Copyright Benita Koeman 2008 - 2012
Bug, insect relief - Operation Don't Bug Me (AdoptaPlatoon)
Most wanted items: Bug spray/wipes (non aerosol), eye drops, Cortisone cream (anti itch
cream), lip balm, medicated powder (for heat rash), misting fans, sticky fly paper, fly
swatters, sunglasses, suntanlotion. Project created by the AdoptaPlatoon™.
Cooling vest - Battlefield Ministries
A campaign to give cooling devices to U.S. troops in Iraq -- The vest is the brainchild of an Ohio-based cooling-technology company and an Army psychiatrist who observed the dangerous disorientation suffered by soldiers in Iraq's withering heat. Together, they created a vest and other articles of clothing, including detachable sleeves and a beanie, that help keep troops cool under the 50 pounds or more of armor and equipment they carry.
Eyewear, anti-ballistic - Armor 4 Troops Foundation
The primary mission of the Armor 4 Troops Foundation is to provide new and replacement "state-of-the-art" anti-ballistic eyewear, Under-Armour, personal gear, and other critical equipment and services directly to United States troops in the field that are currently engaged in war zones or other peacekeeping and humanitarian missions throughout the world where combat violence is a threat.
Foot care and socks - Covert Threads
Covert Threads developed a line of military boot socks, physical training socks, and dress socks along with other improved garments for the Marine, Soldier or anyone looking for comfortable yet rugged socks that stand up to the rigors of harsh climates and conditions. These socks have been worn by a former Marine in Fallujah, Iraq. You can read more about his story on the About Us page.
In honor of our men & women serving, we are continuing the “Buy 10 pair and get 3 additional pair free” promotion.
Foot care and socks - Socks for Soldiers (Fox River Socks)
Shop from our soldier-supplied wish lists to send socks to US deployed troops, including a personal message of support. Fox River pays the shipping cost on these orders! For rugged conditions, Fox River socks provide comfort and durability these soldiers want and need. Blessings to our soldiers!
Foot care and socks - Socks for Troops
The TechSpun® Socks For Troops Campaign provides our soldiers with the finest socks available for the most demanding environmental desert/mountain conditions. These socks are designed to be a cross between a custom-fit boot liner and a sock. The socks definitely make a difference to the military personnel who receive them, and will provide foot and hand comfort in all types of weather conditions.
The TechSpun® Sock System is U.S. Military approved for all weather conditions. This sock system has two parts, consisting of a Coolmax® liner sock to prevent blisters and transport heat & moisture away from the foot, and an unique wool boot sock with a high density reversed terry nap U.S. Wool outer facing. The "All Weather" wool boot sock system is compatible for weather conditions of 0ºF to +100º F.
Foot care and socks - Soldier Socks
The mission of SoldierSocks is to provide supplies such as tube socks and baby wipes to troops deployed in Afganistan and Iraq.
Foot care and socks - Under-Armour, anti-bacterial socks, etc. (Armor 4 Troops Foundation)
As of September 1, 2009, the Armor 4 Troops Foundation has delivered or shipped directly to our American troops in the field, 34,011 pairs of protective anti-ballistic eyewear, in addition to the thousands of multi-function tools, Under-Armour, anti-bacterial socks, compressed rubber boot pads and many other sundry products to improve the quality of life to our troops.
Hats, knitted or crocheted - Operation Helping Hand/American Angels
Operation Winter Warmth - In order to help keep our troops warm and to bring a little bit of home to them, we make and send, October thru March, helmet liners, gaiters, and slippers.
Hats, knitted or crocheted - Packages from Home
How would you like to use your knitting skills to help support our troops? Here is a simple pattern you can use to create a warm comfortable helmet liner for our troops overseas. The seasons are soon changing and in Afghanistan that means quite cold weather.
Hats, knitted or crocheted - Warmth for Warriors
Warmth for Warriors provides active duty and retired veterans with handmade, warm, wool hats and other comfort items.
As an all volunteer organization, we are always looking for more help. We are knitting and crocheting homemade hats to comfort our soldiers as they serve for us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although some hats go to active duty soldiers, most hats are sent to medical units where the sick and wounded are prepared to leave for hospitals in Germany or back home in the United States. A warm, wool hat, made with love, provides both physical comfort and a "hug of thanks".
If you knit or crochet, you can download a file with instructions for easy hats.
Helmet cooler, warmer - Send homemade round head coolers (or warmers), aka a "KISS"
Kisses are a head cooler. Recently, the military changed the design of their helmets to make them safer. YEAH!!! Unfortunately, since the helmets fit tighter, they don’t get much air circulation under them so we have changed the labels to tell them that kisses can also be used as reusable heating pads. These will also work under a ball cap if you cut them slightly smaller and use even less crystals and if the ball cap has mesh for air circulation. They are great for farmers, lawn mowers or anyone who works out in the heat all day. Just experiment until you get it right.
If you only have time and materials to make one thing, it should be HUGS.
Helmet upgrades - Operation Helmet
Operation Helmet has no connection to or association with any manufacturer of helmet suspension systems. Our only goal is added protection for our troops. If a better upgrade comes along, supported by sound scientific data from both civilian and military studies, we'd add it or switch to it in a heartbeat. We do not have an official relationship with any branch of the uniformed services, although we provide helmet upgrades to all who ask, when money allows.
Scarves, cooling - Helps keep our Troops cool with a Cool Scarf (Tie)
The exterior of Cool Scarves are 100% cotton, but the magic is in the special "cooling crystals." These scarves lower body temperature by cooling the neck--they feel like a cool, damp cloth that lasts for days. Through evaporative cooling, they protect the wearer from the effects of extreme heat found in the deserts of the Middle East. Download instructions to make your own to send, donate funds to support the program, or request a cool scarf for your Soldier.
- Filled with non-toxic synthetic crystals, which transform into a soft cooling gel when wet
- Stays cool 2-3 days, without refrigeration (must be adjusted periodically to maximize cooling effect
- Reduces risk of heat stroke
- Reusable
Scarves, cooling - Making a CoolTie, also called a Hug or Cooling Necktie (Packages from Home)
Site has directions to make a CoolTie.
Scarves, cooling - Operation Helping Hand/American Angels
Site has a pattern to make a Cool Neck-Tie.
Scarves, cooling - Send homemade neck coolers (or warmers), aka a "HUG" (Tie)
We were the first ones to send cool ties (affectionately nicknamed "hugs" since they go around the neck) to the Middle East. We recognized the need to help keep American Troops and our allies cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Our dedicated group also sends care packages and other handmade items to our Service Men and Women. This is our way of saying, "Thank you, we respect you and appreciate everything you do for our Country. Thanks for protecting our freedoms." This website has directions to make your own hugs for Soldiers. Some of the downloads are included here:
Scarves, knitted - (Camo) Scarves for the Troops
I want to make as many camoflauge scarves as I can, and it's all for the Troops. You can help too by knitting or donating yarn, packages, postage, coupons to Michaels/A.C. Moore... whatever it takes to help me make this happen.
Scarves, sand - Protects wearers from the elements of the desert
Made of 100% knit cotton, Sand Scarves are used to protect wearers from the elements of the deserts of the Middle East. They keep sand from nostrils and mouth, and when tucked into the shirt, prevent sand from getting inside clothing. They are simple to make, but extremely effective. Download instructions to make your own or donate funds to support the program, or request a sand scarf for your Soldier.
- Protects face, neck and ears from dust, sand, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, etc.
- Assists with breathing in blowing wind, and protect from sand and other debris
- Good for all weather climates
- Great for sand, desert and wooded environments
Sleeping bag liners - Operation Combat Boot Comfort
The foundation for Operation Combat Boot Comfort is to support the needs of our deployed Marines and Troops. While our older son was deployed to Afghanistan last fall, we learned of a need for sleeping bag liners. We sent fleece sleeping bag liners and care packages to very thankful Marines and Soldiers.
This year we are getting ahead of the cold season and making the liners early so they will be ready to send to the troops in need this fall. Your help will make a positive difference each cold night for a brave American hero. It is approximately $15 to make and ship a fleece sleeping bag liner.
Sleep kit - Sleep in combat operations
A pocket kit for service members in theater produced by Military OneSource with the advice of sleep expert Dr. Nancy Wesensten of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. This new sleep packet helps troops understand how to: Get the sleep they need in order to stay alert and stay awake when staying awake is critical. Included in the packet is an expertly prepared, clearly presented sleep/awake advice and information and a top-quality sleep mask. Also includes tip card, sleeping mask, tri-fold flyer.
Underwear - Blast Boxers
Helps prevent blast and fragment injuries to the groin.
Underwear - Operation Underwear (AdoptaPlatoon)
Sand wears out clothing quickly, so to keep our troops as comfortable as possible, this campaign keeps their undergarments replenished. Project created by the AdoptaPlatoon™.
