[Vision2020] Fw: Red Friday

[Chasuk]

I spent a lot of time in various inhospitable places all over the
world, and, I'll be honest, I felt zero appreciation for yellow
ribbons or red garments.  Treacly sentiment doesn't help the hours
pass more comfortably.

If you want to help, I recommend giving books.

Here are a few simple methods for donating those excess books that
almost all of us have accumulated:

http://booksforsoldiers.com/
http://www.booksamillion.com/booksfortroops?&id=4406044492429
http://operationpaperback.org/

Care packages are also gratefully received.  Here are a few programs
that facilitate the distribution of care packages:

https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=850&
http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.give2thetroops.org/
http://www.opgratitude.com/
http://www.treatsfortroops.com/
http://www.ustroopcarepackage.com/

I don't recommend trying to be a penfriend with troops abroad.  It is
appreciated by some, but it also causes difficulty and inconvenience.
If you do choose to go the penfriend route, include a parcel of
pre-stamped, pre-addressed postcards.

Many troops suddenly become more religious when they are dislocated
from family and friends, but they doesn't mean they need bibles or
qurans.  Sacred texts are available in abundance on any base, post, or
camp.

Anyway, that's my take, as someone who has been there.

Chas