Keep loved ones overseas in touch with their families

Help Connect Hero's This Holiday Season

It's that time of year again. Families are beginning to gather around the table to share in the spirit of the holidays, creating new memories and giving thanks for the blessing of another year together.

But for over the 260,000 servicemen and women currently deployed around the world, the holidays are just another day away from their cherished loved ones. Through the generous donations of supporters, Operation Uplink is ensuring America's defenders – past and present – can hear the voice of their loved ones at this special time.

"It's so hard for our troops to be separated from their families, and with the holidays around the corner, feelings of loneliness and isolation can be heartwrenching," explains Linda Ferguson, Operation Uplink Manager.

"We're shipping out 15,000 phone cards a week!" she continues. "Unfortunately, donations aren't keeping pace with the need. We really need people to remember our troops and lend us a hand for the holidays."

As a dedicated supporter of Operation Uplink, you know how grateful troops and veterans are who recieve free phone time. A few precious moments to hear the loving voice of a spouse or the sighs of a newborn child are pricelss for our men and women as they face longer deployments and mounting violence.

One servicemember summed up what the gift means to America's defenders, especially young troops serving their first tour.

"Your contributions are especially meaningful this holiday season because, for many soldiers, this is their first time away from their friends and loved ones. Thank you for remembering America's sons and daughters and their sacrificies to our nation."

Please do your part to remember America's defenders and send your generous contribution to Operation Uplink today. Your support will help make the holidays bright for troops around the world.

In the true spirit of the season, a grateful serviceman donated $20 to Operation Uplink in thanks for the phone card he received. Can we count on you to follow his inspiring example and donate today?

If you have any questions regarding Project Update, please contact Linda Ferguson, Operation Uplink Manager, at (816) 968-1102 or lferguson@vfw.org.