In today’s news, we are constantly bombarded with negative reports of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Regardless of how we feel about the wars – they didn’t choose to wage them, we must ensure that each service member knows we care about them and that we still believe in them and the liberties they fight for – that we know freedom isn’t free.

Right now, an American soldier sits in a tent, sand and dust on and in everything, he hasn’t showered in a week or more, he misses everyone and all the comforts of home. He woke before dawn and worked until long after sunset. He lost a friend today. None of that matters, because at this moment he is reading a letter.  

I support our troops; it’s not a secret, I take action – I wrote that letter. I didn’t just stick a magnet on my car. Who are those yellow car magnets for anyhow? The soldier a world away, risking his life for our freedom and safety? How would he know about the magnet on your car – and why should he care? I challenge you to take action to authenticate your car magnet proclamation. Get involved. As John F. Kennedy so aptly put it, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Supporting our troops doesn’t require knowing a soldier ahead of time or spending much money. In fact, there are many different support options from one-time campaigns to deployment-long soldier adoption and everything in between. Personally, I volunteer with three organizations on a regular basis: Adopt a Platoon, Soldiers Angels, and Cup of Joe for a Joe. Adopt a Platoon offers approved supporters (simply fill out an application and pass a friendly phone interview) the opportunity to adopt - one card or letter per week and one care package per month; be a pen-pal – a card or letter per week; and/or participate in a one-time campaign – usually seasonally themed. Soldiers Angels is similar; supporters apply and then assigned an adoptee. Supporters can also participate in other projects related to other aspects of military life including wounded warrior support.  Finally, Cup of Joe for a Joe (COJ) is a program organized by Green Beans Coffee Company. It allows a supporter to purchase a cup of coffee – basically, any coffee stand drink, for a deployed service member enrolled in the program. Along with the “cup of joe,” the supporter can type a message to the service member and the service member will have the opportunity to write back in a thank you note. All three organizations are easy to work with and eagerly awaiting new supporters. Are you ready to get involved yet?

When “my soldiers” come up in conversation, I’m always asked questions. Most frequently asked is, “what do you write about?” The first letter is usually the most awkward, but I introduce myself and ask the same questions as when meeting someone in person for the first time. After that, I write about my adventures and thoughts; after all, I am writing to a friend. Another question is, “do they write back?” They do write back occasionally if they can, but sometimes they can’t. I always keep writing; the ones who don’t write back usually need the most support. Finally, people question why I would put myself at risk for a “severe emotional trauma.” Why wouldn’t I? There is always a risk that something will happen – someone could be injured or killed in action, but the stories I’ve heard, the people I’ve met, the friends I’ve made, and the experiences I’ve gained, make the risk of worry and emotional hurt worth it. My life is full of rewards because of my willingness to take a risk.

John Michael Montgomery’s song, “Letters from Home” says it well, “I fold it up an' put it in my shirt, pick up my gun an' get back to work. An' it keeps me driving me on, waiting on letters from home.” I do have a yellow ribbon on my car – it serves as a reminder to me; every time I see it, I am reminded of “my soldiers” and think of one thing to tell them about when I write my next letter or e-mail. Right now, I plan to tell them about my challenge. Join me in taking action – Support our troops!