Red Shirt Fridays - Show your Support for our Soldiers

A public way to say "Thank You" to our military men and women. Many Americans like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Americans support our troops. Here is an idea that came to us in an email to show solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect. Start THIS Friday and continue each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that — every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV, our Web site — let's make the United States, on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. Share this with your coworkers, acquaintances, friends and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

Here is the story behind this idea . . .

"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.

Heading out I asked?

No, I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the solder, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank You. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

'Ladies and gentleman, I would like you to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.'

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American."

Show your support — wear something RED on Fridays!

Would you like to send jerky to a soldier overseas, but don't know one personally? Whittington's Jerky has made arrangements with a network of Chaplains and Chaplain's Assistants to distribute Jerky to soldiers who have little or no support. Learn more about our "Jerky for Any Soldier Program."