Don't forget our troops

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, many of us will be making plans for the best spot to watch the Irving City Parade, or planning to visit the newly dedicated Veteran’s Memorial sitting beside the Irving Central Library.

But for others, this Fourth of July holiday holds special meaning for those connected to the United States military.

The Fourth is a time of celebration of the basic rights Americans enjoy. These rights of freedom and equality have taken on new meaning in recent years, and this July, more than ever, we realize the price of that freedom. Many of our loved ones are still serving in the Middle East, far from home and their families.

As we watch the evening news, we see pictures of troops arriving at DFW International Airport for a two-week recreation time at home. As these men and women rush forward to embrace their families, it is with the realization that their stay at home is a short one. This July, I’d like to encourage my fellow students to support our troops. In Irving, we are blessed with two local businesses that are reaching out to show support for troops both overseas and returning home.

The first of these businesses is Porter’s Army and Navy Store, located at 600 E. Irving Blvd. If you’ve ever traveled down Irving Blvd. and stopped to admire the old time rocket, then you’ve visited Porter’s Army and Navy Store. At one time or another, you may have noticed a large tent and truck with a few Hummers and men in fatigues. Chances are, Porter’s was holding a collection day for needed items to send overseas to Fort Hood troops stationed in Iraq.

Store employees at Porter’s will gladly take donations at any time. Along with American Legion Post 218 and the Fort Hood USO, they are collecting needed items and cash donations to help the men and women based out of Fort Hood who are serving our country. Not only are items sent overseas, supplies are collected to help the families that stay behind and to see that wounded soldiers have “a little piece of home” while they are awaiting transfer back to the United States.

The second business is Lone Star Comics, Books and Games, located at 2550 N. Beltline Road. This July, Lone Star Comics is sending a goodwill shipment of books, comics and graphic novels to the men and women stationed in Iraq. They are asking for “anything that isn’t a cliffhanger.” Store manager Rich Simmons says paperback books and self-contained story arc comics are both acceptable. Donated items can also be non-fiction titles. The comic chain only asks that the items be paperback or softbound covers.