21 Feb 2008 05:40:56 | Susan Fitter
CELEBRATE THE 4TH AND HELP A SOLDIER: REMEMBER OUR TROOPS ON THE
DAY THEY MADE INDEPENDENT By: Susan Fitter
My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a Fourth
of July cookout that supports our troops in Iraq. “How?” I
asked, feeling somewhat guilty that we can drink margaritas and
play lawn games with our families on Independence Day, while our
troops in Iraq are risking life and limb. Always upbeat, Rae
chirped, “By having everyone bring a gift that we’ll collect and
send to the troops. You know useful things like CDs, books,
underwear…”
Underwear? Well, they were called “unmentionables” for a reason;
we seem to forget to mention that we need them. It makes sense,
especially since undies are made to be fun now – just look at
Joe Cool Boxers or the Victoria’s Secret catalogue. “Okay, we’re
in”, I responded.
Well, unless you have a close family member in a war zone like
my friend, Rae, sending gifts can be a problem due to security
concerns and anthrax scares.
So, the best way for the rest of us to let the troops know we
care about them, is to send a donation of $25.00 to sponsor a
care package through the United Service Organizations, Inc.
(USO.) USO care packages will include pre-paid phone cards,
sunscreen, toiletries, disposable camera and a message from the
donor thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
It still makes for an easy party idea: Each family brings a
$25.00 check made out to USO and fills out a USO form stating
their personal message to the troops. The collective package of
checks and forms is then sent to:
Operation USO Care Package Post Office Box 8069 Topeka, KS 66608
Questions? Call: 571-262-1485 or email
questions@USOCarePackage.org. To discuss fund raising
opportunities, please contact Lisa Frederick at
lisa.frederick@fmmc.army.mil.
Susan Fitter, M.A., AICI cares about manners because people with
manners care. Catch her at: www.MannersHelp.com.
About Author :
Susan Fitter, M.A., AICI, is the force behind Fitter Image,
Etiquette & Protocol, the firm she founded in 2003 as a veteran
image consultant. Susan received her training in Etiquette and
Protocol from the internationally acclaimed Protocol School of
Washington. She is a certified member of The Association of
Image Consultants International and The Protocol and Diplomacy
International.
