Congressman Mike Michaud

Here are a few suggestions from Congressman Michaud on how you can support our troops:

HELP FAMILIES STAY IN TOUCH

Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink ;

SAY THANK YOU

Sign a virtual thank-you card at the Defend America Web site;

SEND CARE PACKAGES

Donate to "Operation USO Care Package,"

Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services,

FLY A BLUE STAR BANNER

For families who have loved ones serving overseas
www.legion.org/support/bluestar.htm

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN
The National Center for Children Exposed To Violence Has provided information to help parents and teachers talk about war with their children and students.
Information for Parents
Information for Teachers

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
www.cyfernet.org

CONTACT MILITARY RELIEF SOCIETIES:

Army Emergency Relief;

Navy/Marine Relief Society;

Air Force Aid Society, www.afas.org;

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, www.cgmahq.org

HELP OUR VETERANS

Volunteer at a VA Hospital, www.va.gov/vetsday,

to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts.

LEARN ABOUT RELIEF EFFORTS IN IRAQ
The U.S. Agency of International Development informs Americans about how they can help Iraq rebuild. 
www.usaid.gov/iraq/

The Congressman also issued the following caution:

Please do not flood the military mail system with letters, cards and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department cannot accept items to be mailed to "any service member." Some people have tried to avoid this prohibition by sending large numbers of packages to an individual service member's address, which however well intentioned, clogs the mail and causes unnecessary delays.

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Are you a reservists or a family member of a reservist? Have you or a loved one recently been called up for active duty? Do you have questions about your healthcare plan, your pay, your pension, or are you looking to join a local support group? Need more information?

Congressman Michaud can help.

	Benefits and Legal Protections RICARE (Health Care); DEERS, SSCRA;Employee Rights; Life Insurance; FAQs
	Family and Individual Help Return & Reunion; Legal Services; Chaplains; Red Cross; Army Family Liason;  more...
	Pay and Withholdings Pay;  Tax Policies and Facts;  more...
	Education Mont. GI Bill;  Army;  College Credit;  more...
	Retirement Retirement System;  Monthly Pay;  more...
	Join the Reserve Ready Reserve;  Army; Naval; Air Force; Marine Forces; Coast Guard

Links Families May Find Useful:

Reservist Family Benefit Handbook

This booklet is designed to help when your loved one is away, whether serving in support of a military operation overseas, performing security or other duty in a local or regional location, or performing training at the local

armory or reserve center.
(supplied by Dept. of Defense)

Predeployment Guide: A Plan For Coping
Being separated from family and friends is never easy, but the Predeployment Guide provided here can make it a more bearable experience for you.
(supplied by U.S. Air Force)

National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Government organization promotes cooperation and understanding between Reservists and their civilian employers.

Office of the Secretary of Defense: Reserve Affairs
Includes helpful information for Reservists' families.

6/27/2005 1:57:52 PM