Support the troops

People of the Flathead Valley, and beyond, please come forward. Please continue the uniquely American wartime tradition of supporting our troops in combat.

This is our history, from merchants supplying Gen. Washington's army during the Revolutionary War to the war bond drives of World War II.

Whether you support the war or not, our soldiers are doing what they have been ordered to do — try to maintain peace and develop security in a country with no history of this. Now it's our time to mobilize and help our troops succeed. This is about giving back to those who give all.

This winter, an estimated 180,000 U.S. military personnel will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in combat environments or in support of combat operations.

Some will be on their third or fourth deployments — spending yet another holiday away from the loving arms of family and friends.

They need to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter holiday season, and that we're grateful for their service.

Our troops need to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families, our country and our future.

We are beginning our third annual fundraising effort to support our troops, and we invite you to join our efforts. You can help brighten this holiday season for troops far from home.

Won't you consider our troops, and contribute? It doesn't take much to create a smile, a moment of happiness. May no soldier go unloved this holiday season.

Support our brave men and women in the U.S. military. They need you. Please. Show you care and donate today.

Thank you to each of our previous donors — our last two fundraising campaigns were successful because of you. For those of you who have not had a chance to donate, for those who wish to donate again, please help us to make this fundraiser a success as well.

RE/MAX of Whitefish will be collecting donations through October, which will be sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Monetary donations will help to cover postage fees and should be made out to U.S. Troop Fund.

Please bring a donation to RE/MAX, 567 Spokane Avenue, in Whitefish or Montana Brokers, 685 Sunset Boulevard, in Kalispell, now through October. Call me at 863-8400 with questions. We'll even pickup.

Bonnie Leahy

Whitefish