The Issue: Repeated Deployments and Combat Stress
Amid the external dangers of military service, an acidic, often-overlooked menace hides. Combat stress, caused by increased fighting, repeated deployments, and long separations from families, represents a real threat to troops. According to the New York Times, suicides among active-duty soldiers hit record highs in 2011, along with a sharp increase in violent sex crimes, and USA Today reports that military divorce rates are at their highest level in more than a decade. Today, more than 200,000 troops remain deployed, though 30,000 are scheduled to return from Afghanistan this year. Support U.S. Armed Forces hopes to reduce these soldiers' burdens and ease their transitions home through support and encouragement.
The Campaign: Welcome Home Packages for Soldiers
If this Grassroots campaign raises $330, then Support U.S. Armed Forces can supply 10 returning veterans with Welcome Home packages. The packages include more than 20 items, such as welcome-home letters, snacks, toiletries, energy drinks, and gifts, to show appreciation and say "Thank you." Each additional $33 raised will be used to supply another veteran with a Welcome Home package.
You can follow the progress of this and other Grassroots campaigns at the Groupon Grassroots website.
Support U.S. Armed Forces
Support U.S. Armed Forces strives to raise morale and demonstrate ongoing support for all branches of the U.S. military, their families, and veterans through publicly funded programs and services. The organization's efforts include Welcome Home packages for soldiers returning from overseas, financial-assistance programs for families of deployed soldiers, and support programs for veterans. Military-appreciation events, where soldiers, veterans, and their families attend sporting events such as baseball and hockey games, also serve to show gratitude for service and sacrifice.