Finding and giving support to the troops

During wartime, being left behind can be emotionally overwhelming for those with loved ones serving overseas in the U.S. military. But there are several ways to get through the stress and to support the troops at the same time. The following is a list of local and national suggestions:SUPPORT GROUPS

Southeast Missouri Hospital holds a support group for families with loved ones in the military on the first Friday of each month, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harrison Room. For more information, call Southeast's Generations Family Resource Center at 651-5825.

St. Francis Medical Center is in the preliminary stages of putting together a support program for staff and family members serving overseas. For more information, call Connie Laurentius with the Friends of St. Francis at 331-3000.VOLUNTEERING

To encourage volunteerism, the USA Freedom Corps launched a new resource for people seeking to support the troops, their families and their communities, called "On the Homefront." The program suggests offering time and resources to the families of deployed troops by helping with activities such as household repairs, spring cleaning, yard work or specialized skills such as financial planning or legal advice. For more information, go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov.OFFERING THANKS

There is a long tradition of sending letters and care packages to troops far from home. To minimize delays and complications, the Department of Defense recommends the following:

Through Defend America, sign an online thank-you card to the troops. More than 9.4 million people have signed to date online at www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html.

Through Operation Dear Abby, send e-mail to deployed troops to any service from your home state online at anyservicemember.navy.mil.

Through Operation USA Care Package, contribute to the purchase of a care package of items requested by troops, such as sunscreen, disposable cameras, prepaid calling cards and toiletries. For more information, go to www.usocares.org/home.html.ARMY FAMILY INFO

The U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center and Army Family Liaison Office have established a toll-free family assistance hotline for family members of active-duty soldiers of the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Family members can get information on contacting a soldier, family military ID cards and health benefits. Call (800) 833-6622, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Groups or agencies that offer similar services may contact Heidi Hall at 335-6611, ext. 121.