Technorati Tags: military care, military care package, military support group, military support group new jersey, Military Support Group of New Jersey, military support group of nj, support our troops, support your troops

Support Our Troops & Their Families this holiday

Remember the armed forces this holiday season…

Remembering our armed forces both foreign and domestic is an important way to show support for our country regardless of how you feel about our government policy.

A gourmet gift basket online is a unique affordable way to send a little pick me up to someone who may have to spend the holidays away from their friends, family and community.

A chocolate gift basket would surely raise the spirits of a young man or woman who has given up so much of themselves to help ensure the way of life that the rest of us have become accustomed to.

With today’s instant access to the internet you could order a unique, affordable holiday gift basket online without ever leaving the comfort and security of your own home.

Nearly every one of us knows a young person from our state, city or even our own street who would appreciate being remembered during this season of giving by receiving a gourmet gift basket online like a Chocolate Gift Basket, a Welcome Home Gift Basket, a Spa Gift Basket, a Holiday Gift Basket or any of the other 95 Gourmet gift baskets online available at http://www.thegiftbasket4u.com.

Another great way to show your support for your troops would be to send a gourmet holiday gift basket to the family of a soldier who has to be away for the holidays.

A Holiday Gift Basket, or any of the other gift baskets that you can purchase online at The Gift Basket 4 U, could be a special way to say "thank you" to the family of our dedicated soldiers.

During this season of giving lets all remember the troops who make our happy holiday season possible.

By Jandi Swainston Published: 12/5/2008

Technorati Tags: military care, military care package, military support group, military support group new jersey, Military Support Group of New Jersey, military support group of nj, support our troops, support your troops

Military Support Groups – Land of the Free

Today is Independence Day here in the States. Since I’m leaving for a good while, I feel it is necessary to write about why I love being an American.

Regardless of all the political spin and protesting (which is an altogether different reason why America is great), our Founding Fathers set up an effective government. We have a solid framework in the Constitution, which grants us freedoms only dreamt about in other parts of the world. Our system of checks and balances limits power and reduces corruption. Thanks to our system, if we don’t like something, we can change it. Vote for Giuliani, Obama, or Scooby Doo..it’s your right.

Our military will defend us to the ends of the earth. American armed forces are unmatched the world over. Think about where our nation would be without the bravery exhibited in the Revolution or World War II. Yes, we’re in Iraq. And yes, many people don’t think we should be. But we’re there, so support our troops. We don’t get walked on, and our military is the reason why.

The next thing I love about my country is its capitalist economy. Hey, I have to act like a business student at some point. Anyone with enough resources can start a business, invest, and reap financial gain. The state (for the most part) allows market forces to mandate the successes and failures of a sector, business, or product. We control our own destiny. That individualism translates to a motivated workforce and an economic superpower on the global stage. Cha-Ching.

To stay within the context of this blog, I’m also thankful that I’m free to travel and further my education. The American government has sponsored my exchange experience in Germany, which in itself illustrates the endless opportunities Americans have in today’s world.

I’m proud to call myself American. I hope I’m able to represent my country well during my year in Germany.

Check out more at http://www.tcthompson.blogspot.com

Author: Travis Thompson

http://tcthompson.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Thompson

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Veteran Support

Not long ago, I had an interesting email conversation with a traumatic brain injury survivor and he reminded me of the importance of supporting our men and women who have been injured in serving our country. Indeed, we should all support our military veterans in their time of need. There are many Iraq Conflict soldiers and marines coming back with injuries from shrapnel – caused by IEDs.

The other night I listened to a passionate speaker on Coast-to-Coast AM talk radio about helping Soldiers from Iraq with injuries recoup. We must take these issues seriously and all of us must support our troops. Coming from a military family myself, I very much agree with their passion, mission and strength of character, it is exactly what folks who go thru hell need to hear – we care and we will be here for you.

Many of these folks survive their injuries and go on to do great things, as that which does not kill us makes us stronger – adversity builds character. Shouldn’t we match their character and support them? Listen to this brain injury survivor story:

I sustained an open skull fracture with right frontal lobe damage and remained in a coma for 3 weeks, I underwent brain and skull surgery after waking from the coma. Follow-up cognitive and psyche / social testing revealed that I would not be able to succeed academically, back then Neurological Rehabilitation was not available to me, so I had to teach myself how to walk, talk, read, write and speak in complete sentences.

