HEALING & SUPPORT

Support the Troops

Practical Ways to Support the Troops

Past wars and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have impacted countless Americans.  Those family and friends directly affected are often motivated to organize and participate in activities that reach out and show their support for the troops.  Many Americans who have not been directly impacted by the war also want to do something to support veterans, the troops and their families but sometimes don’t know where to start. 

There are many things we can do — as individuals and in groups — to help those deployed overseas, from posting a note to the troops on the Internet, to raising money to send kids to camp or organizing a “job jar” of everyday tasks needed by the families of those serving.

The following is a list of useful links and ideas about how to get started:

America Supports You
America Supports You was launched by the Department of Defense to help recognize the efforts of Americans across the country to support our military and communicate that support to members of our armed forces serving at home and overseas.

Americans can show their support by posting a message to the troops, requesting and wearing the program’s free dog tag or finding an organization through which they can donate frequent flyer miles, send gift certificates, help sponsor homes for disabled troops or send letters, messages and care packages. The website provides information about more than150 non-profit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families.

VA Voluntary Service (VAVS)
Founded 60 years ago, VAVS is one of the largest volunteer programs of the federal government. Volunteers assist in community-based programs, hospital wards, nursing homes and veterans outreach centers. VAVS also offers a special program for student volunteers and runs a volunteer transportation network.

USO Care Package Program
The USO Care Package Program was created to provide a safe and secure way for the public to show support for our men and women in uniform.

For a $25 dollar donation, Americans can sponsor a care package for a service member who is either en route to an overseas assignment or currently deployed. Each USO Care Package is assembled by volunteers and contains, at a minimum, a 100-minute international calling card, a disposable camera, toiletries, sunscreen and a message of support from a Care Package sponsor.

Soldiers’ Angels
Started in the summer of 2003 by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn, Soldiers’ Angels provides aid and comfort to tens of thousands of service members stationed around the world. Supporters can “Adopt a Soldier” by sending regular letters and care packages to an individual service member, join a “Soldiers Angels Team” or simply make a donation, among other ways to help.

AnySoldier, Inc.
What began in August 2003 as a family effort to help the soldiers in one Army unit now includes any member of the armed forces serving abroad in harm’s way. Visitors to the website can select one or more soldiers’ names from the “Where to Send” page. Each soldier’s address contains the line “ATTN: Any Soldier.” When the recipients, who are all AnySoldier volunteers, see that line, they will put the letters and packages into the hands of those service members who don’t get much or any mail.

ThanksUSA.org
ThanksUSA is non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) effort to mobilize Americans of all ages to “thank” the men and women of the United States armed forces.  They provide college scholarships of up to $5,000 per year for the children and spouses of our troops.  A national treasure hunt to raise awareness and funds for the scholarship program in an educational way debuted on May 29, 2006, offering great family oriented prizes.

Operation Uplink
Operation Uplink, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. Using contributions from supporters, Operation Uplink purchases phone cards and distributes them to servicemen and women who are separated from those they care about.

Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones for Soldiers was started in April 2004 by 13-year-old Brittany Bergquist and her 12-year-old brother Robbie of Norwell, Massachusetts, with money from their piggy banks. The program seeks to help as many soldiers as possible serving overseas call home. Individuals and communities can donate cell phones and accessories or volunteer to set up drop-off centers for cell phone collections.

Hire Vets First – Employer Zone
Hire Vets First is a comprehensive career website for hiring veterans of America's military, where managers, human resources specialists and veterans can find the resources they need to match employment opportunities with knowledge, skills and abilities.

Tom Hanks watches the 2004 National Memorial Day Concert with wounded soldiers from the Iraq War only moments after Mr. Hanks paid tribute to all WWII Veterans and the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.

REFLECTIONS

“[The 2007] program touched me deeply.  My heart weeps for the soldiers and their families.  Thanks for honoring them.  They deserve it and so much more.”

Clare Carter
FL