(The above photos are soldiers in Iraq)
 

Request For Help from Marine Serving in Iraq

 ~ Marine CorpsCounterintelligence Association | 4/21/04 | 1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC

Hello Everyone, I am taking time to ask you all for your help.

First off, I'd like to say that this is not a political message. I'm not concerned about domestic politics right now. We have much bigger things to deal with, and we need your help.

It seems that despite the tremendous and heroic efforts of the men and women serving here in Iraq to bring much needed peace and stability to this region, we are losing the war of perception with the media and American people. Our enemy has learned that the key to defeating the mighty American military is by swaying public opinion at home and abroad. We are a people that cherish the democratic system of government and therefore hold the will of the people in the highest regard. We love to criticize ourselves almost to an endless degree, because we care what others think. Our enemies see this as a weakness and are trying to exploit it.

When we ask ourselves questions like, "Why do they hate us?" or "What did we do wrong?" we are playing into our enemies' hands. Our natural tendency to question ourselves is being used against us to undermine our effort to do good in the world. How far would we have gotten if after the surprise attacks on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, we would have asked, "Why do the Japanese hate us so much?" or "How can we change ourselves so that they won't do that again?" Here in Iraq the enemy is trying very hard to portray our efforts as failing and fruitless. They kill innocents and desecrate their bodies in hopes that the people back home will lose the will to fight for liberty. They are betting on our perceived weakness as a thoughtful, considerate people. Unfortunately our media only serves to further their cause.

In an industry that feeds on ratings and bad news, a failure in Iraq would be a goldmine. When our so-called "trusted" American media takes a quote from an Iraqi doctor as the gospel truth over that of the men and women that are daily fighting to protect the right to freedom of press, you know something is wrong. That doctor claimed that out of 600 Iraqis, that were casualties of the fighting, the vast majority of them were women, children and the elderly. This is totally absurd. In the history of man, no one has spent more time and effort, often to the detriment of our own mission, to be more discriminate in our targeting of the enemy than the American military. The Marines and Soldiers serving in Iraq have gone through extensive training in order to limit the amount of innocent casualties and collateral damage.

Yet, despite all of this, our media consistently sides with those who openly lie and directly challenge the honor of our brave heroes fighting for liberty and peace. What we have to remember is that peace is not defined as an absence of war. It is the presence of liberty, stability, and prosperity. In the face of the horrendous tyranny of the former Iraqi regime, the only way true peace was able to come to this region was through force. That is what the American Revolution was all about. Have we forgotten? Freedom is not free and "peace" without principle is not peace. The peace that so-called "peace advocates" support can only be brought to Iraq through the military. And we are doing it, if only the world will let us! If the American people believe we are failing, even if we are not, then we will ultimately fail.

That is why I am asking for your support. Become a voice of truth in your community. Wherever you are fight the lies of the enemy. Don't buy into the pessimism and apathy that says, "It's hopeless," "They hate us too much," "That part of the world is just too messed up," "It's our fault anyway," "We're to blame," and so forth. Whether you're in middle school, working at a 9-5 job, retired, or a stay-at-home mom you can make a huge difference! There is nothing more powerful than the truth. So, when you watch the news and see doomsday predictions and spiteful opinions on our efforts over here, you can refute them by knowing that we are doing a tremendous amount of good. Spread the word. No one is poised to make such an amazing contribution to the everyday lives of Iraqis and the rest of the Arab world than the American Armed Forces. By making this a place where liberty can finally grow, we are making the whole world safer. Your efforts at home are directly tied to our success. You are the soldiers at home fighting the war of perception. So I'm asking you as a fellow fighting man: Do your duty. Stop the attempts of the enemy wherever you are. You are a mighty force for good, because truth is on your side. Together we will win this fight and ensure a better world for the future.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis, 1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC Ramadi, Iraq

How to Support the Troops

To: Win Without War Supporters and Friends

From: Veterans for Common Sense

SHOW your SUPPORT for the TROOPS

Dear Supporters of Win Without War:

Veterans for Common Sense encourages concerned Americans to support our troops both immediately, through care packages and letters, and in the long-term by ensuring that our veterans are properly cared for.

