I served two tours in Vietnam, and I know firsthand how something as simple as a care package from home can boost morale. Through the Girls Scouts of Tres Condados and Operation Gratitude, each one of us can send a message of caring to our troops overseas while at the same time supporting Girl Scout troops throughout our community.

Now more than ever, our brave soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan need to know that we are thinking of them. A recent letter of thanks from a soldier stationed in Iraq read, "A lot of our guys don't get anything through the mail. Your packages really brighten up our days. I love seeing the look on some of their faces.

"The best part of the package for me is the feeling I get knowing that there are people from back home who support us without knowing us individually. I know that everyone here is very grateful for your thoughts and gifts."

There are more than 1.5 million people in the tri-counties. Imagine if we all gave one box of Girl Scout cookies to this cause. Please join me in sending a message of support to those who truly deserve it: the men and women risking their lives in service to our country.

You can participate either through a local Girl Scout, at www.gstc.org, or by calling (800) 822-2427, ext. 100. Jose Ramirez Major, USMC (ret) Board member, Girl Scouts of Tres Condados