Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help our deployed Soldiers?

I have received a ton of emails asking some variation of this question.  The best advice that I can give is to look into the organizations that exist for this purpose.  They specialize in helping Soldiers and they are good at it.  They understand the issues that most deployed Soldiers face, including the active, reserve and National Guard components.  Here is a list of good organizations.  Feel free to email me, if you have any suggestions to add to this list.

The Mission of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service.  It is not really an organization that most people would think of donating money to, but you can help by simply staying informed about their activities and volunteering to help, whenever possible.  This is an organization that is not necessarily as personally rewarding as sending packages to Soldiers and not as glamorous as the shows the USO puts on, but the ESGR provides a very important service: http://www.esgr.org/

AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". AER provides commanders a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers: http://www.aerhq.org/

AnySoldier.com is an online forum where Soldiers specifically make requests and visitors to the website fill those requests: http://www.anysoldier.com

The Soldiers' Angels mission is to provide aide and comfort to any of the armed forces and their families: http://soldiersangels.homestead.com/

Fisher House provides living accomodations for families of Soldiers who are currently undergoing hospitalization: http://www.fisherhouse.org

Here is a list of organizations recommended by the pentagon: http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

Thanks to Papa Ray in West Texas USA and to MKL of Southern by Blog!! for their recommendations.

I would like to send care packages to Soldiers.  But, I want to ensure that I am helping Soldiers who are living in the roughest conditions.  How can I be sure that I am helping those with the greatest need?

I would say that the best way is to go to anysoldier.com.  There, you will see specific requests from Soldiers.  If you are concerned with making sure that your package goes to Soldiers who are living in austere conditions, then just take note of how they describe their location.  But, keep in mind that some soldiers in Patrol Bases have a mailing address at the nearest Forward Operating Base, so do not be guided by just the mailing address.  If it is a patrol base, then they are not living an extravagant lifestyle.  If they are living on a Forward Operating Base, then they might be living a good life - you will need to consider their requests, to see if they are roughing it or not.  If they are living on a Logistical Support Area, then they are not wanting for anything, other than to go home.