VFW WebCOM Network

Operation Uplink

Posted at 09:23 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2008 by operationuplink

Operation Uplink is a unique program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. Using contributions from supporters like you, Operation Uplink purchases phone cards and distributes them to servicemen and women who are separated from those they care about.

VFW Operation Uplink™ was launched in 1996 to connect active-duty troops and hospitalized veterans with their loved ones. The program uses contributions from supporters to purchase phone time for the men and women who are serving this great nation, as well as hospitalized veterans.

Initially, VFW Operation Uplink exclusively distributed phone cards. In 2006, in response to growing demand, VFW began hosting “Free Call Days.” [See Free Call Day schedule] Now, every month of the year, troops can call home–at no charge—from Internet cafes throughout Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Traditional phone cards are still being provided at deployment ceremonies, military hospitals and VA facilities, as well as to troops in regions not served by the “Free Call Days.”

Since the program began, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has provided deployed service members and hospitalized veterans with millions of minutes of free phone time. The unique program is part of VFW National Military Services, which includes other initiatives that boost morale, aid struggling military families and encourage troop support.

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