Posted on 01/13/2010 4:51:56 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Service members have been fighting wars on two fronts for nearly nine years, and they continue to get support from thankful Americans back home.
Many programs are designed not only to bring joy to those receiving letters and packages of support, but also for those who have taken the time to sponsor Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed around the world.
"I love our military men and women. They are the best of the best,” said Janelle Carter, a bookkeeper, healthcare sales representative and volunteer chaplain from Sacramento, Calif. “I hope my little humble boxes just let them know that I represent Americans who feel the same way as I do — that people back home love and care for them and are praying for them."
Carter joined the non-profit organization “Adopt a US Soldier” program in July, but has been sending packages to troops since the Vietnam War.
"All of my age group was affected in that war. My buddies went, my ex-husband and my cousins," she said.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, Carter said she has sent packages to her friend's children overseas. She explained that her son was already overseas when the attacks happened but, at former President George W. Bush's urging, she continued to get involved and support service members. Carter currently sponsors five Soldiers.
For Kathy Cunningham, a family tradition of military service has also played a part in why she, like Carter, sponsors five Soldiers through the program.
"My family has served in the military for nearly a century, possibly longer, and although I have never served, I still feel a connection to those who give so much,” said Cunningham, a data analyst and project manager for Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Veterans of Foreign Wars volunteer from Jamesburg, N.J. “My feelings are, if you and your family can give you to our country, the least I can do is give my time to help and serve you and your family.
"The best part about this is knowing that our troops are taken care of and that they know we do stand behind them and they are not forgotten, nor will they ever be," Cunningham concluded.
The following offer information on sending items to U.S. troops deployed overseas:
www.adoptaussoldier.org
www.anysoldier.com
www.treatthetroops.org
www.operationuplink.org
www.booksforsoldiers.com
Navy family ping list
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