[Satellite TODAY 12-14-11] XTAR has initiated a community service campaign to support wounded soldiers during their recovery and return to civilian life, the X-band operator announced Dec. 13.

   XTAR has chosen to support Operation First Response (OFR) for the critical support it provides to wounded warriors from all branches of the U.S. armed services.

   Through OFR, XTAR employees and their families will adopt several heroes and their families and donate holiday gifts and personal morale-related items to help create a joy-filled holiday. In the coming months, XTAR will work with OFR on their special backpack program, preparing backpacks for wounded combat soldiers who lack personal items when they arrive at hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

   XTAR plans to reach out to its network of customers and partners to send backpacks to the region in 2012.

   “I have been an active-duty soldier and I know how much recognition from outside the military makes soldiers feel appreciated and valued.  They deserve this support and thanks for all of their courage protecting U.S. national security,” XTAR President and COO Philip Harlow said in a statement.