With everything that’s going on in the Middle East right now, especially involving those service men on active duty, one of the problems that soldiers who get stuck in place like Iran or Afghanistan is homesickness. What is worse is that even during the holiday season soldiers are kept within the bounds of the conflict where they are away from their families and the people they care about the most – a great sacrifice for the country that they have willingly decided to serve with utmost dedication.

That is why it is important for the citizens of the US to continue to support those who have selflessly dedicated themselves for the country and its people, especially during the holiday season when they everyone should be with their own families in their homes and not in some camp or military hideout.

As a matter of fact, there are so many programs, groups and websites on the internet that dedicate itself to helping make soldiers who are stuck in their posts feel more at home during Christmas season. Ordinary mailing projects as well as care packages become more special than usual for these soldiers when they receive something for them from the people back home for Christmas. There are also websites that heavily promote the practice of sending Christmas presents to the US soldiers, which they do so by coming up with video presentations and slide shows that show what is going on out there and how hard it is for them.

On the other hand, many families, especially those who have a loved one or a friend in the service, make these people part of their holiday celebration in different ways, such as including Christmas ornaments that have military icons or symbols on them. This, along with other similar practices, might seem small, but they somehow reflect what the entire society thinks about those who willingly serve to protect their country – an appreciation for all their dedication.

Giving morale and support to these soldiers should be an effort that goes beyond the ties of Christmas and the holiday seasons, but during such times one must always try give a little bit more because they mean so much to those soldiers out there. It’s holidays like these where love, faith, hope and support in family, friends and one’s self, among all other things that are strongest and touch the most when they are given, received and felt.

Kyle Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/causes-and-organizations-articles/military-christmas-how-you-can-help-those-overseas-670666.html

9 Responses to “Military Christmas – How You Can Help Those Overseas”

1. Shara says:

   January 2, 2011 at 1:35 am

   Is there a cheaper way to ship to military members serving overseas?
   My husband just deployed to Bahrain this Friday with the Navy.
   I was just curious what the easiest way to ship his Christmas and Birthday gifts to him would be, and if the military helps out at all with those types of things. If so, or not… about how much $$$ would it cost?
2. 101st Army Wife says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:38 am

   You can use the large flat rate boxes that the post offices has on hand. They allow you to pack up to 20lbs in the box and the flat rate if its going to an APO or an FPO is 10.95.

   EDIT: If you do use the flat rate boxes they are priority mail and they usually get to their destination within 10 days. At least every time I have sent these packages to my husband in Afghanistan he gets them within 10 days.
   References :
3. John V says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:40 am

   Best case Scenario.
   you know someone who is departing there soon to bring that gift.

   Other then that. You have to pay.
   Remember the military doesn’t care about those kind of things so its obvious they wont help.

   Also if you do go Flat-Rate.. send it a week or so early Since it takes FOREVER.
   References :
4. Jerry D says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:42 am

   Best hint is to use a friend who is also military to take it on base and mail it "MOM" or Military only Mail… that’s free, but it takes longers (MUCH)… otherwise, yes, you have to pay for it, and cost is dependent on the weight of the package and mode use… the faster, the more expensive….
   References :
   28 years USN
5. brenda lee says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:44 am

   Flat Rate Boxes
   Its hella cheap and they hold alot. Ive shipped down pillows before.
   References :
6. Return of Bite My Shiny Metal... says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:46 am

   101st Army Wife is 100% correct. My wife used flat rate boxes to ship items to our son in Iraq. It’s like $10.00 to ship 10 pounds via priority mail. Check with the post office for the best deal.
   References :
7. Rick says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:48 am

   Postal Office would be you only choice sorry to said that, because no other carrier ship to military base outside U.S. If you do ship make sure you had a insurance and delivery signature requirement for security. As for cost it depend, if you husband is on the ship, is much cheaper.. I know might sound kinda too much, you should ask your husband if he know any of his buddy is about to shipped to Bahrain perhaps they can bring it with you save a lot of trouble? Decide fast since around this time delivery take long.
   References :
   Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, been been Bahrain before.
8. gman says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:50 am

   The military helps out by providing an APO or FPO. Same rates as mailing within the States.
   References :
9. Mrsjvb says:

   January 2, 2011 at 7:52 am

   Flat Rate boxes form USPS.. the largest one has a discount when sent to APO/FPO addresses.

   all expenses are strictly on YOU.

   alternatively: if you currently LIVE OCONUS and have an FPO/APO address yourself, you can send packages Free..SPACE A.. which means if there is space on the plane after all official cargo and personnel are aboard, they MIGHT be able to squeeze your box on.. so it can take months.
   References :