American support reaches Soldiers on the front lines

Capt. Amanda Nalls
210th BSB, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — During the World War II era Americans were every bit as involved in the war effort as the Soldiers on the front lines. Housewives became “Rosie the Riveter,” children conducted scrap metal drives and the American Homefront as a whole came together in a way that inspired a nation and its leaders.
Americans today have a different outlook as the War on Terror moves into its fifth year. No one asks the average American to buy war bonds, cut back on gasoline consumption or make the sacrifices that our parents and grandparents made during the 1940’s. Some might argue that the average American is disconnected from the war in Iraq and rarely contemplates the sacrifices made each day by the men and women in uniform.
The support that the Soldiers of 210th Brigade Support Battalion “Providers,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) have received from across the United States, however, quickly dispels the notion of the “apathetic American.”
Organizations and individuals from all walks of life have sent forward a clear message of support and well wishes - particularly over the holiday season. The Provider Battalion has received close to a thousand care packages from organizations such as Operation Gratitude, Batavia Cares, Big Frog 104 Radio Station and various other businesses and schools across the country.
“I hope you soldiers will come back soon, that’s what I wish for Christmas,” writes Colin, a fifth grader from Pennsylvania in a homemade card addressed to “You Soldiers.”
For Soldiers that don’t receive much mail from the states, an unexpected care package with their name on it or a simple letter can be the highlight of their week.
“I recently lost my job and don’t have the money to send any packages, but I wanted to make sure you know I’m praying for you every night. You’re all my heroes,” wrote another supporter in a recent letter.
Whether it’s a card, or 25 boxes of shampoo sent because “we didn’t know what else to send,” Americans truly are doing their part to support servicemen and women. It’s the knowledge that people we will never meet care enough to think about us on a daily basis that make a Soldier’s job just a little bit easier and the long months spent in combat a little more bearable.
While the average American might not be able to name the Iraqi prime minister or point out Mahmudiyah, Iraq on a map, they are engaged in the lives of the Soldiers that are fighting to make Iraq a more stable and prosperous nation.
For that, the Soldiers of the 210th BSB thank them for their support, their prayers, and the boxes of ramen noodles and Hostess cupcakes they send that remind them of home.