What's *your* idea of supporting our troops?

[Peanutcat]

I keep hearing and reading that those of use who don't support the war in Iraq don't support our troops. I'd like to know from you all here what your definition is of "supporting our troops".

[DanCa]

1. I make care packages thru my church and donate phone cards.

And what have you done? I also protest this damn war because I dont want to see anyone crippled and maimed for a lie.

[alittlelark]

2. Keeping them out of frivolous wars...

That's a GREAT place to START. Then there are the issues of body armor, salary, Depleted Uraniun......

And go here - http://www.anysoldier.com/ - Pick the group by branch, area, state... just pick a unit and DO IT!


<edited for 'anysoldier' link

[TahitiNut]

3. It doesn't mean being a pallbearer.

I remember coming back from Viet Nam. If I can at all help it, NO SOLDIER coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan will be made to feel like I did. It's NOT their fault that they were sent there. It's ours. ALL of ours. It's all about the word "service." I'll do whatever I can to bring them home. Whatever I can.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

4. Bring them home

from this bullshit invasion and occupation that's so fucked up and so dangerous, they're all being given the rawest of deals.

And, when they come home, take good care of them.

[TahitiNut]

8. You got it, esquire.

:thumbsup:

[madokie]

70. We have to remove the squatters from the wh first before we can bring the

troops home. It was agent orange for me, it is depleted uranium for them. I support the troops but like most here not the war.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

71. I don't support anyone,

but watch the pullout - which is what George H. W. Bush should have done with Bugeye Barbara that horrible night - that takes place before the 2006 election.

[madokie]

72. could you imagine bumping uglys with that old hag

gross

[DanCa]

5. I also hand out enlistment forms to people who say the support war

and dont enlist.

[uppityperson]

6. giving them free back massages at Camp Casey- for individual ones

More broadly: trying to get the Iraq occupation stopped so they can be used as they are supposed to, not to support the occupation.

[FightingIrish]

7. Not wasting their heroism on a war that can't be won.

Providing them what they need to fight and what they need to live normal productive lives when they return.

[driver8]

44. Amen, Fighting Irish...amen. I am a vet also, and it pisses me off

when people question my patriotism for wanting to end this "war" and bring the troops home safely.

If people are so gung ho to be at war, strap on your body armor and get the fuck over to Iraq. I'm sure there is a soldier who would gladly let you have his spot in line.

[seabeyond]

9. being informed. knowing what our govt is doing in our name

knowing when they are incompetent and calling htem on it. knowing when they make decisions in greed and calling htem on it. knowing that they had no plans for after invasion and how that wrongs our soldiers..... voting for someone who will use smarts and reason and go beyond the bos to resolve.

on the other side, i support the soldiers by being with the moms and dads who sit in fear for their sons over seas, hlding hteir hands. helping out financially. and being supportive in anyway they need. understanding even those soldiers that have done wrong over their are being let down by their leaders. they have been broken down to follow order and so when they do break law, it is their commandor that let them down, they are not solely responsible, though they will have to do their punishment. but understanding how they got there.

[Cleita]

10. I now sport a bumper sticker that says:

Support our troops, IMPEACH BUSH.

[DanCa]

11. Not slandering them when they come back to run in congress as Democrats

[seabeyond]

13. isnt that the truth. right on. n/t

[Deja Q]

12. Enlisting - it's the best support they will truly want.

[tatertop]

24. Good. Then when are you enlisting?

I will send you a card.

[UrbScotty]

14. Praying for them.

That and care packages work IMO.

[bliss_eternal]

15. I pray for them to come home...

for good, for the war to be over.

[Qanisqineq]

16. not blaming them for the war, not abandoning them after they return

*wife of an Iraq veteran*

[w8liftinglady]

52. I recently had some one accuse me of being frivolous over my rage

..regarding body armor.I have been very vocal in my local paper regarding the government's abandonment of our soldiers and veterans.It's funny how people shut up when you mention that your kid(or spouse) is actually serving,has actually been injured.Their bravery extends to the end of their driveway.

[BlueCaliDem]

17. You FIRST, Peanutcat. I'll reserve my answer til I get yours. n/t

[DanCa]

18. It's going to be a long wait. He has to enlist if he supports the war..

Or at least spend his next pay check on body armor.

