Our warriors need your holiday messages

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Dec 31, 2001 | by John Elvin

Due to security concerns, the Department of Defense has halted programs such as cards and letters addressed to "Any Service Member" overseas, as well as gift packages not addressed to particular individuals. At the same time, according to a report in the Washington Times, two e-mail programs have been set up. Messages and holiday greetings may be sent from the www.LIFELines2000.org Website and from http://AnyService Member.Navy.mil.

Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), a retired Air Force colonel, is among those urging public participation in the e-mail effort. "When you are alone overseas and away from your family and support groups, it really helps to get a letter from home," he said. Johnson, a former prisoner of war whose seven years of confinement, including half spent in solitary, said he's sent two e-mails to military personnel using the sites so far because "I just wanted to let them know someone in Washington is thinking about them. It's helpful for them to know we are behind them."