Senators Clark-Coleman, Garcia, Richardville, Pappageorge, Kahn, Cropsey, Hardiman, Jelinek, Gilbert, Patterson, Van Woerkom, McManus, Cassis, Kuipers, Jansen, Olshove, Jacobs, Stamas, Brown, Cherry, Allen, Switalski, Gleason, Whitmer, Sanborn and Bishop offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 104.

            A resolution to memorialize the United States Postal Service to offer reduced rates for mailing packages to military personnel serving in a theater of war.

            Whereas, We are in our sixth year of war following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Our military personnel are deployed worldwide in varying roles, including combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. When our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors deploy overseas into combat zones, knowing that people back home are thinking of them and supportive is a boost to their morale; and

            Whereas, One of the tangible signs of this tremendous outpouring of support is the effort of veteran and community groups, as well as concerned individuals, to prepare packages to send to military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. These packages may include such items as books, movies, video games, comfort foods, hygiene items, and small gifts to pass out to local children, as well as notes of thanks wishing our military personnel well and hope for a safe journey home. Family members of military personnel will also make sure their Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor is taken care of while away. These gifts from home are proof that our nation stands with them; and

            Whereas, The people who send these packages bear the burden individually or raise the funds from their communities to collect and purchase the items in these packages. The additional cost to ship the items can be substantial. Every dollar needed to mail a package reduces the amount of money available for actual items. When groups receive donations of items, these groups will find they must also raise funds to mail the gifts, which is an added burden to their work. If the United States Postal Service would offer reduced rates for mailing packages to military personnel serving in combat zones, these efforts on our home front to demonstrate our support for our troops would be aided greatly; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the United States Postal Service to offer reduced rates for mailing packages to military personnel serving in a theater of war; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Postmaster General of the United States of America and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.