SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WITH MESSAGES FROM HOME

It's important to support our troops involved in operations around the world. According to the United States Department of Defense, more than 300,000 U.S. troops are deployed overseas. That's 300,000 who are feeling homesick. That's 300,000 who are missing birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. That's 300,000 who would love to receive messages from home.

Imagine the excitement of mail call providing a bit of hope in an otherwise dangerous day. Name after name is called, and soldiers happily come forward to receive their letters and packages from home. It's certainly the highlight of the day. But now imagine that you're not one of the lucky ones; there is no mail for you, no messages from home. That doesn't have to happen. No soldier has to feel forgotten if you're willing to take a few minutes out of your day to support our troops.

Whether you write an e-mail, send a postcard or help the kids make a homemade card, there's a soldier out there who would love to receive a bit of encouragement. Don't worry if you don't know a specific soldier to send a letter to. There are many organizations that can help you support our troops.

You can start to support our troops with messages from home by writing a card, letter or e-mail letting them know you're thinking of them. Stay positive and let the troops know you appreciate their hard work and sacrifice. Once you've written your message, it's time to send it off.

In the past, people were able to support our troops by sending mail to "Any Soldier." That is no longer allowed, and all messages from home need to be addressed to a specific soldier.

• Any Soldier has collected the names of soldiers who have agreed to help everyone support the troops by distributing mail and care packages to others in their units.
• Operation Dear Abby lets you support our troops by filling out an online form.
• America Supports You also offers a chance to send messages from home, via their website.