Join Fox Valley Troop Support in thanking a veteran
“What does honoring our Veterans and supporting the troops really mean?”
Fox Valley Troop Support often will hear this question. It is a nonprofit local group of citizens partnered with the Batavia VFW that sends letters of encouragement and care packages to our local deployed servicemembers. Veterans Day is approaching and many of you can make a difference in their lives.
Here are 8 ways you can support our troops and honor our veterans.
• Do you know somebody deployed? FVTS depends on the relatives and loved ones for their deployment address. We respect their privacy and will not distribute to other parties. We inspect every letter and care package before sealing. FVTS will add a deployment address for their monthly shipments. Contact us at sarah@fvts.org or kathy@fvts.org
• Write letters to our service members. Anyone can write a supportive letter. Refer to www.fvts.org for letter writing tips on dos and don'ts. Each care package contains a hand written letter from home. Drop off letters to: 2901 Glenbriar Drive, St Charles or 18 S Harrison St. in Batavia and we will include your letter in our care packages.
• Collect care package items at your place of business, civic organization or neighborhood. Participate in FVTS care package events at the Batavia VFW (Holiday Care Package Event) on Dec. 7 (drop off donations 5-8 p.m.), and Dec. 8 (prepare care packages 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) See www.fvts.org for a complete care package list and the latest news.
• Attend military homecoming ceremonies and Veterans Day ceremonies. If you would like to be informed, send us your email address to sarah@fvts.org You can alway personally thank a veteran at Veterans Day event or any day of the year. Its NEVER to late to thank a Vet!
• Pay close attention to current military issues. Write your Congressperson to voice your concerns. Our service members and veterans want us to exercise our rights. Vote, speak and stay informed.
• If you know a servicemember that has returned from a deployment, be a good listener. They still need unconditional support. Many times they don't know where to fit in and just want someone to listen to them. Some 18-year-old servicemembers are now combat veterans!
• Provide job opportunities for veterans. Many recently deployed veterans are readjusting to civilian life and need jobs. They have unique skills. Reach out and give them a chance.
• Support the deployed servicemembers' family and friends back home with positive encouragment. They need someone to listen to their worries and concerns too and many local families are enduring a deployment They are the “glue that is holding their loved ones life together”
FVTS Co Chair Kathy has said many times “If I wake up the next morning and there is not a military car in front of my house, I know that I've made it through another night.”
Sarah Giachino: Co Chair Fox Valley Troop Support
2901 Glenbriar Dr. St Charles IL 60174
(630) 926 4545