A new war in Iraq will create another generation of veterans.  To support their long-term needs, please consider supporting one of the following organizations:

(1) Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - A charitable organization dedicated to helping disabled American veterans and their families. Unlike the American Legion which has taken a position in support of a war in Iraq, the DAV has no position on the war.

http://www.DAV.org

(2) The National Gulf War Resource Center (NGWRC) - A non-profit resource and advocacy organization dedicated to serving veterans and civilians who are disabled and/or sick as a result of the Gulf War.  The NGWRC does not take positions on foreign policy issues but rather focuses on the health and welfare of the men and women who serve.  The NGWRC is uniquely prepared to provide referrals for and advocate on behalf of the next generation of Gulf War veterans.

Contact: Steve Robinson, Executive Director
tel. (301) 585-4000 x162; srobinson@ngwrc.org
http://www.NGWRC.org

As veterans, we can tell you what it means to receive letters from concerned Americans when you are far from home and uncertain about what tomorrow will bring. Regardless of the fact that many of us supported continued weapons inspections and question the need to go to war with Iraq, we are all in this together and we want our service members to come home safe.

Just as it was important for us to receive the well wishes of our fellow Americans in 1991, we hope that you will share that generosity with a new generation of U.S. soldiers.

You can show your own support for our troops by sending a message and/or care package to U.S. servicemen and women currently deployed in the Gulf Region.  We also encourage you to reach out to military families in your community, especially those with a loved one overseas.

Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department of Defense suspended its practice of forwarding personal care packages and correspondence by the American public to "Any Service Member."

However, we have discovered several organizations that have overcome those obstacles and would like to share their information with you. 

 

OPERATION DEAR ABBY ( www.OperationDearAbby.net) offers a way for Americans to send messages of support to our men and women deployed overseas.  Service members may reply to your message, offering an opportunity for genuine dialogue.

 It is recommended that you remain positive in your correspondences with the troops.  While no one should feel discouraged from expressing their views, it is important to have in mind the morale and welfare of the soldiers you correspond with.  Let them know how much you support them and their safe return. 

OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html) delivers needed items and personal messages to Service Members deployed overseas. Through sponsorship of an "Operation USO Care Package," an individual's personal greeting will be transcribed onto an official postcard and included in the care package going to a service member.  Due to the capacity the USO is equipped to handle, it offers a reliable way to fund a care packages.

In addition, there are also grassroots initiatives.

ADOPT-A-PLATOON ( www.AdoptaPlatoon.org) offers a way to send care packages to soldiers deployed overseas (DELETE as well).  We can not vouch for this operation, but it appears to be run by three moms with children overseas.  The website takes some time to navigate.  On the home page, scroll down to CAMPAIGNS and click "Operation Chow-Hall, Camp Doha, Kuwait" if you want to specifically support soldiers deployed to Kuwait.  In addition, click "How to Support a Soldier" to understand the services this organization provides.  

 As we show our support for the troops, let us redouble our efforts to ensure their safe return by winning without war.  In addition, help us ensure that they receive adequate health care and information while deployed in the Gulf region. Visit http://VeteransForCommonSense.org for more information and ongoing coverage of veteran concerns.

Sincerely, Erik Gustafson, Veterans for Common Sense

 

(1) www.OperationDearAbby.net

ABOUT OPERATION DEAR ABBY

Send a special message to our men and women in the military defending American freedom worldwide.

In 1967, Sgt. Billy Thompson wrote Abigail Van Buren asking for a Christmas present for our service members -- "Just a letter from home," American citizens have been sending their best wishes to the troops every holiday season. "Operation Dear Abby," has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel deployed away from home and around the world.

