Glenn Thompson: “As individuals across the country travel near and far to be with loved ones this holiday season, I ask that we remember…”

“As individuals across the country travel near and far to be with loved ones this holiday season, I ask that we remember our military personnel who will not be surrounded by family and friends this Christmas. Instead, our military men and women will be stationed all over the world to protect and defend the United States of America. There are about 1.3 million military personnel on Active Duty who serve in more than 170 countries. While it is not easy to be away from family, it is especially difficult during the holidays. But, Mr. Speaker, events like American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes card-signing campaign lets our troops know that we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. Since 2007, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program has provided Americans the opportunity to extend holiday greetings, expressions of gratitude, and well wishes to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Last year, the Red Cross distributed thousands of cards to troops across the globe. As we are extending our support to military personnel serving overseas, the Marine Corps Reserve is giving back to those who are less fortunate right here in our own backyard. Toys for Tots, which was founded in 1947 by Reservist Major Bill Hendricks, collects new, unwrapped toys each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to children in need. As of 2016, Toys for Tots collected and distributed more than 512 million toys to less fortunate children.…”