Supporting the Troops

I got an email this morning advertising products that support our troops. Or, as the email put it, "products that promote support for our troops and our country." Among the products being peddled are lapel pins, bracelets, and yellow ribbon magnets. There's a hyperlink that says "Click Here to Learn More" that takes you to the product information page. No where is there any information that indicates that your purchase of these products, or for that matter, your display of them, does anything to actually support the troops. You know, like ensuring that they have adequate food, equipment, manpower, etc.

Yesterday, however, I came across a program, My Soldier, that allows its participants to "adopt a soldier." Enrollment is free and the program directs you to a service person who you will send letters/care packages to. Check it out.