Supporting Our Troops
by Dr. Fred Ansell

As I write this, the violence in Iraq is escalating. No matter what happens before you can receive these words, I am sure the occupation will still be with us and our soldiers will still be fighting and defending. The war is brought into our homes through television, radio and newspaper reports. As I listen to experts and eye witnesses, I struggle with the devastations forced on everyone concerned. I know this is a topic of prayer in our churches because I read it in newsletters and hear the announcements in many congregations I visit.

Our young people are being trained and thrust into dangerous combat in inhospitable places. We grieve when they are away and trust that the faith instilled in them by caring congregations will give some solace in the loneliness, worry and desperation they may experience. We celebrate when they return.

Recently, I read an article in “Bottom Line Magazine” that told ways we can support and encourage our troops. Since we have several bases in the Central Region and soldiers enlisted from many of our churches, I want to share some of these ideas in case you want to let our service personnel know you care. Some of these projects might be done by a class or small group in the church or by the whole congregation.

Help a Service Member Call Home.
Money donated to Operation Uplink (800-479-5228; www.operationuplink.org; c/o VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111) is used to purchases prepaid calling cards for active military personnel and hospitalized veterans. Military Connect (888-796-5296; www.militaryconnect.org) also accepts donations toward the purchase of prepaid calling cards, and you can designate the recipient or let the organization choose someone.

Say Thank You.
For security reasons, letters or packages can no longer be addressed to “Any Service Member,” but an email message can be sent through Operation Dear Abby (http://operationdearabby.net). Letters can be printed and read in a unit. You can't designate a soldier, but you can specify which branch of service.

You can email a free “virtual” thank you card through Defend America (www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html). The card will include your name and hometown, but no personal message, and you can specify which service branch.
Provide Personal Items.

You can sponsor care packages by donating to the USO (866-876-4483; www.usometrodc.org/care.html; Operation USO Care Packages, c/o Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Box 19221, Alexandria, VA 22320-9998). Your money will be used to buy items on the “Service Members Wish List,” such as sunscreen and toiletries. A message can be included with your donation. Businesses can also make bulk donations.

Help Military Families Pay Their Grocery Bills.
Through the Defense Commissary Agency's Gift of Groceries program, you can send a commissary gift certificate to a specific soldier's family or to a charity for distribution to a family in need (877-770-4438; www.commissaries.com).

Support Military Relief Societies.
Donations will provide financial relief for active and retired soldiers in need. Agencies are: Air Force Aid Society (800-769-8951; www.afas.org; 1795 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington VA 22202); Army Emergency Relief (703-428-0000; www.aerhq.org; 200 Stovall St., Alexandria, VA 22332); Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (800-881-2462; www.cgmahq.org; 4200 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203; and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (703-696-4904; www.nmcrs.org; 4015 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22233).

Make Monetary Donations.
Donations can be made through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering by designating Iraq War Relief on the church's monthly remittance form. Donations can also be specified for troops in Iraq through the American Red Cross (800-435-7669; www.redcross.org/services/afes; AFES-Iraq Response, Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090.

Help the Family of a Deployed Soldier.
They may need help with baby-sitting, shopping, cooking or errands. Invite them to dinner. Military spouses are often deluged with offers of support upon deployment, only to be forgotten later. Remember to repeat your offer every few weeks.


While being charitable, also be vigilant. Be wary of bogus solicitations from charities that claim to support troops or their families. Tricks include look-alike organization names, very few details and offers to send a courier to pick up your donation. As usual, never give your credit card number or other personal data to a telephone solicitor. You can check out a charity through your local Better Business Bureau or by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org).

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he knew that a follower of Jesus would endure hardships just as a good soldier does. Perhaps your congregation can alleviate some of the hardship by caring for a soldier who happens to be connected to your church or from your community. Keep them constantly in your prayers as they struggle for peace and justice in our world.