July 4, 2007

• Editorial, as published by the Durango Herald

• Support for Americans in the military should not be limited to the Fourth of July. There is, however, no better way to observe the holiday than to do something for them.

  There are several ways to begin. Susan Hamilton with the ARMED FORCES SUPPORT COALITION says her group will be on Main Avenue by Buckley Park today from 9:30 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m. Likewise, Linda Mathews with Blue Star Moms of Durango says some of the Moms will have a table set up in Bayfield's park during the festivities there. Both groups will be talking to anyone interested about how to help.

  Money is welcome, of course, but nonperishable goods also can help. Both groups send ''care packages'' to the troops and can explain what is needed and what they can accept. It could be as simple as a letter to a soldier who does not get much mail.

  Some of the most important assistance can be in aiding families of deployed soldiers with the mundane problems of life. That could be help with car problems, getting the kids to a doctor or with that unexpected repair bill. It could be just a kind word to a spouse under stress. A soldier in Iraq will be better off if personal cares can be kept out of combat.

  Both Mathews and Hamilton stress that anyone can help and that help does not need to be channeled through their groups. Many local churches are doing similar work.

  To contact Blue Star Moms, call Mathews at (970)903-4464 or Janna Longenette at (970)749-1673. For the ARMED FORCES SUPPORT COALITION, call (970)247-9186.

April 21, 2007

• Veterans share experiences with students: as published by the Durango Herald