Eddie;

It's the little things we all take for granted that the troops will miss the most. Care packages are by far the best way you can support those that are deployed. Include lots of reading material, decks of cards, dominoes, latest video releases, local newspapers, etc.

You can probably find a way to become a pen pal or email pal and find out what else they lack.

You're not that far from Ft. Lewis so you could contact the Family Support Group in Waller Hall and ask if you can volunteer some time to help out the families of those deployed. As a matter of fact, I'm sure there are some families right in Puyallup that you could meet and put a care package together for their loved one.

Check out the local National Guard and Reserve Center, too. Some of those guys are taking HUGE cuts in pay to go on active duty. That will certainly put a bind on the household income.

We've got almost half of Lewis over there now with more leaving soon.

Although they have great intentions (albeit somewhat selfish from my perspective), those ribbon tieing flag waving individuals on the overpasses aren't doing squat for the troops morale. Little Johnny Snott over in the sandbox doesn't want you standing out in the rain; he wants pogey-bait! Stuff that can help him get his mind off of where he's at for a moment or two. So, get off the bridge and give blood or mail something today!

Those are just a few thoughts to get the ideas flowing.