Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today commended the Department of Defense for authorizing the Armed Services Exchanges – the stores that serve our military – to sell prepaid calling cards to any individual or organization that wishes to purchase cards for troops who are deployed.
“I am pleased that the Defense Department had made it easier for individual Americans to thank our troops for the sacrifices they are making,” said Van Hollen. “Calling cards are relatively inexpensive – but when you are overseas for months or even years, the cost of calling home adds up. That’s why programs like this are so important. For just a few dollars we can help our brave soldiers stay in touch with their loved ones. During my trip to Iraq and Afghanistan in February, I had the opportunity to deliver hundreds of prepaid phone cards to our troops. They were very grateful for the help. I hope everyone will take advantage of this program.”
The Department of Defense announced today that any American can now help troops in contingency operations call home. With the introduction of the “Help Our Troops Call Home” program the Defense Department has authorized the Armed Services Exchanges to sell prepaid calling cards to any individual
or organization that wishes to purchase cards for troops who are deployed.
Those wishing to donate a prepaid calling card to a military member may log on to any of the three Armed Services Exchange web sites: the Army and Air Force Exchange Service
http://www.aafes.com/, the Navy Exchange Service Command
http://www.navy-nex.com/, or the Marine Corps Exchange
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/ and click on the “Help Our Troops Call Home” link. From there, a prepaid calling card may be purchased for an individual at his or her deployed address or to “any service member” deployed or hospitalized. The Armed Services Exchanges will distribute cards donated to “any service member” through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society and the Fisher House Foundation.
“There are many great programs to help the members of our armed forces and their families and I encourage everyone to do what they can to let our troops know that we care about them and their families,” said Van Hollen.