New Program by USO Helps Military Families
By Henry Dunkelberger
Mar. 4. 2010
Military families sacrifice a lot when a loved one is overseas fighting for his or her country. The USO (United Service Organization) wants to show appreciation to those families, says Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. Biden joined a group of volunteers to pack and ship 3,000 care packages to families with loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“I have seen firsthand just how much a small act of kindness can mean to a service member,” Biden said. Biden’s son Beau is a member of the Delaware Army National Guard and has served in Iraq.
The event at the National Armory in Washington, D.C., kicked off the Military Family Care Package program. The first packages are destined for families of 3,000 Florida National Guard Soldiers who will deploy in the coming weeks.
“The items in these packages will make life just a little bit easier for them,” said Biden. “Whether it’s a disposable camera, a grocery-store gift card, or a pre-paid phone card, for the service members serving abroad and missing their loved ones, these packages will bring some comfort, knowing that their families have not been forgotten.”
Other items in the packages include a journal to record events and memories they can share once the service member gets home, Hallmark greeting cards, and gift certificates.
Two colorful inflatable characters known as Hoops and YoYo joined in at the care package event. Designed by Hallmark, the whimsical, colorful blow-ups are highlighted on cards included in the packages.
Hoops and YoYo are aimed at bringing smiles to the faces of kids missing a loved one.
Kids can also help show appreciation to these families, Biden told the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
“You can find out who are the military and the National Guard families in your neighborhood so you could maybe take over a movie one night and popcorn,” she said. “Or you can help your mom bake cookies and take them over to the family.”
The USO is a bridge between the American public and the U.S. military, both in times of peace and war. Currently the USO can be found in more than 130 locations around the world, including Kuwait and Afghanistan. For more information about the organization and how you can help, check out the USO website.
Source: Scholastic News Online
Editor’s Note: Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden stuffs care packages at the USO Military Family Care Package event on February 24, 2010 at the DC National Guard Armory. (Photo: USO Photo by Mike Theiler)
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com