Today this real life brain injury survivor is helping others get thru their tough times, and he shows us just how important it is for us to support our troops coming home who have injuries. His motto is so befitting and is a testament of his will to survive and thrive, we owe it to ourselves to keep his vision alive.

Learn More more about the realities of brain trauma, and what some of our military soldiers are dealing with:

http://secondchancetolive.wordpress.com

http://www.ebissociety.org/automn/newsletter-angl.htm

Author: Lance Winslow

"Lance Winslow" – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

Technorati Tags: military care, military care package, military support group, military support group new jersey, Military Support Group of New Jersey, military support group of nj, support our troops, support your troops

I am Interested in Donating Products, Postage, and/or Funds to the Military Support Group of NJ for sending care packages to our troops overseas. For more information CLICK ON THIS LINK>>>> Donations

Sending Care Packages to our Troops

Sending care packages to our troops stationed overseas is a great way to show your support for their efforts. However, you must plan the contents of the package carefully to ensure that the soldier will receive everything in useful condition.

Our Group, the Military Support Group of NJ pictured here, put together care packages for our troops.

Every member of the armed services would love to have homemade cookies and other goodies to enjoy and share with others. Such items are a thoughtful gesture, but can raise some problems which may keep them from reaching troops. Each country in which our troops are stationed have different customs rules on what can enter the county including food products. Often homemade goodies do not have an ingredient list and can be removed for that reason. Commercially packed goodies have been authorized and will not be removed from packages. In addition, remember that the weather will be very different from ours – for example, temperatures in the Iraq/Afghanistan area can reach over 110 in the summer. Any products sent during the summer must be able to withstand such temperatures.

Keeping the package size manageable is another item to plan properly. The United States Post Office offers two boxes which make ideal sized care packages – the flat rate ’shoe-box’ size, and the flat rate 11 7/8′ by 3 3/8′ by 13 5/8′ box. The boxes are priority shipped to the APO address for the flat rate of $8.10 for each box. There is also a flat rate envelope available – please see www.usps.com or your local post office for information. In addition, keeping the box weight to about 6 pounds makes them very easy to handle. If you do not have a specific person to send a care package, you can use your web browser to find programs that assist in matching troops to givers. One such program can be found at www.anysoldier.com and often lists specific requests from soldiers or squads. There are currently over 3,000 names on their contact list.

Remember when sending packages to military members that the United States Postal Service delivers the packages to the APO address. After that, delivery is dependent upon the military mail services and may take longer than what we normally expect. In addition, you will be required to complete a customs certificate listing the items within the package and their cost. These forms can be completed and printed at www.usps.com or obtained from your local post office.

Creating a care package can be quite easy, whether you do it yourself or use one of the many services that are available. If you wish to purchase a care package, and there are many types available from entertainment to hygiene to goodies, you can find a company by typing in ’soldier care packages’ into your web browser. If you wish to stock one yourself, please remember these guidelines:

Prohibited Items:

Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, books, videos)

Pornographic or sexual items

Anything with nude or seminude persons

Non-authorized political materials
Religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith(personal items are allowed)

Pork or pork by-products

You can also call 1-800-ASK-USPS, consult your local Post Office, or phone the Military Postal Service Agency at 1-800-810-6098.

People often ask if phone cards are a good idea for a care package. There are some issues with the phone cards primarily because you need to have specific cards. It is wise to only send cards if a person has requested them because you know they will be used. The proper kind of phone cards for your member of the armed forces can be purchased at any base PX or online at www.thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspxs.

