Agreed.
If you have some money and you want it to really support a soldier or his/her immediate family, look up the AER. That’s the Army Emergency Relief organization.
They don’t solicit donations from civilians, but I was able to make a small donation at our local base.
I have sent many, many, many care packages, letters, etc for a long time, although I have taken a break from it since the last guy came home. www.anysoldier.com is a good resource if you don’t know anyone personally who is deployed. In fact, I would hazard a guess that most people could not read more than 10 entries on the website without being moved.
Yes, it is their job, however, it’s like bringing over dinner to someone who just had a baby. Sure, they got pregnant themselves, and it’s their own problem, but hey, have a little lovingkindness for someone who is having a tough time, eh? Same theory. All I know is that if I was somewhere far away, being shot at on a semi consistent basis, having some goodwill thrown my way every once in a while would be appreciated.
Personally B and C.
From many people I hear saying it, H: "Support the troops, where ‘troops’ = ‘my opinion of the war and/or my political agenda’ "
Your local curmudgeon checking in here to dash some cold water on things. I support the troops by helping to pay their salaries, provide their housing, subsidize their commissaries and PXs, clothe them, feed them, arm them, and provide the facilities they use worldwide. These are the same things that were provided to me during my 23 years; I asked for and received nothing else, other than a modicum of respect for what I was doing.
Thanks for the fixes, Frank. That’ll learn me to post a new thread from the Superslow McSluggins, the work computer.
I should add to my own post that I respect the troops enormously: courageous men and women doing difficult and dangerous jobs. That is, I respect the personal qualities required to be a successful member of the military. I appreciate their sacrifices (and I’m saddened by the ones I feel are unnecessary). I just don’t think that translates to “supporting” the troops.
Thanks for all the responses so far.