House Administration Chairman Bob Ney (R-Ohio) wants to remind overseas military personnel that the United States cares. His office is working with United Services Organizations, better known as the USO, to send special care packages to serve members in route to overseas destinations.

Last weekend, the Congressman’s office helped coordinate the delivery of 400 care packages this week to the Ohio National Guard’s 2-174th Air Defense Artillery battalion, which is preparing for deployment.

“The USO care package program is a terrific opportunity to show our troops that the American people are behind them and that they are in our thoughts and prayers,” Ney said in a statement. “I encourage everyone, especially the Capitol Hill community, to lend their help in supporting this important program.”

The USO sponsors the national effort, called Operation USO Care Package. It allows both individuals and businesses to show support for men and women in uniform.

In the past, people could send packages to “Any Service Member” in general areas where soldiers were fighting. But the anthrax attacks in 2001 and other security measures forced the military to suspend that practice. A donation of $25 will cover the cost of one package.

The packages contain items such as prepaid international calling cards, disposable cameras, toiletries and sunscreen. They also include greeting cards from volunteers and USO staff members.

Ney’s office isn’t aware of any other Member who is participating in the program but will encourage support in the coming weeks, said spokesman Brian Walsh.

Ney, who last week renamed “French fries” to “freedom fries” on menus in three House office buildings, has received a lot of positive feedback from his constituents about the care packages, Walsh said.