The proud men and women of our military put their lives on the line to keep us safe and to uphold the principles of liberty and freedom that we often take for granted. Use the links below to learn more about the military and to link to sites that will give you an opportunity to send your thanks to members of our military. (Please note: While I have included links to organizations and groups that claim to support our troups, I do not have personal association with the groups. Please check into each group carefully before deciding whether to donate goods or funds.)

Official U.S. Military Sites:

• Department of Defense
• United States Army
• United States Navy
• United States Air Force
• United States Marine Corps
• United States Coast Guard

Students can use information found at the following sites to send donations and brush-up on their writing skills as they put a smile on a serviceman or woman’s face …

• Let’s Say Thanks in Support of our Troops – this site gives you and your students an opportunity to send free printed postcards to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.
• America Supports You – “A nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, recognizes citizens’ support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.” The site includes a place to leave a message for our troops as well as program material and information for students.
A Million Thanks.org – become one in a million…send a letter of thanks today!
• eMail Our Military – “Using eMail, eMail Our Military provides a safe way for people to continue the tradition of “Any Service Member” mail with a much more personal touch. Service Members register with us for support and are matched with civilians who have registered to send and show their support to our troops.
• Any Soldier – Want to send your support to a Soldier in harm’s way, but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it? This is the site for you!
• Operation Homelink – “Operation Homelink™ provides free refurbished computers to the spouses or parents of junior enlisted (E1 –E5) U.S. deployed service men and women enabling email communication with their loved one deployed overseas.”
• USO – “a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform.”
• Soldiers’ Angels – the mission of this organization is to provide aid and comfort to the military and its families, provide immediate response to hard situations, and make sure no soldier feels unloved.

On a somber note…

• War in Iraq U.S. and Coalition Casualties – sadly, this site lists the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and Coast Guardsmen whose deaths have been reported by their country’s governments.