Half a World Away
Some ideas on how to support our troops overseas this holiday season. From the "Ask Amy" column in today's Chicago Tribune.
I know a lot of people are wondering how best to support the troops this holiday season. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that, because of security concerns, very strict restrictions have been placed on all packages sent overseas. No packages or mail can be sent to "Any Servicemember." Only friends and family may send mail and packages directly addressed to soldiers.
The U.S. Army recently released this statement regarding donor programs: "There are many well-meaning Web sites, TV stations and charity groups that are promoting donations to overseas Servicemembers. While well-intentioned, you should not use these promotions, and you should discourage others from using them. These unsolicited letters of support or care packages to Servicemembers raise a force protection issue, since anonymous donors are different from legitimate family members and friends." The Department of Defense has canceled mail programs which encouraged the American public in general to mail to Any Service member (versus a specific deployed person). These new programs attempt to do the same thing by gathering names of Service members to send mail to. While legitimate mail from family members and loved ones is always encouraged, mail from these donor programs, which collect and pass out Service members' names and addresses, is discouraged."
For family and friends of service members, the USO tells me that photos, newsy personal letters, prepaid calling cards, books, music, toiletries (including baby wipes), gum and hard candy are appreciated as gifts, but remember, only family or friends should send these items directly. I hope readers will follow these guidelines in order to make sure their generosity isn't stopped at the border.
One great and legitimate way to send some holiday cheer to the troops is by making a cash donation to the USO. This year the USO has been busy soliciting corporate sponsors and manufacturers for items to put in packages to be sent overseas and distributed to service members. A USO representative told me each package includes an AT&T international calling card, a disposable camera and a message of support, as well as toiletries, books, DVDs and other goods -- depending on what manufacturers donate.The USO also has been hosting "stuffing parties," where volunteers gather to put packages together.The USO does not accept any donations of goods from the public but a $25 donation will purchase one care package (filled with $50-$75 worth of goods), which the USO will stuff and send to troops. Patrons also can send a message of support, which volunteers will transcribe and include in the package.To learn more about this valuable program and to donate or perhaps volunteer, please check the USO's Web site: www.usocares.org. Call 877-USO-GIVE (876-4483), or send a check or money order to: USO Care Package, P.O. Box 8069, Topeka, KS 66608.
Another valuable program benefits families of wounded soldiers. Fisher House Foundation builds facilities near military hospitals and helps transport and house wounded service members and their families so they can see one another during convalescence. People interested in donating online can contribute to the valuable work of this foundation, purchase gift cards redeemable by military families at PXs and commissaries, and learn how to donate frequent flier miles to needy families and wounded service members.The Fisher House Foundation's Web site is www.fisherhouse.org. The toll-free phone number is 888-294-8560.
The Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust has established and runs a transportation network that assists wounded combat service members after treatment at military hospitals.The DAV has 1,500 vans on the road, driven by volunteers. Last year, the DAV Charitable Service Trust vans logged 27 million miles transporting disabled vets. The organization, which receives no government funding, supports rehabilitation programs for amputees and other disabled veterans. The DAV also helps to fund shelters and programs for homeless vets. The DAV calls disabled veterans "heroes with no monuments."Contributions may be sent to the Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. For more information about donating or volunteering, check the DAV Web site at www.dav.org.
This is me talking again. Dear Abby also has a website where you can leave email messages for troops overseas. It is divided up by military branches and states. The website is http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/.
My wishes to everyone for a safe, peaceful, thankful, and joyous holiday season.
I know a lot of people are wondering how best to support the troops this holiday season. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that, because of security concerns, very strict restrictions have been placed on all packages sent overseas. No packages or mail can be sent to "Any Servicemember." Only friends and family may send mail and packages directly addressed to soldiers.
The U.S. Army recently released this statement regarding donor programs: "There are many well-meaning Web sites, TV stations and charity groups that are promoting donations to overseas Servicemembers. While well-intentioned, you should not use these promotions, and you should discourage others from using them. These unsolicited letters of support or care packages to Servicemembers raise a force protection issue, since anonymous donors are different from legitimate family members and friends." The Department of Defense has canceled mail programs which encouraged the American public in general to mail to Any Service member (versus a specific deployed person). These new programs attempt to do the same thing by gathering names of Service members to send mail to. While legitimate mail from family members and loved ones is always encouraged, mail from these donor programs, which collect and pass out Service members' names and addresses, is discouraged."
For family and friends of service members, the USO tells me that photos, newsy personal letters, prepaid calling cards, books, music, toiletries (including baby wipes), gum and hard candy are appreciated as gifts, but remember, only family or friends should send these items directly. I hope readers will follow these guidelines in order to make sure their generosity isn't stopped at the border.
One great and legitimate way to send some holiday cheer to the troops is by making a cash donation to the USO. This year the USO has been busy soliciting corporate sponsors and manufacturers for items to put in packages to be sent overseas and distributed to service members. A USO representative told me each package includes an AT&T international calling card, a disposable camera and a message of support, as well as toiletries, books, DVDs and other goods -- depending on what manufacturers donate.The USO also has been hosting "stuffing parties," where volunteers gather to put packages together.The USO does not accept any donations of goods from the public but a $25 donation will purchase one care package (filled with $50-$75 worth of goods), which the USO will stuff and send to troops. Patrons also can send a message of support, which volunteers will transcribe and include in the package.To learn more about this valuable program and to donate or perhaps volunteer, please check the USO's Web site: www.usocares.org. Call 877-USO-GIVE (876-4483), or send a check or money order to: USO Care Package, P.O. Box 8069, Topeka, KS 66608.
Another valuable program benefits families of wounded soldiers. Fisher House Foundation builds facilities near military hospitals and helps transport and house wounded service members and their families so they can see one another during convalescence. People interested in donating online can contribute to the valuable work of this foundation, purchase gift cards redeemable by military families at PXs and commissaries, and learn how to donate frequent flier miles to needy families and wounded service members.The Fisher House Foundation's Web site is www.fisherhouse.org. The toll-free phone number is 888-294-8560.
The Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust has established and runs a transportation network that assists wounded combat service members after treatment at military hospitals.The DAV has 1,500 vans on the road, driven by volunteers. Last year, the DAV Charitable Service Trust vans logged 27 million miles transporting disabled vets. The organization, which receives no government funding, supports rehabilitation programs for amputees and other disabled veterans. The DAV also helps to fund shelters and programs for homeless vets. The DAV calls disabled veterans "heroes with no monuments."Contributions may be sent to the Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. For more information about donating or volunteering, check the DAV Web site at www.dav.org.
This is me talking again. Dear Abby also has a website where you can leave email messages for troops overseas. It is divided up by military branches and states. The website is http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/.
My wishes to everyone for a safe, peaceful, thankful, and joyous holiday season.
Labels: donor programs, soldiers, troops, USO
posted by Cherie at 19:29
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