Congressman
John Shimkus

Support Our Troops

Information is our best defense during these uncertain times. The following links should serve as a guide to the most up-to-the-minute news and information concerning homeland security alerts and military activities. We hope that you find these links helpful, and we encourage you to continue to contact Congressman Shimkus' offices with any questions.

Links to the latest news from the federal government

• FirstGov.gov
  The U.S. Government's official clearinghouse for the latest news. Get civilian, business and government news made available by federal agencies.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  Including information on current threat alert levels and state-by-state contacts for homeland security efforts in your area.
• U.S. Military Central Command Center
  Provides links to information on Operation Liberty Shield and current military operations overseas.
• DefenseLink
  Current news and information from the U.S. Department of Defense. This site also includes links to all branches of the U.S. military.

Links to communicating with our troops

Due to current mail restrictions, security precautions, and transportation restraints, the U.S. Department of Defense cannot accept items mailed to "Any Service member." In an effort to keep our public and our troops connected, the military has established several alternate options for communicating with service members stationed abroad.

The military asks that citizens not flood the military mail system with letters, cards and gifts. Though well intentioned, this mail can clog the system and cause unnecessary delays in military families contacting their loved ones. Please choose from the services below and send a message of support to our servicemen and women stationed abroad.

• Americasupportsyou.mil
  Spotslights what Americans are doing to support our troops and how you can join their efforts.
• Defend America
  Sign a virtual thank you card to our troops.
• Operation Dear Abby
  Send our troops an email greeting.
• ThankOurTroops.org
  Post a message to our troops.

Get involved in supporting our troops

There are things that each of us can do in our communities to support our troops stationed abroad. Below are links to suggestions from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Contact one of the military relief societies:

• Army Emergency Relief
• Navy/Marine Relief Society
• Air Force Aid Society
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
• "Operation USO Care Package"
• American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services
• Operation Uplink
  Service members keep in touch with their families through calling cards.

• Volunteer at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Illinois to honor our veterans from past conflicts.

^ top of page