|
Support Our Troops
This page is lovingly dedicated to ALL who serve the people of the USA in uniform,
but especially to those in the military.
THANK YOU!
It is a shame that a nations' population cannot stand proudly and tenaciously behind her military. Whether the fight is understandable or not, should not be an issue. Whether we LIKE the military action or not should not reflect on our attitude toward the women and men willing to put their LIVES on the line. Politics and warfare do not mix well, and when they do mix, the result is confusion.
Have mistakes been made in the management of this conflict? YES! Any time politics and war mix there will be a mess. War is for warriors and it occurs when talk ceases or is ineffectual. War is required to oppose oppression or "bullying." Whatever our political differences, there are thousands of troops in harm's way ... not just American troops, but ... HUMANS. We must bring this war to a successful end ... soon, but not by running way from our responsibility and investment, but by finishing the job. The people of Iraq and the other nations around her, deserve a chance at FREEDOM! If we don't help them, who will?
I am an American Soldier.
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined,. physically and mentally tough,
trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms,
my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy
the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
|
Thank a Vet everyday!
|
Who am I? Your father, uncle, grampa, brother, son ... your sister, mother, grandma, aunt, daughter! Honorably discharged Vets are all around us. They did their time, served well, and then grew their families and careers. Though the details are different from war to war, from conflict to conflict, there is an intangible bond between all who have served in harm's way. There are plenty of rumors of mistreatment of our vets in the media, yet seldom do we read about the thousands who return from military action and lead productive, healthy lives. As usual, it is only the unhappy incidents that make the news. While this is true, HOMELESSNESS, for example, is outrageously populated with vets. Medical professionals can readily diagnose physical injuries, but mental or emotional injuries can much harder to see, and occasionally, take years to fully manifest.
The Veterens Administration (VA) does a wonderful service to our vets. There are any number of services available from their website. In my opinion, NOTHING is too good for these brave women and men.
Remember ...
At a time like this ... when our young women and men in uniform are confronted on one hand by a "war" that is far away ... and on the other hand by a liberal media whose only thought is to sell their story, it amazes me that we, the AMERICAN people are so willing to buy their drivle and fail to appreciate the mission and service of our military.
No one LIKES war. No one wants to die. Many times, war can be avoided by skillful negotiation. There are occasions, however, when the open cruelty of a seated government to it's people goes beyond diplomacy. There are occasions brought about by instances like 9/11 that require ACTION. Is it OUR war? Ahhh ... the age-old question: Am I my brother's keeper? It's all a matter of perspective! If you're a big, strong man walking down the street, and you chance upon a bully beating up on a weak, old man or small child, are you going to walk on by? No, it's not up to the USA to "police" the world. However, as the richest and strongest in the "neighborhood," should it not be our responsibility to come to the assistance of the various people of the neighborhood? Yes, in Iraq. Yes, in Sudan's Darfur ... and every place where bloodthirsty tyrants impose their will upon a voiceless people.
Should every nation be governed democratically? Not my question to answer. But human rights ... the right of each human to make a life for her or himself ... that is worth fighting for. Should our mission in Iraq & Afghanistan be clarified? YES!!! Furthermore, the politicians are elected to make policy. Let them do so and then release the military to DO the job!
TODAY is what matters ... and those fighting matter. If one listens to the flurry of opinions from left to right, there is so much hate, so much distrust, so much anger ... And this is WITH free education for all! Iraq and her neighbors have lived in the shadows of abusive dictators for centuries. Can we, the American public, honestly expect them to embrace and become fully functional in a matter of months and understand FREEDOM? Sheesh! Most Americans don't understand its depth and breadth and FREEDOM has been here for a few years.
It's way past time for the American public to demonstrate our resolve ... the resolve President Bush alluded to when this war began. - We must resolve to believe the BEST of our troops in harm's way over the sensationalistic journalism of the media.
- We must resolve to be active members of our local and national community and not fall into the "isolationist" mentality. Find ways to get involved.
- We must educate ourselves on those seeking office, particularly in this presidential election year, and VOTE our conscience!!!!! We cannot rely on others to govern and rule well if we do not do our part.
It's only been a few years since 9/11. President Bush said this war effort would challenge our resolve. How can we consider packing up and coming home when ...
- Bin Laden is still at large
- unrest threatens to explode into further violence, and
- so many have laid down their lives in the effort to build a democracy where none has been before this.
|
 
My 18 yr old daughter has joined the ranks of those who serve. Like her dad and me before her, she has joined the US Army and is now awaiting deployment at Ft. Stewart, GA. Although I miss her like crazy, she and I both know this is her life, her choice, and the path she is destined to walk. I am more proud than words can say, but I also wish her safety and peace of mind as she grows and serves.
|
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways those of us back "home" can support out troops. There is no end of organizations on the national or local level which are designed to meet the needs of our deployed military women and men. Below, I enumerate a few of them with a brief description of their mission. Perhaps there is one that excites your interest!
