I want to adopt a troop

[Duer 157099]

How do I find a military guy from my area that I can support? I have seen a few websites (anysoldier.com, for example), but are there ones that are more "robust" or serve certain geographical areas?

I want to give tangible support to our troops, one at a time, preferably one who I could possibly meet in person when he returns home, so a local guy.

Any recommendations that have already been researched?

I would also especially prefer to support a troop who does not want to be in the position he is in (read: Iraq) ... those guys who think it's great, let their family support them (sorry if that sounds rough, but my resources are too limited to not be particular about where they go).

I think it'd be great for "progressives" to actively corner this market, if possible.

[MadMichDem]

1. You might try asking the local VFW branch.

If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about what politics your "troop" has (these are PEOPLE not troops). These kids are mostly worrying about keeping their asses from getting blown off. I would make sure they knew I was a liberal, but not dwell on it.

[Duer 157099]

2. Yes, I will contact the local VFW

Just was wondering whether DUers had already investigated this area.

As for calling them "troops" I was (of course) mirroring the yellow-ribbon slogans. I want to be ready for those confrontations with people with those magnets. I want to ask how they "support the troops" and be ready to offer up how I support "the troops" so they realize that their magnet is really all they have and what hypocrites they really are.

I just think it would make a remarkable, tangible effect on "the trooops" if progressives like DUers were to start swamping them with support in the form of letters and care packages and so forth.

I'd be surprised if such an effort were not already undertaken here at DU but it's difficult keeping up with all that goes on around here -- and thus the original post.

Thanks for the reply!

[Karthun]

3. RE: "Yes, I will contact the local VFW"

If you want to support the "troops" (as you put it) put care packages togeather and send it over. I know the guys (and gals) overseas always need new socks, underware and deoderant. But PLEASE, do not turn us into a political statement, the Republicans have done that enough to us.

[RiDuvessa]

4. And unless you plan on putting a political statement

In every package, the guys who get them aren't going to know or care about your politics.

Most of the time when these care packages come in, the soldiers/sailors are so happy to get the mail and gifts, they usually don't care who they came from, unless it is family or friends.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Yes

I read on DU after the war began that people were organizing and sending care packages. I don't have that information or even know if those same people are still active at DU.

You might want to look through this site ~
http://www.militarycity.com/