[BeHereNow]

26. Not holding my breath...OP seems to have dropped and run.

Anyone else notice that or is everyone just
taking the bait?
Why am I thinking the responses on this thread
are going to appear somewhere else on the net?
BHN

[DanCa]

27. you've just inspired me. Freepers read the following.

www.goarmy.com and enlist. Cmon freeps I dare you.

[BeHereNow]

28. Now you're talking...

If the OP simply wanted to bait and run,
might as well make good use of the thread...
:evilgrin:
BHN

[DanCa]

30. yeah but freepers are such chicken hawks they wont enlist.

No matter how easy we make it for them. You know is it me or do we need stronger locks on the du door :evilgrin:

[BeHereNow]

33. Nah, the more the merrier!

You never know...where ever this thread
ends up on the net, there MIGHT be one
person among the many who read it to scoff and scorn, who
finally "gets it."
Just saying...
BHN

[Peanutcat]

59. Well excuse me . . . . .

For having a life outside of the internet and needing to get a little sleep, okay?

[Peanutcat]

60. Here ya go!

You want to know what my definition of supporting the troops is? Not sending them to die in a unnecessary war; when they DO go to war, make damn sure they have adequate body armor and sufficiently armored vehicles and other supplies; making sure they get all the pay coming to them and not cutting raises and bonuses and stuff; not sending them on one extended tour after another without a decent break for rest; making sure our wounded get the BEST of medical care and so on and so on. There are COUNTLESS thing this current administration is doing, or not doing, that clearly shows that when it comes to supporting the troops, they are all talk and no action. I hope this is good enough for you, and I'm waiting for your reply.

[BlueCaliDem]

73. Thanks for your response! :-) I just thought it was only fair I knew...

...what you're idea for supporting our troops was, since, well, you started the thread.

My idea for supporting the troops?

You've said it all, actually, and I only want to add: getting more liberal voices on the Army's radio.

Oh, and FYI, I wasn't judging you.

BTW, my avatar pic is a picture of my youngest sister who has just returned from Iraq back in November (just before Thanksgiving) from a year's tour there, as did her newly wed husband.

She's been in the army for over a decade now.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

19. Supporting those who support veteran's causes.

People like Paul Wellstone.

He fought like hell for vets and their benefits. This nation has a history of forgetting their veterans after they fight in these wars. Just chucking them over our shoulder when we're done with them. Bush's cuts to Vet hospitals proves that the GOP will USE our troops for their own political gain. And then throw them over their shoulder like an empty pop can when they're done with them.

Senator Wellstone, fought to make sure the Vets who returned from wars got the respect and treatment they deserved.

That's how I support the troops. Making sure they have a home to come home to. And people who will help them if they need it.

And not voting for lying politicians like Bush who will use them to stay in the White House also helps.

The fact that we even have one homeless vet in our country should put these maggots in the White House to shame.

[appleannie1]

20. How about

demanding they not be sent into war armed with weapons that you know will eventually cause their death through cancer, after they have produced babies without arms and legs? http://www.tnjp.org/DepletedUranium.html

[DanCa]

21. Not voting for an administration who is going to close walter reed

and dozens of military bases across the country.

[DanCa]

22. By voting for war heroes and not chicken hawks who skip out of the gaurd.

[DemInDistress]

23. my idea...bring the troops home..... nt

[niyad]

25. NOT sending them to fight illegal, unjust and immoral wars-demanding

that those who do be removed from office.

for the record, I spent quite a few years as a vets' counselor, in addition to being married to a ptsd/agent orange vet and am saddened by the fact that I must do so again. I had hoped that no more families would have to go through what we did, on either side.

[progressivebydesign]

29. Caring about them.. not wanting them to die or get hurt.

Bringing them home would be an ultimate supportive action, also keeping the pressure on D.C. to end this fucking war.

[gristy]

31. getting them the hell out of Iraq

That is all.

[porphyrian]

32. Not risking their lives for a lie. - n/t

[BeHereNow]

34. HEY PEANUTCAT- Where'd you go?

Haven't seen one response from you to the people
who have replied to your thread-
What ARE your thoughts on your topic-
I'm curious to know.
Welcome to DU btw.
BHN

[Peanutcat]

62. Sleeeeeeep

Sleep! I needed sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

[DanCa]

35. Dubya's bishops denouced the war. Why dontch ask them?

Or do you think that Dubya is above his church ?

