Bank of America (ARA) - The conflicts overseas are ongoing, which means much of the American military are continuing to serve far from home. While support for the men and women in uniform has proven strong for the past several years, the forces who protect our country and their families waiting at home continuously deserve recognition of and support for their efforts now and in the years to come.

Here are several ideas on how you and your family can show your pride for the military, both locally and directly to our heroes in uniform overseas:

* Organize a letter campaign:
If you have children in school, ask the classroom to create homemade cards and letters for the military. Creativity is appreciated, as are the messages and stories children can share about their school, what they're studying and the activities they enjoy. If you don't have children, ask some of your family members, friends and coworkers to join you in creating cards. Even if you don't personally know anyone who is currently serving, you can contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion or Red Cross chapters, or the person leading a Family Readiness Group in your community to find out where to mail the letters.

* Show your pride:
Demonstrate your loyalty to our men and women in uniform and their families. Tie yellow ribbons on the trees in your yard, hang the American flag in front of your house and use products displaying military emblems and logos to remind people of those serving overseas. For example, Bank of America offers military-themed banking products such as check cards, credit cards and checks so customers can show their pride for the military and demonstrate their appreciation of the sacrifices veterans and active duty military personnel have made. Find out more at www.BankofAmerica.com/MilitaryBanking.

For over 85 years, Bank of America has supported the military community, most recently with the Intrepid Foundation. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund assists wounded warriors with traumatic brain injury, and the Fisher House Foundation provides family members with homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Bank of America provides specialized financial services to military personnel as well, including special rates, products and services for all active duty, retired or former military members and their dependents. Through a contract with the Department of Defense, Bank of America manages about 100 banking centers in 11 foreign countries to help provide members of the military and their families with banking services while they're serving abroad.

* Plan a package packing party:
Men and women serving overseas really appreciate care packages containing everything from food to games to items that remind them of home. Invite all your friends over for a care package packing party. Ask each person to contribute an item for 20 packages. Some suggested items to include are magazines and books; toiletries like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, unscented baby wipes, hair brushes and packaged food items that are not pressurized and not susceptible to heat or cold.

* Care for those at home:
If a local unit has been deployed from your area, find out if any of the families need meals delivered or if you can meet with them for a social visit. You can invite families over for dinner at your house, take them out for a social activity, or simply prepare a meal and drop it off.

These are just a few of the ways you can show your pride and appreciation here at home for our men and women in uniform.

Courtesy of ARAcontent