Some suggestions for care packages include: chewing gum, dental travel kit, pocket comb, razors( Gillette Mach 3 refills are available at onsite PX’s so good brand), Kleenex, chap stick, foot powder, bobby pins, shampoo, conditioner, Shower-to-Shower Body powder, Q-Tips socks, gloves, cough drops, Midol, Antacids Tbs, soap, Sunblock, Hand sanitizer, Vitamins, gum, chips, hard candy, crackers, Beef Jerky, Cookies, dried fruits, Nuts, Magazines, P38 Opener, Plastic Utensils, Book, Writing Material, Batteries, Game, Neosporin, Journal, Word Puzzles, detergent, Feminine Stuff, Pledge Wipes, anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning, baby wipes, all-over-bath wipes, Bactine wipes, Band-aids, nail trimmers, tweezers, emery boards, snack foods like Chex mix, granola bars, sunflower seeds, tuna/chicken lunch kits, canned pasta, soups, individual coffee, cocoa, cider, tea bags, sugar packets, individual water-bottle sized drink mixes (ex. Crystal Light), and many more things……

Remember to pack the box carefully with adequate padding. If sending items that are liquid or able to spill, enclose the item in one Ziploc bag, and then another upside down to ensure no spills. Address the box in dark, thick black marker, write in block letters and soon your loved one will be enjoying his or her care package.

Author: Elizabeth Bonner

Elizabeth Bonner owns Show Your American Pride, which specializes patriotic and military-themed gifts. I am also the wife of Army Colonel Michael J. Bonner who is currently serving in Iraq, and have several familiy members in or working for the military. To see our patriotic gifts, key rings, and military belt buckles, please visit http://www.showyouramericanpride.com

I am Interested in Donating Products, Postage, and/or Funds to the Military Support Group of NJ for sending care packages to our troops overseas. CLICK ON THIS LINK>>>> Donations

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I am Interested in Donating Products, Postage, and/or Funds to the Military Support Group of NJ for sending care packages to our troops overseas. For more information CLICK ON THIS LINK>>>> Donations

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Remember September 11th and Remember to Support Our Troops

You know, it seems to me that everyone has forgotten about 9/11. I am not just talking about the French (though the election may be signaling a change) and liberals that have somehow managed to slither their way into office.

No, I am talking about the general public as well.

Sure, once those planes hit and the thousands of innocent died, everyone was out for blood and couldn’t wait to put our war machine to work.

But now, almost 6 years later, as our brave men and women still fight the good fight in those god-forsaken hell holes that once produced those scum-bag terrorists, we’ve got a bunch of wealthy wimps in the Senate and a bunch of whiney protestors on the streets calling for a total withdrawal of our troops.

Let me tell you something…

Every single day that I drive down Route 17 here in New Jersey to our offices, I see the NewYork City skyline.

And blatantly absent from the view is the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.

Every day when I look for the towers I remember rushing outside from my then job in Teterboro (only 11 miles from the site) and seeing the second plane hit.

I remember all the frantic phone calls, and kids crying, and over flying F-16s, and absolute terror we all felt.

I also remember feeling utmost pride as the courageous passengers of flight 93 fought back and put such terror back into the hearts of the terrorist cowards that it forced them to crash the plane in a remote area as opposed to continuing towards our nation’s capital.

Have you noticed that there has not been an attack since?

The courage of the American/British/Canadian/Australian forces fighting to keep us safe is the sole reason why.

Sure, we all want our soldier/family members back safe and sound. But please, let them do their job and support them the best you can.

Electing a bunch of idealist "rich-kid" pansies into office who will do anything the public wants (including withdrawing troops from a much needed cause) to further their career is not the answer.

Support our troops. Support the decisions made by our commander in chief and his military advisors. And of course, protect yourself, your family, and your country while our nation’s soldiers are overseas so they have a nice, safe, and crime free place to come home to after they complete their term of service.

Get involved in community events welcoming home our servicemen and women from the war. Seek out military families in need. Offer your help, your support, and your friendship.

They could sure use it right now.

Author: Chris Pizzo

Captain Chris Pizzo has dedicated his life to not only spreading the "truth" about martial arts and self defense, but also to teaching the very same simplistic, and easy to learn answer he discovered after nearly being stabbed to death during a road rage attack. You can learn more about him and take a no-obligation "test drive" of his award winning Close Combat Training system absolutely free at http://www.CloseCombatTraining.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Pizzo

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b-the change: To remember 9/11 add your photos and memories

b-the change: To remember 9/11 add your photos and memories. photo courtesy of The Huffington Post. As we remember 9/11, which most can’t believe was 8 years ago, it is still.

