U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet SUPPORT OUR TROOPS There is nothing better for the morale of our troops than to know that the people back home are taking care of their loved ones and supporting the war effort. Although there is a long tradition of writing letters and sending care packages to troops stationed away from home, due to force protection concerns, the general public is urged not to send unsolicited mail, care packages or donations to servicemembers forward deployed.   Below are links for people who would like to support the troops, their families, and their communities in meaningful ways. The Defense Dept. has teamed with USA Freedom Corps to launch "On The Home Front," a new resource for people seeking to support our troops, their families, and their communities in meaningful ways, defense officials said today. President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps Office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Volunteer resources are available by calling 1 (877) USA-CORPS, or online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.  Take care of the families back home with the "Gift of groceries" - commissary gift certificates. The gift certificate program allows anyone to purchase and donate commissary gift certificates at www.commissaries.com or by calling a toll free number: (877) 770-4438. To send a thank you message or find other ways to support Airmen, go to www.ourmilitary.mil/index.aspx.    Operation USO Care Package. Contribute to the purchase of a care package of items forwarded troops such as sunscreen, disposable cameras, prepaid calling cards, and toiletries via www.uso.org/whatwedo/usoprograms/operationusocarepackage/. Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink at http://www.operationuplink.org/.   Air Force Aid Society at http://www.afas.org/.   Army Emergency Relief at http://www.aerhq.org/. Navy/Marine Relief Society at http://www.nmcrs.org/.   Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at http://www.cgmahq.org/.   Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Communication Services.   Volunteer at a VA Hospital to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts. Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and VA hospitals through a donation to the Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org. Point of Contact 30th SW Public Affairs (805) 606-3595 DSN 276-3595