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Jed Boal ReportingMost Americans support our troops abroad and many want to help out even more with care packages and letters, but it's not necessarily easy to take that first step. A new campaign makes it simple to show support.
The US Department of Defense and the Ad Council today joined forces to urge us all to take action and support our troops. The new campaign and website show us meaningful ways we can help.
The Ad Council and the Department of Defense call it "America Supports You." The campaign aims to inspire Americans to participate in activities that show support for the troops.
Allison Barber, U.S. Department of Defense: "The whole idea of the campaign is to connect American people who want to support our troops, directly to our troops."
You'll see new print ads and hear radio spots. The campaign makes it easy to turn support into action. You can always write letters or send care packages, but this website lists other tangible things to do in your community. You can donate frequent flier miles, help a local military family with home repairs, or help the wounded when they return home..
Sgt. Brian Radke and his wife got that kind of support when he was wounded.
Sgt. Brian Radke, Wounded Soldier: "It means the world to have support from the nation, and especially strangers you don't know."
Military sociologists say the support of the American people positively impacts troop morale. The website communicates support to military members and their families. You can send them messages of thanks, and service members can respond to show their appreciation.
Sgt. Brian Radke, Wounded Soldier: "Support like that, that is unwavering from total strangers, helps me get through each day."
More than 1.9 million Americans have logged on since the site was first created in November 2004. "America Supports You" includes more than 200 grassroots organizations and 25 corporate members.
