Show them you care

Soldiers that are fighting overseas and stationed far away from home, try to grasp the little things that remind them of being back home. It helps when families send letters and write about all the moments that their soldier has missed. It allows for them to create their own memory of the event. Now a days, you can send military care packages to your loved one or for others in the military. Not everyone in the military has family to come back home to.  Sending a care can fulfill the soldier with encouragement and appreciation. It can definitely assist and boost one's emotional state and deter soldiers from falling into depression.

When you’re packaging a care package it allows you to feel a sense of closeness to your loved one. Anything that is sent is better than nothing at all. There’s no need to be so extravagant or for that matter go overboard with the contents.  All you need are the little things that a soldier might need or not have easy access to.

Something from home, perhaps a favorite book, magazine or even just a deck of cards can help pass time. When you’re overseas especially, something as little as a picture or something to remind your loved one of home is worth more than any expensive materialistic item.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some essentials that soldiers need while overseas. The proper necessities to help maintain proper hygiene is vital. Deodorant, shampoo, a bar of soap, some cologne, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc are all important things that we take for granted when there not as easy to obtain. There are some things that are not permitted, which is why it is always a good recommendation to find out what those items are so you don’t waste time or money.

Being overseas has its moments but sometimes getting used to the different cultures and their foods are a bit hard. For picky individuals as myself, you tend to stick with what you like. Sweets and treats are always a good thing to have in that care package, enough to share with friends as well so not everything goes in one shot. Again you want to be smart not to package anything that may melt easily or spoil, for example chocolate.

Round about all the things your loved one misses and throw it in a box and ship if off. Sometimes this can get expensive so try to leave it more for the holidays and special events such as a birthday. Show your love and show your support, happy packing!

Freedom isn't free

I think we should be very grateful to the people who go somewhere prepared to fight for our freedoms. And supportive of their families who worry about their safety.

Our forces may well go somewhere knowing that with that posting comes risk, but should their death or injury mean less because they went into a situation knowing it was possible. I don't think it's wrong for us to see processions for coffins and grieving families - can you really expect them not to be distraught because they were in an environment where they could get hurt. (you could say the same of people who get hit by cars crossing roads, hope their family's not too upset.)

The armed forces don't choose to go to war, they offer to serve so that we can be kept safer. Politicians send them to war, rightly or wrongly, with or without the correct equipment, and with the possibility that the truth about what they do may never be told.

Remember to show your support.