Perhaps the first thought on your mind for the upcoming New Year is, “Which bars and pubs are we going to hit up?” But then you stopped and thought of what will be missing this year. One of your best friends was shipped out on a tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Deep down you know the parties just won’t be the same without him. You wish there was something you could do to let him know you were thinking of him just now. The holidays are often the most difficult time for US soldiers and their families, since Christmas and New Years are typically a time of togetherness. But don’t despair because there are many ways you can make a difference.
Over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays, many Americans like to send care packages as a show of support for our troops. The United Service Organizations Inc. is delivering care packages to US troops around the world for a $25 donation.
The packages include a prepaid phone card, sunscreen, travel sized toiletries, a disposable camera and a message from you. For more information visit www.usocares.org. Operation Gratitude also ships packages containing toiletries, food, entertainment gifts and personal letters to troops in the Middle East.
Visit www.opgratitude.com for more information. Lastly, you can visit www.treatsfortroops.com to donate themed packages or individual items from dozens of online gift shops.
New Year’s Eve holidays are sometimes celebrated with the allowance of a couple beers on base and games of poker. These New Year traditions help the soldiers feel a little less homesick, but it’s hard to deny the pain of being away from one’s family over the holidays.
Whether it’s cards, care packages, letters or text messages — these gestures mean a lot when troops are stranded in faraway lands.
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