Silver Spring Orthodontist Sending Smiles to Troops

Silver Spring, MD, July 21, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Although “Support Our Troops” is a bumper-sticker phrase that often doesn’t translate to actual support, local orthodontist Dr. Martin Okun has started a drive that truly supports troops who are stationed overseas. The campaign, called “Sending Smiles to Our Troops,” entails gathering notes of appreciation to provide emotional support to soldiers, while material support will be provided through the collection of toiletries, cans of food, reading material and other goods.     

“Sending shampoo and snack boxes may seem like small contributions, but I know the troops stationed far away from home really appreciate them very much,” Dr. Okun says. “It probably is as much about the things themselves as the sentiments the items represent. That’s why we also think it’s important for us to include notes from people to tell the troops how much we appreciate their service. They’re risking their lives for us, after all.” 

Dr. Okun adds that he expects his orthodontic patients, a majority of whom are in their teens, to participate enthusiastically. They are at a stage in their lives where they are focused on developing themselves and their own identities, but they are also learning to participate in the wider world, he notes.    

Cards for the troops and small gifts (packaged foods, soap, shampoo, wet wipes, magazines and books, card games, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc.) are being collected throughout July at Dr. Okun’s office at 12520 Prosperity Dr., Suite 340, in Silver Spring (near where Cherry Hill Rd. crosses over Columbia Pike). Contributions are welcomed from both patients of the orthodontic practice and non-patients alike. Items and notes will be sent to overseas troops in August.