We Support Our Military Troops!

Many Americans are asking how they can support our troops. Flags and yellow ribbons show support in a powerful, symbolic way, but people also want to provide practical assistance to deployed soldiers and their families. HOOAH 4 HEALTH is pleased to share some suggestions.

• Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink.
• Send a greeting via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby at www.defense.gov/specials/abbey/.
• Sign a virtual thank you card at the Defend America Web site.
• Make a donation to one of the military relief societies:
  - Army Emergency Relief
  - Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society
  - Air Force Aid Society
  - Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
• Donate to USO-Metro.
• Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services.
• Volunteer at a VA Hospital to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts.
• Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and VA hospitals through a donation to the Fisher House.
• Reach out to military families in your community, especially those with a loved one overseas. Invite them to dinner or to a family activity. Offer your services for babysitting, performing odd jobs, or running errands.

Note: Please do not flood the military mail system with letters, cards, and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department of Defense can no longer accept items addressed to "Any Servicemember". Please do not try to avoid this prohibition by sending large numbers of packages to an individual service member's address. Doing so, however well intentioned, clogs the mail and causes unnecessary delays.