MISSION STATEMENTS
Primary Mission~
To Provide US Military Men And Woman With Non-Lethal Ancillary Equipment And Other Necessities, Thereby Improving Their Safety, Readiness, Comfort And/Or Efficiency In Areas Of Combat Operations.
Secondary Mission~
To Provide The American Public With A Means To Directly Support The Military That Serves Them And Establish A Mutually Beneficial Relationship That Promotes A Positive Understanding Between Soldier And Citizen.
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Dear Clearinghouse Supporters:
Most people in this country do not know a soldier. They just know of them. Some may know a soldier, but feel powerless to do much that directly supports them. Without regard to politics or philosophy about our government’s policies, we believe that most people are united in their support of our troops, especially those who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. These brave men and women face harsh realities on a daily basis and many require help from those of us back home. The SupportASoldier Clearinghouse is a way we can help and give back to those who serve.
First of all, we would like to emphasize that we are not insinuating the military is not providing for our troops. They indeed issue what the soldiers need. However, SupportASoldier was 'born' from of an awareness that often times because of specific missions, specialized training or individual need, a soldier’s request for a piece of gear might be something that is not issued by the government or perhaps is an item that is better designed than military issue. We are about making the lives of our troops a bit easier and more comfortable during deployment. For example, a Special Operations team asked for vests that hold extra ammo magazines and an advanced vehicle mounted GPS in case the team was to become separated or lose its way in the rat's maze that is Baghdad. Another needed a tactical pack with larger pockets for specific gear he was carrying and yet another needed a specialty pair of boots because the orthopedic design was better.
The volunteers of SupportASoldier are working with other parents of soldiers, business leaders and concerned citizens to help where we feel we can do the most good. While the “Care Packages' of books and DVD's and other treats sent by individuals and organizations are welcome, SupportASoldier provides additional choices to the public. We want to make people aware that here is a way to do more and provide some specific items of gear needed by the troops. The SupportASoldier Clearinghouse acts as an intermediary between soldiers and individuals or organizations wishing to sponsor the needs that are not being met. (See request page)
How it works~
Individual soldiers, teams and units contact us with requests. We filter requests by priority and with the help of our volunteers who devote time to this project, we compile and update a database of potential donors and what it is they wish to provide. Options for donors also include monetary donations in lieu of a specific piece of gear and the ability to provide support for a specific military unit. We make every effort to honor all such requests. Donations and requests are made through InfoSoldier@aol.com where the process of selecting the request, matching to a donor, ordering, delivering and getting in touch with the soldier(s) begins.
We match as many requests to contributors as possible and if they wish, we will put the two parties in contact so that they can get to know one another. We want the process to work this way because we believe each soldier and each citizen involved should develop a personal contact and therefore a stake in America as well as gaining a future relationship from the transaction. Our desire, beyond getting needed gear to the troops, is to see that the citizens and soldiers directly share a small part of each others’ world. We have also found that the soldiers who have been on the receiving end of the donations appreciate the opportunity to personally thank and touch base with the supporter/contributor. As one soldier put it, "this has given me another way of keeping in touch with someone back home."
Finally, we know that all of this is new and everyone can get overwhelmed by people or organizations wanting your money, time and support. We all have to choose what feels right to us. The SupportASoldier Clearinghouse volunteers sincerely appreciate the interest you have shown, but never want to have anyone feel pressured at any time to get involved. Just spreading the word as many of you have done is very helpful. We all thank you. If you have an interest in supporting this project please email: InfoSoldier@aol.com or contact Paladin through the below contact information.
Best regards,
Barb VanHorn
President and Co-Founder SupportASoldier
InfoSoldier@aol.com
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