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Army Says Morale in Afghanistan has Plummeted: Give Thanks to Our Troops

Americans are already preparing to spend time with their families during Thanksgiving and the holidays. But many families are separated from their loved ones who are fighting for our freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This year has been especially tough on our troops and a recent report published by the US Army cites that many of our troops are suffering from low morale in Afghanistan.

"Morale has fallen among soldiers in Afghanistan, where troops are seeing record violence in the 8-year-old war . . . the Army said Friday," the Associated Press reports.

The murders at the Army base in Fort Hood Texas have also crippled morale. Our troops should never feel forgotten and that is why it is important that we send them care packages with personal notes that say we support them.

A package from a stranger back home, with a note of encouragement and a box full of goodies is the perfect way to lighten the day of a tired Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Just take a look at this letter, which we received in our office just today, it proves how much of an impact your care packages are making. When our troops' morale is suffering in so many parts of Afghanistan and Iraq, it's critical to raise morale for as many troops as possible!

"thank you very much for your donations to me in the form of coffee, cookies, jerky, Gatorade and heal/comfort items, all was very much appreciated," wrote COL John M Huey

Thank you for the generous donation of goodies recently provided," wrote SPC Craig from Tallil, Iraq, "the smallest of kind thoughts are larger than the complaints of they nay-sayers."

I saw firsthand how important it is for U.S. Troops to know that Americans support them when they are thousands of miles away from home during the holidays. I went with a group from MAF to visit our troops in Iraq during Christmas two years ago. We delivered handmade cards from home, and these men and women were touched with emotion.

Debbie Lee and MAF Blogger Danny patrol the streets of Baghdad with the US Army

Last year, a MAF contingent went to Guantanamo Bay to visit our troops and bring gifts from home. Again I saw the gratitude of our troops as they met with us. Thank you cards regularly come into MAF headquarters from troops who are grateful for every note, every thought or prayer for them.

MAF has put together special care packages for the holidays that will help boost morale of our men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. When you sponsor a holiday care package, you may write a personalized note that will go directly to the troops.

Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away and it takes time to get packages overseas. Now is the time to order a care package and lift the spirits of our brave troops.

Click here to donate!