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Arrival/departure - Airport photos (Freeport Flag Ladies)
Has pictures posted of the troops as they arrive or depart from Bangor International Airport or Pease International Airport. Go to the links under "Meeting the Troops."
Arrival/departure - Airport photos (Maine Troop Greeters picture portal)
Welcome to the oldest and most widely recognized website and picture portal for the troops who have transited through Bangor, Maine. The website www.mainetroopgreeters.com and this picture portal are dedicated to each of these troops and to their family members and friends.
Arrival/departure - Airport photos (Our Stop In Maine's Photos)
To all our troops and their families. As a measure of our appreciation of your sacrifices we are honored to provide pictures from Bangor International Airport (BIA). Unfortunately, we are not able to meet every flight. We are a “Nana and Gramp” operation limited in what we are able to do. Pictures are posted as soon as possible of being taken. Please note that occasionally a troop will not want their picture taken and we respect those requests.
Arrival/departure - Free "Welcome Home" Banners and Jumbo Cards (Build A Sign)
Build A Sign has given away over 80,000 free banners and jumbo cards to support our Troops at home and abroad. Just pay shipping costs.
Arrival/departure - Ensuring all Service Members get the proper welcome home (A Hero's Welcome)
The mission of A Hero's Welcome is to organize and encourage Americans to welcome home our brave military personnel from the War in a manner befitting a hometown hero. It is through this effort that A Hero's Welcome hopes to promote increased community respect for our service members as well as increased morale for our returning military.
Arrival/departure - Family member guest passes to gate
Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport. Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures. OWAH's note: It might be wise to make inquires in advance, or arrive early in the event you encounter uninformed airline representatives.
Arrival/departure - Operation Welcome Home
Hundreds of our Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Marines return from the War on Terror every week through the gates of the Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Since March 2007, Operation Welcome Home volunteers have greeted over 700 flights and more than 150,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. We invite you to come on out and help us welcome them home!
Arrival/departure - Pease Greeters
...the troops arrive to a boisterous welcome. The Greeters are proud of them and give the troops hearty applause, sincere handshakes, and expressions of "welcome home, thanks for a job well done, or we'll be here to greet you upon your safe return."
Everyone has a camera to record this happy event. Often the troops want pictures of the greeters. They hug and thank them for being there in the wee hours of the morning or late in the evening. Business cards are exchanged. Friends are made.
Soon they move on to enjoy hot coffee, doughnuts, pizza and other refreshments ON AMERICAN SOIL. Initially cell phones were freely offered by the Greeters for the troops to call home with news of their safe arrival.
Arrival/departure - Welcome Home a Hero
Every day, more than 100 soldiers pass through DFW Airport on their way home for two weeks of well-deserved rest and recuperation (R&R). DFW is proud to assist these members of the armed forces as they return home from their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. One flight of returning soldiers lands at DFW every day and the warm welcome provided by volunteer greeters begins the troops’ visit on a high note.
DFW has assisted thousands of men and women since the first R&R flight arrived in November of 2004. Members of the community are invited to greet the arriving troops at the Airport and to continue this proud tradition of supporting the U.S. Armed Forces.
Past participants include corporations, youth groups, schools, civic organizations, religious groups and individuals. Information on volunteering is available here or here.
Arrival/departure - Welcome home videos (Welcome Home Blog)
Regardless of political stance, no one can deny the joy felt upon seeing your loved ones return home safely -- WelcomeHomeBlog.com is a site celebrating that amazing feeling. Visit daily for heartwarming stories, videos and pictures of members of our courageous armed forces returning home to their families and friends. Please help out by submitting your own videos and other online discoveries.
Bandanas - Operation Bandanas
Chaplains are asking for them, and our servicemen and women are looking for them. Please pray about your involvement in this ministry to our servicemen and women. Not only are the bandanas an inspired tool for spreading God's Word, but they are useful also to cover the face from the sand and dust; as a sweat rag; and as an emergency wrap for a splint, sling, or tourniquet.
Bandanas - Psalm 91 Bandana
Supports soldiers and their loved ones by providing products that bring comfort, encouragement, and protection. Psalm 91 bandanas, dog tags, military travel pillow, Psalm 91 gift set.
Batteries
By sending batteries we can give the men and women serving overseas a little joy in their lives. They may have a portable cd player, digital camera or handheld game but need batteries to use them. That's where we can help. 100% of the batteries collected will be sent to Operation Gratitude to be distributed in care packages.
Books and magazines - Books for Soldiers (and dvds, games)
Once your application is approved, you will be able to send troops books, DVDs, games and relief supplies. You will also have access to our Pen Pal area and Post Card Jamboree. On average our volunteers fill over 1000 requests a month. Get started today and get your company, civic group or place of worship involved with supporting our troops.
Books and magazines - Books for Troops (Books a Million)
This unique program lets you select and purchase books for members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas. You simply buy the books of your choice from the Books for Troops page. Booksamillion.com will address and send your books to the soldiers - and you pay no shipping charges on the books you buy for the troops!
We work in conjunction with U.S. military bases and National Guard offices to send the books to unit commanders overseas. The commanders then distribute the books to the individuals in their units. Please note that for security reasons we are not allowed to publish the addresses of the units that receive the books.
If you have a family member serving overseas, you may send details including the unit number to business@booksamillion.com. We will attempt to add the unit to the list of recipients.
Books and magazines - Flack Jacket Books
Fun reading materials for our Heroic Troops in uniform. Author and JEOPARDY! Champion Jack Honig pens fascinating and intriguing books that emanate from the depths of the alleys and valleys, mountains and fountains, ridges and bridges, recesses and abscesses of his unparalleled fertile and furtive imagination. All of these self-published writings are distributed at no charge to our undaunted fighting forces, both stateside and across the globe. They are also for sale to the general public at the cost of $10 apiece. All proceeds are employed exclusively for the purpose of increasing their availability to as many Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and members of the National Guard and Coast Guard as is humanly possible.
Books and magazines - Goodie Mags Magazines for Soldiers
Send all 4 magazines! The most recent newsstand copy will be sent to the soldiers. Please choose 'Operation Gratitude' on the Shopping Cart page and enter 'Solder' as the last name on the billing page. Includes: Men's Fitness, Men's Health, Motor Trend, Field and Stream
Books and magazines - Operation EBook Drop
Independent authors donate their ebooks to deployed coalition troops. Authors and soldiers who want to participate, contact edwpat@att.net.
Books and magazines - Operation Paperback
Operation Paperback began in 1999, and has since shipped books to numerous overseas locations. Operation Paperback also provides books to military and veterans hospitals located within the United States, as well as USO centers at US Airport transit points.
The organization has several special projects, including:
- Providing books from military pofessional reading lists to support servicemember professional development goals;
- Giving the book, Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Troops Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and Their Families to military chaplains as they counsel troops before redeployment;
- Providing Iraqi phrasebooks for units on the ground so that they may communicate effectively with local populations;
- Supplying books for the annual book give away at NSA Souda Bay in Crete, Greece for service members and their families;
- Supplying children's books to deployed soldiers who read to their children via webcam or on DVDs.
Books and magazines - Playaway audio books
The free paperback and Playaway books are back! To distribute the books to a wider audience of service members and military families, we are implementing a new ordering policy. Each service member or military family/household will be limited to 10 paperback and/or Playaway books in a one year time period. The year will begin when you order your first paperback or Playaway book. We will not be able to guarantee any titles will be replenished or available.
Books and magazines - Soldiers' Angels
If you are an author who would like to donate autographed books, please email us. If you would like to donate books or magazines for the troops, they should be in good condition and relatively recent publications. Magazines must be current/timely and in excellent condition.
Cakes and cookies - Connecticut Cookie Platoon
Our mission is to get America baking homemade cookies once a month for our troops, veterans, or recovering soldiers. If you want to support CCP, details on how you can help are on the website. If you have a soldier currently serving, or if you know of a veteran or a recovering soldier, please let us know. With your help, we can continue to put smiles on our soldiers' faces by sending a taste of home to the protectors of home.
Cakes and cookies - Edible Spirits Freedom Cake (Edible Spirits and TroopCarePack.com)
Edible Spirits is so excited to announce that we have just teamed up with TroopCarePack.com: a family run organization dedicated to putting smiles on the faces of the men and women serving our country overseas. TroopCarePack.com is unique in the respect that you may send care packages directly to the recipient of your choice or if you do not have anyone specific to send to, we keep a list on file of those troops that would love to receive additional support and care. Give your loved one a taste of home with an Edible Spirits Freedom Cake. Each cake is made-to-order, specially packaged to survive the journey, and shipped to APO/FPO addresses overseas. E-mail us a picture, and we’ll include that with your order for no additional charge as our contribution to the troops overseas.
Forgotten Soldiers: You can also send a Freedom Cake to a Forgotten Soldier.
Cakes and cookies - How to Bake Cake in a Jar (Article)
A great and economic method to send birthday cake to Soldiers overseas.
