MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Secretary of State Beth Chapman announced today she and her staff will be collecting phone cards on behalf of wounded soldiers. The program has become an annual tradition in the Secretary of State’s office since Chapman took office in 2007. A strong advocate for the members of our armed forces, Chapman says we should do all we can to make sure Christmas is brighter for our troops.
"As much as our military does to defend our nation, it should be our goal to give back to those who sacrifice so much for us," Chapman said.
This program is only a small part of a much larger effort that Chapman has in mind for the military. Alabama is a state that does not have laws to expedite a soldier’s right to vote in elections. The Secretary of State is the chairman of the Military and Overseas Task Force assembled by Governor Bob Riley to assess voting on behalf of military members serving abroad. Last legislative session, Chapman and the task force introduced legislation to make voting easier on troops serving overseas, including the use of electronic voting methods. The state has the largest number of National Guard members deployed per capita than any other state in the nation.
Telephone calling cards can be purchased at most retail stores. Chapman asks for donations from the public of 60 to 120 minute prepaid domestic cards. Once purchased, the cards can be delivered or mailed to the following address:
Secretary of State Beth Chapman
Military Calling Card Program
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue, Suite S-105
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
In order for the cards to be properly delivered, the cards should be received by the Secretary of State’s office on or before December 22nd.