U.S. Troops: How To Support

The following information is summarized from the United States Department of Defense Community Support website: https://www.uso.org/

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Community Support site currently lists more than 100 non-profit groups that are devoted to helping U.S. service men and women. The groups provide a multitude of services, including educational assistance, care packages and letters, and support for wounded soldiers.

For safety and security reasons, the military cannot send letters, packages or individually donated items to the troops. Also, for security and privacy reasons, the military will not provide the names or the addresses of servicemen. It is not going to be possible for individuals, towns, agencies, etc. to support specific servicemen. Anyone who wants to verify this, or get more information, can call their local Military Family Support Center.

How Can We Help – The following ways to support the troops are listed, but not specifically endorsed by, the Department of Defense. A complete list of organizations providing support services to troops can be found at the Community Support website: https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Military-Support-Organizations/

Sending Messages to Troops on Duty

Any Soldier Inc.
www.anysoldier.com/ – helps individuals and organizations send e-mails, letters and packages to soldiers serving overseas who may not receive much or any mail.

Sending Donations

Operation USO Care Package USO Care Package Program – United Service Organizations
INDIVIDUALS can donate for the purchase of a care package which the USO will assemble and deliver to members of the military deployed overseas. Donations go toward requested items such as calling cards, disposable cameras, and shaving kits. Donors are allowed to include a personal greeting.
CORPORATIONS can donate items purchased in bulk and mailed directly from the manufacturer to the USO.
Fisher House Foundation www.fisherhouse.org/ Make a donation to support the work of the Fisher House Foundation which builds and supports “comfort homes” which are located on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do/support-military-families
Make a donation to the American Red Cross, which offers support services to military and military families here and abroad.

Other suggested ways of showing support for members of the military include performing volunteer work at a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital or reaching out to military families in your local community, particularly those with a family member serving overseas.

To Find Providers in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database:
Search by service names: Military Donations/Relief Programs

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SOURCES: U.S. Department of Defense
PREPARED BY: 211/nl
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2024