|
|
|
After receiving a care package addressed "To Any Soldier" during Operation
Desert Storm in 1991, four members of an explosive ordinance division in the United Arab
Emirates sent a photograph of themselves to the sender of the package as a measure of
gratitude for the goodies from home. Because of security concerns, the U.S. Department of
Defense is not allowing care packages and other mail addressed "To Any Soldier"
during Operation Iraqi Freedom to be received by the troops.
Many options available for support of troops
BY JANET WILSON
Staff Writer 03/30/2003
As thousands of men and women in the armed forces place themselves in harm's way serving
overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom, many Americans on the homefront want to know what
they can do to show their support for the troops.
During Operation Desert Storm, a popular option for supporting the troops was by sending
care packages or letters addressed "To Any Soldier." Because of the anthrax
scare shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, however, the U.S. Defense
Department said security reasons now prevent such packages from being mailed to the
troops. According to the department, service members value and appreciate such expressions
of support and said there are still several options available to those who wish to support
those in the armed services.
For example, greetings can be sent via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby at
anyservicemember.navy.mil or www.OperationDearAbby.net
. A virtual thank you card may also be signed at the Defend America web site at http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html .
Calling cards that help service members keep in touch with their families may also be
donated through Operation Uplink at www.operationuplink.org . Through contributions,
Operation Uplink purchases phone cards and distributes them to military personnel and
hospitalized veterans who are separated from family members and other loved ones.
According to the organization's Web site, over 2 million phone cards have been distributed
since 1996 with almost 900,000 distributed within the last 100 days.
Americans can also help boost the morale and well-being of deployed soldiers with
"Gifts From the Homefront" CertifiChecks for post exchanges. According to the
Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the PX gift certificates are redeemable for
merchandise at all AAFES PX and base exchanges throughout the world. The PX gift
certificates can be purchased in denominations of $10 and $20, 24 hours a day, seven days
a week.
Currently, military authorities say that CertifiChecks can only be sent to a specific
service member at his or her APO or US mailing address. However, AAFES officials said they
are currently working to find a solution to allow them to be sent to units or non-specific
troops.
The AAFES said delivery of the certificates normally takes between 4-10 days, possibly
longer if going overseas. Interested persons may obtain further details on the AAFES Web
site, www.aafes.com , or by phone at 1-877-770-GIFT
(4438).
The Defense Department said an option for those wishing to send care packages to the
troops is to donate to "Operation USO Care Package" at www.usometrodc.org/care.html . This option
allows individuals to donate $25 which goes toward the sponsorship of one "Operation
USO Care Package."
Donations may be sent to USO-Operation USO Care Package, C/O Pentagon Federal Credit
Union, P.O. Box 19221, Alexandria, VA 22320-9998.
The Defense Department said donations can also be made to one of the many military relief
societies such as Army Emergency Relief, Navy/Marine Relief Society, or the Air Force Aid
Society. Each of the organizations were essentially formed to provide financial assistance
to military personnel in each respective branch of service and their families when the
need arises.
According to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the financial support might include
support for family members visiting seriously ill or injured active duty service members
hospitalized in or outside the United States; and support to defray the costs associated
with active duty funerals.
iWebTech: Chird Bobbitt