[Name removed]

36. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sam sarrha]

37. crying, cheering, waving a big flag and throwing confetti as they return

from all clearing out of iraq.

[nomatrix]

38. My whole family decided to forgo the commercial christmas

and take the hundreds of dollars and put it into boxes to send over to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Just look at AnySoldier.com and click on where to send. A scroll screen will appear on the left and you can sort it by most recent post or by branch or country. The name will appear of the sponsor whose name it will be sent under and that person will tell you what is needed. Go ahead. Read some of it. I'll wait.

Just your letters help them get through one more day. I sent games, gummies, jerky, microwavable foods, books, dvds, magazine, writing paper, envelopes, soaps, hand creams, chap stick, shampoos & conditioners, things for ladies, things for guys, socks, gloves, funny stuff, with a card just to say thanks and some chit/chat, nothing political.

You can send them out in flat rate boxes 11x13x3 from the P.O. for $8.10 (with the increase. It used to be $7.70) Ya, you got to fill out a custom form saying whats inside.


I spent Christmas with soldiers who were going back. Took them to dinner. We talked about the sites that do support the troops like anysoldier.com. They said they couldn't have gotten through without it. They got letters from all over the world. School kids colored pictures. So many soldiers get nothing from home, especially from MS and LA because they lost everything. When a package comes in everyone shares it. That was the only time they smiled. Dinner was great!

There's one unit I know that does ball drop with toys like beanies, nerf balls, etc. When they flyover to pickup our wounded, the kids always come running out and they drop garbage bags full of goodies for them so any old balls and stuff you can send. They say when you are doing this kind of medi vac, it gives them something to smile about.

There's a lot of really good people who are stuck there doing the best they can. To support the troops means not to put them into an unnecessary conflict to start, but since they are there give them a break from the insanity with a random act of kindness. You can make a difference.

Then theres Help Hospitalized Veteran, which does craft kits. I've done this for years. I do get cards back from those who got the kits which is really nice.
Paralyzed Veterans of America too.

I love our troops. I don't have a magnet or bumper sticker. Other than here, I don't advertise it.
"I support the troops" means I've got to get off my ass.
You know a card cost the same to mail there as it does in the U.S.

Any questions?


http://anysoldier.com/
Edit to add link

[Breeze54]

48. Here's another --> BOOKS for SOLDIERS!

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/index.php

ABOUT US

During the first Gulf War, several of my friends from school
were in the reserves and were activated to fight the Iraqis.
CNN reported that once the soldiers were deployed,
they were faced with massive downtime and were restricted
to their base due to the travel limitations set by the Saudi government.

I am a voracious reader and at the beginning of the Gulf War,
I had a closet full of paperback books. Books that were not being used.
So instead of selling them at the used book store,
I packed them up in small care packages and sent them out to all
the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen I had addresses for.

Within a few weeks, I ran out of books before I ran out of addresses.
Friends and family members began donating their paperback books
and in the end, over 1000 books were sent to the Gulf.

After the war,
we received many thank you notes from soldiers who got one of our books.
Unless it was time for them to fly back home,
mail-call days were one of the most anticipated events of deployment.

Regardless of why the military is deployed,
the men and women of our armed services are there for us.
They deserve our support and if we can make their deployment easier,
then all the better.

Currently, BFS is a non-profit corporation,
operated as a ministry of a non-denominational church in North Carolina.

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/index.php

MAILING GUIDELINES

1 - Try to keep your package the size of a shoe box or similar.
When we send out a box,
we use FLAT RATE BOXES that the US Postal Service offers.
It is a very good deal -
you can cram as much as you can in the box and shipping is a flat $7.70.

:wow: Also, the boxes are FREE from the US Post Office!!!!!

Large packages over 25 pounds probably will not get through or be greatly delayed.

2 - Use the complete military address,
including the full name of the recipient.
Example...
SFC Johnson, Thomas
E/5-7 ADA (fwd)
Operation Enduring Freedom
APO AE 99999

3 - When sending to the whole unit,
address the package to an individual also.
Example...
SFC Johnson, Thomas
E/5-7 ADA (fwd)
Operation Enduring Freedom
APO AE 99999

4 - Include a note to the recipient.
Tell them about your support of them and your hopes of a safe return.
If you are sending to the unit in general,
explain that these books are a gift to the whole unit and to give them
to someone else once they are finished.

