# A way to REALLY support the troops **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 22, 2003, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259 "2003-03-22T01:44:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![light\_strand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@light\_strand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/light_strand)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/81 "2003-03-25T17:30:37Z")
Wow do I feel stupid. A Private is a lower rank than a PFC. I’m sorry about any confusion I may have caused. I’m going to chalk this up to being stupid/upset. Today I had to discuss with my husband, who is only 34 years old, where he would like to be buried if he is killed in action (Arlington, or home) and he reminded me that if he is killed by WMD his body will not be returned. This sucks. Anyway, the packages and letters marled to “any soldiers” are the ones they are requesting not me sent. I still suggest that people send letters first, and follow up with a package. ---
**Author:** ![voguevixen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5ac83/32.png) [@voguevixen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voguevixen)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/82 "2003-03-25T17:34:18Z")
I sent a package (with brief note) and a separate letter simultaneously because I figured the letter would get there sooner, and that way he wouldn’t have to wait such a long time for a follow-up package. In both I mentioned I got his name through the Operation Military Support program so he wouldn’t wonder who the heck I was. My letter ended up being quite long and possibly extremely boring. I hope I don’t destroy morale entirely! ---
**Author:** ![Skerri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Skerri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skerri)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2003, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/83 "2003-03-25T18:07:34Z")
I got a name too. I wonder if I should still send it? My nephew is an officer in the Air Force, and he just sent me this memo: No. 139-03 (\*deleted phone number) IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2003 (\*deleted phone number) TROOP SUPPORT MAIL POLICY STRESSED To bolster force protection, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to service members forward deployed unless you are a family member, loved one or personal friend. On Oct. 30, 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) suspended the “Operation Dear Abby” and “Any Servicemember” mail programs due to force protection concerns. Although these programs provide an excellent means of support to friends and loved ones stationed overseas, they also provide an avenue to introduce hazardous substances or materials into the mail system from unknown sources. Unsolicited mail, packages and donations from organizations and individuals also compete for limited airlift space used to transport supplies, war-fighting materiel and mail from family and loved ones. Recently, DoD has become aware of organizations and individuals who continue to support some form of the “Any Servicemember” program by using the names and addresses of individual servicemembers and unit addresses. These programs are usually supported by well-intentioned, thoughtful and patriotic groups who are simply unaware of the new risks facing deployed military forces. Some individuals and groups publicize the names and addresses of service members, ships or units on Web sites, with good intentions. The result, however, is a potential danger to the troops they wish to support. DoD cannot support creative and well-intentioned efforts that defeat force protection measures, but can instead recommend alternatives to mail and donation programs. To show support to troops overseas, the following are recommended: - Log on to the following Web sites to show support, to include greeting cards, virtual Thank You cards and calling card donations to help troops stay in contact with loved ones: [http://www.defendamerica.mil/support\_troops.html](http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html) [http://www.usocares.org/home.htm](http://www.usocares.org/home.htm) [http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html](http://www.army.mil/operations/iraq/faq.html) - Visit Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and nursing homes. Volunteer your services to honor veterans who served in past conflicts. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/84 "2003-03-26T07:42:27Z")
Ok, I may still get a box to **Bluesman** , but I had another question pop up for me. My brother is over there, in Kuwait, driving a truck. I’m not sure which unit he is with, or any of his pertinent information. Is there any way at all I could track him down? Could my local recruiter maybe help me find him so I can send him some stuff? ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2003, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/85 "2003-03-26T13:25:37Z")
According to the news, the UK has a similar program BUT packages can be no more than 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and will cost almost £7 (over $10) to send. Thank you very much, Consignia. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2003, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/86 "2003-03-27T02:12:18Z")
biggie box on the way to bluesman’s address. i enjoyed getting things together. ---
**Author:** ![Lucretia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/13edae/32.png) [@Lucretia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucretia)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2003, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/87 "2003-03-28T01:26:49Z")
I’ve got some more information that people might find useful if they want to support troops and military families, but are not sure how to do it. The Defense Commissary Agency has a “Gift of Groceries” program whereby people can purchase commissary gift certificates. You can donate them through charitable organizations (some are suggested) or they can be given directly to a specific person. The website is [www.commissaries.com](http://www.commissaries.com) The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is offering CertifiChecks at [www.aafes.com](http://www.aafes.com) , then click on the link “Gifts from the Homefront” However, these must be donated to a specific person. Both of these types of donations could be a godsend to a military family whose military sponsor has been deployed, or to a soldier in the theatre who has the opportunity to shop at a field PX. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2003, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/88 "2003-03-28T01:35:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lucretia \* > \*\*Both of these types of donations could be a godsend to a military family whose military sponsor has been deployed, or to a soldier in the theatre who has the opportunity to shop at a field PX. \*\* I have to second this, that it seems to me the _serviceman_ is always remembered, but the family is oft forgotten. Please, remember the folks behind. Call 'em up and offer to help shovel their snow, mow their lawn, watch their kids for a night, go grocery shopping with 'em, spend some time with them, etc. I’m single, so I don’t count, but I know of a lot of families that could use a little company and help in these times . . . Thanks, Tripler ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2003, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/89 "2003-04-09T09:33:28Z")
Three items that I think would go over well: Carmex Peppermint cream (manna for sore and crusty feet) Vitamin-E cream (ditto for sunburn and rash. Stings like crazy for the first minute, but feels 110% better afterwards.) ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2003, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/90 "2003-04-09T10:16:38Z")
I wasn’t sure for a few days where exactly to post this, but this thread seems like a rather appropriate place. [Thank you for defending my country.](http://angelfire.com/va2/iampunha1/toasoldier.htm) If a moderator/admin feels this is out of place, please feel free to delete this post (deleting the URL would render the rest of the post utterly pointless). I’ve been really unsure about where to put it, but i didn’t want to just do nothing with it. Some of you’ve already gotten it in email. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2003, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259/91 "2003-04-09T15:23:35Z")
Does anybody here know anything about an organization called [Books for Soldiers](http://www.booksforsoldiers.com)? According to their website, they collect (surprise!) books to send to members of the armed forces. Seems like a good idea, but I never heard of it before. Especially any service members, their friends or family: What do you think of this concept? Do you think this is worthwhile? Also, of the various other support organizations, which do you think the actual folks on the front lines appreciate most: The USO? Groups like the Navy-Marine Relief Society? Or what? For those of us who don’t have personal friends or family members in the military, but who appreciate the sacrifices they make, what is the best way, in addition to paying our taxes (!) that we can make a difference to them and show our appreciation [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-way-to-really-support-the-troops/163259.md?page=4)