This is my second year participating in Netroots for the Troops. Onomastic noticed last year I was always in the comments of these diaries and asked me if I would like to write one to raise money for the care packages sent by NFTT. I had never written a diary before - let alone a diary trying to raise money. With her encouragement, I took that first step because I believe so deeply in this cause. That first diary can be seen here:
http://www.dailykos.com/...
It received only 32 comments and I don't know if it even raised any money but I became committed 100% to this effort. Why do I write about this when I don't write posts? Follow me below the orange squiggly.
My oldest son is currently in the US Army. His MOS is as an EOD technician (which for the lay person means his job is going out and disposing of explosive ordinances like IED's). He will be deploying to Afghanistan later this year. I know there will be stretches of time when I may not hear from him. I know there will be times when he is lonely and homesick. I know that he will be one of the tens of thousands that will be so very far away from home and missing those they love. And I know that these care packages are a connection to home for each and every person that receives one. How do I know that it means so much? They have told us!
As his mom I will send care packages while he is over there and wait by the phone for any phone calls and probably check e-mail obsessively until he is safely back on our shores. I am so very proud of him and scared at the same time. I am one of the thousands of parents, wives, husbands, sons, daughters and friends who will say a prayer tonight for the safe return of their loved one and every other person serving. I will cry over the IGNT diaries for those who fell.
I came upon this video of a song written and sung by a soldier serving overseas and wanted to share it with you. It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
Josh is home now, but so many more are still serving in Afghanistan or recuperating from injuries suffered while serving. This effort is for all of them. This effort is to show them that we care and we have not and will not forget them.
A lot of people in our great Daily Kos community are going through extremely difficult economic stress right now and can not afford to donate. There is a way that you can contribute and show that you haven't forgotten about them that does not involve money. Please volunteer to write letters to the troops. These are included in the care packages and mean a great deal to our military men and women so very far from home and those that are still recovering from their injuries.
I am one of those who will only be able to chip in $5, $10 or $25 per week since my husband's company announced they will be closing and relocating to another state at the end of April. (can we say cheaper labor?) This will be the second time since 2009 this has happened to him. I'm not sure if I'll be able to be in Providence to pack boxes in June but I will give 110% to make sure that this effort is a great success. I will write diaries, I will use facebook to drive traffic to these diaries and I will do whatever I can to help meet our fundraising goals for this year. I have seen how this wonderful community can pull together to achieve amazing results. Won't you join in too? Please donate to put a care package in the hands of someone who has given so much.
Netroots For The Troops Blogathon: February 20-24, 2012
Netroots For The Troops® is holding a blogathon this week to raise funds to send Care Packages to our soldiers stationed overseas. For the first time this year, we will also be sending Care Packages domestically to troops rehabilitating at Veterans Administration Hospitals around the country.
We are asking all of you to support our efforts and to also make a contribution for this worthwhile cause.
We are honored and delighted that Senator John Kerry (D-MA); Democratic Candidate for the United States Senate from Massachusetts, Ms. Elizabeth Warren; and former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT) will be joining us through this week. Many Kossacks will also be contributing their thoughts, ideas, and support during the week.
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Over the years, many soldiers have sent letters to express their appreciation for these Care Packages and even posted thanks at Daily Kos
It was in the middle six months of my assignment in Afghanistan that the packages started arriving. I received an array of things from them… letters, candy, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, razors, food, socks, books, dvd’s. The list could go on and on. It was amazing. Netroots for the Troops was always there... The packages were a reminder that our country knows about our fight. Every day, because of their support, I knew that if it was going to be my last day, I would be remembered and I would be honored.
Please make a donation HERE. Thank you from the entire 2012 NFTT Team.
Netroots For The Troops® is a project of Netroots for the Troops, Inc., a Virginia non-profit corporation. The organization raises money for the assembly, mailing and delivery of Care Packages to American military in war zones and to provide assistance to military families in the United States. Netroots For The Troops, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
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