CodeGREEN

This is perhaps a product of too much free time spent on the internet contemplating stuff, or it's brilliant.

I agree with some of the pretty ideas that CodePINK has come up with, specifically about better care for our veterans. I don't agree with their method. Organizing sit-ins outside of Walter Reed and telling Marines they're war criminals just doesn't do a lot in terms of veteran support. Instead of sitting here and being mad, I thought perhaps I could lead by example.

About two times a year I donate to some sort of Marine charity, whether it be Toys for Tots, anymarine.com, or the Semper Fi Fund. Last year I encouraged my sorority to adopt a group of Marines in Iraq, and we put together specialized care packages and sent letters and pictures and the like.

CodePINK claims they support our troops, but they don't DO anything to support our troops.

If you're on CodeGREEN, you support the troops and DO IT. This isn't about words, it's about action.

www.myspace.com/compassionincombat

This is one of several small organizations dedicated to sending care packages to Marines serving overseas.


The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

This is a personal favorite charity. They are dedicated to providing financial and quality of life assistance to Marines and Sailors and their families in their time of need.

Fisher House

Fisher House helps military families live near the hospital where their loved one is, suffering from illness or injury.


anymarine.com

AnyMarine is a source of addresses for Marines and Sailors serving overseas who need more mail and support from home.

All of these charities are easy. A simple monetary donation can make the difference between whether a Marine gets a phone card to call home or not. A short letter can boost a spirit after a rough day in Iraq.

These men and women deserve better than CodePINK's two-faced support. They deserve real support.

Want to improve life for our military men and women? This is where you start.

I'm a firm believer in ductus exemplo, lead by example. If you want to stand head and shoulders above CodePINK, go CodeGREEN and check out these charities. Then tell your friends and family about these charities.

It's not hard, it's not a huge commitment. It's as simple as passing the link to one of these organizations on to a friend, or penning a brief message of support, slapping a stamp on an envelope and dropping that envelope in the mail.

Be better than them.