National Federation of Republican Women

Support Our Troops

Dianne Thompson, NFRW President 2004-2005, with 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 2004.

Photo: Marilyn Hayes, Forsyth County RW (N.C.)

Dianne Thompson with 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers at Fort Bragg, N.C.

NFRW President Shirley Sadler encourages state Federations and local clubs to show their support for the Armed Forces by engaging in projects that aid our U.S. troops. Following are some suggestions, although members are asked to be creative and look for other ways to volunteer their services.

SUGGESTIONS

√ Donate soccer balls, soccer ball pumps and soccer shoes through OPERATION WE CARE, a program recognized by the NFRW Board of Directors.

Deadline to send donated items is Oct. 15, 2008. For the mailing address and APO mailing instructions, click here. Mail monetary donations to Linda "Lyn" Sanchez, 98 County Road 103A,
Hesperus, CO 81326.

For more information on Operation We Care, visit the web site of Chaplain Kevin Wainwright.

√ Help the National Military Association send military children to a unique summer camp: www.nmfa.org

√ Donate air miles and help a solider get home to his or her family: www.heromiles.org

√ Provide a care package or write a letter of support through the United Service Organizations: usocares.org; or through Operation Interdependence: www.oidelivers.org

√ Help house the family of a wounded soldier by contributing to the Fisher House Foundation: fisherhouse.org. (Source: Newsweek, April 7, 2003)

√ Donate grocery certificates: commissaries.com. (Source: Newsweek, April 7, 2003)

√ Donate a calling card to help service members keep in touch: operationuplink.org. (Source: Newsweek, April 7, 2003)

√ Give to the Army Emergency Relief: aerhq.org, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: nmcrs.org, Air Force Aid Society: afas.org or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: cgmahq.org. For the latest rules, check the Pentagon's site: defendamerica.mil/supporttroops.html. (Source: Newsweek, April 7, 2003)

√ Donate blood to your Red Cross chapter or where needed: redcross.org

√ Adopt a military unit through the Veterans of Foreign Wars: www.vfw.org

√ Send a message to our troops through Operation Dear Abby: anyservicemember.navy.mil

√ Attend a rally in support of our troops

√ Donate to the scholarship fund of a child of a fallen service member: www.freedomalliance.org

√ Send school supply kits to children in Iraq: www.operationiraqichildren.org

√ Send a gift certificate to a military family member or loved one: www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm

POINTS OF INTEREST

Read about the California Federation of Republican Women's impressive event, Military Wives Evening Out: