It has never been very easy for our troops who are abroad to keep in touch with their loved ones and friends back home.
During the American Revolution and the Civil War, the only way for troops to communicate was via letters, which could take weeks to be delivered and months to get a response.
Today, people support the troops now more than ever in their constant fight to keep the United States a safe place.
This article discusses how technology has helped troops who are abroad communicate with their loved ones and how companies and normal citizens are helping support the men and women in the armed forces who are abroad by sending military gifts or by giving away military decals for people to place on their cars.
Between the Civil War and World War I, the telephone was invented.
So, during World War I some soldiers were able to talk to their loved ones, although it was very rare, via the telephone while they were abroad.
Also, people still wrote letters during this time, so letters were still the most common form of communication between the troops and their loved ones.
Many times, the post office would try to expedite letters from the troop's home to their families.
Not much changed during World War II through the Vietnam War.
People were still only able to use letters and sometimes the telephone on a regular basis to speak with family.
During the Persian Gulf War, telephones were much more readily available and cell phones were right on the cusp of being introduced to the public.
Today, it can still be challenge, but it is much easier for members of the armed forces to keep in touch with friends and family.
Between cell phones and the Internet, there are a various options available.
Video chats are available on the Internet, usually at discounted rates or for free for the troops.
Many cell phone companies give discounts to people who are in the armed forces.
Finally, there is now email and instant messenger instead of hand-written letters.
Receiving email takes a few minutes versus letters, which used to take maybe weeks or months to see.
Of course, instant messenger is even faster, since you can just talk to the person via the Internet without the use of a phone.
Because it is easier to keep in touch with the armed forces, private companies and citizens often hold fundraisers in order to raise money to send various specialty food items to the men and women in our armed services.
For example, companies sent big screen televisions for the soldiers to watch the Super Bowl and provided beer and pizza for them to enjoy while watching the game.
For Thanksgiving, many people donated money to purchase turkeys and all the traditional side dishes to send to our armed forces stationed overseas.
Things that the troops miss from the United States are often sent, along with letters of thanks and praise.
It is important to give respect to our troops, since everyday they work hard to defend the United States and keep Americans safe from harm.