Life has a way of taking its toll on everyone without exception. How one deals with everyday adjustments and nuances certainly varies, but the military comes with its own set that often makes family life more difficult. Nowhere is that more evident than with those that face deployment into harm’s way. Political feelings aside, I think just about everyone feels for the men and women that are serving their country and are willing to offer their full support. Of course the troops appreciate that, but there’s one group that still faces uncertainty and bewilderment during bouts of deployment. It’s the children left behind while mom or dad go off to perform their duties overseas.

 

One group has taken steps to help allay fears and maintain a connection between military parents and their kids back home. It’s called Dog Tags for Kids, and came about as a small grassroots effort to thank our troops and at the same time give the kids a reason to smile! Needless to say, the program has grown tremendously since its inception, and has become a huge hit with the kids and service members alike. We’re pleased to say that as of this date, we have shipped over 360,000 tags at no charge to those serving in harm’s way so that they would have something to send home from mom or dad. What child wouldn’t love wearing a dog tag that reads “with love, from dad (or mom)” along with the country (Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan) and the year? They have eagerly adorned backpacks, book bags and worn around the neck with the provided chain and in every instance have produced a smile!

 

Of course I would imagine that I’m preaching to the choir here in talking about the strains of deployment, and I’m sure this non-profit effort can indeed be appreciated for the intent and dedication of a small but determined group of volunteers that take absolutely no fees out of contributions whatsoever. This labor of love, as a means of thanks and support for our troops, is the driving force with a goal of being able to provide a tag for everyone in harm’s way that requests one. That ambition, as undeterred as it may be, is currently in danger of not being able to complete that mission, and now turn to those who understand our plight for some much needed help.

 

We understand that economic times have taken its toll on folks and it’s never a good time to ask for contributions. That being said though, there are many ways that one can be of tremendous benefit to the program. Of course we hope that those in a position to donate will do so, but when that is not possible, all we ask is a little of their time to help spread the word so that it may reach others that might be able to contribute. Please take a moment to tell those that you know, work with or for, and direct them to our site at http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/ for more information. Seeing the program in detail along with letters of thanks from the soldiers that received them, to the pictures of smiling kids who were the ultimate beneficiaries and soon one begins to understand the importance.

 

All things considered, it doesn’t take much to help. Every $.50 supplies a tag and all of the proceeds go directly to doing just that. This means that we’re currently running a sale! Three smiles for a dollar….one that will accompany each tag, and the one you’ll proudly wear for knowing you supplied the other two! Thanks for listening, and getting involved if you can. Every tag that gets shipped will make a difference….will you?

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We would like to thank Steve Thompson for his blog submission. Visit http://www.DogTagsForKids.com to learn more about his valuable program.

You may contact Steve Thompson at steve@dogtagsforkids.com.