Entry bubble Thank the Troops or a Vet This Holiday Season

By: Stephanie | December 14, 2009 | Category: General

wrapped presents in a shopping bagIt could be my response to one of those icebreaker games: People don’t know that I...am a proud member of the Disabled American Vets Auxiliary. I'm a member because of one night during WWII when my dad’s lungs and leg were burned from mustard gas that leaked from the train he was guarding as a U.S. Army soldier. Dad sustained permanent scars because he didn't abandon his post. Like a lot of members of the military, my dad doesn’t think anything he did during his years of service warrants “thanking.” “I was just doing my job,” he always says.

But especially this time of year, many people want to show support for the men and women who are serving or who served in the U.S. military. Want to help? The U.S. Department of Defense offers a list of organizations that can send your care package, card, or letter to troops. Or e-mail the troops a holiday greeting and thank you. Some of the nearly 255,000 e-mail messages sent so far are particularly heartwarming to read. And be sure to check out the video messages from service members deployed around the world.

Veterans also should be remembered during the holidays. You could visit vets at your local VA hospital or nursing home, or simply mail a holiday greeting to local VA hospital patients or local VFW or American Legion members. If you know any veterans, you might show your appreciation by offering to get them some groceries, mailing or e-mailing them holiday cards, inviting them over for a holiday meal, or even just shoveling their walk.

Need more ideas? Visit DoD community relations or “101 Ways to Thank a Veteran.”

Have you thanked a military member or veteran this holiday season? I’d love to hear from you.

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Entry bubble Holiday Greetings for the Troops

By: Colleen | December 10, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

support our troops

I somehow managed to go a full weekend without checking my email. (To this point, I've been able to be blackberry-free, but I don't know how much longer it will last.) When I finally logged back into my electronic life, I was excited to see I had lots of messages awaiting my attention. Sally Field's "You like me, you really like me!" played in my mind and I couldn't wait to see which of my loving friends were dying to fill me in on their lives.

Apparently, none. Every single message was a company alerting me of a sale that weekend or an airline telling me about new low rates should I want to spend part of my already cold enough DC winter in the even colder North Dakota. So much for the love.

Few things in life thrill me more than getting something in the mail other than a bill or finding a nice note from a friend in my email box on a slow Monday morning. Just think how much greater that feeling is when you're far from home and serving your country in dangerous conditions.

Particularly during the holiday season there are lots of ways to show the troops our support. Some are as simple as sending them an e-mail. It only takes a few minutes, and will surely bring a smile to the faces or our men and women in service. Here is a list of many organizations through which you can send your support. If you're putting together a care package, here are some tips for mailing your treats. Be sure to do it soon—the holidays are here sooner than you think! Are any of your loved ones currently serving? What are your plans to bring cheer to their holiday?

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