Until today, I thought this Christmas season was going to be pretty much like so many others in the past. I’m not a big fan of commercialism. Never have been. Although I’ve become accustomed to seeing Christmas promotions and hearing my favorite carols prior to Halloween, I’ve always felt it placed a damper on the true spirit of the holiday.
Today I forced myself to go to the mall because I had to pick up a few things for an upcoming cross-country holiday journey. As expected, I was pushed, pulled, hustled, hassled, harassed, solicited, stressed, delayed and dismayed … none of which should be associated with such a magnificent holiday.
Well, today I learned of a way in which I can return to those wondrous days of yesterday when Christmas spirit wasn’t something you drank to dull your senses for the nerve-wracking journey to your local “Mall Mecca.”
On the way to the mall, I heard a radio segment promoting a fantastic web site which is successfully accomplishing what numerous government agencies and rolls of red tape have never been able to. Don’t take my word for it. Check out www.anysoldier.com. I’ll give you a quick intro here to encourage you to check it out in much greater detail on their site. They have DOZENS of “Frequently Asked Questions” that will clarify everything for you in great detail.
Sgt. Brian Horn from LaPlata, Maryland, an Army Infantry Soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade was in Iraq when he started the idea of Any Soldier® to help care for his soldiers. He agreed to distribute packages that came to him with “Attn: Any Soldier” in the address to soldiers who didn’t get mail. He later completed a tour in Afghanistan and is now home, but AnySoldier.com continues to grow larger than ever.
This program started in August of 2003 as a simple family effort to help the soldiers in one Army unit … thus the name. Due to overwhelming requests, January 1 of 2004 produced the expansion of the program to include Marines, Airmen, and Sailors who were serving in harms way.
This organization has contacts listed on their site. You simply click through the names and select the one(s) you wish to support. They list what the folks they represent want and need and even offer a search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need most.
You send your support letters and/or packages addressed as instructed and your gifts will be passed on to soldiers who don’t normally receive much or any mail. Everything is shared. If you’re short on cash as so many Americans are this year … simply send a card or letter. Sadly, there are far too many soldiers who receive little or no mail at all. A thank-you note from us showing our appreciation for their sacrifices will certainly put a smile on their faces.
As I mentioned earlier the web site will answer ALL of your questions about this wonderful service. They even provide a free video, “Tango Mike,” on the site that explains the entire operation.
Here’s your chance to make this one of the best Christmas seasons you’ve ever experienced while, at the same time, you’re bringing a “little bit of home” into the lives of so many dedicated, loyal military personnel who risk their lives every day to allow us to continue to experience our many freedoms and wonderful way of life!
One last thing … don’t waste your time and/or energy concerning yourself as to whether supporting this organization will pigeon hole you as being for or against the war. It has nothing to do with the war or the cronies who debate it daily to gain personal status and wealth. It has everything to do with the very brave, innocent soldiers who are in the midst of that chaos away from their loved ones, by choice, as they protect us here at home!
Check it out today. Take action immediately and tell others about this fantastic opportunity to voice our thanks, appreciation, and respect for those sacrificing everything for us!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.
My wife and I adopted a soldier this year and it was one of our best decisions.
Martin
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