American Support

After what seemed like endless debating and disagreements, The US and Afghanistan have
finally come to an agreement concerning American troops in Afghanistan. This compromise,
known as the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), has allowed for the withdrawal of American
soldiers in Afghanistan by authorizing only an estimated amount of 10,000 troops to remain
(Recknagel 2014). Although this BSA is greatly advocated by all, a person cant help but wonder
what would be the attitudes of the soldiers who are among the 10,000 that have been ordered to
remain (Recknagel 2014). Those remaining soldiers are now tasked with supporting the Afghan
government in their goals of preventing external and internal forces that would threaten the rule
of Afghanistan (Recknagel 2014). The tasks of these limited amount of soldiers will be to
counsel and train the national defenses and security forces of the Afghan government (Recknagel
2014). A mission such as this will be difficult and challenging, but the endeavor could be lot
more problematic without our support as US citizens. No one would dare ask for US citizens,
especially untrained, to literally fly over to the Middle East and bear arms. Support like that is
definitely not what our American soldiers need. Instead, American troops in Afghanistan need
our support in maintaining their morale and motivation. As US citizens, we can give this support
through donations and written encouragement.
Donations can be monetary or any kind of contribution that helps to create a sense of joy. One
example of this is the constant sending of care packages to deployed troops. Care packages could

be boxes with wrapped gifts such as soap, razors, shaving cream, or even undergarments.
Supplies such as these, offset any costs that deployed soldiers would incur if they had to

purchase these items on their own.

However, not all care packages need to have supplies in them. Some care packages could just
have snacks, refreshments, or condiments inside of them. A website called
operationgratitude.com can be visited by people who would like to keep sending care packages.
This website can be viewed at the following URL below:
http://www.operationgratitude.com/
Within this website, instructions are given how to contribute. This website also allows people to
join a mailing list in which they can receive news and updates concerning contributions.
Operationgratitude.com is a military affiliated organization committed to uplifting the spirits of
deployed soldiers by facilitating the delivery of care packages throughout all deployment
locations (Operationgratitude, 2014). All donations sent are tax deductible, and helps bring the
organization closer to achieving their goal. Currently, their annual goal is to send at least 100,000
care packages of donated products with an estimated value of 75 to 100 dollars
(Operationgratitude, 2014). Operationgratitude. com has a strong devotion to support our troops;

all US citizens should show that same devotion, especially for troops deployed to Afghanistan,
by donating and contributing immediately.
Encouragement is another way that US citizens can support Afghan deployed troops. The best
example of this is would be in the form of a handwritten or typed letters sent to their location. In
these letters, US citizens could convey stories of appreciation and reassurance through written
dialogue. These letters are uplifting to soldiers because it gives them a psychological notion that

they are not alone, and that they are admired.

The addresses for the deployed locations of certain soldiers can be obtained through their Chain
of Command at their military installation in the US.
By sending donation or care packages, and writing letters of encouragement, US citizens can
give invaluable support to soldiers that remain deployed to Afghanistan. If this support is give
the deployed soldiers motivation will increase; thus, their ability to perform will increase.
Support our troops now!

References List
Hassan, S. (2014, June 11). Bilateral Security Agreement. Retrieved November 23, 2014, from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/bilateral-security-agreement/
Operation Gratitude Inc., W. (2014, January 1). Sending Care Packages to US Military.
Retrieved November 30, 2014, from
http://www.operationgratitude.com/?gclid=COi2vryho8ICFS-CMgod1zYA1g
Recknagel, C. (2014, September 30). Explainer: Key Points In U.S.-Afghan Bilateral Security
Agreement. Retrieved November 23, 2014, from http://www.rferl.org/content/explainerbsa-afghan-us-security-agreement-bsa/26613884.html