It is also good to send a small care package of useful items along with your book.
Click here for a recommended list.

5 - Include your return address.
Packages with no valid return address will be considered a suspicious package
and likely to be destroyed according to the Defense Department.

6 - Although some troops will request "anything,"
we have found that books on the Apocalypse or end of the world are not as well
received as mystery novels for example.

7 - Do not send us a book to send to a soldier,
mail it to the soldier directly.

8 - Do not send pornography.
The Defense Department tells us that most troops live in an area where any type
of pornography is illegal and could result in problems for the recipient.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Personally;
I donate money and time at my local Amvets.
They send out gift boxes every month to the soldiers!
I also send my own boxes of goodies, DVD's, games, books,
magazine's, holiday decorations, etc. to my son in Iraq.

PHONE CARDS ARE IN BIG DEMAND TOO!!
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
:thumbsup:

[Skittles]

39. I have sent dozens of care packages

to Iraq and Afghanistan......hundreds of postcards.......and I am working like hell to ensure asshole chickenhawk republican warmongerers GET THE BOOT THIS NEXT ELECTION

[nomatrix]

41. ALRIGHT!!!!!

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[Skittles]

43. a lot of those packages are clothes and toys for the kids

they are desperately poor and appreciate it very much

[BeHereNow]

40. Little yellow stick on ribbons next to my Bush Cheney bumper sticker?

Faithfully tuning into Fox news to complete my brainwashing?
Remaining ignorant and arrogant as a good American?
Mindlessly yelling down anyone who doesn't agree with
my ill informed view of the world and US foreign policy?
Gee I don't know Peanutcat...
You tell me.
Oh that's right you have not replied once on the thread
you started.
Never mind.
Love your sig line!
"Chaos. Panic. Disorder. My work here is done.

BHN

[Porcupine]

42. Send Cruise Ships to Basra loaded with spouses and S.O's

and cheerful volunteers to keep the single ones company. Load the troops aboard, ALL OF THEM, and have a nice leisurely cruise back to the U.S.

I think that would just about do it.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BooScout]

50. Brave response.....

I agree. At this point, 4 years in, they know what they are in for when they enlist or re-enlist. I cannot in good conscience support them.

Lyndie England, Abu Garb, Colin Powell lying before the UN, staging resues to make themselves some good PR, etc. I cannot in good conscience support them.

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[BooScout]

54. Do not yell at me....

It doesn't make your opinion better than mine. In fact it lessens your argument. I realize my opinion is not a popular one. Stop loss is one factor, but others enlist and re-enlist voluntarily and stop loss is not forever.

I don't advocate protesting the against the troops. I simply will not support anyone that goes to war in Iraq.

[Name removed]

55. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The2ndWheel]

63. Simple and to the point

Agreed.

[ingac70]

46. Supporting the troops is NOT SENDING THEM TO THEIR DEATHS.

:dem:

[Peter Frank]

47. The Bumper sticker - "We Send No Troop Before His Time"

Each soldier is deeply Committed to a Code of Honor, and loyalty to America. At risk of personal injury and death he/she dutifully obeys the given orders. This is precisely how things should be. Imagine how WWII would have turned out if things were otherwise.

This understood -- it is incumbent upon our leadership to place these brave, intelligent, and loyal Americans in harm's way -- only when all other measures have been exhaustively explored!

PNAC (unconcerned with the wellbeing of our troops) published their plans for an Iraq war in the late 90's. They gained control of our government on 1/20/01 and soon after instigated this war of "First Resort."

[NMMNG]

49. Not sending them to die for lies

Supporting them, financially, medically and psychologically, when they return damaged after they've served their country.

Treating them as valuable human beings, not just some "poster boys" we drag out and glorify to hype people up for wars, then toss aside when they are no longer of use to us.

[cornermouse]

51. For starters, get out of Iraq.

We had no business invading them.

As far as Afghanistan, listen to the generals, strategists, and logistics people and make plans WITH them, not in spite of them. Give the troops body armor and armored vehicles before entering a war. Get rid of ALL the contractors. They are a blight.

Restore the military's benefits to pre-Bush levels. Either start building some more VA hospitals (we're going to need them) or start paying for veteran's care in regular hospitals and doctors. The distance and time spent waiting that some veterans have to spend in getting medical care should be a scandal all by itself and that was before Bush.

[Hubert Flottz]

56. Impeach the guy who's getting them killed!

So they can come home.