Cakes and cookies - Operation Birthday Cake (Bake Me a Wish and Soldiers' Angels)
Thanks to a cooperative project between Soldiers' Angels and Bake Me a Wish, deployed service members can receive birthday cakes from patriotic Americans. For every Freedom Cake purchased on Bake Me a Wish, a birthday cake will be sent to a service member in the customer's name. Bake Me a Wish will generously donate their delicious birthday cakes, and Soldiers' Angels will send each one on its way.
Cakes and cookies - Wire a Cake
Yes, you can deliver a cake to a soldier for any occasion! We can send birthday cakes to troops at home & abroad! Send loved ones a sweet treat baked fresh and packaged for optimal transport. The cakes are 9" single layer to serve 8 and they are baked fresh, frosted and shipped immediately but the time frame once in military hands could be approximately 10 days.
Cakes and cookies - Bake Me Back Home
Back Me Back Home is a unique program that gives our supporters the opportunity to help two missions with one donation. For a $30 donation we will send two dozen of our homemade cookies to a military member of your choice, or one from our list of nominees. Approximately half of the money from this donation supports our local programming for disadvantaged families. All packages of cookies can include a personal message from the donor and are securely insulated with bags of delicious homemade caramel corn! We utilize a team of volunteer bakers known as our “Cookie Crew” to bake the cookies. Our goal is that the taste of our homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies will help our military men and women feel like they are “BACK HOME,” even if it’s just for a moment.
Have a loved one serving but a donation is not in your budget? Send us their name and address, we will put them on our list of “nominees” for FREE. They could receive cookies when someone else makes a donation.
Cakes and cookies - Girl Scout Cookies (Military Connections)
Each year the Girl Scouts drop off thousands of cases of cookies for the troops. In order for us to ship the cookies it costs $12.50 a case. You can help the troops enjoy the cookies by adopt their case of cookies. Cookies start to arrive in February and the last case ships in May. All donations can be mailed to our address.
Cakes and cookies - Operation Baking Gals
Baking GALS (GALS stands for Give A Little Support) is a group of volunteer bakers from around the country who bake and ship homemade goodies to our heroic military men and women who are currently deployed in a war zone. Our goal is to show our support and send a little bit of home to remind them that we appreciate all that they do for our freedom. If you would like to help and show your appreciation, please visit the FAQ's Section to find more information on how to get started!
Cakes and cookies - Soldiers' Angels
The Angel Bakers are a group of highly dedicated Soldiers’ Angels who bake homemade treats for our deployed military heroes.
Each month the Angel Bakers send specially-made cookies, brownies, and other treats to units identified by Soldiers’ Angels as needing extra Angel love. Our aim is to show our heroes how much people back home appreciate and care about them.
Cakes and cookies - Treat the Troops
The purpose of Treat The Troops is to let deployed American military persons, on the front, living in tents or temporary quarters, know that people at home are remembering them. Home-baked cookies and other "comfort Items," along with a note of thanks, are sent. Site includes tips for baking and shipping your own cookies for the Troops.
Canines and felines downrange - K-9 Soldier Treats
Operation K-9 Soldier Treats™ enhances the morale and welfare of troops worldwide who handle America’s K-9 soldiers, by providing them with dog treats to reward their K-9s, train them, and just plain have fun together with their best friends during down time.
Canines and felines downrange - Operation Baghdad Pups
U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan befriend local animals as a way to help cope with the emotional hardships they endure every day while deployed in a war zone. The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics and transportation requirements in order to reunite these beloved pets with their service men and women back in the U.S. These important animals not only help our heroes in the war zone, but they also help them readjust to life back home after combat.
Canines and felines downrange - Operation Military Care K-9 - US War Dogs
Our Military Canines Teams who have been deployed to the Middle East desparately need our help with supplying them with items listed on the website.
Canines and felines downrange - Soldiers' Angels K-9 Support Team
We are the lifeline of Soldiers' Angels to the U.S. military dog teams, making sure both dogs and handlers have what they need when they need it, whether it be for work or a well-earned break.
The most important thing the K-9 Team does is adopt military dog teams, just like Angels adopt service members through the regular adoption process. That means sending a letter a week and at least one care package a month. The difference is, the care packages are for both the dog and the handler. For example, a package can include a chew toy and treats, or even hygiene items like shampoo or clippers, plus the regular snacks and goodies for a service member.
The K-9 Team also works as a group to raise funds for major canine equipment purchases such as cooling mats/vests, doggles (goggles for dogs), and booties, and develops relationships with local pet shops to get discounts or conduct item fundraisers.
Chess Sets - Chess Sets 4 Soldiers (Renaissance Knights)
The Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation is raising money to purchase chess sets which will be sent to service members stationed in the Middle East. For every $20 donated we are able to purchase and ship two sets to a unit.
Coffee - Coffee for the Troops (William III)
At WILLIAM III, a portion of every sale goes to support our Coffee For The Troops Program. WILLIAM III has been sending coffee care packages to the troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and to the personnel aboard the USNS Comfort and other detachments in harms way for over 9 years. We have sent approximately 17380 care packages to date consisting of whole bean, ground, regular roast and various flavors.
Coffee - Community Coffee
Order 4 bags of coffee and we will match an additional 4 bags free! Send Community coffee to friends and family serving in the military overseas to show your support for service to our country.
We will deliver a Military Match Gift Set Box containing 8 bags of delicious Community coffee to any overseas military APO or FPO address if you order 4 bags of Community coffee. You can choose from 5 varieties of our Red Bag TM coffee items.
Coffee - Cup O' Joe for a Joe
In our travels to see the Troops, many share with us their sense of loneliness, isolation and feelings of being forgotten. Their commanders tell us that some Soldiers never receive mail from home. In response, Green Beans Coffee has launched Cup of Joe For A Joe to let anyone, anywhere in the world, say thanks to our troops through the simple act of buying a cup of coffee and having it delivered along with their own personal note of encouragement into the hands of a deployed Soldier.
Coffee - Holy Joe's Cafe
Holy Joe's Cafe is a Coffee House Ministry – United Church of Christ military chaplains have found an old way to invite U.S. soldiers into a safe and informal place where they can receive spiritual care and good coffee. Congregations and individuals can support the Coffee House Ministry and simultaneously participate in the UCC Coffee Project by sending Equal Exchange Coffee to the military chaplains in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Thanks to you, now 125 chaplains are able to participate.
Coffee - Operation Caffeination via Starbucks (Hero to Hero)
Welcome to Operation Caffeination! Starbucks has graciously donated many many pounds of their great coffee since the war in Iraq began. Originally, all we asked was that you send us your great smiles and messages that we share with Starbucks and everyone else, right here on the HeroToHero.US site. We found a direct correlation between those smiling faces and the donations to support the effort. As time went on and the coffee continued going out, the photos weren't coming in as often. We have now had to change the program in order to continue it in any fashion. To avoid the shipment costs, we will now be sharing this coffee with local wounded troops who are in recovery and transition. Overseas shipments will need to be sponsored now.
Coffee - Operation Million Cup
In October 2003 Boca Java started donating coffee to the troops. Because of the overwhelming popularity of our effort, in July 2005, we officially established Operation Million Cup as a way for our customers to send coffee to the troops. Boca Java matches matches your donation every time! Click here for more info.
Coffee - Coffee for Troops (Ranger Coffee)
Since its origin, support for servicemen and women lies at the heart of Ranger Coffee. From our “Buy one give 1″ program, to accepting donations for our “Coffee for Troops” program, to soliciting names and addresses for our “Sign up a Soldier” program, Ranger Coffee continues to play a relevant and impactful role in supporting the men and women of our nation’s military. As the company’s role continues to be refined, we hope to roll out even bigger initiatives that will further evince our support for the troops.
When you shop Ranger Coffee, one thing is clear: whether you’re buying for yourself, or buying for someone else, support for Ranger Coffee is support for our nations’ great military.
Coffee - Thank a Soldier (aka Coffee 4 Our Troops)
Send Tim Horton's gift certificates to troop members in Kandahar. Thank A Soldier has become very international is looking to send coffee packets and possibly small personal sized coffee makers to our front line guys and others serving with military from around the world.
Comedians and Comedy Clubs - For the Troops IV
For the Troops IV is the 4th installment of a free superstar compilation CD exclusively for the US Troops and their families stationed in the US and overseas, as well as veterans of the Armed Services. The CD is available as a free download through www.AAFES.com. Only users with a valid military ID have access to the site.
Comedians and Comedy Clubs - Operation Laugh
Operation Laugh is a joint effort between eMail Our Military (eMOM), comedian Dan Smith and the great folks at Funny Fundraise to help get comedy to our troops. If anyone needs a hearty laugh and healthy heaping of humor it's our military.
If you love sending surprises to the military service members in your life this is the perfect gift. Even if you just want to grab a copy for yourself or someone you love, you'll still be helping to support our troops. For every copy you purchase, a portion of the proceeds will go to eMail Our Military to help us continue to support our troops.
