It's Never Too Late

Even though the holidays are just around the corner, it isn't too late to show your support for the troops. Even if you can't get a letter or package out to a soldier in theater, send cards and letters to the military hospitals. Let them know you care! It is so important. Steve at Out of the Binjo Ditch has a post with great ideas on ways to really show your support!

If you're not able to enlist, there are many other things you can do. You can send out gift packages to those stationed in the war zones. A simple relief package with a Christmas (or Chanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or whatever) card, some cookies, a couple toys (think Nerf Footballs, Frisbees, etc.) can do wonders for people who don't have those at home. You can do simpler things, such as make a donation to the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Combined Federal Campaign, or other such support charities. You can tie a ribbon around your tree, or your car antenna. You can volunteer at the USO in your city. The major Airports tend to have USOs and are often looking for volunteers. A simple "thank you" to a person in uniform can mean a lot. I was at the movies a few weeks ago and I ran into a Lance Corporal who was here in Houston doing Recruiter's Assistance after returning from 9 months in Iraq. We talked for a few minutes, I told him of my time in the military and asked him about his time. He's here through Christmas, after which time he will be going back to Iraq for at least 6 months. When we parted company, I shook his hand and said "thank you, we appreciate your service." And he perked up ever so much more than he already was and returned the thanks. It helps.

Please check out the sites I have listed on the right sidebar. There are so many ways to help and to show your support. Sometimes, just a kind word of encouragement can make all the difference in the world to a soldier far from home. Also, don't forget the families on the homefront, they need support and encouragement, too.

h/t: Bookworm