To help meet the needs of my constituents during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I have created a central location for New Hampshire residents to access important information regarding available services for military families, ways to show your support for the troops and how to prepare for a potential terrorist attack.

Bass Military Help Desk

U.S. Representative Charles Bass has created a military help desk in each of his District offices to provide assistance to 2nd District military families. The Congressman is urging military families in his District to contact any of his four offices Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

These desks are staffed by experienced constituent service professionals who can help navigate through military red tape on compensation or healthcare issues. Every effort will be made to provide the appropriate contact information for concerns or problems that fall outside the federal jurisdiction.

Second District families of all full time active duty members are also encouraged to call the military help desk for assistance. To reach the help desk, call:

• 603-226-0249 for Concord
• 603-889-8772 for Nashua
• 603-444-1271 for Littleton
• 603-358-4094 for Keene

U.S. Army Family Assistance Hotline

The U.S. Army has established a toll-free family assistance hotline (800) 833-6622 for family members of active duty Army soldiers, Army National Guard and Army Reserve who have unanswered questions about family support-related issues. This hotline is a "safety net" for those who have exhausted other information resources. Callers are able to speak to hotline staff members who have access to extensive reference materials.

The toll-free hotline is open from 8:00 am. to 8:00 pm EST, seven days a week, to answer family support-related questions. Emergency assistance will be provided between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am EST.

Due to operational security and force protection concerns, CFSC hotline staff cannot provide addresses for soldiers or units, or information about operational matters.

The hotline cannot provide information about casualties or soldiers wounded or missing in action. The most recent information regarding casualties of war is available at the Department of Defense.

In addition to local and Army level assistance via telephone, family members can find answers to many routine questions about family readiness, Army Community Service (ACS), and deployment support resources online at ACS and at the Army Family Liaison Office.

New Ways to Support the Troops

With an overwhelming display of patriotism and support for Operation Iraqi Freedom overloading the Pentagon’s mail system with letters and care packages, the Department of Defense has made alternative suggestions for citizens who are looking to support troops fighting overseas.

“On the Home Front” was recently announced by President Bush and offers a number of ways for citizens to express their gratitude to troops, including:

• Donate care packages at Operation USO
• Donate long-distance calling cards so service members can telephone their families at Operation Uplink
• Send an online greeting at the U.S. Navy or Operation Dear Abby
• Donate gift certificates to military dependants in need at The Defense Commisary Agency

Other resources are at USA Freedom Corps and Defend America (click on “Support our Troops”).

Department of Homeland Security Launches Citizen Preparedness Campaign

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a campaign to educate and empower American citizens to prepare for and respond to potential future terrorist attacks.

The Department has made practical suggestions to increase preparedness, including learning about serious threats, making emergency supply kits, creating a family communication plan and keeping emergency phone numbers readily available near the phone. Citizens are urged to call 1-800-BE-READY to access a free brochure or visit Be Ready where they can learn the best ways to protect themselves and their families against terrorism.