Ten Ways to Show Patriotic Support

This is the sixth straight year that Americans will celebrate the Veterans Day Holiday, and their right to live in freedom, while U.S. troops engage in dangerous missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Richard Berman, Manhattanville president and cofounder of the My Soldier pen pal program suggests that civilians "can make a difference in the daily lives of veterans and soldiers by participating in the My Soldier program. It offers a variety of ways to show our soldiers we are grateful for what they do to protect our freedom and liberties." The My Soldier office has even put together a list to help you get started.

Top Ten List of ways to show patriotic support:

1. Go to www.mysoldier.com to register for the "My Soldier" program and adopt a deployed soldier who could use a pen-pal friend.

2. Adopt a soldier as a group project with your office or civic group.

3. Join the My Soldier pen pal program as a family. Family writing projects can create a bond for a common cause, which deepens familial ties.

4. Send extra, uneaten Halloween candy to the troops.

5. Enjoy a Veterans Day or Thanksgiving parade and support the marchers!

6. Wear a My Soldier bracelet to show your support (mailed to you free via a SASE - self addressed stamped envelope).

7. Call the My Soldier Office (914) 323-5172 to find out how you can get free My Soldier bracelets in bulk to use as giveaways for upcoming parades or other holiday gatherings.

8. Submit the name of an active soldier who would like to be a military pen pal through the website link.

9. Visit the soldier homepage at www.mysoldier.com and click on the Hats Off to Veterans to learn about how you can say thanks and show support to a hospitalized veteran.

10. Donate an item for the "Red White and Blue (RWB) Thank You." The My Soldier office is collecting items for care packages that will be delivered to hospitalize Veterans. A patriotic red white and blue theme is suggested. Items being collected (via mail or drop off at the My Soldier Office, Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577) include homemade cards with handwritten notes and children's artwork.

About My Soldier
The My Soldier program, founded by active Army 2Lt and Manhattanville College alumnae Juan Salas, is a politically neutral "adopt a soldier" program designed to foster support for military personnel who are serving in hardship areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. When a soldier is "adopted" the individual has the opportunity to gain an understanding about the war, and the men and women who are in it by asking questions and getting to know their soldiers personally. Additionally, educators are able to work the My Soldier experience into the classroom setting, adding supplemental details about a country's history, cultural heritage, and geography.

Because it was founded by a member of the military who served in Iraq for two years, My Soldier addresses the real needs of soldiers overseas. During his difficult tour of duty, Juan gathered strength and motivation from letters of encouragement and treats sent to him by family, friends and even strangers. He shared his treats with local children and learned the spirit of giving can offer many rewards since Things that put smiles on kids' faces really helps to build relationships with the local people

Participants can sign up as an individual, or for a group/classroom at www.mysoldier.com - - The program is free, however for those who can afford it, a voluntary donation is requested to counter the costs of the starter kit. All donations are directly applied to cover the program's operating expenses. For additional information please email mysoldier@mville.edu or call the My Soldier office at 914-323-5172.

About Manhattanville College
Manhattanville College offers a rigorous academic experience within a nurturing environment. Manhattanville has a strong social justice and community service focus - last year students at the small school logged over 19,000 community service hours. My Soldier is a natural outgrowth of the school's mission: to educate students to become ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

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