Posted on 08/19/2004 9:30:15 AM PDT by armywife2
Care packages can make a soldier's day It's surreal, this war on terrorism.
We at home are asked to go about our lives as usual, making no personal sacrifices, while our neighbors are called to arms.
These usually part-time National Guardsmen and reservists from various military branches are fulfilling the terms of their service agreements.
They're full-timers now.
They're doing our nation's dirty work so life here may remain safe and fairly normal.
It's time for more of us to get involved in the war effort.
We need to man the cookie brigade.
That's right - sending soldiers some very simple comforts of home can make a huge difference in a day, week or month for a regular-duty or reserve unit stationed overseas.
Most of these reservists and National Guardsmen, it's safe to say, never expected to be yanked from their civilian jobs for a year or more of hazardous duty.
Then have their tours of duties extended.
And, finally, to be deployed yet again.
The U.S. Department of Defense reports that, as of July 14, there were 156,460 National Guardsmen and reservists on active duty - more than 54,000 of them in Iraq.
About 43 percent of the more than 130,000 U.S. military personal in Iraq, for example, are from National Guard or Reserve units.
The generals say that'll be the case for at least the next year in Iraq alone.
If our citizen soldiers have to be away, let's join the many efforts under way to send them some of the comforts of home.
Books, CDs, DVD movies, cookies, some local jerky, even just a letter sent their way can bring these service people a little taste of home.
And don't forget that about 15 percent of these soldiers are women.
Without sounding too sexist, we bet they'd appreciate something intended just for them. Maybe some decent shampoo, for starters.
When they're out in the field, on the job, all of these soldiers are regulation issue, all the way.
But when they're off-duty, it would be nice to have a few creature comforts from back home.
For those of you already sending off care packages, thanks.
Now let's get the rest of us on the bandwagon.
It shouldn't be too difficult, just a few hours to gather and wrap the goodies.
Then send them off to a military unit.
If you're not sure where to mail the package,
Really, it's the least we can do, here from home.
Operation Military Pride is perfect for anybody wanting to show support for someone in the military. It's called "Operation Military Pride." A great place to keep up on what's going on and to get letters and messages to your loved ones overseas. A way to show support and to also get the kids involved in a positive way. If you'd like to check this site out http://www.operationmilitarypride.org click on adopt a military member or click the donate button. Either way you are showing them you care We appreciate our soldiers' sacrifice.
Let's show them that.
With our care packages.
BUMP
Armywife, I can give you a first-hand account about how much those packages mean to the kids - and to me. Thanks!
Only quibble I'd have with this whole wonderful thing:
They're doing our nation's dirty work so life here may remain safe and fairly normal.
There are those who call it "dirty work" - we call it an honor.
Thanks again!
bmp
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http://www.uswardogs.org/id40.html
BTTT!!!!!!
BTTT!!!!!!!
Care Package bump
Thanks and bump
Like Old Sarge I can personally attest to how wonderful it is to get a care package.
In fact I received several from FReepers.
I never stopped being in awe that people who only knew me through here would take the time and the $$$ to send the packages they did to lil ol me.
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