In times of war, the troops receive the support and backing, and deservedly so, from the American people; however, there are numerous other noncombat roles that seem to fall under the radar. We often hear in the news of journalists being captured and killed but then nothing more. Where are the national tributes and memorials for them? Their families and friends are the only ones left to remember. In the most recent case, Jill Carroll, a freelance writer for the Christian Science Monitor, was captured Jan. 7 in western Baghdad, according to CNN.com, and is still missing.

And what about volunteer and religious groups that travel abroad to lend support and care to others while endangering themselves? The news rarely covers those stories of courage, and few stop to remember their hard work and dedication. In 2004, the International Committee of the American Red Cross sent a troop of 400 people to Iraq to aid in relief efforts, yet there was no active, vocal acknowledgement given to those people in the news or by the government.

On Nov. 26, four members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams were abducted. Al-Jazeera covered the story, yet the U.S. government, its people or the news have given little attention to those abductions.

There are many other groups, professions and individual people out there putting their lives at risk for a cause, yet little recognition is paid. If it were not for journalists in combat areas, the public would know little about what happens. If not for the Red Cross and other relief organizations, humanitarian aid would depend solely on the available resources of military units in the area.

Many civilians enter combat areas to provide support for troops.

The armed forces deserve our support 100 percent; however, others do as well. Please, while you are throwing your support behind the troops, remember others who are often forgotten.

Editor in Chief Courtney Reese for the editorial board.