What does it mean to "support the troops"
 

The title says it all.

I am curious as to what people mean by "I support the troops." What do you *do*? How do you show that you support them?
The answers from people who hate GW Bush and/or are against the war may be the most interesting.

Adrienne (PNAM-2003)

On my campus there is a new support group for family and friends of soldiers deployed in this war. The people running this support group have a broad range of opinions on war but they are working together for the loved ones of soldiers as a way of showing support for the troops and their loved ones.

sign up to write the troops who don't get much mail some letters, pray for them, and when they come home be supportive and don't attack them for doing their job. i may not support this war, but that hasn't once stopped me from telling the guys i know in the army that i know why they are fighting it.

Excellent question, Adrienne! I show my support for the members of the Armed Forces in a few different ways...

I write well and often to friends who are deployed

I send care packages (Admittedly, these folks are going through enough without being subjected to my baking but it's the thought that counts, right??)

I regularly check in on their families to make sure they don't need anything. Often all they do need is someone to talk to; which I am glad to do.

I wear a yellow ribbon on my jacket. Doesn't actually DO anything for the troops; just a symbolic gesture.

I pray for their safety

What I don't do is try to engage them in debate about why they should or shouldn't be over there. They are there, and that's that. I just want to keep my friends' spirits up.

I don't vote for politicians who would try to cut the military budget (ie no pay raises, massive pass-overs, dilapidated base housing, etc.)

If I didn't agree with this action and wanted to protest it, I would never, ever, ever carry a sign or shout a slogan that disparaged them. None of them are responsible for this situation; they're just the ones sent to carry it out.

What do I do to support the troops? Well, in this case, I am the troops. Thanks for your support.

As an OBTW, for those of you who know roughly where I am right now, you wouldn't believe the convoluted lash up I am using to relay this from my laptop to an internet connection.

dude, how fast is your connection? when I was in the congo using satellite connection, it sucked when the weather sucked. oh well, life goes on.

Arya,
The connection is pretty reasonable as to speed, but it is kind of unstable and I get blown off every few minutes. Also, I can only check in when I have a spare minute or two. Kind of busy otherwise.

How in the world did you finagle an uplink from wherever the hell you are???? :p

I hadn't considered that people posting here were actually deployed already.......wow!

OK, here's a Part B to the question--to those of you who are in the military (past or present), or military families: what do the people on the front lines (or close to it) need or want in terms of support that the average civilian can supply?

(On my end, my DAR chapter is going through the machinations of this question as well--what can we do as a group to support the people in the military, esp at a time of war, and REALLY especially when opinions on it are divided.)

Thanx for the very thoughtful answers people!
Adrienne (PNAM-2003)

Adduncan, not from military backing, but had families in them, and I was also in the middle of conflict both in angola and congo for about a month each. Letters from family and friends help a whole lot. Dekeguy, stay safe, look both ways at all time, and come home safely.

Re: What does it mean to "support the troops"
 

adduncan,
Like I said, you wouldn't believe the lash up, especially since I am routing it so nothing interferes with official traffic.

What can you do? Right now, PRAY. Seriously, pray that these poor guys wake up and surrender so we don't have to hurt them. You might also say a quick one that they don't get lucky and score a fluke hit on our guys.
If I dont get the chance to log off remember us tonight in the US and keep pulling for us in the next few days. We want to do this right. I need to get the job done and then get all my guys home in one piece. Thanks.

dekeguy,
you and the rest of the troops are in my prayers :)

My cousin is in the Royal Marines, and is attached to the Special Air Service as a para trooper. The last time we heard from him he was in Diego Garcia, that was three weeks ago. If anybody knows anything about the SAS they are one of, if not the most, elite fighting forces in the world. At this point in time i can only assume is already in Iraq and has been for a while. The best i can do to support him is pray.

I am one of those people that is against the war and George W. Bush. How to do I plan to support the troops? With daily PRAYER and a weekly message of encouragement via Operation Dear Abby.

I will not support our President and don't care who knows this.

I don't like Bush but still support the troops. To me it means that you don't call them baby killer or stuff like that. One time a couple years ago I had a job going door to door collectting donations. One guy was in the army and as I left I said thank you for whatever he did and then I said "thank you for serving our country" He didn't know how to take that at all. I think I was the first (maybe only) person to ever say that.
I don't like death, especially human death, but sometimes its necesarry. I almost joined after highschool but you can't serve in the military with the type of medication I"m on.

I just wanted to add that Bush is not a troop. He is the Commander-In-Chief, yes, but is still a civilian. A civilan is the Commander-in-Chief because James Madison and friends wanted a seperation of powers. This way, you can't really declare martial law in America.

Hey Dekeguy,

I am from San Diego, and as is such, I've had loads of friends and aquaintances who are in all branches of the military. I know how hard it is for them to be away from home for so long under such difficult circumstances.

