Operation Any Solider

[BarTopDancer]

As we're all aware, our men and women are still overseas fighting in this war. Regardless of our feelings about this war, it is important to remember our men and women overseas. Since 9/11 mail-drives such as Operation Dear Abby and mail to "Any Soldier (Marine, Sailor, Airman)" have been suspended for security reasons.

AnySoldier.com (http://www.anysoldier.com) gives military personal a place to list things that they would like and need and civilians who would like to help/support/give to our troops a place to send. Sometimes it is a Captain submitting a request for his troops and sometimes it is a PFC requesting things for he or she and their buddies. Snacks and toiletries are always popular items, but some places are experiencing a shortage of winter items such as socks and beanies. Not everyone is lucky enough to have family at home. And not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford little luxuries or necessities with their income supporting a family at home.

During this holiday season (and year round), take a moment to remember our men and women overseas. We see it on the news every day. But it's easy to forget the human face behind it.

Click here (http://anysolider.com/WhereToSend/) for the direct link to the personnel (on the lefthand side of the page).

[RStar]

Thank you! Good thoughts, I'll go take a look around.

I always thought Vietnam vets got such a bad wrap when they got home after being drafted (read: FORCED) to go over seas to fight, only to come home and getting spit upon and called baby killers. Our fighting men and women deserve better.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I'm already feeling pretty emotional today but this put me over the edge. I don't know exactly why.

The girls in our unit need some things to make them feel like girls.

I'm against the war, but my heart certainly hurts for those who are away from their families and the comforts of home.

[Snowflake]

I'm not for the war either, but I am for all the boys and girls who are forced to be there fighting and serving. Thanks for the link BtD.

[BarTopDancer]

NP Snowflake.

H - posts like that hit me hard too.

Most everyone here knows I am of the "Support our Troops. Bring them Home" stance. It hasn't changed. I'll be sending my box out this week.

[wendybeth]

Great idea, and thanks for the info BTD!

My cousin was visiting yesterday; she works at a cancer center in Idaho and had a great story she shared with me involving a cancer patient there and soldier in Iraq. This patient had a friend send her a care package filled with scarves, hats, and various goodies to help her in her battle with cancer. She included a card where she expressed her encouragement and support for her friend. Well, the package was mislabeled and wound up being sent to Iraq, and at the same time this patient received the package intended for the soldier. The soldier in Iraq opened the package, read the card and then passed it around his platoon. They got together and sent new package to the woman, commending her on her courage and expressing their hopes for her recovery. They also signed a big poster, included a flag and a variety of other items, then shipped it to her. Now, the staff at the medical center is 'adopting' this platoon, and my cousin is going to ask the woman if they can contact the media to tell of these soldiers wonderful present- I guess it really bolstered her spirits and gave her something to work on to keep her mind off her own troubles. Everyone is just totally impressed that these guys would have the time and inclination to commit such a kindness. Our leadership may leave a lot to be desired, but our soldiers deserve all the respect and support they can get.

[~MS~]

Wendybeth, that story is so awesome! Most of the old timers here know I do this on an ongoing basis, Lani and I have done several 'operations' together and if I know Lani she is still supporting the troops. While my brother #3 was over there just this past summer some people I post with on a private board did a drive for his kids that got extended...and just recently a cub scout pack of the Inland Empire did an operation Thank you for a USMC platoon serving in Iraq til next spring that my nephew is assigned to.

It's hard to seperate the war from the warrior at times, but they do deserve our support. Lani managed to send the bomb of 'girly' packages on our first operation....lavender made them feel so girly. I always stick an extra ziplock in my nephews box for him to hand off to any females in his unit or just on the base he's at in Iraq...it makes me feel a bit better.

[MouseWife]

Wonderful reminder!