Comedians and Comedy Clubs - Stand Up 4 Troops
Comedians and comedy clubs supporting our military.
DVDs and CDs - AdoptaPlatoon (Thanksgiving Campaign)
Send thanks to our Troops at Thanksgiving! So you can’t send a turkey – but you can send a DVD movie, popcorn, a bag of candy corn, and a letter filled with things you’re thankful for! Send a photo of you and your family too! Project created by the AdoptaPlatoon™.
DVDs and CDs - CD for the Troops
Musician John Ondrasik along with Train, Chicago, REO Speedwagon, Matt Nathanson and a few other artists have teamed up to say “thank you to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and their families!” This CD is available free for service members and their legal dependents with a valid military ID and is not available for sale to the public.
DVDs and CDs - Books for Soldiers
Send troops books, DVDs, games and relief supplies.
DVDs and CDs - DVDs for Vets
Our mission is to provide veterans who for any reasons cannot obtain DVDs on their own. Donors help by giving new and used movies to Veterans, especially to those with limited access, in order to view the latest Hollywood releases. Portable DVD players are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate to our Vets, please go to our Donate DVDs area. If you are a Vet, regardless of when you served and you would like to receive a donated DVD, please go to our Locate DVDs area.
DVDs and CDs - DVDs to the Troops
DVDs to the Troops is created to collect and distribute the used and new DVD's that clutter our nation's bookshelves and storage closets with a hungry and interested audience overseas: American soldiers.
DVDs and CDs - Operation Showtime
Here is you chance to support the troops. Look though your DVD collection and get rid of those old or new DVDs. Have your church group, veterans group, scout troop collect them. If you have a business that sells or leases DVD’s, then the time has come to clean the shelves of those old ones.
DVDs and CDs - Operation: Take a Soldier to the Movies
Operation: Take a Soldier to the Movies was started to improve the morale among the troops stationed in war zones around the world. Soldiers in war zones literally had “nothing to do” when not working. This is a way of providing them with a “Saturday Night at the Movie” experience. Each movie package to the troops contains:
- Letter of support from the donor with their mailing address
- New or used DVD
- Artificially sweetened powdered drink mix packets (no tubs)
- Movie theatre style candy (no chocolate)
- Microwavable Popcorn
DVDs and CDs - Operation Thank You
Ongoing support and encouragement from a grateful nation helps America’s bravest men and women ‘stay the course’ during these trying times. This Operation Thank You DVD does just that and more! All members of the U.S. Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices as they serve our nation. Many are often deployed for more than a year at a time. We can never say “thank you” enough to the patriots and heroes who have stepped forward to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
Set to inspiring patriotic and instrumental music, Operation Thank You uplifts the spirits of military personnel with encouraging messages that inspire faith, promote patriotism, and convey support from the home front. Operation Thank You was designed and produced by veterans to honor and encourage their fellow service members. This DVD makes a great gift for any former or present member of the U.S. Armed Forces!
DVDs and CDs - Tunes 4 the Troops
My goal is to gather CD's, DVD's, and books on CD and get them to the men and women serving our country all around the world. Please join me in this effort by donating CD's, funds or your time. I guarantee your heart will be touched as mine has in this effort to let our soldiers know that we love them and are thinking of them in this small way.
DVDs and CDs - Symphonies for Soldiers
Symphonies for Soldiers is a year-round nonprofit organization showing thanks for our U.S. Military for their service through music, lyrics, and letters from musicians and everyone across the country. Please join us in this effort to lift the morale of our troops overseas and at U.S. bases.
Donate your used/new CD's, and letters to:
P.O. Box 44
Quakertown, PA 18951
Symphonies for Soldiers then sends your entertainment care package to our heroes in combat zones around the world.
Fitness oriented packages (protein bars, etc.) - Jessica's Hope Project
Jessica’s Hope Project focuses on sending fitness-oriented care packages overseas to all branches to the military in many different parts of the world. It started with a simple email to the CEO of 24 Hour Fitness. We are now trying to raise money to cover the shipping of care packages overseas to our deployed military.
The average deployed military individual loses 50 pounds of body weight per deployment (information from the United States Marine Corps). Our goal is to keep this from happening by providing protein bars, muscle milk and vitamin supplements to as many military individuals as possible to maintain their physical well being and mental sharpness. By doing so, we are increasing the odds of our military not only doing their physical and mental best as they fight for our country but also coming home to their families and loved ones in better shape than in the past wars when these products were not readily available.
Games, gaming - Fun For Our Troops
Gamers Outreach Foundation supplies video game care packages to troops serving overseas through our Fun for our Troops initiative. The goal of this initiative is to provide stress relief, relaxation, and boost the morale and overall well-being of U.S. troops. Many of our servicemembers are gamers and they rely on game play as a way to decompress and lift their spirits. Fun For Our Troops serves all branches of the U.S. Military and primarily works with video game consoles, PC games, and console games.
Monetary donations made to the program are used to purchase consoles and cover shipping expenses. Game donations we receive are mailed to U.S. troops deployed throughout the world.
Games, gaming - Game Day (AdoptaPlatoon)
Sending games and snacks to give the troops something to do in their down time! All kinds of games are needed: board games, cards, dominos, Scrabble, hand-held games, puzzles and anything you think they would enjoy doing! And don’t forget the snacks -- candy, chips, salsa, popcorn, beef jerky, just to name a few! Project created by the AdoptaPlatoon™.
Games, gaming - Give2TheTroops
Here's a list of what many troops are asking for (NEW items, please):
- Game Systems (X-Box, Playstion, Wii) with games
- Puzzle Books
- Board Games
Games, gaming - Mobile Entertainment Gaming System (MEGS) program provided by USO
MEGS is a portable, self-contained and highly durable multimedia platform created to give our troops endless hours of fun and relaxation. With the ability to be set up and broken down in minutes, MEGS can be delivered to forward operating bases, ships at sea or to stateside installations.
Built to accommodate four players simultaneously, each MEGS supports the Xbox® 360, Sony Playstation® 3 and the Nintendo® Wii™. MEGS systems come with all the necessary adapters, cables and routers, for easy set up for service men and women.
Games, gaming - Pro vs. GI Joe (USO)
Would you want to test your Xbox skills against Evander Holyfield? Or school Shaq at his favorite video game? The USO partnered with Pro vs. GI Joe to provide deployed service men and women a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go head-to-head against their favorite professional athletes in an exciting video game competition via the Internet!
The Pro vs. GI Joe program matches a service man or woman against a “pro” and brings them together in a real-time video game competition. The troops play in USO centers all over the world while the professional athletes play back home. Troops and professional athletes use the same equipment: big screen television monitor, webcam monitor, gaming console and gaming tag. The end result is an awesome gaming experience for both Pro and GI Joe’s all over the world.
Gift certificate donations - AAFES
https://shop.aafes.com or call (877) 770-4438
Purchase an AAFES Gift Card(s)/ Exchange Catalog Gift Certificate(s) to include in your care package or letter to a military family member, friend or loved one to be used at a local post exchange around the world. Please remember to send to only recipients that have Exchange privileges.
Gift certificate donations - Military Moms of Texas
Military Moms of Texas has a program, Deployed Night Out, that accepts gift certificate donations to restaurants, movie theaters, and other entertainment venues, for Soldiers to use during R&R.
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Cards (From Our Hearts)
From Our Hearts is a not-for-profit that began with a simple request by a son for a few handcrafted cards so that he could send “special” cards home to his wife and children while he serving his 6th deployment in Iraq. Today, the initial dozen handcrafted cards have turned into thousands of quality, handcrafted cards created and donated to From Our Hearts every month by hundreds of stampers nationwide and shipped to our servicemen and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Cards (Operation MOMS)
As many of you know, MOMS "Box-of-Home" carries a Writing Pack among many! With this, are a pack of Hand-crafted cards by MOMS Volunteers, for each service member to have on hand for all different occasions to send back home. We must remember, there is not a corner Drug store or Walmart for them to pick up cards nor writing materials! The least we can do...
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Cards (Operation Write Home)
Operation Write Home is a group of crafters from across America (and beyond!) who make handmade cards for deployed heroes so they can keep in touch with their loved ones at home! We serve all branches of the military in all deployed locations, including those stationed aboard ships.
Our crafters range in age, location, and level of skill - but all have a desire to help those who serve us. Cards are made by individuals, groups, schools, scouts, and sent to our volunteer shippers in quantities both small and large!
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Cards (Totally For Troops)
Totally for Troops is a non-profit organization dedicated to making and providing greeting cards to deployed service men and women who, in turn, are able to personalize the cards and mail them home to family and loved ones. This program is completely free to deployed units.
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Dogtags (Dogtags for Kids)
This is a grassroots effort to show our support for the troops and their families. We tried to think of something we could send Dad or Mom that they could easily send back to their kids. This is something easy to ship and something the kids can hang on to until Dad or Mom gets back home.
