This week, as a nation, we honored the service and sacrifices of our veterans, whether flying Old Glory and hugging loved ones at home or saluting them at parades and celebrations on Main Street. I participated in veterans’ ceremonies in Beckley, Lester, Whitesville, Kimball, and Welch, and an event at Concord University.  Amid the deserved cheers and thoughtful tears, I was reminded that most of the year the 51,500 veterans in the 3rd Congressional District, and across this great nation need their countrymen more than just one day a year. And so do our future veterans, those serving America today. 

That is why this holiday season; I encourage every West Virginian to join me in reaching out to organizations serving our veterans and members of our Armed Forces, to offer your help, your support and your thanks.

One program making a difference to our veterans and service members, one letter at a time, is the American Red Cross through their Holiday Mail for Heroes program. This year is the third annual letter drive and last year the program received more that 1.4 million cards for service members, their families, and veterans.

Here in southern West Virginia, our local Red Cross members are getting involved and encouraging local elementary schools to join in writing letters. If you are a local organization or school who would like to participate, please contact your local Red Cross Chapter, and visit the Red Cross Web site at http://www.redcross.org/ for additional details.

To make sure that all the cards sent to our service members are safe and arrive in time for the holidays, Holiday cards will be collected through a unique P.O. Box address through Monday, December 7. Please check the Web site for guidelines and further instructions on what can be included.

Please send all cards to the following address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

After being screened, cards will be distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide.  There they will be sorted and reviewed by volunteers, who then distribute them to service members, their families and veterans in communities across the country.   Our veterans have a proud story of service to our state and country, protecting our nation at home and abroad, and in the grand tradition of our state, they make us all proud. Let us tell them in our own words and actions how much we appreciate all that they do.

This is also a good time when we – as individuals, families, or entire communities, should pause to think of all those who risk their lives for us on a regular basis.  Often times taken for granted or never given a second thought are those first responders, who are an integral part of our communities and provide essential services.

We depend on these hardworking men and women, who perform their duties in the most difficult circumstances and under some of the worst conditions.  Because of them, our families can sleep sounder.  Our peace of mind is greater.  Our security is stronger. 

Let us not forget to thank all the humble heroes in our life:  mail carriers, local law enforcement, and emergency response personnel here at home, along with our family members, friends and neighbors, who will spend this holiday season away from loved ones in service to our country.

The Holiday Season is a special time to reach out to those closest to us but let us also make it a time to thank those among us who go above and beyond, whether it is on the frontlines, or around the block. Let us continue to show our appreciation and support so they will continue to keep our communities and our nation safe from harm.

 

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) represents West Virginia’s 3rd District

For more information contact: Diane Luensmann (202) 225-3452