexpensive, easy ways to make a difference.
Better yet, they won't take any more time or effort than putting one of those yellow ribbon magnets on your trunk.
America Supports You: The U.S. military's official Web site for supporting service members. Includes plenty of links for getting involved, from donations of frequent-flyer miles and phone cards to homes for disabled vets, scholarships for children of service members, and sending letters and postcards of support.
The U.S.O.: Yes, this is the same organization that was responsible for Bob Hope's travels to entertain the troops all over the world across several decades. The U.S.O. is still sending entertainers overseas to boost troops' morale, and has numerous clubs across the U.S. where visiting service members can relax when stateside.
My Soldier: Founded by a Manhattanville College (NY) student who served in Iraq, this program matches up members one-on-one with a service member overseas who has requested to be part of the program. This lets you build a relationship with one service member, if you're willing to commit to keeping up a regular correspondence.
AnySoldier: For decades, Americans have sent packages to troops overseas by addressing them to "Any Soldier" and an APO address. This program takes the idea into the Internet age, allowing you to send packages that will be distributed to troops on an as-needed basis.
Books for Soldiers: This site had humble beginnings, seeking to provide some reading material for soldiers. It has now become a very versatile site that helps people send music, magazines, DVDs, and foods to troops. Individual soldiers or their supervisors send requests to the Web site, which posts them. One of the coolest things about this site is that you can search by types of items requested, by the branch of service, by where they serve (including U.S. locations), and even by their home state.
Operation Iraqi Children: Some U.S. troops are helping to build schools and improve the conditions for Iraqi children. This project, founded by actor Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump;" currently in "CSI:NY") and author Lauren Hillenbrand ("Seabiscuit") collects funds that are used to by school supplies for children in Iraq.
Submitted by - Afghanistan |
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- support the troops |
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Great links
I enjoyed the information in your xombyte and appreciate the ideas! FYI: I am currently organizing and working on a fundraiser (of sorts) with one of our local VFW clubs to support, not only the members there but also to raise funds to support the troops actively enlisted. It is difficult to work within the non-profit sector sometimes, as there are different rules and regulations for each group - but perhaps some of your other readers who want to help can do something similar to what I am doing.
I am selling hand painted ornaments (bought in bulk for a relatively low price) on which I will paint the names of the soldiers (past or present) whom an individual wishes to commemorate. The ornaments will be placed on a tree in the VFW club throughout the season and during the Christmas dance (the week before Christmas), the purchasers will be able to locate their loved ones names on the tree and remove the ornament to hang on their trees at home.
It is a really simple idea for those willing to spend the time and energy to paint on names and do the "selling" and the money can benefit the men and woman who have and still are giving their lives for us!
Thanks Idlewild...
Nichole
Practical and Proactive
Nicely done. As an OIF vet I can say that I was the recipiant of many generocities from most of these organizations.
Even though I'm out of the Army now, I continue to support my brothers and sisters and I agree with the practical solutions as opposed to simple flag waving.
Although, the folks at USOs around the world take flag waving to a whole new level. Perhaps I will write of some of my adventures with the flag-waving fanatics at the USO. Great people!
Thanks again!
Thanks
Yes, there's a lot average people can do to show their support. (I keep wishing our leaders would mention some of these Web sites.)
Sure, I'd be interested in hearing about your adventures in the service or with the USO. Welcome to Xomba!
Support the Troops post from '06 by Idlewild
Yeah, so I'm catching up on some of the older posts on Xomba. Here's one that is still valid and well done.
As both a recipient and a leader that witnessed the difference these programs made in the morale of my Soldiers, I thank you for the support and encourage all to participate in some way or another.
Find the program that you like and go with it! There are plenty out there!
Have some time to kill in an airport? Check to see if they have a USO, stop by and donate. Got an extra seat in your ride home? Check in to see if there's a Servicemember that could use a lift.
a few more links
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org
http://www.operation-support-our-troops.org
http://www.networkforgood.org/TOPICS/INTERNATIONAL/IRAQ/troops.aspx
And please don't forget the wounded Servicemembers that have made it back. They need our support as well.
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Thanks...
for the links, and for your service.
The Internet makes it very easy to connect with groups that can help, and people can commit as much or as little time, money, effort, etc. as they want. And it seems that even a small gesture can have an impact on people serving far from home.