Dear Editor:
On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District and the State of New Jersey, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they continue to make to ensure that the liberties we hold dear and true as Americans continue to be upheld. As events unfold in the Persian Gulf over the days, weeks and months ahead, we should let them know that they have our unwavering support.
Many constituents have contacted my office asking what they can do to help. There are various ways our neighbors, schools and community groups can be involved and show their support for our troops. Below I have provided a list of organizations and their websites that may be helpful. As we await the safe return of our troops, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
If there is anything that I can do to help you, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 201-222-2828.
Show your support for our troops:
* Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink, www.operationuplink.org;
* Send a greeting via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby, www.anyservicemember.navy.mil; or www.OperationDearAbby.net
* Sign a virtual thank-you card at the Defend America website, www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html
* Make a donation to one of the military relief societies; Army Emergency Relief, www.aerhq.org; Navy/Marine Relief Society, www.nmers.org; Air Force Aid Society, www.afas.org; Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, www.cgmahq.org;
* Donate to “Operation USO Care Package,” www.usometrode.org/care.html
* Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, www.redcross.org/services/afes/
* Voluneer at at VA Hospital, http://www.va.gov/vetsday, to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts.
*Reach out to military families in your community, especially those with a loved one overseas.
Please do not flood the military mail system with letters, cards and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department cannot accept items to be mailed to “any service member.”
Robert Menendez
13th District, New Jersey