I have been sitting here trying to figure out what to say this Christmas Eve.  The truth is, its all been said before.  We are within a couple of hundred dollars of sending another batch of calling cards to our troops today.  A few more donations could push it over the top so another gift to the troops could be on its way, but that's not really the intention of this post.  The goal is more of a online card with a different kind of message.

On behalf of the GI Phone Home family our wish for you is that this holiday is exactly what you want it to be, whatever or however you celebrate.

Please keep our protectors and their families in your hearts and minds that they will also get what they want and need so desperately as we share the joy of the season. 

My nephews are coming in 25 days.  Two of my nephews live nearly 2000 miles away so I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I’d like.  We talk on the phone and watch webcams a lot.  While that doesn’t feel like enough, I have to admit that I am thankful for it.  When I was their age we spoke with my grandparents for a few minutes every other Sunday.  The technology is so much better now.

During World War II, families would go months without so much as a word from their loved ones in harm’s way.  The technology is so much better now.  So why can’t our soldiers call home whenever it is safe to do so?  We have thousands of sacrificing Americans who can’t even talk to their families with any regularity. 

On this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to give back to our proud defense force by sending them what they crave most, the opportunity to talk to the ones they love.  Your $36 donation buys two soldiers an 80 minute phone card each (that would be 600 minutes of calling within the US).  Any amount will make a difference. 

Let’s all give the gift of thanks and family this holiday season for those who give us the gift of freedom.

On this Veteran's Day, my thinking goes to our usual holiday greetings.  "Happy Veteran's Day" doesn't seem to cut it, does it?

With so many of our troops so far from home risking their lives for us, I would much rather focus on the true emotion of the day. 

Let's show our troops and their families how much we appreciate them by helping them stay in contact with phone cards.  We are close to being able to send another big batch of cards, but we need your donations!

So maybe it will catch on if we are the first to wish you all a "Grateful Veteran's Day"!

The author requested that I post this for you today. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

As the mother of one of the troops in Iraq, I really and truly appreciate all that is being done through GIPhoneHome.com. Keep up the good work everyone!

The troops are incredibly grateful. It makes them feel like they are appreciated.  Their families revel in any chance they get to speak with their loved ones in so far away. 

I so enjoy watching my grandchildren’s faces when they hear their father’s voice and know he is safe. 

Thank you all so much for helping our young men and women connect with those they love!

-Janey

We are thrilled with the response we have received, and since I have been a total slacker about keeping you updated on what's been going on, I am going to commit to writing a bunch of entries over the next couple of weeks. 

• You will hear directly from the mother of a soldier in Iraq.
• I will tell you about the response we got from the shipments to Iraq and some of the other places GIPhoneHome.com calling cards will be going.
• I will tell you about how no one with GIPhoneHome.com is taking any money for the work they do, so you can feel safe in donating through us. 
• I will tell you about the pub trivia group that held a fundraiser for GIPhoneHome.com and how you can do the same in your area.   
• I will tell you about the wonderful people who are requesting that their family and friends make donations in their honor in lieu of gifts.
• Most importantly, we are waiting for more pictures from our heroes and as they arrive we will be sure to post them immediately.

Thank you all for your generosity this holiday season.  The need is not going to stop so please keep those great ideas and donations coming!