A Simple Way to Say Thanks to our Troops

[ComNavFdgPk]

I just received this in my In-Box from MoveOn.org. Since the Post Office will no longer deliver letters and cards addressed to "any service person," this seems like a really great way to do something for the men and women who have to be away from their families during the Christmas season. I just can't believe that the government makes out service people pay for these trans-continental phone calls. You'd think with the defense budget at the level it is, this would be a non-issue. Well, apparently, you'd be wrong! And this has nothing to do with whether you or for or against the war. This is about the men and women who have to fight it. Anyhow, here's the text of the message. Hopefully, a lot of my fellow JUBbers will join me in kicking in a little bit to make things easier for America's military:

This winter, thousands of U.S. servicemen and women are spending the holidays far away from their families, and calling home can cost them a large part of their paycheck. Troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe actually have to pay for phone calls to the U.S.—and many of them just don't have a lot of money to spare. Imagine being stuck in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Korea and being unable to afford a call to your spouse or kids on Christmas or New Year's Eve.

That's why we're helping the USO to provide thousands of phone cards to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world to let them call their friends, family and loved ones this holiday season.

These phone cards don't cost a lot—only $15 each, but they are incredibly valuable, providing about 45 minutes of talk-time and holiday wishes for service members.

Can you give $15 to buy a phone card for troops stationed overseas? Click here to chip in:

https://civ.moveon.org/donatec4/holiday_troops.html?id=11829-8095330-PjhGcJ&t=2

MoveOn members are committed to seeing our troops come home as quickly as possible, and we'll keep working to make that happen. But right now, supporting the USO is a simple way to make a genuine difference in the lives of brave men and women who've sacrificed a lot for our country.

Can you chip in to buy phone cards for troops stationed overseas this holiday season?

 

[star-warrior]

Some phonecards are really good value. Here in the UK, there are lots of different types of phone cards being sold by many different companies.

We buy them to phone family members on the other side of the planet. We buy a "£20" card for about £14, and there is often £5 or £8 extra making the card £25 - £28 worth of calls. Depending on where you phone, the cost varies. For us, there are about 680 minutes worth of calls for that price, much much lower than phoning via a land line. There are sometimes costs incurred, but you really have to shop about and look for good ones.

We call a freephone* number via the land line, and this goes to an automated connection it tells you how much you've got left, ithen you're asked to enter a pin number, and asked to enter the phone number you want to speak to, then it tells you how many minutes there are before connecting.

* Here in the UK, there are landline numbers beginning with 0800 which are freephone numbers. They won't be charged or show up on the land line phone bill, being free.

I'm writing this just in case you are US or non local (or local even) people who want to phone long distance at an affordable rate. The cards have a limited time period of use (often 90 days) from your first activation.

 

[jackoroe]

Here's the USO site directly. I don't see any need to go through a group that hates our soldiers and wants to see them defeated like moveon.org.

https://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/usooperationphonehome/

 

[robbieadam]

This is a great post ComNav.

I might donate.

 

[star-warrior]

I don't see any need to go through a group that hates our soldiers and wants to see them defeated like moveon.org.

You're still steamed up about the General Betrayus ad aren't you?

 

[Croynan]

just made the contribution through the USO directly. thank all of you for posting this information to assist our troops during the Holidays.​

eM.

 

[jaydizzo]

And thank you for thinking of all our guys/gals deployed.

+1 thanks you and anyone else who donates many & for you

It is greatly appreciated

 

[saebuffyboy]

My brother is in Iraq and he loves getting phone cards. He and I can keep in touch over the internet, but for my parents and grandparents they are invalueable. thanks to all who donate to this great cause. I know the boys and girls over there appriciate it.