How can you show your support for Connecticut servicemen and women? The Department of Defense is not accepting mail addressed to "Any Servicemember" for a number of reasons including anthrax and other terrorist threats and limited resources for processing large volumes of mail sent to the Middle East. However, there are a number of ways for you to support our troops.
Here are 10 suggestions for how to demonstrate care and concern for the Connecticut residents stationed in Iraq and their families here at home. Though many of these suggestions will not allow you to reach a Connecticut servicemember specifically, your odds of connecting with someone from "home" are reasonably good, since Connecticut servicemembers represent about 1 in 100 of those troops deployed for active duty.
1. Add your digital signature to the online card of thanks for members of the U.S. military at the Department of Defense's Defend America Web site. You'll be able to specify your home town and state and let the servicemen and servicewomen know Connecticut is thinking of them.
2. If you would like to send your own special message to the men and women defending U.S. interests worldwide, turn to Operation Dear Abby, where you can reach a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guardsman with your personal thoughts. Messages are shared with servicemembers who have Internet access via the Operation Dear Abby Web site and are also printed and circulated to those stationed overseas. Again, you will be able to identify yourself as a concerned Connecticut resident.
3. Since 1996, Operation Uplink has supplied more than 2 million calling cards to U.S. servicemembers and hospitalized veterans, including 900,000 this year alone. Your donation of $25 or more to Operation Uplink helps give active and veteran members of the military the comfort and support of hearing voices from home. Donations are tax deductible.
4. If you can write succinctly, send your message of support in 50 words or less via email to Stars and Stripes at: messages@estripes.com. Messages will be printed in the military's newspaper for servicemembers on a first-come, first-run basis.
5. Give the gift of groceries to the family of a servicemember who is away from home. The Defense Commissary Agency explains how you can purchase a grocery gift certificate and donate it to a non-profit organization for distribution to a family in need. Certificates in denominations of $10 or $20 may be purchased online or by calling toll free, 877-770-4438. There is a $4.95 service fee.
Next Page: Five More Ways to Support Our Troops from Connecticut