Helping Soldiers send love and care home - Organizations that support those special days
For links to Operation Hi Honey! (Anniversary), Operation Hi Mom! (Mother's Day), and Full Circle Home (Christmas and Mother's Day), please visit this LINK for supporting deployed military personnel on Special Days.
HP free technical phone support for overseas active military personnel
Hewlett-Packard will provide technical phone support at no charge for HP consumer products, regardless of warranty status, to overseas active military personnel. Once the overseas military personnel verifies their military status, HP will waive any fee-based charges for phone support regardless of where the product was purchased.
Humanitarian aid - Afghanistan, Iraq
For Operation We Are Here's comprehensive listing of opportunities to support our deployed military personnel by reaching out to the people of Afghanistan or Iraq, click HERE.
iPads - iPads for Soldiers
iPads for Soldiers is a charitable fund-raising operation, collecting donations to purchase iPads for US soldiers serving in Afghanistan. iPads for Soldiers is managed by The C.H.R.I.S. Foundation, a non‑profit serving veterans and our military.
Iva GotYa TM, by Noellas Gifts
This is a very special and easy-to-pack keepsake to remind your Soldier of how much you care; whether you are a spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, or friend.
Each ‘Iva GotYa’ has a clip and gift tag attached, with To and From fields for personalization. The tag reads: “When I can’t be there… Just give Iva a squeeze, it’s a hug from me; hear me say, you’re okay, and always know… Iva GotYa”. It can be personalized even further with -in my prayers, -in my heart, -in my dreams, -on my mind, …any message you want your Soldier to see every day.
Designs available for men and women, young and old, including camouflage. Very lightweight at approximately 3 ounces. Shipping via USPS Priority Mail; APO/FPO addresses welcome.
Jerky - Operation Troop Jerky (Support Our Troops)
Jerky is one of the things deployed troops crave the most, and Operation Troop Jerky™ enhances the morale and welfare of the deployed troops worldwide by sending them the high-quality jerky they want.
Language training courses - Operation Speak Easy (USO)
Operation Speak Easy launched in order to gives the troops the resources to lower the language barrier that currently exists in Afghanistan.
The USO in partnership with The Boston Foundation and Playaway,® Pimsleur® Language Programs developed audio-based language training courses in Pashto and Dari, the key languages spoken in Afghanistan.
Operation Speak Easy features free downloads of the Pimsleur Pashto and Pimsleur Dari courses via the USO website and includes the distribution of over 4,000 Playaway audio players in each language to US Troops, both those about to be deployed and those already on the ground in Afghanistan. Playaway audio players are preloaded and completely portable.
Upon completion, each service member will have attained intermediate proficiency in speaking, understanding and in reading furthering day-to-day communications with the Afghani population and promoting understanding, compassion, and good will.
Laundry - Washboard
The Columbus Washboard Company will send a military washboard and supplies to deployed troops for free! This is especially valuable for those who go to FOB locations where they don't get back to their safe zones to do laundry for 30-60 days etc. Please check with your service member to see if they can use this before sending as space is limited and in some cases there might be washboards already in their particular location.
Musical instruments - Operation Happy Note sends musical instruments to deployed personnel
Operation Happy Note is a volunteer effort to send musical instruments to deployed service men and women throughout the world. With the help of major musical companies, as well as individual donators, we have sent thousands of instruments, including guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins, harmonicas, and accessories. Steve also wrote a lesson program with CD for those who don't know how to play. Thousands of requests are still coming in; clearly these soldiers need the joy that music brings them.
Notebooks - All-weather writing paper (Rite in the Rain)
Rite in the Rain is an environmentally responsible, patented all-weather writing paper that sheds water and enables you to write in any weather condition! Rite in the Rain has answered the call for a "field worthy" line of tactical products. All have "non-flagging" Green or Tan covers and tinted Rite in the Rain ruggedized all-weather paper.
Pens - Freedom Pens
The Freedom Pens Project is an all volunteer effort spearheaded by the members of SawMill Creek Woodworkers Forums to provide custom hand crafted pens to American servicemen and women overseas. We welcome anyone who is interested in our project and willing to donate their time, talent or services to assist us in our goal of providing beautiful writing instruments for our military stationed in foreign countries who are in harms way. Every Freedom Pen that is delivered will serve as a constant reminder to our troops that they are not alone and will have our continued support until every one of them returns home.
Pet adoption (Afghanistan and Iraq) - Nowzad (UK)
Rescuing stray and abandoned animals in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Pet foster care - Dogs on Deployment
Military members nation-wide confront a multitude of problems during their career. The last problem they want to worry about is what to do with their beloved family pet when it's time for them to deploy. Asking themselves, "What should I do with my dog while I'm on deployment," many service members have limited, to no options for their pets when they have to go overseas. Many owners have to relinquish their pets to shelters when they have nowhere else to go. Dogs On Deployment is a licensed non-profit which aims at becoming a central web-based database for service members to search for individuals or families who are willing to welcome a Dog On Deployment into their home for the length of their owner's deployment.
Pet foster care - Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet formed after learning that military service members across the country had pets that needed a caring, loving, and safe home to care for them during the pet owner's deployment to fight the global war on terrorism (combat or peace keeping missions), but had been unable to find someone to care for them. This left the military pet owners with only one option, which was to relinquish their beloved pets and pet ownership rights to a humane society, animal shelter, or animal rescue group never to see their pets again, know if they were placed in a new home, or ended up being euthanized.
Pet foster care - Humane Society Foster Care Tips
It is very important to keep loved ones close during uncertain times—including the four-legged members of our families. The Humane Society of the United States urges military families to work hard to keep pets in the family and resist relinquishing these beloved pets to shelters.
If you are in the military, it's important to make prior arrangements for your pets in case you are deployed. If at all possible, arrange for family or friends to care for your pet. When leaving your pet with family or friends, it's a good idea to create a foster care agreement. Having a written agreement will help protect your pet and provide you with the security of knowing your chosen caretaker has the legal right to care for your pet in your absence.
Site includes a brochure, checklists...
Pet foster care - Net Pets Military Pets Foster Project
A nationwide and global network of individual foster homes that will house, nurture and care for the dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for all the Military personnel only. (Foster: to give temporary nurture, care and shelter.)
Pet foster care - Operation Noble Foster
On September 23rd, 2001, Operation Noble Foster was officially launched to provide temporary foster homes for military and paramilitary owned cats. Please do volunteer to help our military have their pets to come home to if you can.
Since 2001, more than 6000 people have signed up as foster volunteers and more than 5000 cats have been fostered. Our foster volunteers are proud to have made it possible for there to be many very happy reunions, and many foster volunteers have continued to foster for other military pets.
Pet foster care - PACT for Animals
The PACT for Animals' Military Foster Program is designed to provide an alternative to the unwanted surrender of beloved pets (dogs and cats) of our deployed military service members. We do this by recruiting and qualifying volunteer fosters who are willing to open their homes to provide a loving and safe environment for these pets until they can be reunited upon their owners' return.
Pet foster care - Paws for Deployment (Canada)
The Paws for Deployment program fosters pets while their owners are away on a mission. With frequent Afghanistan deployments and recent "last minute" Haiti deployments, it's a service that will help ease the minds of military pet owners. This is the only program of its kind in Canada and it gives a temporary home to animals while their owners are gone, easing the stress of separation anxiety.
No longer will troops have to struggle with tough decisions about what to do with their pets. While they're away, Barriefield Animal Hospital staff and local volunteers will make sure these animals are loved and cared for. They offer long-term boarding, weekend fostering and full time fostering depending on the pet’s needs.
Phone, phone cards - American Red Cross
Phone cards help heroes call home. There’s nothing more wonderful than hearing the voice of a loved one back home. You can help our deployed service members stay in touch with family and friends, and help make being away just a little more bearable.
Phone, phone cards - Armed Forces Aid Campaign
We help our active duty men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan by supplying them with free phone cards so they can call home and talk to their loved ones – something the military does not pay for.
Phone, phone cards - Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008. To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers expects to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country.
Phone, phone cards - Gmail (Call phones from Gmail)
US Service Members abroad: call home for free - Calling phones in the United States is now completely free for all uniformed military personnel with a valid United States Military (.mil) address. This means that troops stationed around the world can now call the United States at no cost, right from Gmail.
To start making free calls, follow these 2 steps:
Step 1: Add your .mil address to your Google Account:Step 2: Click the 'Call phone' link in your chat roster and use the dialpad to make calls.Similarly to free calling within the U.S., free calling to the U.S. for service members will be available for at least the rest of 2011. Calling to other destinations starts at as little as $.02/minute, and calling from Gmail is not available in all locations.
Phone, phone cards - Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards
Help our troops call home. The Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell the following prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Phone, phone cards - Operation Phone Home (USO)
USO Operation Phone Home is a campaign designed to provide prepaid international calling cards to as many of our service men and women overseas as possible. This program designates 100% of monetary donations to the purchase and distribution of 100, 300 and 500 minute global calling cards to deployed service members.
