Other Ways to Get Behind the Troops
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2001 -- With the suspension of the
morale-boosting "Operation Dear Abby" and "Any Service
Member" mail programs this year, defense officials are
proposing other ways Americans can demonstrate their
support for the military.
DoD officials suggest supporting the troops "by supporting
the communities in which they live." Some ideas include:
o Visit Veterans Administration hospitals and nursing
homes, coach children's sports teams, feed the homeless or
volunteer for other community outreach programs. Many
service members who normally do this volunteer work are now
deployed.
o Local government and business officials can request local
military members to speak at community events, while
encouraging citizens to learn more about America's
military.
o Citizens who know military families can offer support by
reaching out to those families with loved ones deployed
overseas, officials noted in the release.
o Private organizations are developing Web-based means for
citizens to show their support for the military.
o Anonymous gifts and letters for overseas service members
are no longer accepted, officials said, but people can
still contribute to military relief societies (see AFPS
news article: "Officials Want Donations Channeled to Legitimate
Charities" for more information.)
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