If you know any soliders who don't have anyone back home to talk to, I am volunteering to send encouraging e-mail back and forth. I will write to anyone who writes to me. PM me if you or your colleagues are interested.

Best of success to you all - please come home to us safely.

God Bless,

.....Kelly :)

I don't pray, so I'm not on my knees offering prayers to a God/Goddess for their safe return.

I think about them. I think about how selfless they have to be to do something like this. I think about their families and loved ones, and how much of a sacrifice they had to make in order to support their loved ones.

I write to them - when I have some free time (which ain't a whole lot these days because of school). I've written to service men and women in the past (Gulf War).

I thank them whenever I get a chance.

Still doesn't mean I support military action, but I do support -- and think highly of -- the men and women in uniform, at home and abroad.

I posed this in another thread.. I thought it might fit here too....

In a way, I feel that those that oppose war "support the troops" more than those people who support it. How much more support can you give than, "your life and the lives of your friends in the military are more important than invading this country"? I know if it were my Dad, brother, or sister (a girl from my chapter is in the Navy) over there I would be pissed as hell if I didn't think EVERY diplomatic way had been tried such that no unecessary lives were lost. Shouldn't we be mad and voice our opinions if we think this is the case????
-M

That's a really interesting perspective, XOMichelle. I hadn't thought of it that way.

Actually, I thought of that while watching my current boyfriend try and hash out his thoughts on the war. He recently (like last summer) went on inactive duty from the Army Reserve. He went through infantry basic and officer training, and feels a huge connection to his boys that are still on active duty. And as much as he believes in military action, the pain he feels by knowing that his boys are in danger keeps him on the fence. The quiver in his voice when he says "Michelle, we are going to war" scares the living daylights out of me. I feel he understands the weight of that statement far more than I ever will (or ever hope to, actually). How can I really support something that scares *him* like that??? I don't know where the threshold is, but at what point can I honestly look at him and say, "it's ok, your boys are going to die for a good cause?" I am not convinced it has been reached.
-M

exactly....and now u.n. aprroval? If Britain's with us, Blair is gone. But why not get UN backing. Even France changed their Mind and said would NOT veto. FRANCE, honest to god FRANCE!!

I come from a very military family. At my father's retirement over the summer, I learned that my family has been in all five branches of the military. Luckily, I've never had to face one of them being sent off to war, but that could change since my brother-in-law is a nuc for the Navy.

Prayer is the best way of supporting our troops. Although they may not hear how much they mean to us, God will let them know and he will hear our prayers (whichever God you believe in). I think another important thing is that when they come home, don't force them to talk about what they went through. In time, they may be able to talk about it, but many soliders try to leave it in the past. If you have the opportunity, send an e-mail or care package to let them know that they are missed and loved...

What support means to me...
 

Spoken by a Vietnam vet speaking against the war, this morning at a walkout--basically, don't give the troops the same shit that Vietnam vets got--don't spit on troops coming home, don't call them baby killers--you know, that kind of thing. These people are in my thoughts daily. I do not support this war, or the president, but I will support the troops through respect and the best wishes for a safe and speedy recovery.

Prayer is the best way of support--only if you're religious. What should us atheists/agnostics do? :confused:

Re: What support means to me...
 

Here are my suggestions :) :

Send words of encouragement via Operation Dear Abby.

If you know someone (or know someone that knows someone) that is deployed, maybe you could send them a card, care package, or something.

Participate in a letter writting campaign asking for an end to the war(or whatever you deem important).

Participate in peacful demostrations.

Hope this helps!

I happen to be the committee chairman for my local Order of the Eastern Star chapter's 'Operation Eastern Star' (http://www.texas-oes.org/oes.htm) campaign. Basically, we're assigned a point of contact with a unit deployed overseas and regularly send them care packages and other things that make life a little bearable in the field. Here's the FAQ on Operation Eastern Star:

Hope this helps.

does anyone know a good website/contact for me to get in touch with about writing to soldiers? many of the women from my chapter have expressed an interest in writing to a soldier overseas.

The one I use is operationmilitarysupport.com ...they just now set it up that you can input your info and a name is automatically sent to your email.

I also use operationmilitarypride.org...I have a K9 and its handler. :)

I just sent out my first letters today and am preparing care packages. :D

As of what little we get from the EmBEDDED News media, it sucks!

I want one thing and cannot do it for the 6-7 USA Troops or the 12-16 British Troops who have died for this "WAR".

I want all of the Men and women no matter what side they are on to get this over with as little dieing as possible!

France, F**K France, they should be speaking German if not for the USA! At least, they were the only ones who paid off the war dept. WW II that is!

Billy, get it together will you? PM me if need to K?

While I may not like the whole idea fo our people beiong there, they are, period! I wanted all to come back! Period!

