Yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Few subjects are more polarizing these days but, regardless your position, the truth remains that young American men and women are far from home in a dangerous place whether they want to be there or not. Now is a good time to set aside whatever political bias you my have and recognize the risk and sacrifice they are making by sharing a gift of kindness. I’ve included a list of choices provided by the Department of Defense that, should you just take a few minutes, might make a world of difference in an American’s life. Please take the time.
Thousands of Americans are again asking what they can do to show their support for servicemembers, especially those serving overseas in this time of war. Below are web sites for several organizations that are sponsoring programs for members of the Armed Forces overseas…
Operation Uplink: Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at http://www.operationuplink.org/
Operation Dear Abby: Send a gretting via e-mail through either http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/ or http://www.operationdearabby.net/
Defend America: Sign a virtual thank you card at http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html
Military Relief societies: Make donations to
- Army Emergency Relief at http://www.aerhq.org/
- Navy/Marine Relief Society at http://www.nmcrs.org/
- Air Force Aid Society at http://www.afas.org/
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at http://www.cgmahq.org/
Operation USO Care Package: Donate at http://www.usometrodc.org/care.htm
American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/