Millions of U.S. flags and yellow ribbons fly across the United States in recognition of our servicemembers. And if you are a member of a military family, or even a friend or neighbor, you realize supporting military families takes much more than a ribbon or a flag.

Servicemembers and their families give their hearts (and for some their lives) to fight for our country. Every day many military families find themselves in deployment situations. In general, the public does not completely understand the sacrifice of the servicemember but they empathize and support our troops. Military spouses and children understand what servicemembers are facing. But, the general public does not understand what military families endure during deployments.

Despite the Department of Defense’s (DoD) many programs and services (designed to support troops in times of war and peace),the American community’s support is imperative for morale and welfare. So how can the public show appreciation? It’s easy to support servicemembers. A simple search of the Internet will turn up many results for organizations accepting donations for care packages, sending personalized letters or gifts, or even a simple way to e-mail the servicemembers a few words of encouragement. It’s more of a challenge when you search for ways to support military families. Communities want to support their military families, but some have difficulty knowing where to start. Admittedly, military families need to be more vocal and express exactly what is needed so that support is felt. Below are some general ways that the public can support the military:

Tell Them You Are Proud
Tell servicemembers and their families that you are proud of what they are doing. Regardless of personal opinions on war or leadership, support the selflessness and dedication of their military service.

Show Your Pride
Pride can be shown in a number of ways from flying a flag to tying a yellow ribbon around a tree or pole. You can also place a service flag in the window, put a magnet on the car, buy a military themed bracelet or jewelry, or place a flickering candle in the window symbolizing “keeping the light on.”  Once you find the way you want to show your support, fly it high and wear it proud!

Do the Research
Know what is going on in the world. Know where servicemembers in your community will be deployed. What kind of weather conditions will they face? What kind of religion is in the area where they will be? What rules and regulations govern the area? What is their mission (if it’s possible to know)? Be interested and find out more about where servicemembers will be and what they will have available to them while they are away.

Help with Chores and Tasks
The family left behind is left with many additional duties. If possible, help mow the lawn, make small home repairs, baby-sit etc. If you are too far away to help with these things consider sending a gift of “lawn maintenance for one year” from a business local to the family, or finding a local sitter service and purchasing a gift certificate.

Get Involved – Participate
Be involved in a military family’s life. Don’t be afraid to call them just to say “hello” and check in to see if things are going okay. Every servicemember has some sort of family readiness group or support system (depending on the branch) that offers information pertaining to families. Get involved in this group. Allow them to call you, mail you, or e-mail you with updates or information. Participate in their fundraisers and events.

Don’t Forget The Ones Left Behind
Often we remember the servicemember, but forget the spouse and kids. Remember that the servicemember will be more at peace by not worrying if everything at home is squared away. Offer as much help as you can for the family that has been left behind. Be a good listener. Visit them if possible.

Communicate
Buy a servicemember a phone card to call home. Buy one for their kids and spouses too. This shows that you are opening the lines for communication. Create a simple basket and fill it with phone cards, stationery, and kids’ supplies (markers, glitter pens, colored paper) for keeping in touch with the deployed member.
Let families know that the lines of communication are open with you as well and that you are available should they need to talk. Oftentimes, spouses and family members just want someone to be there. Offer up your time to listen and chat should they need it.

Send Care Packages
Care packages are always a great idea. Ideas for sending packages overseas can be easily found on the internet. You could send a care package to the military family across the street. Military families on the home front need these “pick me ups” as well. Everyone loves to get a small gift of appreciation. Pack a box or bag with fun “splurge” type items. The packages can even be themed for more fun. One of the best care packages is as simple as an envelope with handmade “coupons” for free dish washing, pet-sitting, car washing, lawn mowing, or babysitting.

Remember Important Dates and Attend Important Events
The fact of the matter is, servicemembers leave behind a family at home. Life continues where they were left. Children graduate, have dance recitals, soccer games, etc. Remember these special events and try to attend if possible. Always try to remember special dates such as birthdays, anniversaries and more. Holidays are the toughest times when a servicemember is deployed. Remember that most military families don’t live near their relatives and may not be able to travel this holiday season. So, invite a military family over for a holiday meal, buy them a small gift (or make a craft) or offer to babysit while the parent does shopping. If at all possible, help them to celebrate through the miles.
 
 
My Personal Blog & HomePage www.TaraCrooks.com