As we gather with our families and friends during the holiday season, let us remember the sacrifices by the brave men and women serving our nation overseas.
By giving up their time to defend our freedom and bring freedom to others, many of the more than 190,000 soldiers serving our nation abroad have also given up their ability to be the main provider for their family.
In no time of the year is their absence felt greater than during the holiday season.
In the spirit of the holiday season — a time for generosity and goodwill toward others — consider the financial and emotional strain lengthy deployments can have on America’s military families. During their time of need, please consider sending a donation to one of the service organizations listed below — or a military support organization of your choosing — serving our service men and women, their families, and our wounded veterans.
These organizations help ease the financial distress of the holiday season for military men and women and their families. They do this by providing interest-free loans and grants for emergency needs such as food, rent, and utilities. They also provide assistance in the form of grants and no-interest loans for educational purposes.
Military families already suffer the stress of having a loved one deployed overseas. During this time of year, there is perhaps no better way to honor the families of our bravest Americans than by donating to a military service organization.
Mel Martinez is a U.S. senator for Florida.
Military Relief Organizations
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society www.nmcrs.org
Army Emergency Assistance www.aerhq.org
Air Force Aid Society www.afas.org
Coast Guard Mutual Relief www.cgmahq.org
Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.com
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