If you're looking for a way to show support to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan there are ways to do it.

You can be a pen pal and you can also send care packages.

Katrina wants to know, “Is their a specific group of people we can contact to find out what the troops need?”

Work is busy right now for Pam Brunette. She works in St. Joseph County's voter registration office during this presidential election year. But Brunette still finds time for her passion.

“This was one of the first things I received from some of my soldiers. They were stationed in Kosovo and they sent this back to me. This was handmade on a piece of wood they found over there,” said Brunette. The plaque in her hands reads, "Thank you Pam. We appreciate all you have done for us."

The carving arrived on the one year anniversary of 9/11 — ironic since 9/11 caused Brunette to become involved in a national program called Adopt A Platoon.

“You know the money gets a little tight. Knowing that other people are out there that can send things to them to help them over there, that means a lot to them,” said Brunette.

Local military leaders use Pam as their contact for Adopt A Platoon. The national movement has a website with information on ways you can help. That includes being a pen pal or sending items regularly to troops. Pam became very close with South Bend-based Company B while they served in Iraq.

“I had sent phone cards so they could call their family, and this particular one called me! And he says, 'You're the first person I'm calling on my phone card.' That was just unbelievable!” Brunette exclaimed.

The way it works is you fill out an application on a website. Usually within two to three weeks Adopt A Platoon calls. They talk to you about what to donate and how to do it. Pam Brunette became so involved, she says the Marines of Company B started calling her 'Mom.'

Adopt A Platoon helps all branches of the military service.

For information on how to become involved, click here.