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WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2003 – A number of government and volunteer efforts are supporting the families of U.S. troops deployed overseas in the war against global terrorism, the commander-in-chief told the nation Nov. 29.
In his weekly radio address, President George Bush praised "the courage of our soldiers and their families" in a time "of great adversity." And "many citizens," Bush pointed out, "are showing their appreciation by helping military families here at home." For example, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bush noted, initiated an Adopt-A-Unit program, "so veterans and their families can support military units in Iraq and Afghanistan." Also, a volunteer group named Rebuilding Together, he continued, has provided repairs to the homes of military families whose spouses are deployed. Salvation Army volunteers in Cleveland are preparing care packages for reservists and their families, Bush pointed out. Those volunteers, he added, are also gathering blankets and diapers in order to conduct a group baby shower for military wives. Bush said Americans at home seeking volunteer opportunities to support the U.S. military can visit the USA Freedom Corps Web site. "Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to every member of the United States military, and to their families," Bush declared. The president noted that it was "a privilege" to personally offer his gratitude to U.S. troops in Baghdad during his Thanksgiving Day visit to Iraq. U.S. military members in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere are "serving the cause of freedom," Bush emphasized, by helping formerly oppressed people to rebuild their lives, while providing security for the American people. "All of us can be grateful to live in a country that has produced such brave men and women who stand between us and the dangers of the world," Bush concluded.
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