Lorie Byrd knows who to be thankful for:
For generations, Americans have been reminded of their great fortune when witnessing world events. Americans have been largely spared the widespread suffering that is experienced in some parts of the world due to conditions of poverty, oppressive regimes and war.
In fact, many have risked their lives to come to the United States for the opportunity to enjoy the peace and prosperity most Americans take for granted. The opportunities available in the United States did not come about by accident and they are only maintained because brave men and women are willing to sacrifice their very lives. The blog readers I heard from were well aware of the human cost to secure our freedom and way of life and expressed sincere gratitude.
Her column suggests a couple of ways to show our men and women in uniform how you feel. I've used AnySoldier.com to send things to the Middle East several times:
Click through the names and select the one(s) you wish to support. They list what the folks they represent want and need. We even have a search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need most.
All the Soldiers involved in this effort are military volunteers stationed in areas that are in harm's way. You send your support (letters and/or packages) addressed to them and when they see the "Attn: Any Soldier" line in their address they put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail first. Everything is shared.
Another blogosphere favorite is Soldiers' Angels, and blogging Angel Holly Aho. Soldiers' Angels allows you to adopt a soldier, buy and sew blankets and sandscarves, and help buy computers for wounded vets.
And, just the other day, I met a guy who works with Hero Miles, a Fisher House project that allows you to donate frequent flyer miles, so troops and their families can get together:
“I was injured on December 22, 2004,” Ziegel said. “And the next day the Hero Miles Program flew Renee, my wife, and my family down. They could come visit whenever they wanted after that. It was all taken care of and it's been a very important part having them there during my recovery."
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