Students and civilians eager to send supportive messages to troops overseas now have new venues for correspondence.

In response to a suspension of all airmail programs by the U.S. Department of Defense, organizations such as the United Service Organizations (USO) and Defend America are offering ways to directly communicate with soldiers abroad.

By logging onto the groups' Web sites, people can send electronic greeting cards, virtual thank-you cards and calling card donations to soldiers.

In the past, people who had good intentions were able to send mail through programs like Operation Dear Abby and Any Servicemember, said Jason Woodring, president of the Penn State Veteran's Organization.

"Because individuals in the military had their names and addresses publicized, through the new information age, it became dangerous for the troops," Woodring said.

Woodring said except for family members and friends of particular units of the military, the sending of mail was suspended for two reasons. "First, any mail that gets shipped over is also sent along with supplies and takes up valuable space," he said.

"The other thing is the safety precaution because it has become an avenue for people who do not support our troops or government to send potentially dangerous mail."

Now, through sites such as www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html and www.usocares.org/home.htm, civilians can send e-mail and support soldiers by simply filling out a form, Woodring said.

"[The soldiers] see letters and cards telling them that we support them and pray for their safety," Woodring said. "It helps to provide a good morale and remind them that we are thinking about them."

Rudolph Brewington, a public affairs officer for LIFELines Service Network, said his organization has gone to great efforts to make electronic support available, although many soldiers already have computer access.

"Men and women on the field often have laptops that they use to call in weapons," Brewington said. "So they can go on the site and read the mail themselves."

For those who do not have their own computers, Brewington said soldiers can log on to some on-site computers to download the messages.

Desiree Dudley, president of the Penn State Objectivist Club, said her organization is registered online for $25 through the Patriots for the Defense of America Web site.

"Our group members can send the troops -- airmen, coast guard men, airforce, marines, whoever it may be -- a message," Dudley said.

If someone wants to send a gift along with their message, they can opt to make an additional contribution, Dudley added.

Leann Loftus (freshman-liberal arts) said she discovered a Web site where she can register to get the name of a soldier, his or her location and a prayer for him or her that she pledged to recite regularly.

"I got a soldier named Adam Smith who is in Korea right now," Loftus said.

Though she is only communicating through a Web site, Loftus said she still feels that she is helping out with the cause.

"By participating in this opportunity I feel as though I am doing my part, even if it's in the smallest way possible," Loftus said.