|
|
Project Patriot |
|
DAR Project Patriot is an opportunity for Daughters to show their thanks, appreciation, and love for those defending our country.
At the national level, monetary assistance and donations are directed to the three regional medical centers serving wounded airmen, marines, sailors, and soldiers: Landstuhl in Germany, Wounded Transition Brigade in Bethesda, Maryland, and Wounded Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio, Texas. Chaplains in Afghanistan and at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, a 1A Mobilization Training Center for deploying troops, also receive phone cards which they can distribute. Occasionally special projects arise, such as the opportunity to welcome home from Afghanistan the single soldiers at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Faced with the soldiers’ return to empty barracks (personal belongings are placed into storage for long deployments), Daughters across the nation sent new sheet and towel sets as well as gift cards. Each unit’s sponsor was then able to brighten the dorm rooms with basic toiletries, cards, and other niceties, as well as the provided linens. Here in Nebraska, a recent project, which was inspired by a national project, involved making quilts which were given to nine active duty and war veterans at the Grand Island Veterans Hospital, and eight residents at the Grand Island Veterans Home. These were presented in person at the One Hundred and Twelfth State DAR Conference in March of 2014 to each of the nine soldiers and to three Korean War Veterans. This moving ceremony was a tangible reminder to attendees that our support to the military is warmly and deeply appreciated. There are many ways to show your support; march in Fourth of July parades; thank someone in uniform; send care packages; visit veterans hospitals; donate on cookie day; write cards; sponsor a unit; and by supporting the family waiting at home. |