Concerns about regular mail delivery have prompted the military to suspend the year's letter-writing campaign...

However, Dear Abby, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Navy's LifeLines2000 Services Network in association with SPAWAR SCC (National Capital Region) is providing this private and secure online resource that will allow you to send a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guardsman a holiday greeting or message of support.

 

USE OF THE FORM

If your spouse, or someone close to you, is currently deployed, don't post ANY information that could jeopardize their safety or yours.

This site was created to show support for those who could potentially come into harms way. If you want to criticize ethnic groups, religions or the United States, there are newsgroups on the internet where that form of expression is acceptable. It is NOT acceptable here.

(2) http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html

OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE

 Delivers Needed Items and Personal Messages to Service Members Deployed Overseas. You, Too, Can Show a Service Member You Care.

 With thousands of U.S. troops deployed around the world, still actively engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and the fight against terrorism, the United Service Organizations (USO) is offering a unique way for individuals and corporations to let our nation's defenders know we haven't forgotten them. “Operation USO Care Package,” sponsored by the USO World Headquarters and administered by the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro), enables individuals to write a personal message and financially support care packages that will be delivered to service members participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Because of heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages to 'Any Service Member.' Operation USO Care Package is approved by the Department of Defense, providing a safe, easy way for individuals and corporations to show their prayers and thoughts are with our men and women in uniform.

Corporations may also contribute to this program through financial contributions, items donated in bulk for the care packages, or through implementation of an employee participation program. AT&T is a major supporter of this program, providing a complimentary toll free number for individuals to call for further information (1-866-USO-GIVE) and donating thousands of prepaid international phone cards to be included in the packages for the troops. “Our men and women in uniform give so much to the country, we wanted to give something in return as a token of our appreciation that would allow their separation from their loved ones to be a little easier,” according to Paul McQuillan, Defense Sales Vice President, AT&T Government Solutions.

“These Care Packages help the USO bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform,” said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters. The care packages contain an assortment of items the military have specifically requested, such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also include greetings from the American public, transcribed onto official “Operation USO Care Package” post cards by volunteers and USO staff members. 

“Operation USO Care Package will continue for as long as our country is at war,” according to Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro President. “This program is possible because of the support from individuals, corporations and organizations that donate funds to sponsor these care packages.” 

Individuals and corporations can learn more about how to get involved and support “Operation USO Care Package” through donations of product or funds, by calling 866-USO-GIVE.

 

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE?

Individuals may donate $25, which goes toward sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package.” Personal greetings may be forwarded to our post office box with the contribution. USO will transcribe the message onto an official “Operation USO Care Package” postcard, available for preview here.

 Corporations may make a tax-deductible financial donation to support “Operation USO Care Package.” A $25 donation goes toward sponsorship of one care package. Each care package will recognize corporate sponsors.

Corporations may donate items listed on the “Service Members’ Wish List” to USO-Metro, many of which may be branded with your corporate logo. These items must be sent in bulk from the manufacturer. Please call (703) 696-2628 for advance coordination of deliveries.

Corporations may delegate an employee to serve as its “Operation USO Care Package” liaison. The liaison will communicate your corporate involvement and enlist employees to participate. Employee participants could sponsor an individual care package, which would include their personal message. Corporations interested in participating in this option or willing to match their employees’ support should call (703) 696-2628 for further information.

Please send all checks and personal greetings for “Operation USO Care Package” to: USO-Operation USO Care Package

C/O Pentagon Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 19221
Alexandria, VA 22320-9998

Due to the threat of anthrax following September 11, DoD suspended its practice of forwarding personal care packages and correspondence by the American public to “Any Service Member.” In its place, USO created a care package program. Through sponsorship of an “Operation USO Care Package,” an individual’s personal greeting will be transcribed onto an official postcard and included in the care package going to a service member. 

MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!

