USO Supporter,

I was 15 years old when I went on my first USO tour, and it was so incredible to see the amount of joy it gave service members for us to simply be there and show them our support.

In the dozens of USO shows and tours I've done since, I've had the pleasure of meeting thousands of our nation's heroes. But despite all the joy these shows provided and all the times I've personally thanked our service members for their service — I know I can always do more.

That's why I'm still working with the USO today to give our service members the thanks and appreciation they deserve. And ahead of this Fourth of July, I hope you'll join me by being one of the 100,000 military supporters via emails and text messages that we need to sign the USO's July 4 thank-you card for our heroes: Please, will you add your name next to mine now to thank our service members for all the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe and free?

Since I went on that first USO tour, there have been many difficult moments for our country's military — and we're living through another one of those moments now.

Wars are raging and tensions are escalating around the world, and our service members have been deployed to conflict areas far from home where they face danger and uncertainty while missing holidays and special moments with loved ones.

Though service members on active duty are always grateful to be reminded of how much we appreciate them, a quick expression of thanks can be even more powerful to boost morale and strengthen their resilience during times like this.

So please, before you go out to celebrate our country's independence with family and friends this Fourth of July, can I count on you to help me thank all the service members fighting for our country and our freedoms today? Please sign the card to honor our courageous heroes now.

Thank you so much. Happy Fourth of July!

Brooke Shields