I just finished watching the HBO movie Taking Chance*. It’s based on the true story of a Marine escorting the body of a fallen Marine home to his family. What I was really struck by was the desire of regular Americans to help. There wasn’t much they could do but they did what they could no matter how little it felt – they thanked the Marine for his service, they showed respect for the fallen Marine and they did any small thing they could to make the journey easier on the escort.
It reminded me of all the members of our military who are far away from home and the people they love. I want to do something but I don’t feel like there’s anything I CAN do.
Then I remembered AnySoldier.com**. They connect military personnel in harms way with people at home who would like to send packages but maybe don’t know anyone personally to send things to. It’s especially nice for those soldiers who don’t get much from home. You can read emails from the contacts overseas** and send them what’s most needed. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive. More than anything they appreciate letters and notes from home, even if they don’t know you. This would be a great project for your kid’s class. Imagine being far away from home and getting a package of letters and drawings from kids! Just make sure you read the suggestions on what to and what not to send.
If you decide to send something please let me know. I love reading about the things people give.
*If you don’t have HBO this movie will be released on DVD May 12th. I don’t know that I would buy it but I would recommend renting it if you can. You can watch an interview with Kevin Bacon and the real Lt. Col. Mike Strobl on the Amazon website.
**This is addicting!!
