How do I request military support for an event in my community?

If you would like to request military support for your event you must complete a DD Form 2535 (for aerial support) or a DD Form 2536 (for non-aviation support) and submit to the appropriate branch of Service. You can find links to the Air Force and Marine Corps request pages in the box at the top right corner of www.OurMilitary.mil. If you would like to request support from the Army, the Navy or the National Guard, please complete the appropriate forms and submit as indicated on page 2 of the Form 2536 or page 4 of the Form 2535.

I want to request aerial support from multiple branches of the military. Do I complete a form for each?

Yes. However, please note that multiple aerial support at an event requires an exception to policy from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.

What is America Supports You?

America Supports You is a Department of Defense Community Relations initiative dedicated to communicating citizens’ support to the men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families. The DoD Community Relations site currently lists more than 350 non-profit groups that are devoted to helping our service men and women. These groups provide a multitude of services, including educational assistance, care packages and letters, and support for our wounded warriors.

Can I donate funds or items directly to America Supports You?

No. America Supports You is communications initiative. It is not intended to solicit donations from the American public, and the appearance of hyperlinks or logos does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of linked sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. By visiting the Support for our Troops section of www.ourmilitary.mil/help.shtml you can find an extensive list of organizations by category based on the type of support they provide for members of our Armed Forces and their families.

I am a military member or military dependent. Who should I contact if I need assistance?

As a member of the military family community, you are entitled to a number of military and government resources. Consult your chain of command, family assistance program, and military aid societies (hyperlinks are below) prior to contacting non-federal entities for your emergent needs.

Army Emergency Relief
http://www.aerhq.org/

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
http://www.nmcrs.org/

Air Force Aid Society
http://www.afas.org/

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
http://www.cgmahq.org/

How do I send letters, cards, or e-mails to a troop overseas?

There are many ways to send a note to the troops! While the Office of Community Relations cannot disclose name or address of servicemembers due to privacy and security concerns, you may contact any of the these groups at www.ourmilitary.mil/letters_messages.shtml to send cards or letters. You may also send emails to troops via www.ourmilitary.mil/Message.aspx?SectionID=5 .

Where do I send pictures and press releases regarding citizen support for our Servicemembers?

Please send your high resolution photos and news releases to asyhome@osd.mil. Items will be reviewed and considered for posting.

How do I donate an item or care package to the troops?

The link below provides a list of non-profit organizations that have indicated they send care packages. While this list is a representative sample of support across the country, it may assist you with your research. www.ourmilitary.mil/send_packages.shtml

I wrote a song for the troops. How can I share it with them or have it played for servicemembers overseas on the Armed Forces Network (AFN)?

We appreciate your efforts to pay tribute to our servicemembers and their families with patriotic songs and videos. As a U.S. government Web site, we cannot post these kinds of items because we are prohibited from endorsing or promoting particular artists or commercial endeavors. AFN broadcasts programs via satellite from national radio networks. They do not produce original programs and thus have no place to use donated recordings. We certainly don't want to discourage you from sharing your efforts. Fortunately, with so many social media platforms available, it is relatively easy for you to post your music or video on the Internet. You might also contact some of the organizations that specialize in making entertainment and music available for the troops, listed at: www.ourmilitary.mil/entertainment_troops.shtml.

How do I get my organization listed on OurMilitary.mil as a resource for Servicemembers and military families?

In June 2009, the Office of Community Relations developed a more stringent vetting process for groups to be listed as a resource in the “Support for Our Troops” section of OurMilitary.mil. All groups, including those currently listed on the site, must provide documentation of their 501C3 status, complete an application and self certification form, and demonstrate that they have been vetted by at least two independent charity evaluators. Click here for an application and additional guidance.

Can DoD Community Relations use America Supports You to recommend any organizations, programs, or such that support servicemembers and their families?

America Supports You is intended to communicate a wide array of citizens’ support to the men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families. The appearance of hyperlinks or logos does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of linked sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Servicemembers and their families are strongly encouraged to consult with their chain of command, family assistance program, military aid societies, and other government entitlements prior to contacting non-federal entities for support.

I am a business that would like to support our service men and women. How do I do that?

Most businesses are encouraged to find and partner with a non-profit organization that shares its same vision of support for our servicemembers. Please visit www.ourmilitary.mil/help.shtml which outlines homefront groups by the services they provide. You may also search for ASY homefront groups by state at www.ourmilitary.mil/states.aspx.

Where do I go for more information on an America Supports You Freedom Walk?

In 2005, Pentagon personnel, wishing to create an event that would commemorate the attack on the Pentagon and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, created the America Supports You FREEDOM WALK. Since 2005, walks have been held throughout the United States and in several countries overseas. The Department of Defense is not hosting a walk in 2009, but if your community is hosting one please send details and registration information to asyhome@osd.mil, and we will post your event on our calendar.