STATE SEN. NELSON LAUNCHES HOMETOWNS TO HEROES PROJECT 2007

The office of Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., issued the following news release:

This year, our troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world don't have to be alone for the holidays. By posting your well wishes to Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson's website, your message or picture will be accessible to our soldiers serving overseas.

"It is often difficult to find ways to show our uniformed heroes just how much they are remembered and appreciated, especially during the holiday season," said Senator Nelson. "This is a simple and meaningful way for Nebraskans to show they care for our Nebraska heroes away from home."

Senator Nelson's "Hometowns to Heroes Project" gives Nebraskans an opportunity to post holiday wishes for our men and women in uniform. The page offers the friends and families of service members as well as all Nebraskans an opportunity to tell our troops they're loved, appreciated, and remembered this holiday season. Children are especially encouraged to draw a picture or submit a message to their heroes abroad.

"The holidays are no time to be away from home yet our National Guard members carry out their mission in war torn lands without complaint," said Brigadier General Tim Kadavy, Nebraska's Adjutant General. "It's a lonely time to be away from family and friends and any show of support from families, friends, and their fellow citizens through such methods as Senator Nelson's Hometowns to Heroes is most welcome."

Schools are also encouraged to promote this project through teachers and students. Classroom projects are welcome and would make for an exceptionally meaningful message to those serving our country. Submissions are welcome in either digital (JPEG) or physical format. If larger than standard size paper, a digital (JPEG) format is required.

"It's not easy for children to understand the reasons for war but they do understand that there are a lot of brave men and women who are putting their lives at risk for their country," said Jess Wolf, Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) President. "Senator Nelson's Hometowns to Heroes not only helps our students learn more about what's happening but it offers them a chance to thank our troops personally."

Nebraskans wishing to post or read hometown messages and pictures for our uniformed heroes are encouraged to visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/h2hproject through January 11, 2008.

"The site gives our soldiers serving overseas a one-click stop on the internet to see a number of messages and pictures from family and friends at home," Nelson said. Nelson will promote the website via the media and through the assistance of schools.