Washington, DC–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–November 6, 2007–America Supports You, a Department of Defense program that helps showcase American’s support of the men and women serving in the armed forces, is inviting Hispanics nationwide to participate in a historic national expression of thanks to our military men and women during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Beginning at 6 am ET, Saturday, Nov. 17, and ending at midnight PT, Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day, Hispanics can send a text message of thanks in their preferred language to 8-9-2-7-9. In return, the sender will receive a reply on their cell phone from America Supports You. The reply message will come from a member of the Armed Forces who currently is serving.

Members of the military and their families, including troops serving in 177 countries, will learn of the number of text messages and will also be able to view many of them.

“The tradition of the Hispanic community serving in the U.S. Armed Services spans decades. We know that generations of Hispanic families take pride in their service, and our Armed Forces have benefited greatly from their contributions” said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. “Therefore, we are inviting members of that community to participate with us in saying thanks to our troops.”

According to the most recent report by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, there are more than 109,487 Hispanics in the enlisted ranks. In addition, there have been 42-Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients since the creation of the award in 1861. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2007 more than 400,000 Hispanics served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II — 12 of them earning the Medal of Honor. Across the country, there are more than a million Hispanic veterans of the armed forces and many Hispanics are on active duty now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

All of the major mobile wireless providers—AT&T Wireless (Cingular) Verizon, Sprint (Nextel, Qwest), and T-Mobile provide access to The America Supports You Text Message program. There will be no upcharge.

About America Supports You

Since its formation two and a half years ago, the America Supports You program has welcomed over 300 grassroots organizations and 35 corporate sponsors to its team. Many America Supports You team members support the troops through letter writing, care packages, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families, sending an email or making a kind gesture to learn more about how you can help please visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil