 
3/29/2003 Guidelines for Contacting Military & Support Their Families --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. List of resources to contact
troops. 2. Don’t send packages – email
instead. 3. Donate to troops or volunteer to
help families. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re sure many of you
are interested in ways you can support our troops and their
families. On March 25, the White
House announced the launch of a new resource for those seeking a means to
support Resources listed below
are available online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or at the web site
addresses provided. E-MAILING TROOPS:
Through operation Dear
Abby, email messages may be sent to the troops of any branch of service through
http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/ PACKAGES:
The general public is
urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages, or donations to any forward
deployed service member unless you are a family member, loved one, or personal
friend. Mail of this type raises concerns for safety since it can provide a
means to introduce hazardous substances or materials into the mail system. It
also limits the air cargo space needed to transport vital supplies, war-fighting
materials, and mail from family and loved ones. The Department of
Defense, instead recommends alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show
support for the overseas troops, the following are
suggested: GREETING CARDS,
VIRTUAL THANK YOUS, CALLING CARD DONATIONS: Online thank you
cards -- www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html
Answers to
questions regarding troops -- www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html Contribute toward
the purchase of care packages of items requested by troops such
as sunscreen, disposable
cameras, prepaid calling cards, and toiletries. -- www.usocares.org/home.htm HONOR VETERANS:
Visiting Veterans
Affairs hospitals and nursing homes and volunteering service to honor those who
served in past conflicts is one way to act locally and directly touch a
life. HELP
FAMILIES:
Another way to
directly help those in the Local chapters of the American Legion, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other leading community service organizations provide ways for volunteers to help military families. These groups work to match volunteers with families who need help in areas such as household repairs or tutoring as well as direct those families to businesses and organizations that may offer free or discounted services. SIGN UP FOR
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