Phone, phone cards - Operation Uplink
With the VFW's Operation Uplink, Troops can call home–at no charge—from internet cafes throughout Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait every month of the year.
Free call day listing for 2011-2012 - LINK
FAQ about the program - LINK
Phone, phone cards - Phone Home Program (Project Prayer Flag)
Project Prayer Flag will receive your donation and purchase special rate Military AT & T International prepaid phone cards for service members and entire U.S. Military Units deployed in International Forward operating areas. This program greatly lifts the morale and increases cohesion among separated loved ones.
Phone, phone cards - Project Foot
Project Foot offers no-cost phone service with a US phone number to military members and their families. These phone lines utilize VOIP (Voice Over IP) technology and do not require a computer to use. The phone service acts very similar to a regular house phone (with the exception of 911 service) and can be used to make and receive phone calls to the US with no per-minute or toll charges.
The US Phone Anywhere Program is a lifeline to home for many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. Many of our service members who are stationed for years at a time in foreign countries have their spouses and children with them abroad. For those spouses and children these phone lines become the “Call Grandma” lifeline to the families back in the United States.
Phone, phone cards - Video conference calls
Our mission is to build a communications network independent of military networks employing state of the art Wi-Fi, VOIP telephony, Video Conferencing and Satcom technology to enable our troops to communicate free of charge from their base camps with their families at home by internet telephone, instant messaging and video conference.
Phone, phone cards - Videophones (See Your Troops Foundation)
Provide free videophones and free minutes for our deployed Troops so they can not only speak to family and friends but see them as well!
Pillows - I Love You Kissing Pillows
These hand-stitched little pillows are designed to be used as a keepsake for the children and loved ones left behind by the Soldiers departing for service of the United States of America. The Soldier should kiss the pillow and give one to each of his or her loved ones to hold onto until he or she returns form war. The pillows also can be given to those who are being deployed and know that they are filled with hugs and kisses from their loved ones and from those of us who care and made them for each Soldier. We hope the pillows will be a comfort during the lonely times for both the Soldier and the families. The Evergreen Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America Inc. has lovingly stitched numerous of these pillows with gratitude for your service to our country.
Pillows - Operation Pillowcase (Operation Support for Deployed Military)
Operation Pillowcase began in 2004 with a request from a Soldier in Iraq for a dark pillowcase. Due to its popularity, more and more pillowcases were made and sent. Since 2007 more than 4000 pillowcases were sent to Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Requests for pillowcases are received throughout the year. If you would like to make pillowcases to support this project, you may download the free pattern listed on the website. If the pillowcases are to be sent with Christmas stockings, there are deadlines.
Pillows - Operation Pocket Field Pillow
A group of volunteers in my community began Operation Pocket Field Pillow in February 2009, when my son deployed to Afghanistan. To date, we've made and shipped over 10,000 ACU pocket field pillows to our combat troops and over 2,000 fleece travel pillows to our wounded. Our aim is simple; to keep working to let our troops know that we will not forget them. Our pillows are small enough to store in a ruck or pocket, and are meant to be taken out in the field on missions.
All the ACU and fleece we use is donated, and the few donations we receive help pay to ship boxes of our field pillows to Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany. Visit our blog to learn how you can make an ACU pocket field pillow.
Pillows - Pillows for Patriots
In cooperation with Harris Pillow Supply, we are accepting donations in support of our cause which is to provide a better night's sleep for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. These pillows are packable, cozy and washable.
Pillows - Pillows for Soldiers
Our goal is simple. Supply a large, very comfortable, high quality pillow to as many United States Military and National Guard service men and women as possible; to those who serve our country now, those who have served in the past and those who will serve in the future, including the families of fallen soldiers.
We hope that every time they lay their heads on their pillows, they know how much we all stand behind them, support them, admire them, respect them and revere them...and how God has blessed us with their selfless courage and dedication.
Pizza - Pizza 4 Patriots
Pizzas 4 Patriots is a non-profit organization with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of our service men and women. Those patriots presently serving and our wounded veterans. It is our goal to provide our armed forces mainly pizzas but also gifts from home. Through financial donations from individuals and financial, products and service donations from organizations who want to show appreciation for the troops’ sacrifice. These gifts include but are not limited to any item that can bring home to the patriots. It is our goal to make them feel they are not forgotten but remembered and appreciated by the country and residents who enjoy the freedoms that they provide for us.
Pocket flags - Project Prayer Flag
Project Prayer Flag is a grass-roots non-profit military support organization, which places American pocket flags and provides support services for the U.S. Military and their families. They have given over 230,000 patriot flag packs (consisting of American pocket flags, inspirational bookmarks, gifts and letters), packages, and related support to service members and their families.
Popcorn - Operation Popcorn (Support Our Troops)
A big hit with the troops, Operation Popcorn enhances the morale and welfare of the deployed troops worldwide by sending them a taste of home via millions of pounds of free microwave popcorn treats every year. SupportOurTroops.org, the Boy Scouts of America, and Trail's End® Popcorn team up to pull this off yearly.
Salami - Operation Salami Drop
Operation Salami Drop, sponsored by Hobby's Delicatessen and Restaurant in Newark, is trying to send a salami to all of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Help bring a little bit of home to these brave troops. Your $10 donation can send a Soldier a salami.
Sauces - Operation Sauce Drop
The mission of Operation Sauce Drop is to deliver great-tasting sauces to US military personnel stationed abroad, free of charge. Why are we doing this? Because we would like to thank our brave troops for their sacrifices with a small token of our appreciation, and perhaps a taste of home. We have assembled seven different themed gift boxes of sauces, from mild and zesty to hot and fiery, from which any serviceman or servicewoman stationed at an APO or FPO address may choose, and we will ship their choice of gift box to their APO or FPO address at absolutely no cost to them whatsoever.
Shirts - Personalized T's for your loved ones (T-Shirts 4 Soldiers - Home Sweet Home Campaign)
You design 'em, we print-n-mail 'em - The Home Sweet Home Campaign is proud to offer a fun and unique way for you to connect with your deployed family members and friends!
Send a piece of your heart and home to the Service Member you love and you will be helping our wounded war veterans and their families in their greatest time of need. (For every shirt purchased a portion of the proceeds will be donated to USA Cares).
Shirts - Tees 4 Troops
In an effort to support our troops overseas, Safari Sun is proud to present Tees 4 Troops. Order new shirts for your unit for only $5 (1 shirt per troop member, 1 design per unit). Program applies only to those stationed out of the continental US. Supplies limited by availablilty.
Spiritual support - Bibles, Military devotionals
Spiritual support - Prayer
Spiritual support - Resources to equip military chaplains in their ministry
Link - Includes more faith-based resources for military personnel. Many resources chaplains can access for their deployed military personnel!
Spiritual support - Rosaries (Yellow Ribbon Rosaries)
The mission of Yellow Ribbon Rosaries is to provide Battlefield Rosary Packets to soldiers. If you or a member of your family is serving overseas, we will be happy to send a Battlefield Rosary for you, NO CHARGE! NO shipping. NO handling, NO charge! The only thing we ask is that you give us the mailing address. We only offer these to be mailed to an APO or FPO but if you provide us with a name and APO or FPO address, we will be thrilled to send you or your soldier a Rosary. This is what we do and are happy to provide these for you.
Sports equipment - Give2TheTroops
Here's a list of what many troops are asking for (NEW items, please):
- Soccer Balls
- Footballs
- Nerf Footballs
- Basketballs
- Volleyballs and Nets
- Air Pumps and Needles (to pump the balls)
- Baseball and Softball Equipment (bats, mitts, gloves and catchers' masks)
- Whiffle Balls and Bats
- Badminton Sets
- Frisbees
- Ping Pong (table tennis) Balls and Paddles
- Dart Boards (real and magnetic types)
- Bocce Sets
- Horseshoes Sets (metal or rubber)
Sports equipment - Baseball (Operation Grand Slam)
Operation Grand Slam works with the Hershey's Chocolate company, Louisville Slugger Baseball, Rawlings, and many Major League Baseball teams in bringing Baseball equipment to U.S. service members serving in international areas. When U.S. Soldiers receive the baseball equipment and Major League Baseball's support, they are encouraged by the chance to reconnect to America. It helps makes their deployments just a little bit easier. Through Operation Grand Slam, many Major League Baseball organizations and the players are encouraged to individually correspond and interact with the Military Units through their time in service.
Sports equipment - Bowling (The Bowlers to Veterans Link)
Thanks to America’s bowling community, when active duty troops around the world have some down time, they can enjoy some fun and competition via a lightweight, portable carpet bowling lane kit, shipped complete with a rubberized bowling ball, ten pins and score sheets.
Sports equipment - Golf (Bunkers in Baghdad)
We are a not-for-profit charity that collects and sends new and used golf balls, clubs and equipment to our troops currently serving in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bunkers also supplies golf equipment to Wounded Warriors Programs around the country to aid in the rehabilitation of our injured veterans.
