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WASHINGTON D.C. (May 14, 2008) - Through three military
conflicts, beginning with the Civil War, a group of women
contributed to the war effort by making bandages for the
troops.
While they no longer make bandages, the Virginia-based United
Daughters of the Confederacy strives to support the country's
servicemembers through historical, educational, benevolent,
memorial and patriotic means.
"Since we are a country at war against terrorism, the patriotic
objective is the one being focused upon at the present time," said
Sherry Davis, chairman of patriotic activities for the general, or
national, organization.
The organization meets its goals of patriotic outreach in many
ways, Davis said. The members offer prayers for servicemembers and
the country's leaders, and sends care packages, phone cards, air
conditioners and letters. They also send Christmas cards to the
troops, with one chapter sending 10,000 cards one holiday
season.
United Daughters of the Confederacy also supports the wounded,
sending civilian clothing to Germany for those recuperating from
injuries.
Appreciation for their support is evident in e-mails members
receive from troops serving overseas. A young Marine, Patrick Fike,
acted as a mailman of sorts while serving in Baghdad. He received
packages from United Daughters of the Confederacy chapters and
passed them out to those who got little or no mail.
"We were so blessed to know Patrick and have him do this for
us," Davis said. "I certainly didn't ask [him] to send me messages,
as he had his family and girlfriend to send to, but he took time to
send many to me."
A new supporter of the "America Supports You" program, United
Daughters of the Confederacy is hoping to give more to the program
than it receives.
America Supports You, a Defense Department program, connects
citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families
serving at home and abroad.
"We want to give support to our troops and our veterans as we
have for all the years since we were organized in 1894," Davis
said. "Our efforts warm our hearts and that is the reward
received."
Perhaps the affiliation will help to inform the American public
about what United Daughters of the Confederacy is undertaking and
afford it a new credibility, she added.
"Credibility may come when people learn of the [United Daughters
of the Confederacy's] current efforts and know that this
organization is not refighting a 150-year-old conflict," Davis
said.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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