Celebrating our independence also means remembering how we won such independence. While many of us don't believe in our current war, it is important to remember the troops. I personally know over 30 kids over there right now who are either my son's friends, sons of my friends, or relatives.
The church our family attends sends boxes to the troops all the time. I personally send boxes to anyone I know is over there. Things to send that are needed: disposable razors, CD's, games, sunscreen, chapstick, powder drinks (Propel, etc that can be added to water), dry fruit, prepaid international phone cards, snacks, crayons for the kids they encounter, matches, lifesavers, any hard candy, gum, batteries, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, socks, new releases of books and magazines, baby wipes or unscented wipes of any kind, beef jerkey or slim jims, energy bars, hot sauce of any kind (tabasco, red devil) but be carefeul to wrap the glass bottle in duct tape and place in a doubled zip lock baggy and then roll in bubble wrap, zip lock baggies, sunflower seeds, peanuts, seasoning salt and seasonings, Avon Skin So Soft, eye drops like Visine, Copenhagen snuff in a tin (even if the person you are sending it to doesn't dip snuff, they will be a hero because it is very hard to get, anything else that does not melt. All the guys I send care packages to are not married but this is what our church does for the married men and women: they send tape recorders and children books so the fathers and mothers in the services can read bedtime stories for the children and mail them back home for their child to see and read along. They have also sent 4 video cameras to 4 platoons complete with enough tapes for each soldier to tape a message to their family.
It doesn't take much to brighten their day. Even a letter helps.
A quick Google search though gives you plenty of ways to support the troops. A few examples:
* For $25, anyone can send a USO Care Package to a service member in Iraq that includes things such as prepaid phone cards, snacks and a personal message of thanks. You don't have to do more than donate the $25.00.
* The president signed legislation in 2004 that made it possible to donate unused frequent-flier miles from 10 airlines to the "Hero Miles" program to help families fly to see wounded troops in distant military hospitals.
* The Fisher House program offers places to stay for families visiting sick or wounded troops.
* Visit troops in the VA hospitals. Many of them have families who live a distance away and never visit.
If you'd like a longer list, look for "Iraq" at www.networkforgood.org.
No matter what you think of the war, it's worth remembering that a lot of Americans won't be spending their July 4 like the rest of us, taking a midweek break with family and friends. Instead, they'll be trying to avoid getting killed in a place where just going outside can make you wish you were somewhere else.
There are other ways to help too: I read a story how someone saw a soldier on leave out for dinner with his girlfriend/wife. When the soldier asked for the check, he found out someone across the restaurant had paid for their dinner. There are many many wives and families living on base and off base. Volunteer to babysit.
The littlest things help.
No comments:
Post a Comment