New Web site shows various stories of support for troops

Dick Benoit

Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 | 9:17 a.m.

The Defense Department announced Nov. 19 the launch of America Supports You, a nationwide program to showcase and communicate American support to the men and women of the armed forces.

According to a Navy News Service release, in announcing America Supports You, Charles Abell, principal deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said thousands of Americans, including individual citizens, businesses and organizations, have spearheaded activities and projects in their communities to show their support for America's armed forces, especially those serving in harm's way.

"These activities of support have a positive impact on the morale and spirit of those who serve," said Abell. He said the America Supports You program will showcase these community activities and projects on a new Web site, www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil, so that the American public and the U.S. military serving at home and overseas will know firsthand how much the American people appreciate their service and sacrifice.

Teenager Shauna Fleming of Los Angeles created one of the projects highlighted on the new Web site. Fleming, a 15-year-old high school freshman, launched a campaign called "A Million Thanks," a year-round effort to show U.S. military men and women, past and present, appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication and service through letters, e-mails, cards, prayers and thoughts.

Fleming's story is one of many that will be profiled on the Web site in the coming weeks and months. Americans are invited to log on to the Web site and share details of activities supporting the troops that are taking place in their communities. Everyone who shares their story will receive a dog tag with the America Supports You logo, while supplies last.

More information about America Supports You can be obtained on the Web at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.

Sailors complete deployment

At least three Las Vegas sailors recently returned to their home port of San Diego after a deployment in support of the global war on terrorism, while serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Belleau Wood.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Janis A. Silvano, son of Tessie and Leoncio Silvano of Las Vegas, and his fellow shipmates were among more than 5, 000 Sailors and Marines embarked with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Wendy P. Collins, daughter of Roberta L. Plein-Arwood of Henderson, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Wayshaun Sharpe, a 2001 graduate of Cheyenne High School, were also part of the the Belleau Wood crew that launched more than 60 combat sorties from its flight deck during the deployment. The Belleau Wood crew also helped save 12 crewmen of an Indonesian vessel sinking in the Persian Gulf.

In brief