With the help of our community, the Somonauk High School Family Consumer Service club has raised approximately $300. This money has gone towards putting together 11 care packages for our local soldiers overseas. Thank you to all who helped!
Hidden Costs of War
Submitted by Drew.Haley on Sat, 03/14/2009 - 15:04
the problem:
Our men and women serving overseas desperately need the support from back home. PTSD and suicide rates among soldiers are increasing and we must change that. We need to be constantly sending them our support through letters and care packages. They are the reason we are able to live the life we do, so the least we can do is physically show our support.
vital stats:
people impacted:
20people involved:
50why it's important:
A close friend of mine is currently serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He is only 20 years old and has been there since August of 2008. On his R&R in January of 2009 we discussed the increasing rates of PTSD and suicides among soldiers. It hurt me to know that he is suffering daily over there, and it hurt even more knowing that he has seen his friends die right in front of him. We can help lower these rates simply by showing our support to raise their spirits. Our soldiers go through an extreme amount of stress daily, and having a letter or package waiting for them when they return from a mission reminds them of why they are doing what they're doing. If we want them to remain strong for our country, we must begin to be strong and show them the support and recognition that they deserve.
the plan of action:
We can help by sending letters and care packages to every region that our soldiers are in. We need to include the items that the need in order to keep them emotionally stable and intact. Calling cards are needed very badly. Imagine going weeks on end not hearing the voice of the ones you love the most. Many soldiers do not have internet connection, so it's extremely difficult to keep in contact with the ones back home. We need to supply our soldiers with writing materials (cards, envelopes, pens, etc.) so they can write back and forth with family. We also need to include fun items, such as board games, decks of cards, or sport balls that the soldiers can use in their down time. These will help to take their mind off of war and help them to relax. I do not have the finances to do this on my own, so this grant will help to get the word out there and start this organization up.
how you can get involved:
Adopt a soldier! www.aauss.org is a great organization that sets you up with a soldier to support. You can write letters back and forth and send packages out often. It helps to boost their morales and keep their spirits high.
project updates:
03/14/2009
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