Operation Uplink

From the VFW website:

VFW Faces Significant Challenge in Troop-Support Effort; Demand for Operation Uplink Phone Cards Surpasses Supply

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19, 2007--The VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary are challenging its members to raise money for Operation Uplink, the VFW’s premier military-support program that provides free phone cards to deployed servicemembers and hospitalized veterans.

Responding to an immediate large-scale need for phone cards to our deployed troops in Iraq, the Ladies Auxiliary is promising matching funds—up to $125,000—for every dollar VFW members raise for the Operation Uplink campaign.

Mike Penney, director for the VFW’s Military Assistance Program, reiterated the importance of the popular phone-card program and its link to enhancing the morale and well-being of America’s servicemen and women.

“That’s what the VFW is all about,” Penny said. “Taking care of the troops. Without a doubt, Operation Uplink is a huge part of that mission, which is why the VFW’s immediate challenge is to replenish our phone-card supply.” [Click to donate]

Funded solely by donations, Operation Uplink’s coffer is depleted because of an unexpected surge in demand. According to VFW Adjutant General Allen “Gunner” Kent, weekly phone card requests now average 10,000-15,000, compared to last year’s average of 5,000 to 8,000 requests.

“At the present, we simply cannot keep up with the demand and therefore are having difficulty fulfilling phone cards requests,” Kent said.

The challenge that has been laid upon us is to raise $250,000 by the VFW National Convention, which begins this weekend. The way the story came to me last week was that the VFW is desperately trying to get phone cards to 3ID and 1st Cavalry, which are deployed right now. If you remember, I flew to Ft. Hood with a bunch of 1st Cav soldiers going home on R & R.

If you happen to have some spare dollars this week, you may make a donation at Operation Uplink.