How To Support Our Troops

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There are tons of ways to help the men and women who've done so much to protect our country. It doesn't take much to show your support.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A computer with internet access
Donations
Care packages or letters with postage
The willingness to volunteer and give your time

Step 1: Say "thank you"

When you encounter military personnel, thank them for their service and contribution.

Step 2: Send a letter

Your enlisted friend or family member can always use some kind words and an update from home. Send a letter or email, or even a video or DVD of your good wishes. If you'd like to send mail to troops you don't know, sites like amillionthanks.org and penpalsforsoldiers.org can help.

Tip: Upload a supportive video to YouTube and send along a link to your serviceperson.

Step 3: Donate

In addition to giving money, charitable organizations can help you donate computers, clothing, gift certificates, frequent flyer miles, phone cards, and lots of other needed items.

Tip: Don't send unsolicited letters or contributions—the military has deemed them a safety risk. To contribute to someone you don't know, go through a philanthropic organization.

Step 4: Send a care package

Soldiers can always use non-perishable food, books, DVDs, games, gadgets, and gifts from home. Pack enough for them to share, and ship away!

Tip: Organizations like the USO allow you to donate money towards care packages.

Step 5: Adopt a soldier or platoon

Nonprofit organizations like Adopt A Soldier Now and AdoptaPlatoon allow you to focus your good deeds on a single soldier or a select military unit. Your efforts can help provide letters, holiday cards, care packages, money, and volunteer help.

Step 6: Celebrate military holidays

May is National Military Appreciation Month. Go to nmam.org to find out about events in your area, and be sure to celebrate Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day, as well as other military holidays.

Step 7: Organize

Rally your hometown! Organize fundraisers, collection drives, and local events to benefit the troops.

Step 8: Volunteer

A little elbow grease is always a huge help. Volunteers are always needed for projects that benefit both soldiers and veterans.

Tip: Check sites like americasupportsyou.mil and stripes.com, which offer aggregated lists of charitable organizations that might need your help.

Step 9: Help enlisted families

Whether you invite them over for game night, anonymously help out with the bills, or upgrade their internet connectivity through Operation Homelink, you can help soldiers by helping their families.

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[buckeyefan20012001]

Support Our Troops....End the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and Bring Them Home...

[dakotavinci]

you will need: a computer with internet access

hmm...... i dont think i have that

[fmpanic000]

show the military that you care by sending them gifts.

step one: collect porn from online and put it on dvd

step two: buy 5 cartons of cigarettes and 5 cases of beer.

step three: put it all in a box and mail it off with a letter explaining the many reasons why it would have been easier to nuke iraq.

Gosh if i was in iraq that would be the best gift EVA!

[flamenite45]

1:22. Hmm I think my care package is broken.

[MrMaxstil]

I got a little suspicious when Howcast uploaded videos with Christian propaganda... but this... OMG! WHAT THE FUCK HAPPEND TO YOU HOWCAST?! I AM NO LONGER SUBSCRIBING TO SUCH ROT!

[TheEvilduck1337]

@Mapotory Lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mapotory]

Uhm,need a computer with internet access? Oh sorry I'm using a wi-fi connected coconut in the Bahamas..

[clickswitchh]

" Anyone dumb enough to join the military should be allowed in " - Bill Hicks

[hejjagedu]

Those who support are too lazy to do.

[tunoo1965]

@dakotavinci lol

[jedisanmoyo]

I support your troops, not the war in: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libia, etc.......bring them to the frontier to prevent "Fast & Furious" operatives. My country is in war and without your colaboration, the bloodshed will never end. This problem is of the two countries, here planting and selling, and there buying and smoking.

I'm mexican, and i'm a soldier.