Angels and Camouflage

It’s no real secret that I am adamantly against the war in Iraq. It pulled resources from the actually reasonable war in Afghanistan and has turned into an utter mess.
However, I am NOT against the troops. They are brave, hardworking folks doing a job that I myself would run screaming from even though I know it’s a necessary one.
So.
About a month ago, I signed up at Angels’n’Camouflage and adopted me a deployed soldier. I’ve been sending her stuff every week or so, either cards or little care packages. I haven’t heard back from her, but hope that she’s okay and that my things are reaching her okay.
One thing that fascinates me is the response I get from people I tell about this. Almost invariably, they are impressed. I get praised, told I’m a saint, you name it. The thing is, I don’t see it as a big deal. It’s a little bit of a hassle to send care packages – you have to fill out a customs form, so I have to take them to the post office instead of mailing them at work – but cards? That’s a cinch, and it’s cheap to boot. This is a lot less work than going to a rally or protest or writing my congressfolks. And it makes a bigger difference, even if it’s just to one person.
For me, that’s what counts. This war is a huge issue, but every soldier out there is just one person. They’re people, doing a horrible job a long, long way from home and friends and family. Sending a few snacks and some magazines is the least I can do.