[JI7]

57. making sure they get the things they need and work for

need meaning the equipment they need for training at home and abroad and when in war. what they work for meaning their pay, health care, education etc.

and while one can put up "support the troops" signs it doesn't mean much and is hypocritical if you don't do what i listed above.

[timtom]

58. Here's a couple of ideas:

1) Get their asses out of harm's way.
2) If they are fighting a legitimate war (none since 1945), then, for God's sake, provide them with maximum support re: equipment and superior weaponry
3) But, in no way support or condone brutal and inhumane behavior.

[Solly Mack]

61. Illegal wars? NOT supporting the troops

Wars based on lies? NOT supporting the troops.

Allowing war profiteers to feed and clothe the troops? NOT supporting the troops.

Sending them off to those illegal wars based on lies with faulty equipment or not enough equipment? NOT supporting the troops.

Screwing them out of benefits? NOT supporting the troops.

Lying to them to encourage recruitment? NOT supporting the troops.

Promising a bonus then taking it back? NOT supporting the troops.

Buying a magnet and supporting a President that engages in illegal wars? NOT supporting the troops.

Waving the flag and supporting the same President? NOT supporting the troops.

Denying the torture problem? NOT supporting the troops.

Failing to fully investigate torture and jail ALL those guilty? NOT supporting the troops.

Spying on Americans? NOT supporting the troops. (if you claim the troops are fighting/dying for our freedoms when you are eroding those exact same freedoms - then how can you be supporting the troops? You can't)


ANYTHING and everything the Bush Regime has done? NOT supporting the troops. Since the Bush Regime is all about stripping Americans of their civil rights.

[kevinbgoode]

64. I send them care packages and letters

and have my students write letters as well.

[w8liftinglady]

65. A soldier's mom thanks you all...

Regardless of your view of the war-thank you for thinking of our soldiers.This is hard for them because so many have been separated from their families for so long.My son has been out of the US since 2002.He has been home for 2-2 week leaves.All other leaves have been cancelled.He has been between Iraq and germany.He has me,but a lot of kids in his unit have no one.Thank you all.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

66. Bringing them home and discharging them. The "war" is lost.

And, then cut the "defense" budget by, at least, half.

[proud patriot]

67. It means many things to me

First and foremost try to stop illegal wars from starting.
Once it's started work for resolution so soldiers may come home.
Support their families here at home when they are away.
Send care packages/letters to soldiers.
Remember the War, in other words Don't live like there
is no war happening .
Help to ensure the soldiers have the equipment and support .
When they are able to come home show them appreciation and
give them what they need to adjust to life back home .
Always remember soldeirs aren't there fighting for the politics
they are there fighting because of the Man/Woman next to them .
I'll probably think of more later. :patriot:

[kiki]

68. Giving them

rotten food and contaminated water, and stealing millions of dollars that was meant for them.

Oh hang on, that's not me. That's Halliburton.

[lies and propaganda]

69. wanting them to be alive

and voting for people who wouldnt rather them dead for money and oil.

[msgadget]

74. By wanting a no torture policy and no more pre-emptive, elective wars.

[Raine]

75. Providing them with body armor

which this administration is not doing would be a good start!

[B Calm]

76. Enlisting and serving my country. Pretty hard to support them

while sitting on your ass after placing a yellow ribbon magnet on the rear of your car. If that's all you are willing to do, and speaking as a Vietnam vet, I recommend that you scream at the top of your lungs, Bring Our Troops Home NOW!

[ClayZ]

77. We send ocarina care packages through www.anysoldier.com

It started when a soldier/customer had his ocarina confiscated at boot camp and not returned to him. When he got to Iraq he wanted another. His friends did too.

We have sent many dozens of our ocarinas to Iraq now. They are little pocket sized flutes that are very easy to play. We kept trying to send enough to get some out to Iraqi children, but the soldiers kept, as Josh said, swooping them up.

We sent lots before Christmas and got back the most wonderful cards and letters. One of the letters we got, the soldier said he walked through camp and heard Christmas songs being played all through the camp.

Each of our songbooks has the legend of the "coalmouse and the dove" printed on the back. It is a story about speaking out for World Peace.

We have been making ocarinas for 30 years. Sending Ocarinas to soldiers in Iraq has been a GOOD thing.

[Hubert Flottz]

78. Telling the truth...