Though you would hardly guess it from the mood in the press, grassroots support for the troops continues. My son’s class was asked to bake cookies over the weekend to send to Iraq and Afghanistan. And our local community organization, the Neighbors International Foundation, regularly showers the troops with homemade goodies, bug spray, DVDs, flashlights, whatever they request. If you’d like to help in any way, here is the website.

Here is my son’s letter.

Sunday, April 29, 2007Dear brave Soldier,
My name is Ben, age 11, writing from Virginia. I would just like for you to know how much we civilians thank you and all the other volunteers for your never failing service to our country. Everyone in America thanks you, as I’m sure the Iraqis/Afghans do, for your service protecting the greatest country on the face of the Earth, America, and spreading democracy throughout the world.
The United States has been spreading democracy to other countries since WWII. They say that the WWII generation was the greatest generation. If you’re doing the same thing, then why aren’t you the greatest generation? It’s because you’re not the entire generation. You’re the few; the proud; not necessarily the Marines. I don’t know, are you? If so, SEMPER FI! If not… well… that doesn’t really matter does it? Not to me it doesn’t.
When you come home you may hear news that may contradict what you’re doing over there. Just be sure that you realize that everyone supports you, and wants to do what he or she believes is in your best interest. The government, and the nation, sent you over there for a reason. Some people have obviously turned sour towards that reason. The only people who are against the troops are the terrorists who are getting their butts kicked all up and down the Middle East.
Keep fighting! No matter what people say, we need to do everything in our power to keep this country safe. Attached are some packages of Cup a Noodles. Both a Marine and a Ranger in the 82nd Airborne told me that these are great battlefield meals and sure beat M.R.E.s. Then again, it isn’t hard to beat M.R.E.s. Thank you for what you’re doing!
With admiration and patriotism,