War is not just about winning and losing or numbers of deaths. It's about people living and dying for something they believe in. Thousands are coming home permanently changed. It is not something we read about often. Just in my few minutes of misc searching this morning, though, I have found some great efforts in support of our wounded servicewomen and men. These are heroes - unwilling, perhaps, but still they have joined the ranks of those who have sacrificed themselves in support of our nation. Beyond a doubt, they should receive the BEST medical and remedial care available. Support also should be available for the families of those in rehab or recovering from their wounds. Much of this support, comes in the way of volunteer organizations like the ones below. Check them out. It doesn't cost anything to read, and maybe your heart will be touched also.
Here are some ... just a few ... of the organizations that help our wounded and returning service women and men.
 Traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of the Iraq War, we want these heroes to be able to return to a normal life as quickly as possible. This organization provides Brain Injury Recovery Kits to the many, many returning vets who have experienced this injury. The 10 in 10 Project is launching with our initial mission to help every Soldier and Marine returning home from the war with a traumatic brain injury. Less than 2 in 10 people who sustain traumatic brain injury get the help they need to return to a meaningful life. We want to change that statistic to 10 in 10.
Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family. Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our nation's flag, and that number continues to grow daily. Soldiers' Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment.
American War Heros is dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for our injured War Heroes by providing them with emotional, financial and career support from our grateful USA citizens. Our Goal is to involve All Americans to assist in rebuilding the shattered lives of our WOUNDED HEROES who have sacrificed so much fighting for our Freedom, and giving our wounded Heroes the faith to carry on and live productive lives!
The purpose of the Thank You Foundation is to implement and administer programs designed to carry out a mission of appreciation for our service members and their families.
 FREEDOM IS NOT FREE is an a-political, non-partisan, non-profit organization that labors under the mission "Aiding wounded troops, their families and the families of the fatally wounded." Despite the assistance and aid offered by the military and the government, wounded military personnel and their families confront innumerable obstacles while coping with the burden of care for a wounded service-member or the loss of a loved one while in the service of our country. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE will donate 100% of the money raised to organizations and programs that meet the needs of our heroes and their families.
 America Supports You is a Department of Defense program dedicated to connecting members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families with individuals, groups, and businesses from the community who want to support and encourage our military men and women. America Supports You currently lists more than 275 non-profit groups that are devoted to helping our service men and women. These groups provide a multitude of services, including financial assistance, sending care packages and letters, and helping our wounded warriors.
 Families United for Our Troops provides a means for our Gold Star Families, who have lost loved ones in the defense of our nation, to find solace in each other’s company, and know that many others share their love, admiration and support for our armed forces. We want all the friends and families of our troops to know that we share their vision of finishing the incredibly vital task at hand and look forward to welcoming them home when the inevitable victory is achieved.
 National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America. National Military Appreciation Month (May 2007) includes Loyalty Day (1st), VE Day(8th), Military Spouse Day (11th), Armed Forces Day (19th), and Memorial Day (28th). This very important month honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today.
Since December 2002, Give2theTroops.org has supported HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of deployed U.S. troops with loving care packages and letters from all over the nation. This was made possible only with the help of tens of thousands of generous and patriotic friends in the U.S. and abroad. To date, we've sent more than 48,000 enormous boxes and more than 15 million letters and cards from caring citizens. This is the least we can do to show our troops how much we care about them. Our troops need to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families, and our future. This is about giving back to those who give all™
Every day, Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism risk their lives in operations that help secure the freedom of all American people. Whether they are veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, there is only one operation that matters when they return home: Operation Tribute to Freedom (OTF) – the Army’s program designed to honor Soldiers and give them opportunities to thank the American people for their support.
- America Supports You is a Department of Defense program that provides opportunities for citizens to show their support for the US Armed Forces. The program was launched in 2004 in an effort to highlight citizen support for our military men and women and communicate that support to the members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
- America Supports You connects individuals, organizations and companies to hundreds of homefront groups offering a variety of support to the military community.
The program alsoconnects military service members and their families to homefront groups that provide assistance.
- The America Supports Youwebsite, www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil, provides a one-stop location for citizens and service members to connect with hundreds organizations eager to help.
- America Supports You homefront groups show support in many ways including writing letters and e-mails, sending care packages, offering scholarships and helping the wounded when they return home. Dozens of corporations, recognized on the website, are also America Supports You supporters.
Thank you ... those who have served and those who share your loved ones for this noble purpose.
|
|
