What If You Could Buy a Stairway to Heaven for only $1?

It's going to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit all week in Iraq. Just like it was last week and the week before. Almost 10 degrees cooler than last month, and not near as hot as the typical 147 degree daytime highs. And that is only part of what our US troops go through everyday. Michael Moore's documentary, Fahrenheit 911 showed, among other things, that US troops often come from humble backgrounds. They shot recruiting scenes from ghettos, inner city projects and cities that have seen better days. Young men and women who have somehow survived their environment. People who know that they can be more if they are willing to make sacrifices. Youngsters who go, hoping and praying that they will come home alive. Many do not have family. Some do, but spend their wages to support a family at home. Nearly impossible, with the average soldier wage of $6-7 dollars an hour. Like most of us, I'm sure you're had moments of guilt as you enjoyed a great steak dinner, a hot shower, and an ice cold can of Coke- knowing that our soldiers are far from home and do not always have access to the things we take for granted. But now, before the busy shopping season is upon us, you can do something practical for these hard working soldiers. Treats for Troops is the brainchild of Deborah Crane, who was married to a soldier, had a son in the Navy, and currently has a son in the Air Force overseas. She realized that security concerns and complicated shipping regulations made it almost impossible for average citizens here at home to show their support and love to those on the front lines. She created a web business that links needy soldiers with people willing to foster them. Sponsors can select their soldier based on home state, gender or branch of service. Deborah rotates the soldiers names on a list, so that for now, it is one gift per soldier. Deborah's goal is simple, to send a gift and make a soldier smile. And she has done that, and more by providing a safe and secure way to send a gift overseas. Her company has researched gifts that are practical, in demand and inexpensive to send. Bill Owens, Governor of Colorado has publicly commended Deborah's efforts. Read his personal letter online: http://treatsfortroops.com/newsroom/story.php?id=8 Treats for Troops lets you do more than just wave a flag at home. And if you already have the name and address of someone in the military, you can specify the gift is to go directly to them. Many schools, organizations and corporations have joined in the effort to warm our servicemen and women's hearts this holiday season, with a gift from home. I can't think of a nicer thing to do for someone. In return, you will either get an e-thank you or a postcard direct from the soldier who received your gift. But be assured that your identity is kept confidential, so this is truly a no-risk opportunity. Everyone wins! You can also send a card or letter from the Treats for Troops website. Because it normally takes 4-6 weeks to get a package to a soldier, NOW is the time to start. Take some time today to go over to the site and read some of the many letters from grateful troops. "I'm not sure how I got lucky enough to get on your mailing list, but thank you very much. I am the Commander of the 25th FAD in Kinkuk, Iraq. We are doing well. The support from home makes an incredible difference in our state of mind. Than you! Adam US Army" http://treatsfortroops.com/thankyou/messages.php# If you want to send a birthday gift, Treats for Troops will automatically divert your gift to a soldier with a birthday coming up. Billy from the US Army writes, "Thanks a lot for what you sent. We really don't have anything out here. I thank you more than you know. I am glad we are thought about. Thanks." Can you imagine the heartwarming feeling of receiving a personal thank you like that from Iraq? " Thank you so much! I got this package right after we got back from the field. My buddies and I ate it all up. It made us feel a lot better. We all thank you." Nathaniel of the US Army. Jamie of the USMC writes, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! That was the best and most thoughtful care package I have ever received! I am so proud to be defending some of the kindest people in our country. Thanks again. Love, Jamie" Mark from the US ARMY writes, "Receiving this gift from you has made my holiday season. You have made one very lonely jetflier very happy. Mark." James from the US Army serving in Afghanistan writes, "Sorry about not returning the card you included with the gift. It got messed up. I am in the Army and originally from Oklahoma, even though I have spent most of my career overseas. Myself, as well as my tent mates really appreciated the box. It is a good feeling to know people back home haven't forgotten us or what we do for our country. Thanks for all the support, it will not be forgotten. God Bless, James." The site also has a photo gallery of some of the troops enjoying their gifts. All smiles, with their buddies, opening their surprise packages from home. It is so darn touching, I dare you not to cry. Prices start at a dollar. Even if all you can send is a can of Pringles or a pound of salted sunflower seeds- they will all be appreciated and enjoyed. I leave you with an excerpt from the Treats for Troops website: "He's only eighteen. He did all right in high school, but not good enough to get somebody else to pay for college. But he wanted to make something of himself, maybe even do something important. So he joined the army, and now it's their job to turn him into a man. He's giving it his all, and most of the time he feels like he left the kid he used to be back in Colorado. But not all the time. Not today. This is the first time he's ever been away from home, and even though he's never really alone, he's often lonely. Sometimes he wonders if people back in the States are behind him. He'd like to know, because he's made a pledge to lay down his life to defend his country if he has to." Please go to the Treats for Troops website now and support our troops. http://treatsfortroops.com/index.php