Ten years is a long time.
Way back when, I was told that to serve, I needed to shop. Get out the credit cards. Pump that gas. Debauch and have fun. That was my patriotic duty.
Flag-draped coffins were hidden to all but the loved ones who mourned. Barbara Bush was publicly appreciative. She wouldn't waste her time on body bags and death. Why should she waste her beautiful mind on something like that? That time, she was part of the 99%: the 99% of American people who do not serve.
I do not serve. I also give thanks that my mind isn't as beautiful as Barbara Bush's.
Once, I was waiting for an arrival at the airport. The flight was delayed, so I was left to pass the time by "people watching." I noticed a woman. The baggage claim was crowded, and there was plenty to see, but she stood out to me particularly. She had a little girl with her. She waited at the base of the escalator along with a gaggle of limo drivers looking for their client pickups, clearly watching for someone to appear. She was so happy in the moment that I thought I'd never seen a stranger look more beautiful. A few minutes later I saw the woman again. This time, a soldier was with her -- big man, powerfully built, wearing fatigues. He held the child like a china doll, as if he thought she would break if he wasn't careful enough. After a moment, he fell to his knees and began to cry.
This man just met his daughter for the first time.
Our military families have carried the burden of our wars for too long. There is nothing we can do to bring back the years, but we can show them we care. We can tell them thanks.
It seems small by comparison, but really -- it can make all the difference.
My brother was an Army psychiatrist for a dozen years. He deployed once to Haiti, and spent the rest of his military career working stateside. I didn't talk to him today, but we once discussed the positive effect care packages have for the troops. (His handle for the day was Major Pain. I am his little sister, after all.)
rb: What was your favorite gift?
MP: My favorite "care package" was a collection of letters written by third graders as an assignment a teacher gave to the class to share their thoughts and questions of me while I was deployed. I think these gifts have meaning beyond the simple material support they provide. They support a soldier’s pride and sense of self worth when they are remembered and recognized for what they are doing. Please help our troops by sending gifts, notes, anything that shows your support!
From the mouth of a certified expert: If our troops know that people at home care, it makes all the difference in the world. Let's tell them.
There are diares in this series you cannot miss.
A portion of this post first appeared here.
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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