AMVETS TASK FORCE DVD SENDING HOLIDAY CHEER TO TROOPS OVERSEAS

AMVETS collecting new and used DVDs to send to the combat zone in time for the holidays.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2009—This holiday season, AMVETS Task Force DVD is ramping up to send thousands of hours of entertainment to troops who cannot be with their loved ones for this special time of year. From now until Dec. 15, AMVETS will be collecting new and used DVDs to send to units in Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the holidays. AMVETS also encourages cash donations to help with shipping. A five-dollar donation can ship one box of 35 DVDs overseas.

Since 2006, AMVETS Task Force DVD has sent more than 2 million DVDs to troops serving in hostile areas year-round. However, AMVETS leaders are making a special push during the holiday season when American troops find it most difficult to be away from their loved ones.

"It’s most important this time of year to show our heroes that, though they cannot join us for the holidays, they remain in our thoughts and prayers,” said George Ondick, director of AMVETS Task Force DVD. “Troops serving in the combat zone are often constrained in the kinds of leisure activities they can participate in, plus, gathering around for a movie night is an easy, social way to unwind from the rigors our warriors endure."

As the holidays draw closer and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan remain at the forefront of the news cycle, AMVETS leaders acknowledged that Americans are looking for ways to demonstrate support for the brave men and women who cannot be home at this special time of year, and donating a DVD is a simple way to say thanks.

Troops stationed overseas who have received movies through AMVETS Task Force DVD have sent back “thank-you” notes, photos and other small mementos, such as a 10th Mountain Division flag sent by Army Capt. Danny Thebeau last spring, now on display at AMVETS National Headquarters and featured in the fall issue of American Veteran magazine. . 

AMVETS Task Force DVD accepts most kinds of DVDs, including children’s movies, which are sent to family support centers around the country for families of deployed service members through AMVETS’ partnerships with the National Guard and reserves.

All DVD donations should be sent to AMVETS Task Force DVD Distribution Center, 1395 E. Dublin Granville Road No. 222, Columbus, Ohio 43229.

All cash donations should be sent to AMVETS Task Force DVD, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, Md. 20706. 

To learn more about Task Force DVD or to become involved, visit www.amvets.org/taskforcedvd.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.