"Sure you might not be here on the front line, covered in filth, smelling like hell, your heart going a mile a minute, not knowing what's coming next: if your next step is on that TRP, or if your going to be the latest recruiting tool for some insurgent's new video while they take pot shots at you. But, what you all do with those cards, care packages, cookies is just as important...
When I get a box (or anyone else gets a box) its hard to describe. You find a nice quiet corner and everyone knows not to bother you. You sit there and look over the box as if you had never seen anything like it before. You read who it's from, and a smile crosses your face--you recognize the name. You might already know what's inside, but it does not matter. Some tear it open as fast as they can, others take their time and enjoy every second of it. Once inside, you go through it, every little item once, twice, sometimes three times. It's a very delicate process. You breathe it in and you think of the person who sent it to you. You think of home, family, cars, summer--everything all at once. And for a very short time, you are there away from this SH*T hole. You are grateful. Then you look around and there's always a buddy who is down or having a bad day. You share your box--sometimes just with the one guy, sometimes with everyone--and it's electric. Everyone catches that feeling, and we start talking about home, about things we miss, things we are going to do when we get back, and the heaviness of the day lifts and it's not so bad....
It's not the "things" that are sent that matter to us, it's the thought. That's the power ALL of you have who take the time to send things. You can change the worst day into the best day, in a split second.
- An MP in Iraq
Keep that feeling going and Adopt a Soldier, sailor, Airman or Maine today:
The length of each adoption depends on the branch of service your soldier is in and a number of other factors, but generally averages between six (6) months to twelve (12) months. On occasion, they can be extended, but this is the average. When you adopt you are committing to sending a card or letter each week, and a minimum of 1 or 2 care packages a month. This is one of the most important things that can be done to help bring home a healthy hero; it is so very important for each of them to know they are loved and supported, and your letters and care packages prove just that.
Care packages do not have to be expensive: you can put together your own (we have a detailed list of the most-requested items for you--snacks, hygiene products, and games or magazines). http://www.soldiersangels.org/
Many Ways to Support our Service Members:
Donate to Soldiers' Angels - If you would like to assist Soldiers' Angels in its troop support activities, please consider a financial donation. Donations of every size help provide aid and comfort to the troops through our many projects and activities. You can also donate stock, old electronics, air miles, care package items and much more. For details go to http://www.soldiersangels.org/
Join a Soldiers' Angels Team - If you want to dig deep into the Soldiers' Angels mission, we invite you to join one of our many teams. The 30+ teams of Soldiers' Angels specialize in filling specific servicemember and family needs. You can get involved in sending handmade blankets to the wounded, supporting our military chaplains, helping soldiers distribute toys and clothing to children in Iraq and Afghanistan, and much, much more! To find a team that fits your interests, please see the complete list in the center of our homepage at http://www.soldiersangels.org/
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