How to Help Support Troops Overseas
The thousands of military men and women stationed overseas need support from home more than ever. Getting involved to show your support is easy and makes a big difference. Chances are, someone in your community is currently serving our country overseas. Whatever your financial position or your political opinion, everyone can be a part of supporting our troops.
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Instructions
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Start small. Say "thank you" to servicemen and women you see returning home at airports, train stations and bus depots. Purchase poppy flowers from veterans in your community during their yearly drives.
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Send email. Several websites let you send your emails of support or post them for the soldiers to read. Some sites also provide addresses where you can send letters, cards, and packages to "Any Soldier." Mail addressed to "Any Soldier" goes to a service person who hasn't received much mail.
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Collect care packages. Like letters, you can address care packages to "Any Soldier" as well. Items that are welcomed include magazines, cards, crosswords, spices and other condiments, individually wrapped snacks, soaps and detergents, powder, medicines (Tums, Advil, Imodium, sinus medication), socks, bath mats, dusting cloths, sunscreens, floss, toothpaste and shoe inserts.
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Involve the community in your effort by adopting a platoon and sending big care packages. The items are the same, but you need mass quantities of them. Get a local church, school or community group to help you collect donations.
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Make a donation. Donations of frequent-flyer miles can help bring a soldier home to visit. Computers are also welcome donations. Phone cards are always needed and let military personnel stay in touch with worried family members. Financial contributions are also welcome and go to support the educations of military men and women and medical care for veterans.
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Tips & Warnings
Mailing packages to a military address (such as APO or FPO) won't cost you a fortune. The postal service doesn't charge international rates for military mail.
Don't send chocolate; it melts. Inquire before sending items that need a microwave or other kitchen equipment to prepare; many soldiers don't have access to these in the field. For example, instant coffee and tea bags are safer than a can of coffee.