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Military support Group of NJ Tribute to our Heros

Thousands of people every day lay their lives on the line. They don’t know our names, but they know our hopes, our dreams, and our fears because they have the same ones.

These heroes are our military troops and families. Whether or not you agree with current policy, our troops need our support!

How can you pay tribute to our troops? Each of us can make a difference for our troops with simple kindnesses by using the following kindness motivation tips from the E-book, 101 Ways to Support Our Troops.

1.When you see a person in a military uniform, shake hands and say, "Thank you."

2.Talk to your school and ask them to invite veterans into the classrooms. Let students meet ‘real people’ giving their lives to their country. Putting a human face on history will make it come alive.

3.Take a special video of the troop’s family and send it to them.

4.Compile a video of troop’s friends and neighbors:

5.Collect jokes on the Internet and make a little booklet to send to our soldiers. Everyone needs a laugh!

6.Send troops the weekly newspaper or daily newspapers. The news may be old to you, but it will be new to them and will help them to stay in touch.

7.Request a special prayer for our soldiers at your church, synagogue or mosque – then tell them when the prayer was said. It will be greatly appreciated!

8.Send troops some CDs of their favorite music. They have a lot of time on their hands. Help them pass it with things they enjoy.

9.Send magazines to our soldiers. They’ll enjoy them – and share them with their buddies. Your gift will have a much greater impact than you thought.

10.To let others know about your personal or community projects to support our troops: TogetherWeCanChangetheWorldDay provides a fr*ee service where you can list your project to get more volunteers or to search for projects in your area. Visit www.TogetherWeCanChangeTheWorldDay.com

Multiply the impact – encourage your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to participate, using these kindness motivation tips to make a difference in the lives of our troops, the people who defend our freedom every day!

Author: Ginny Dye

Author Ginny Dye shares how practical acts of kindness can make a difference in our world. Get all 101 tips on how you can make a difference by going to http://www.101WaysSeries.com and request "101 Ways to support our troops".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ginny_Dye

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“We have little support groups through our school and our counselor will meet with them,” Laing said. “They can share the experiences that they’re feeling.

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 Military Support Group of NJ – Practical Ways to Support our Troops

If you’re looking for a practical way to support our military troops, there are two basic ways that you can do that. The first is to participate in one of the many care package organizations that are devoted to the troops who are in Iraq right now. The second way is to make sure that our returning troops are taken care of and properly honored when they return.

If you’re looking for a way to support our troops while they are overseas, then there are several organizations that will help you make sure that your donations are going where they are most needed.

SupportOurTroops.org takes donations and distributes them to the troops overseas. You can donate money or items. This site keeps an updated list of what different units have requested, so you can make sure that our troops are getting exactly what they want and need.

LaptopsForTheWounded.com is an organization that takes donations in order to provide our wounded troops with laptops and webcams. This provides a contact back home for soldiers who are not able to be with their loved ones while they recover.

When our troops come home, they will have needs. Wounded or not, there are organizations and funds that have been set up to make sure that our veterans feel honored on their return.

VeteransFund.org takes donations to provide returning veterans with college scholarships. Many of the men and women returning from Iraq put their sense of duty ahead of their education. This fund is an opportunity to give back.

Finally, donations to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW.org) will help support our troops overseas and our returning veterans. VFW has a long history of providing opportunities and defending the rights of our veterans. From organizing employment opportunities to sending care packages with phone cards, VFW supports our troops even after they return home.

You can do more to support our troops than simply showing that support with bumper stickers or license plate holders. By supporting our troops with donations and care packages, you help the people who sacrifice so much to stay in contact with their families.

Author: Adam Thompson

Adam Thompson is the owner of Thompson Outdoor Supply, supplier of military combat knives and military survival equipment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Thompson

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Military Families Need Your Help – 7 Ways to Make a Difference
 by: Ginny Dye 

Military spouses have many tough challenges.

They have to do the things their spouses usually do. Unstopping the bathtub drain, helping the kids with homework, changing the oil in the car – it’s a never-ending list they now face on their own.

One of the ways you can help is by joining people all over the country on Together We Can Change the World Day. Set aside the first Saturday of every month to help a military family or do a kindness for our troops. Make a difference in their lives – and make a difference in your life, too!

