RED Fridays [Sometimes it isn’t the thought that counts]

A young lady that I know on twitter posted this and I told her I would repost in my blog.

Our guest blogger:  @medic61

There has been a campaign that has recently resurfaced to have US citizens wear red shirts on Fridays to “Remember Everyone Deployed.” But what does wearing a red shirt mean to our soldiers who are actually deployed? No one deployed is going to be able to look and see that his or her loved ones are wearing red in support. But what members of our armed forces CAN do is hold a letter in their hands, excitedly open a care package, or read an encouraging email.

It would be so much more helpful and meaningful to write a letter or send a package to our deployed military service members. Even if you don’t know someone who is deployed, there are tons of organizations that can help you get in touch. You can even talk to your friends and see if they have deployed loved ones that could use support.

As some of you may know, one of my closest friends who has been a constant source of strength and support in my life for many years has just come back from Afghanistan.  We spent a year writing letters, sending packages, having short phone calls and skype conversations, and now he is finally back in the US.  The picture posted with this rant note is of him holding his half of our mizpah coin (we aren’t religious people, but just appreciate the sentiment of the necklace) while on mission somewhere in Afghanistan.  I don’t think knowing I was wearing red would have helped him feel any less lonely/homesick/tired of being in Afghanistan, but maybe holding that necklace, reading my letters, or getting my packages did.

So I guess what I’m saying here is: instead of being passively supportive, make an active difference!

If you want more information, here are some websites you can check out:

http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.amillionthanks.org/
http://troopssupport.com/
http://soldiersangels.com

Also, if you want more information you can always contact me personally. 

Please, don’t get me wrong; I love that people are thinking of our deployed men and women and want to show their support.  I’m not trying to dissuade you from wearing red on Fridays at all!  What I am doing, however, is urging you to let our service members know how much you really care through other (more direct) avenues as well, because sometimes it isn’t just the thought that counts.  For instance, you and your friends could participate in RED Friday and send a letter to a deployed soldier along with a picture of you all.  That way, they can actually see the solidarity and unity being displayed back home.  Be creative, get involved, and let those who are risking their lives that we appreciate them.

Feel free to reblog; I’d love to get the word out to as many people as possible about how they can get involved if they’re interested!

note to medic61:  I did.  Just now.