WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2011 – There are more than 1.4 million men and women actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. Some are stationed in the U.S., some abroad, and many are in harm’s way. At home, many other Americans are making a difference by helping those who serve and their families.
"Taking part in Memorial Day events or working with your local USO are some very meaningful ways to get involved," said Mike Baker, director of GEICO’s military assistance services and Force Master Chief, USN (Ret.) Sea Forces. "There are many organizations that provide outstanding support to Military members and their families. In addition they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities and truly appreciate any help they can get."
GEICO, which has served the U.S. military since the company first opened its doors in 1936, suggests that Memorial Day is an excellent day to support U.S. troops.
Support the local Memorial Day events in your community. Try to go and take your family. It’s a very thoughtful way to show your support. You’ll meet some outstanding people, active duty and veterans.
Tell a service man or woman "Thank you." If you do attend those Memorial Day ceremonies, you can count on being with a lot of service members in and out of uniform. Your words of thanks will be quite welcome.
Check in with your local USO chapter. They’ll be glad to see you and hear that you’d like to volunteer. USO volunteer opportunities include welcoming guests at USO airport centers helping with special events, packing supplies for shipment overseas. The USO also accepts donations to provide food and personal items for troops stationed away from home. Go to www.uso.org and www.usocares.org.
Learn about Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride scheduled in many parts of the country. You can ride along with friends, family and members of the military to support injured service men and women. For more information, go to the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride site.
Also, people can donate their old cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers. The phones are recycled and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for soldiers in the Middle East. Go to www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
"There are a lot of ways we can help out our servicemen and women and their families," said Baker. "It doesn’t matter exactly what we do or how we do it. The important thing is to let them know our Military members appreciate the sacrifices they and their families make for our freedom"
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
