LIFE, LOVE & TRUTH

This week, many Americans have the military on our minds. On Veterans Day, we’ll honor those who selflessly gave their time and talent in service to our country.

But what about our next generation of vets – those currently deployed around the world? Especially worthy are the more than 100,000 troops now in Afghanistan. They won’t see any free “thank you” meals, museum tickets or amusement park rides this week. Indeed, most will be lucky to see a shower.

Nope. For troops in Afghanistan, this week is all business. But we can help lift their spirits.

Support a Soldier – It’s Easy
A card.  A letter. Or – if you’re ambitious – a care package. Any of these can mean A LOT to troops who are serving in remote, distant regions. When I was in Afghanistan, I received cards from children I’ve never met. Some of those messages are framed and displayed on the wall in my office today – front-and-center with my military credentials. That should tell you how important a simple gesture is to troops in the field!)

So – why not spend some time this Veterans Day reaching out to troops?

What’s the Catch? Holiday Shipping Starts Now!
If you want to beat the seasonal rush, time is of the essence. This Friday, Nov. 12, is the recommended mailing date for the US Postal Service’s most economical shipping services to overseas military destinations – including Iraq and Afghanistan.

But honestly? ANYTIME is fine to reach out – so don’t let arbitrary holiday guidelines keep you from moving forward!

You Don’t Need to Know a Soldier to Share Some Love
For security and logistical reasons, the postal service doesn’t deliver to “any soldier.” Instead, you must list a specific recipient. But if you don’t know anyone in the military personally – don’t worry!

Several sites have established relationships with military personnel who distribute packages to those in their unit who are most in need. There are formal adoption programs – such as the popular organization, SoldiersAngels.com. But for do-it-yourself resources, try AnySoldier.com

A Dream Site for DIY Troop Support
AnySoldier.com maintains an active list of recipients-in-waiting, by date of last contact with the site. The database currently includes more than 1600 troops from all branches of the service. Each contact name includes specific “wish list” information. All you do is pick a point of contact and submit an online form requesting address information for your recipient (maximum 2 requests accepted per day).

Before You Ship…
While you’re waiting for AnySoldier to email shipping information to you, it’s wise to read up on how to comply with military mailing and customs instructions. If this is your first effort, it can be a little tricky – but it’s not difficult. If you clearly list what’s in your box, and to follow standard guidelines, you’ll be fine.

In addition to these shipping directions at AnySoldier, several other sites publish how-to details:

• BootsOnGround.com
• US Postal Service “Support Our Troops” Information

What to Send
As I’ve mentioned – letters and cards are deeply appreciated. But if you send a package, I guarantee it will be warmly received! I’ve compiled “What to Send” ideas from multiple sources – and posted it in the attached PDF:

Military Care Packages: “What-to-Send” Suggestions (Jeff’s Notes)

Care Package Mojo – What I Think Makes the Biggest Difference
Soldiers can be tough on the outside. That’s their job. But even the most hardened warriors have a soft spot in their hearts for children – their own, as well as others. If you want to send personal hygiene products, books, games and snacks, no one will be upset with that.

HOWEVER, if you send school supplies, “beanie baby” stuffed animals or other small toys, and hard candy to share with Afghan children, trust me, you’ll make a memorable impact.

Those school supplies are prized possessions among Afghan children. They create instant goodwill with local villagers. And because children sometimes know where IEDs (explosive devices) are planted, exchanging those gifts for information can even save American lives.

For other recommendations (packing ideas & suggestions for personal care, food and fun items), check out the list I mentioned earlier:

Military Care Packages: “What-to-Send” Suggestions (Jeff’s Notes)

Cost to Ship? Surprisingly Affordable
Mail sent to military addresses costs the same as domestic postage. And large Priority Mail flat-rate boxes are discounted from $14.50 to $12.50 when you ship to a military (“APO/FPO”) address. See details from the USPS at: http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/addressingtips.htm.

Don’t Have Time for DIY? Donate to Those Who Do!
There are plenty of organizations that turn your dollars into care packages that are shipped on a massive scale, year-round. So even if you can’t personally send some love, why not give to those who do it every day?

Here are some who work tirelessly to support our troops with care packages and other programs:

• Operation Gratitude – more than 570,600 care packages sent to-date
• USO – the world’s most recognized volunteer support organization, with multiple programs, including the $25-per-package “Operation USA Care Package”
• Operation Mom’s Cookies (a great Illinois outfit near my home that supported our unit while I was deployed)

Or, see a full list of care package organizations at US DOD Community Relations.

Parting Notes
If you’ve reached the end of this post, I know you care about our men and women in uniform. On behalf of my fellow soldiers, thanks for your thoughts, your prayers – and everything you do to support us.

Yours in service,
- Jeff

P.S. I invite you to discuss freedom, faith, troop support and related issues with me at my “Afghan Journal” Facebook Forum: http://Facebook.com/AfghanJournal.

P.P.S. To read about my experience in training Afghan security forces in a remote region near Pakistan – see my book at Amazon.com: “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.”