Following are some kindness motivation tips from the E-book, 101 Ways to Support Our Troops. Knowing their families are being taken care of will ease our troops’ minds and hearts.

1. Send the military family a care package

o Make sure there are items for the kids, remaining spouse, etc.

o Many times now it is the wife who has been called away for duty.

o Don’t forget that husbands left behind have the same fears and struggles.

2. Give restaurant gift certificates to military families. Too many times that kind of enjoyment is just not in their budget. The best way to do it is through an online company called Restaurant.com.

o Just go to http://www.ShopForCharityDay.com Put "Restaurant" in the store search box.

o You can buy certificates that give 50% off meals in thousands of restaurants across the country!

o An additional perk is that each purchase gives money back to an organization of your choice – allowing you to give in multiple ways!

3. Include the military family in your family outings – everyone, but especially the kids. Invite them to go:

o On a picnic

o Fishing

o To the amusement park, etc.

o It will be great fun for them and give the remaining spouse a break from being a single parent.

4. Help them out with some of their bills -anonymously if you can. Often, you can call companies and let them know you want to pay a bill for a military family. Some ideas:

o Internet bill

o Cable service, etc.

o Utilities

5. Buy a family season’s ticket to a recreation facility. Talk to the owner of the facility. Explain you want to help a military family. Many times they will donate the passes and certificates. Some ideas:

o Swimming pool

o Bowling alley

o Skating rink

6. Invite the military family to dinner.

7. Let others know about your personal or community projects to support military families and our troops: TogetherWeCanChangetheWorldDay provides a fr.ee service where you can list your project to get more volunteers or to search for projects in your area. Visit www.TogetherWeCanChangeTheWorldDay.com.

Use these kindness motivation tips to help support our troops and their families. Better yet, grab your own copy of 101 Ways to Support Our Troops! Visit http://www.101WaysSeries.com

About The Author

Ginny Dye owns 5 companies, is a published author, and owns her own publishing company. Her greatest passion is helping people to make a difference in this world. Most recently she has launched Together We Can Change the World DAY which mobilizes and connects people across the U.S.

This article was posted on March 22, 2006

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For Troops, Goodie Bags Are A Hit Any Time Of Year

"Gone but not forgotten," was a phrase often used during the Vietnam War to let soldiers who were prisoners there know that they were still remembered by their U.S. families.

Today, Deborah Crane, president and founder of Treats for Troops, has made it her company’s mission to let the thousands of military men and women serving overseas know that they too are remembered back home.

Treats for Troops provides an easy and convenient way for anyone to send care packages to the troops year-round. The company’s Web site offers gift packages with snacks, supplies and essentials to make a soldier’s life a little bit easier.

While sponsors send thousands of packages through Treats for Troops over the holidays, Crane believes it is important to do so any time of the year.

"Our mission is to provide support for our troops all year long, not just at the holidays. Sending a package in the summer lets the troops know they’re not forgotten," she said.

Treats for Troops recently launched a "Christmas in July" promotion featuring summer packages in special red, white and blue tote bags with names like "Old Glory," "Picnic Pack," "Summer Smiles" and "Three Cheers." The packages contain a variety of all-American treats and gifts, including small American flags; Tootsie Rolls wrapped in patriotic paper and sugar cookies decorated in American colors; summer "picnic" fare like lemonade and Gatorade; and outside toys like beach balls and kites.

In addition, there are "Beat the Heat" packages that contain things to help soldiers keep cool, like MiraCool Bandanas, wet wipes, sunscreen and bug repellent.

Any e-mails and notes from soldiers are forwarded by Treats for Troops to the sponsors who send packages.

"I would like to thank you for the items that were sent to me. At times like this, a little thank you from home along with goodies goes a long way," wrote one recipient in a note of thanks. "It’s people like you on the home front that make doing what I do a lot easier and more gratifying."

By: Samuel Martin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.c 1000 om

For more information on how you can send a care package and make a soldier smile this summer, visit www.treatsfortroops.com. -NU

Technorati Tags: military support group, military support group new jersey, Military Support Group of New Jersey, military support group of nj, support our troops, support your troops