Sports equipment - Golf (Operation Shoebox)
Golf Clubs for Troops - We currently have used golf clubs for any troop that is interested in them.
Sports equipment - Tennis (United States Tennis Association)
The Adopt-A-Unit effort is designed to guide tennis organizations and players to ‘adopt’ a military unit of anywhere between 25-100 service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan by sending care packages of necessities. In turn, USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, will send portable tennis equipment to the adopted unit on your behalf with instructions and educational information on tennis. The effort allows the tennis community to show support and to introduce soldiers to a recreational means for reintegrating with family, friends and community upon their return from conflict.
Stress relief - Chill Drills (Audio recording, 60 minutes)
The stress of combat and other traumatic situations can linger long after your deployment has ended. Back home, it takes time to adjust. It can be hard to sleep, hard to talk, hard to be patient -- with yourself, your family and friends, even with cars and trucks on the road. Many of these feelings lessen with time. Meanwhile, you can teach yourself to relax more by using this recording.
In this recording, Heidi J. Bauer, MSW, LCSW, an Army Family Team Building instructor at Fort McCoy, leads you through four drills that will train you to recognize and control your stress. These drills will help you:
- Relax your mind by tuning into your body
- Release your stress
- Ease your back pain
- Get to sleep
Chill Drills is available as a pocket-sized, pre-loaded, battery-powered MP3 player so you can listen anywhere, any time. Use these drills before, during, and after your deployment to stay calm and focused throughout.
Stress relief - Dang It Dolls
The objective of Operation Military Stress Relief Doll is to show support for our young men and women in the military and to let them know they are appreciated and not forgotten. We do this by making and distributing our Dang-It Doll to them. Each doll has a poem and note of thanks.
In the last three and a half years, we have shipped over 25,000 dolls to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Italy, Holland, Germany and bases in the U.S. These dolls are not sold. They are free to anyone in the military. We do not allow anyone to buy or sell these dolls. This is our tribute to the American Soldier for all they have done for our Country.
Stress relief - Hooah Button
If you know someone serving in the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy, why not inspire them with a HOOAH! Button? Army spouses will find the HOOAH! Button to be the perfect, fun Army gift. The HOOAH! Button is lightweight and is a simple way to include some fun in a care package for soldiers in Iraq, soldiers in Afghanistan, or troops who are deployed in other places around the world.
Stress relief - Operation Iraq'n Robin-istan
We have been sending cardboard Iraq'n'Robin-istan glasses over to the desert, quite often thru the Chaplains, Commanders, or 1st Shirts who know the times when morale is in dire need of a boost. We're told it has been extremely successful, especially when they've gone by the guidelines and made everyone put them on at the same time - for about 10-15 minutes, then go about their duties.
As Hero To Hero grows, we meet some really great sports who know the value of laughter and we applaud them for playing along. If you are deployed and have a small group that you'd like to receive Iraq'n'Robin-istan glasses, drop us a request ... But you have to PROMISE to send photos back to us to share. Just e-mail us.
Stress relief - The Red Nose Institute
The Red Nose Institute is designed to put a smile on the faces of our troops overseas. Designed by a clown and with the help of clowns and friends around the world, the idea is for folks who care about our military to donate red foam noses. Monetary donations are also accepted and used to purchase even more noses and also to help with mailing costs. The noses are then mailed to U.S. troops deployed anywhere overseas. A letter is enclosed with each package telling that the folks sending them are extremely proud of our military and thankful for what they are doing on our behalf. Servicemen and women are encouraged to share the noses with someone who might need a smile and possibly to share them with the nearby children. There is NO COST to our military or to anyone requesting noses.
USO in a Box - USO
Since a fixed USO center cannot be built on every forward operating base in Southwest Asia, the USO created the USO in a Box program in 2008 to meet these new demands.
USO in a Box converts the expandable Tactical Operations Center (TOC) used by the military into an unmanned USO center that can be trucked or helicoptered into austere operating environments. The unit has a self-contained diesel generator, accepts shore power if available, and has interior climate control - heat and air conditioning. The unit can be unfolded and operational within 20 minutes of being dropped on site.
Each unit features Internet access, two rugged laptops, four flat screen televisions, a DVD player, VoIP, three Xbox® 360 gaming systems, Guitar Hero® and surround sound. The nature of these units allows them to be quickly moved from one location to another, as needed.
USO2GO kits - USO
USO2GO delivers the USO’s most popular services to troops in remote and restricted areas. Everything from beanbag chairs, snacks, coffee, and toiletries to phone cards, DVDs, XBox®360, PlayStation® 3, and Wii. Also available are laptops, musical instruments, art supplies, footballs, Frisbees, and horseshoes.
Developed with feedback from deployed troops, USO2GO kits change as their needs change. Units can select eight variations that can be customized to fit the needs of individual units stationed on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).
Voting (deployment, overseas) - Federal Voting Assistance Program
Voting help for uniformed service members, their families, and citizens living outside the U.S.
Voting (deployment, overseas) - Military Voter Protection Project (Families United USA)
The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights of American democracy. It has been defended for well over 200 years by the sacrifices our men and women in uniform. Yet, when it comes to their right to vote—our military members’ right to choose the next Commander in Chief or their elected representatives—their voices have long been silenced by an electoral process that has failed them. That silence was most evident in the 2008 when thousands of absentee military ballots never received by the military voter or received after the election. The MVP Project is here to defend our military members’ right to vote and to provide them with the very right that they defend.
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Art classes, art therapy - American Healing Arts Foundation
The American Healing Arts Foundation (AHAF) is a non-profit organization that promotes art classes at no cost to our veterans. Our mission is to give veterans new hope, offer them our support, friendship and additionally give them an art career opportunity. Art is proven to be therapeutic for the mind body and soul. We are looking forward to our ultimate goal of the ‘Veterans Academy of Art’.
We believe:
- Every man and woman that has ever served our country is eligible for the art classes.
- Wounded warriors and their families have an added financial burden which is why we offer no cost art classes.
- Art therapy classes offer veterans the ability to interact with world-renowned art instructors, witness their own creative side and exercise the power of rehabilitation.
- Classes are intended to reunite veterans with their peers, away from hospitals and the battlefield, in a peaceful environment.
- Every veteran is given the opportunity to discover their talents and achieve an art career.
- After a series of classes, veterans will leave with encouragement, hopefulness, inspiration and a sense of peace as well as self-satisfaction.
Art classes, art therapy - Combat Paper Project
From uniform to pulp - Battlefield to workshop - Warrior to artist
The Combat Paper Project utilizes art making workshops to assist veterans in reconciling and sharing their personal experiences as well as broadening the traditional narrative surrounding service and the military culture.
Through papermaking workshops veterans use their uniforms worn in combat to create cathartic works of art. The uniforms are cut up, beaten into a pulp and formed into sheets of paper. Veterans use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to embrace their experiences in the military.
The Combat Paper Project is based out of art studios throughout the United States and has traveled to Canada and the United Kingdom, providing veterans workshops, exhibitions, performances and artists' talks. This project is made possible by a multifaceted collaboration between artists, art collectors, academic institutions and veterans.
Bumper sticker - I Served (Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam)
Our vision is to give every returning military person that served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam a free sticker that identifies their place of service. It is our hope that these stickers will encourage others to express a simple "thank you" for serving our country. It's a simple inexpensive way to give back to those who have given so much.
Music recording and performing opportunities - Operation Soundoff
Operation: Sound Off! (OSO) provides music recording and performing opportunities to active and veteran military personnel with musical aspirations they put on hold to serve their country. We believe these efforts can help with rehabilitation, reintegration, and give them an opportunity to tell their stories through music.
OSO was created by Grammy Award winning artist, Robert Reynolds (The Mavericks), and producer/arranger, Scotty Huff (The Mavericks, Keith Urban), to help facilitate the musical dreams of these brave and talented individuals for the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our very freedom to dream. We think they’ve earned it! This includes time in full-service recording facilities, with professional recording engineers, music producers, songwriters, and accompaniment by world-class musicians, all at no cost to them. This will culminate in an ongoing series of “best of” albums, spanning all genres, digital downloads, concert tours, and an episodic television production.
Resiliency, recovery, reintegration - Real Warriors
The Real Warriors Campaign is an initiative launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families.
The Real Warriors Campaign combats the stigma associated with seeking psychological health care and treatment and encourages service members to increase their awareness and use of these resources. To reach the broadest audience possible, the campaign features a variety of strategies including outreach and partnerships, print materials, media outreach, an interactive Web site and social media. The campaign features stories of real service members who have sought treatment and are continuing to maintain successful military or civilian careers. In addition, DCoE established the DCoE Outreach Center, a 24/7 call center staffed by health resource consultants to provide confidential answers, tools, tips and resources about psychological health and traumatic brain injury. The Outreach Center can be reached toll-free at 866-966-1020 or via e-mail at resources@dcoeoutreach.org.
