"Support the Troops" Links Round-Up

I wanted to share some new links with you that have been e-mailed to me the last few weeks. If you happened to e-mail me and I've accidently left it off, please let me know. Thanks.

If you want to write letters to soldiers, or are a soldier looking to receive some mail, check out this site: http://www.writeletterstosoldiers.com

Patriot Files is a website "dedicated to the preservation of military history. We have been online for about 3 years now and have over 6 thousand registered members. We receive about 5 million hits a year. The site members are mostly composed of veterans and many of them are combat veterans."

I want to personally thank Operation MOM and Operation Gratitude for all the support they have shown me and the soldiers I serve with. Check their sites out as well!

The following is also a copy of a letter that was read by a radio station about a program that sounds fantastic. Adopt a Platoon...read on,

I've been a volunteer with Adopt Platoon (http://www.adoptaplatoon.org) for over three years, and I have to tell you that it is a WONDERFUL experience! It is hard to describe the feelings that go along with supporting a soldier ~ the personal satisfaction of doing something for someone else, the bond you form with your "son" or "daughter" (even when you *never* hear from them, you still get amazingly attached!), a deeper appreciation of the sacrifice so many make on our behalf, and yes, even awful fear and *much* "maternal" worry as we listen to the news and hear of "our" soldiers being in harm's way during this time of war. We do not just merely send letters ~ we give our hearts and souls to serving these brave men and women who so courageously serve us. We cry with each other when we hear of a loss, we encourage each other and comfort each other when we fear for "our" soldier's safety. AAP is more than a volunteer organization ~ it is a close-knit "family" with a huge and loving heart...

...Soon thereafter I received my third soldier in Iraq, a young man in the 443rd Transportation Company. Because of the war, I once again specifically requested a soldier in Iraq. Is it hard on my nerves? You better believe it!!! I constantly watch the news and check military websites, trying to make sure all my “kids” are OK. I’ve even had other AAP “moms” ask their soldiers to check up on mine, to make sure that the unit or convoy or whatever that was hit was not one of “my” kids’ units. (The truly amazing thing is that the soldiers DID check for me, and relayed the info to their adoptive “mom,” who let me know that everything was ok.) Supporting a soldier in the middle of the war makes the whole thing even more real and personal in a profound way. But how could I do otherwise? He - and thousands more - are risking their lives to keep our nation safe and free. Sending letters and sharing news of home with a soldier so far away is such a tiny, simple thing ~ yet I've heard over and over again that it makes an incredible difference to these guys and gals!

I've said all that to say this: ....The troops need all the love and support and encouragement they can get! I hope that everyone will do what they can to show support for these wonderful, courageous heroes working on behalf of our freedom!

Most sincerely,

Kat & Jeff Orr and all 4 kids

Comments

[Kathleen A]

Chris - Adopt-a-Platoon has been my life saver this past year - granting me 70 troops in Iraq to sponsor. Although I don't hear from the group of 15 in the north, the rest I hear from a lot and it has been a great experience for me personally and my son. They vet every applicant to make sure you're not cuckoo and you can ask for 150 men and women or an individual. It's a great way to help. Thanks for posting it so others can get involved!

[Christy]

Chris,
I am so glad to see you posting again! After a handful of days, it was a nice suprise today to see your site fresh again!! (Plus it helps to keep the worry bugs down!)
We (as civilians) can never do enough to help out, or to thank you and the other men and women who so bravely serve! Thank you so very deeply from the bottom of my heart!
Also, I noticed that you hadn't mentioned Books For Solidiers in your post. I wanted to make sure that you are aware of them. Books for Soldiers is an organization the helps supply soldiers with anything they need or want. www.booksforsoldiers.com
You can drop in and make requests for yourself, for friends, or for others soldiers that you have noticed are not recieving mail. They send everything from postcards, care packages, books, cds, art supplies and dvds, to under shirts, bug spray, sun block and boots- you name it and they will try their hardest to fill the request!
The group is great and I am amazed by the spirit of the organization. It is definitely one that touched my heart and started my effort to give what little I can back to our heros!
Thank you so much, I can't say it enough. If you ever need anything, please let me know! Stay safe and keep the good posts comming!
One Big Hug From Sunny California,
Christy

[Lori Anne]

Adoptaplatoon has kept me busy while I am home , and being Canadian. I wasn't able to find or gave support to the Canadian troops so when I joined Adoptaplatoon nearly 2 years ago to support the US troops , I never thought I would find such get support , not only for the soldiers but for myself. The Volunteer MOMS & DADS are wonderful bunch of people who truly care about the soldiers and their families as well as about the country.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story that KAT wrote ..