The military and the Govt. look at exceptable loses, BS, I did not wnat any losses! Period! They have family members and freinds, and maybe Brothers! Period!

Well, I guess we watch CNN and see what happens!:(

I just got back from my sororities retreat and we took time this morning to make care packages to sent to the soldiers. Several of our sisters and new members have family members or boyfriends overseas right now and have all the information of where to send the packages to.

ariesrising-thanks for the link!

There is a mother in AZ (I think) who is collecting baby wipes, lip balm, gum and suntan lotion for our troops.

I pray constantly for our troops, I WILL use that link! I WILL find a way to send them some necessities! The list of suggestions was really fantastic.

I WILL NOT comment on the right or wrong aspects of this war now that we are engaged. Heaven forbid I put a negative thought out there that would cause one single individual to hesitate at a moment when his/her life was on the line. They need 100% conviction in their purpose.

How do I support the troops? By supporting my boyfriend. He was deployed 24 days ago... I support him by writting him a letter a day, praying for him constantly, and sending him care packages. I miss him so much it hurts...I also support President Bush and this war... I'm still not quite sure why we're at war, but I support Pres. Bush nonetheless.

Basically, I think prayer is the best way to support our troops. They're doing what they have trained to do...

God bless our troops and God bless America,
Blaire

Did anyone else see the segment on FoxNews today about this?

They said the Pentagon came out and asked that people refrain from sending unsolicited packages and letters to troops for safety reasons. They are encouraging those with family or friends to continue sending care packages and asked people interested in showing support to go through websites.

Kitso
KS 361

Okay, I have a really dumb question...what does "unsolicited" mean? I guess I'm having a blonde moment!

Thanks,
Blaire

letters no expected or asked for. Sort of like a total stranger sending you a mail, that would be unsolicated mail. Then again I could be wrong.

How do I support our troops?

I pray for them, daily. I speak up for them and the hardships they are enduring over there during debates and discussions about the war. I demonstrate quietly and peacefully to end the war and bring them home. I am everything a good Navy daughter ought to be--I love my country, I love my family and friends who've been deployed. I remain informed. I am there for my friends who are here at home with loved ones deployed. I listen to veterans and continue to support their cause with my votes and my voice.

This is how I support our troops, daily and with passion. May we know peace as rapidly as we knew war.

~Emma

What does it mean to "support our troops"?
 

There's a thread here where it asks three questions:

1. Support Bush?
2. Support War?
3. Support Troops?

EVERYONE supports the troops. I'm assuming that people have their own definition of what that means. Do you support what they're doing? Or do you just have friendly feelings towards them and their sacrifice? Please elaborate on #3.

my sister's boyfriend, who is in the U.S. Naval Academy, sent me this:

IT IS THE SOLDIER
by Charles M. Province

IT IS THE SOLDIER, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

IT IS THE SOLDIER, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

IT IS THE SOLDIER, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

IT IS THE SOLDIER, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
IT IS THE SOLDIER who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
__________________________________________

My opinions about the war and Bush are irrelevent in this thread, but I do support our troops. They are going to work and doing the job they signed up to do - and I respect that. I know a few guys over there and I've been sending them cards/letters/packages. They're my friends so they know I support them fully.

I just happened across this thread, and felt the urge to respond to it. I know that it is old, but it struck a chord and needs re-evaluating. Some of you may think that the war is over, but it is far from that. My husband was just deployed last Thursday, the 1st.

I have lived in Germany with my Army husband for the last two years. When talk of war in Iraq began, there was a great backlash against the president and others involved. And, please don't tell me that you don't think that the government had enough information to base their decision on, do you really think that they are going to tell you everything? Do you really WANT them to tell you everything? If you do, then you put people, like my husband in danger.

I am around soldiers daily, and the main concern was the way the people reacted. Do you realize how hypocritical saying, "I don't support Bush, but I support our troops." sounds. You are talking about these men and women's BOSS! The guys in my husband's platoon couldn't even watch the TV with all the celebrities talking $hit! They are supposed to be preparing themselves to defend the rights of these people? (Most of them could care less if they ever see Cheryl Crow or Martin Sheen again) I just don't think that people stop and think about how their actions effect these soldiers. These people CHOSE to join the military, and knew what the job entailed. However, morale is a big part of the battle.

So, I know that this post is rambling all over the place, but this topic hits very close to home. I have posted my feelings on other similar threads in efforts to inform people of how the other half lives. It really makes me sick to my stomach to hear people bash the government and then gush about soldiers. Why protest it? You can't do anything about it now.

For those of you very adamant about your opinion, call Susan Sarandon, she'd probably care more to here from you then a solidier would. But, you are free to have your opinion, my husband is in Iraq right now guaranteeing that.

aj

YOU got that right:all good.
 

:cool: all good there.:D ?thats cool:cool: