LANSING | Boy Scout Troop 276 took time to remember service men and women this holiday season by writing letters Tuesday night that will be sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Duty to country is an important part of Boy Scouts," Scoutmaster Dominic Podsiadlik said. "They need to realize what these soldiers are doing for us.

"Whether they should be there or not is secondary. The fact is that they're putting their lives on the line."

The troop meets weekly at the American Legion Post 697 in Lansing and is made up of 36 boys from the Illinois south suburbs and Northwest Indiana who range in age from 11 to 18.

The boys were joined on Tuesday by Sgt. Steve West, an Army reserve recruiter based out of Highland. West gave the scouts suggestions of what to include in their letters.

"Any time you hear news from back home - it'll help morale," West said. "They like to hear that what they're doing is appreciated." West was going to collect the letters and make sure they get sent to local units that have been deployed.

A popular topic that the Scouts picked for their letters was the status of the Chicago Bears. Some chose to write about the weather, school, or simply to express their thanks.

Fifteen-year-old Craig Toren, of Lynwood, said that the troops could use some positive feedback since they have receive a lot of negativity from those who oppose the military action.

"If we don't support the war, we can at least support the troops," Toren said.

Mount Carmel High School freshman Steve Kennerk, also from Lynwood, was one of those who decided to discuss sports.

"I'm gonna talk about how unfortunate it is the Packers made the playoffs, and wish them a Merry Christmas," Kennerk said.

Podsiadlik said that the Scouts will send care packages to the troops at a later date.