(3) www.AdoptaPlatoon.org

WHAT is AdoptaPlatoon?

Thanks for asking about our Soldier Support Effort! Here’s what the AdoptaPlatoon (AAP) Project is all about and what you can do to support our Nation's soldiers deployed over-seas!

Important note: Other than giving your name and email address to our soldiers, all information provided to the AdoptaPlatoon will be kept confidential. No phone numbers or mailing addresses will ever be given to another individual or party without your permission. 

SUPPORTING OUR DEPLOYED SOLDIERS

Since September 11th, the AdoptaPlatoon has relied heavily on the support base that has been supporting our soldiers via the AAP for three years prior to the attack on our country. This support base has been verified and continues to support our soldiers with pride and honor. It is now necessary for us to use extreme caution but we welcome you to send us your information for consideration.  After sending your information, please allow at least two weeks for a response. There is no guarantee that you will be selected.

The Adoptaplatoon Soldier Support Effort is a non profit organization that links moms, grandmothers, families, pen-pals, and other organizations such as schools, synagogues, churches, scouts, 4-H-Clubs, companies to deployed soldiers. AAP

The adoption support comes from families, civic groups, youth groups and companies and consists of sending a weekly, cheerful card or letter, and at least one care-package, per month!

PEN PAL SUPPORT: Single people are linked to single soldiers only. A single person is linked to a single soldier and he/she becomes your responsibility to delivery mail support during the duration of the deployment (which is about six months or more).  A single person can also “adopt” a single soldier. Single ladies are not linked to married soldiers!

As much care as possible is taken to ensure that the person adopting the soldier is sincere and committed to that responsibility. It is necessary that we be as careful as possible protecting our soldiers; thus, we ask that you provide the AdoptaPlatoon with your name, ground mailing address, day and evening phone numbers your marital status, and the kind of support you wish to extend.  It is vitally important that we are able to contact you via the telephone, as we may need to call you to verify information. A company or business must provide the name of the business, ground mailing address, as well as a day/evening phone number. Single pen pal supporters must provide their age so that a pen pal link can be made appropriately.  The AAP is not a dating service but we do understand that links are more successful if consideration is taken when links between a supporter and soldier is made. Please send us as much information as you can to help us with our selection. All information received is kept strictly confidential.

We will not respond if all the information is not provided. Please allow 2 weeks for us to respond to you and please send only one email to us.

We welcome support from veteran organizations, churches, youth groups such as boy/girl scouts and schools. Schools are not accepted late in the year when the school year ends.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

How it works: Not everyone who contacts us will be selected to participate in the program. If you have sent the necessary information and are selected to participate in the effort, you will receive a "soldier delivery" letter that contains all the information you will need to successfully support your soldier plus mailing instructions (mailing costs are inexpensive).

If you are a company whose employees wish to participate, we will work with you in order to arrange your patriotic support! Employees can provide support to soldiers on a monthly or bi-monthly basis by collecting items needed and supporting a soldier(s) or even an entire platoon as a company effort or group of employees! A united company effort or youth group can help with holiday mail such as Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and soldier birthdays!

Send your information to: info@adoptaplatoon.org

If you would like to send us a donation so that this patriotic endeavor can continue, please send your donation to:

Adoptaplatoon Soldier Support Effort

P.O. Box 234

Lozano, Texas 78568-0234



There is no way to adequately thank you for the kindness you will send to a soldier! Know that this support provides tremendous benefit in morale for our deployed men and women who need to know that we stand behind them, and that they will never be forgotten. Please join the AAP Soldier Support Effort and begin to support our Peacekeepers deployed around the world!

Please send your information to: info@adoptaplatoon.org

Ida Hägg, Proud Army Mom

Joyce Lisiewski, Proud Army Mom

Fran Dobson, Proud Platoon Mom

 

 This is a link to Fort Bragg web page about what items to send to troops.

Courtesy Of: 

 http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/howToSupportTheTroops.asp