Thanks to the efforts of a local family, area residents (and those with Internet access) who have loved ones in the military can go somewhere for support and encouragement.

Dan and Jo Ann Wentzel formed a Web site because they know what these families, who have loved ones serving in the military, are going through. Their son, Dan Wentzel Jr., is an Army staff sergeant and has previously been stationed in Saudi Arabia. His family expects him to be deployed overseas by the end of this week.

The site, www.freedomsfamilies.com, has kept the Wentzels busy. It's also a haven from any political affiliations that anyone may have with the war. It's a place that people can show their support for troops and where they can find comfort in talking with other families.

"We just want you to come there for support and love," Jo Ann Wentzel said.

It's refreshing to see someone take the time out of their day to not just give back to the community, but to also help people in a similar situation cope during a tough time.

It's hard enough to watch your country go through a military conflict or war. It's even harder when a loved ones go off to the battlefield to help serve and protect their country's interests.

We thank people like the Wentzels who are giving back to their community by providing this service that will help others cope during times of difficulty and uncertainty.