The Simplest Things in Life

After reading my comments on my first posting I wanted to address an issue. One of my readers asked if I was going to give any information that may help support our troops. Honestly, and as embarrassing as it is, I never thought about directly informing my audience about the numerous programs that assist the troops. As I said earlier, I have been apart of many programs that support the troops. Most people are hesitant because some programs want money or donations, and people question if the donations actually reach the troops. But, there are many other ways to support the troops that do not require money. Before I list a few sites I want to tell a story.

One day I was helping my boyfriend clear out his garage. Most of the stuff was military uniforms and equipment. At the time I did not realize how important the items were to him. However, Chris* warned me to be extremely careful with everything I touched. After organizing the equipment into containers I came across a shoe box filled with letters. I asked Chris who the letters were from and he said “everyone.” He told me to be extremely careful with them and not to rip any of the letters. Being curious and a little nosy I began to open the letters and read them. Some were from family and others were from school children in New York. I asked him why he kept all the old letters. His response was, “because they are memories, and the letters kept me going when times got rough.” He said mail call was one of the most exciting times because he never knew what he would be receiving. Chris explained e-mail became a luxury at times during the deployments and letters were perceived as gold.

That night after reflecting over the letters, I began to understand why Chris still kept them. Letters can be so personal and it is a tangible object that the soldiers can hold and read. I once read an article that a soldier’s wife would spray her perfume on her letters to her husband so it would help him through his deployment. The smallest things can help a person more than imagined. Though letters can be viewed as something little, it can brighten up a serviceman’s day in an instant.

That is why I believe the first step to supporting our troops is writing them. If you wonder how you can help this is it. It does not cost money; it only takes about five minutes. In some programs you can write holiday cards, letters or even find a pen pal. From previous experience I always enjoyed having a pen pal. Even though I have not kept in contact with any of the pen pals, I got to know them for six months during their deployment. I discovered their story of why they joined, who they were, and their goals. One guy told me he looked forward to checking his e-mail and mail because he always knew he would have a letter from me and it kept him going. Below I have included some links to sites that offer writing to the servicemen and women. Remember the simplest things matter to the troops.

With inspiration,
The Troop’s Advocator

*Names have been changed to protect their identity

The following are links to support your troops

http://www.cvn72.navy.mil/
Click on Public Affairs then Pen Pal Program

http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/operationusocarepackage/
The USO is the most trusted organization that works with the military

http://www.thankyoursoldiers.com/http://troopssupport.com/http://troopssupport.com/
This website has many options to supporting the troops