Carson woman weaves a Web of Support for troops overseas

Carson City's P.J. Degross is the founder of Web of Support, an Internet-based program that pairs volunteers willing to send care packages and letters with U.S. servicemembers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The group is nonpartisan and does not express its opinion on the war, but instead recognizes that those serving in the U.S. military are far from home and may benefit from the kindness of their adopted families.

What is Web of Support Soldier Adoption Program?

WebofSupport.com is an organization of all volunteers who adopt a soldier for the duration of his or her deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.

What does adoption mean?

Adoption of a soldier means that you will fully support your trooper by sending letters, cards and at least one goody box a month or more if you like, and remember them on all holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day etc.

How will I know what to do?

You will be provided with a fact sheet that explains what to send, how to fill out forms, and all other information regarding shipment to your adopted soldier. You will also receive e-mail newsletters each month with information about what the Web is doing.

Is the Web of Support a political organization?

Web of Support.Com Soldier Adoption Program is nonpolitical, we do not discuss any political views with our soldiers or their families. Our goal is to provide uplifting love and support from home. Therefore, if you are not able to contain your thoughts politically, this program might not be for you.

Will my soldier respond back to me on a regular basis?

This is a question that is asked frequently. Let me say if you need to be acknowledged for your work, please do not adopt a soldier. Many of our soldiers communicate back and forth and sometimes relationships are established. But sometimes the soldiers are so busy working that they might not have a lot of time. We just keep shipping knowing we are doing a good thing. It is all about our soldiers.

How do I adopt a soldier or become involved in WebofSupport.Com Soldier Adoption Program?

If you have a computer you may visit WebofSupport.com and download the fact sheet. Then e-mail me at PJdahling@aol.com with your full name, address and telephone number for security reasons. You will then be given a soldier to adopt. If you do not have access to a computer you may call me at (775) 887-1767 and leave all of the required information if I am not available.

Are there other programs that you participate in?

Yes, I am the Nevada Ambassador for the "Freedom Team Salute " program, which provides soldiers with a means to recognize their supporters: spouses, parents, and employers of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers. Honorably discharged veterans may likewise nominate themselves for recognition under this program.

Nominees will receive an Army lapel pin, an Army decal, a certificate and letter signed by the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army thanking them for their support.