Share stories - Army Strong Stories
Army Strong Stories is a program provided by U.S. Army Accessions Command. The site is dedicated to sharing the meaning of Army Strong through a dedicated Soldier blog, and video and written story submissions from Soldiers, family members, friends and supporters.
Soldiers of every rank, background and MOS are invited to share their unfiltered perspective on daily life in the military as Army Strong Stories bloggers. Through blog entries, photos and video, the Soldier bloggers chronicle their experiences in the Army with topics ranging from basic combat training and serving in Iraq to family life and travel opportunities. The blog is also open to Cadets, Veterans and Army-contracted civilians.
Everyone is encouraged to share their meaning of Army Strong by submitting a video or written story. Whether you’re an active duty Soldier, a family member or supporter of the troops, we want to hear from you. All received story submissions will appear unedited on Army Strong Stories.
Share stories - Google Veterans Channel
If you are a veteran, please consider sharing your experience and answering questions with a video response of your own. This provides an opportunity for civilians to hear veterans talk about service in their own words and answer the questions they may have wanted to ask.
Share stories - Real Combat Life
Our mission is to provide an online forum for our brave veterans to share their experiences and to educate the public on what life is like in combat from a first hand perspective.
Share stories - Veterans History Project
The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.
Share stories - The Voice Library
Our veterans have amazing, awe inspiring, and often heartbreaking stories and experiences to share. Your service was a true gift to our country, and your military history deserves to be preserved and protected for your family and future generations to hear and to learn from, when the time is right.
You can collect your story for submission to the Veteran’s History Project, or record your triumphant and traumatic war stories as a means of therapy. Record an oral history to be shared with your support team, friends or family. Our young service men and women can become better soldiers through the lessons you learned and from your words of guidance. Either by phone or internet, The Voice Library allows you to record, share and securely store your memories and reflections of your time in service and of our nation during times of war and times of peace. Your story – your legacy – will be there to help to support our soldiers.
Share stories - U.S. Army Faces of Strength
Have you heard a story of Army strength recently?
While we have featured many compelling stories in the Our Stories section of this site, we continue to search for more. Here we encourage you to share your own story of strength, no matter how great or small it may be. Tell us about the people you know who are doing their part to support the Army Community to help us show how their selfless actions can inspire our Nation. (Your story may be chosen as a featured story for the 2012 Faces of Strength campaign.)
Share stories - Your Military Story
The premier place to share and read stories of those who served.
Vacation, recreation opportunities
Yoga - Four free yoga classes (Yoga for Vets)
This website is for war or conflict veterans that served, or are currently serving, in the United States military. We list studios, gyms, teachers, and veterans' hospitals that offer at least four free classes to combat veterans. Yoga For Vets simply wants to allow veterans to see the benefits of yoga through four free classes. Take free classes! See what yoga can do for you!
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The Support Our Troops® License Plate Program has been causing the issuance of official state-issued Support Our Troops! motor vehicle specialty license plates in many of our 50 states. Our trademark Support Our Troops! license plates enable people to (a) publicly show their patriotism for their troops and families, (b) aggregate patriotic private money® for our programs which bolster the troops and their families who sacrifice to protect all of us, and (c) provide daily visible messages of support to the troops' families here at home.
News from Afghanistan, Iraq and world - Talking with Heroes
Help us get the word out to more Americans about the great work our heroes have been and continue doing in Iraq, Afghanistan, in America and around the world. Plus about what many individuals, organizations and companies are doing to help our troops, their families, the wounded and more.
News from Afghanistan, Iraq and world - Thank You for Your Service.US
Online news site for current news from Iraq and Afghanistan and from support and veterans groups and issues across America.
Red Shirt Fridays - Wear a red shirt every Friday in support of our miltary personnel
The mission of redshirtfridays.org is to show support for our servicemen and women. We care only about making our support of our servicemen and women known to our fellow Americans and the world. We are a silent majority that does not wish to remain silent anymore. We need to let our servicemen and women know we support their sacrifice and we will not forget them and we will do this by wearing red on every Friday.
Supporting the Troops - Band of Mothers
The Band of Mothers are the mothers of the noble and heroic Soldiers of the United States military. We are dedicated in our mission to step up, stand up and stick up for our Soldiers. Goals: to proudly seek, garner and nurture support for our Soldiers.
Supporting the Troops - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans. IAVA’s mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
Free membership benefits include:
- Linking up with other veterans
- Get information on local events
- Gain access to Community of Veterans, our vets-only online social network
- We maintain the following resource directory for OIF and OEF vets (General Resources, Health, Mental Health, Employment, Housing, Education, Legal Assistance, Financial Assistance, Military Families, Women's Issues, Local Resources, Iraqi Refugees)
Supporting the Troops - March of Honor (A National Day of Recognition)
Together, we expect to deliver millions of 1st class mailed cards to our elected and appointed government officials, calling on them to designate and promote a "National Day of Recognition" for the soldiers and families of Operations Enduring (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom.
Supporting the Troops - Open Up Your Arms
A new generation of veterans is coming home. Let's give them the welcome they deserve. Watch the video and sign the pledge.
Supporting the Troops - Operation Never Forgotten
Operation Never Forgotten (ONF) is a national non-profit communications service that connects our military and civilian worlds through non-partisan public service announcements (PSAs).
Supporting the Troops - Operation Payback
At Operation Payback it is our Mission to use all resources at our disposal to enhance and improve the lives of the brave men and women who were willing to give everything for us. It is our mission to PAY THEM BACK. We believe that: ‘A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
Supporting the Troops - Soldiers' Angels
"May No Soldier Go Unloved," encapsulates the motivation behind Soldiers' Angels. We have over 30 different teams supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families. Our nearly 200,000 volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways.
Supporting the Troops - Tea Party Vets
Tea Party Vets is a Pro-United States Military Activist organization. One of our objectives are to provide financial resources to fund the delivery of food, personal care and recreation items to U.S. Troops stationed across the world. The second objective includes protesting code pink and anti-military cowards, bring national awareness to the issues of the military, sending educational mailers and alerts to the public and to our members.
Supporting the Troops - USO - United Service Organization
Since World War II, the USO has been a steadfast supporter of military personnel around the world. While times have changed, the USO mission has remained the same: to boost the morale of service members and serve as the link between them and the American people. Today the USO delivers its programs and services to 1.4 million active duty service members and 1.2 million National Guard and Reserves as well as their families at more than 130 centers located worldwide.
Services include information referral services, Internet and e-mail access, housing and emergency assistance and support groups, to name a few.
resources
Military supporters, churches
Military chaplains
Organizations that support
Resources for
Encouragement
Military life
Free downloads for kids
Organizations that support
deployed military personnel
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Bug, insect relief
Cooling vest
Eyewear, anti-ballistic
Foot care and socks
Hats, knitted or crocheted
Helmet upgrades
Scarves: knitted, cooling, sand
Sleeping bag liners
Sleep kit
Underwear
Arrival/departure (airport passes, airport photos, welcome home banners, etc.)
Bandanas
Batteries
Books and magazines
Cakes and cookies
Canines and felines downrange
Chess sets
Coffee
Comedians and comedy clubs
DVD's and CD's
Fitness oriented packages (protein bars...)
Games, gaming
Gift cards
Helping Soldiers send love and care home (cards, packages)
HP phone support
Humanitarian aid - Afghanistan, Iraq
iPads
Iva GotYa TM
Jerky
Language training courses (Afghanistan)
Laundry - washboard
Musical instruments
Notebooks - All-weather writing paper
Pens
Pet adoption (Afghanistan and Iraq)
Pet foster care
Phone, phone cards
Pillows
Pizza
Pocket flags
Popcorn
Salami
Sauces
Sports equipment (baseball, bowling, golf,
tennis)
Shirts
Spiritual support (Bible, devotionals,
prayer, rosaries)
Stress relief
USO in a Box
USO2GO kits
Voting (deployment, overseas)
Other helpful links:
- How to send cake, cookies, cupcakes
- Organizations that send them
- Retailers that ship to APO/FPO
- Seasonal theme ideas
- Shipping information
- Birthday
- Christmas
- Easter
- Father's Day
- Halloween
- Independence Day
- Mother's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Valentine's Day
- Veterans Day
- Wedding anniversary
- Bracelets, dog tags, 550 cord, necklaces, crosses, deployment
journals, and more!
- Hunting, fishing, outdoors, etc.
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Art classes
Bumper sticker - I Served
Music recording and performing
opportunities (free)
Pet adoption
Resiliency, recovery, reintegration
Share stories
Vacation, recreation opportunities
(hunting, fishing, outdoor, etc.)
Yoga
News from Afghanistan, Iraq and world
License plates
Red Shirt Friday
Supporting the Troops
Click on the titles below to be directed to that particular selection of resources...
