May is Military Appreciation Month
The Best Time to Show Recognition
There is a chance you have never heard that May is National Military Appreciation Month. This is a unique opportunity for us to manifest gratitude towards those who are currently serving or have served in the military. There are various ways we can honor our veterans, active-duty members, and their families.
Congress established Military Appreciation Month in 1999 as May is full of celebrations related to the military. They are:
- Loyalty Day (May 1st)
- Victory in Europe Day (May 8th)
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day (the Friday before Mother’s Day)
- Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May)
- Memorial Day (the last Monday in May).
Within the military community, this month often comes with military-community-specific discounts and specials from national companies. Social media posts are everywhere, and many celebrations take place on base. However, apart from the more commercial appeal of the date, there are things – small or large – that one can do for the military community.
Sometimes, we may think that a single action will not make a difference. Although it may seem small, one single act of gratitude can be a gift that helps bring morale back to a military family. Now, how can we show our regard for our military members? Our team selected some ideas to help.
#1 Arrange Care Packages
Care packages have been gaining increasing popularity over the last few years. For instance, we can send a package to the sick, wishing them a speedy recovery. We can deliver care packages to the elderly, packing them with items that will make them feel valued and supported.
Similarly, you may prepare care packages for our servicemen and servicewomen. These packages can be sent to service members deployed overseas. This might make them feel good as they taste a bit from home while they are away.
Care packages may also find their way to the hands of new recruits. Literally receiving a box full of appreciation will surely boost their motivation. Additionally, America’s wounded heroes are sure to find strength through an appreciation gift.
You may use your creativity to select items going into a care package. Some popular choices are snacks, toiletries, magazines, games, and personal letters of appreciation. If sending packages to military families, be sure to learn about them first. Try to find out the ages of their children and prepare something special for them as well.
#2 Volunteer for Military Families
Raising Funds
If you are a student at a local school or college, you can create fundraisers for programs like the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), for example. It is a charitable organization that supports injured veterans. They host a program that fosters a variety of fundraising ideas for all ages. These go from bake sales in elementary schools to dance marathons as part of fraternity or sorority annual philanthropic events.
Using Your Talent
You can also reach out to DAV Volunteers for Veterans to learn how you can make a difference in veterans’ lives by volunteering. They are constantly after volunteers to drive veterans to appointments, run errands, deliver meals, and carry out housekeeping tasks for veterans.
#3 Support a Military Spouse
As Individuals
Military spouses endure hard times when their loved one is deployed overseas. You can be part of their support network by offering to do simple tasks like mowing their lawn, painting a fence, or making home repairs.
If there are children in the family, they are probably under a great amount of stress, struggling to do the work of two people. You can take on babysitting or making freezable meals to lighten their workload.
As Businesses
Business owners can step up and offer employment for military spouses. It is important to understand that moving every few years can make it harder to establish a career. This is why military spouses often have gaps in their resumes. When spouses have jobs in the community, their co-workers can also be part of their support network.
#4 Surprise Military Families
Plan Your Surprise
Military families endure immense challenges throughout their journeys. One of the many ways you and your family can help is by surprising them with a unique experience. How about getting them a full day or a few hours aboard a luxury limousine?
There is a range of options for families to have an unforgettable time. At Vegas VIP Limousine, the staff is available 24 hours a day to arrange special customized packages. You can include extra amenities and plan an unforgettable surprise for a military family.
#5 Be Proud
As civilians, we can support the men and women of the military with our actions and words at every opportunity. Our individual freedoms are not to be taken for granted, yet they are something service members work hard to defend. They do it through work that is selfless in many ways.
The most simple way to support the military is to thank them for their service. A 2019 study shows that 40% of military families do not feel a sense of belonging to their local communities. When we show our pride, we help them feel appreciated and understood.
Celebrating the Military All Year Long
National Military Appreciation Month is the perfect time to salute our American heroes. It’s also a great time to get creative and use your talents to make a difference within your community. Be sure, however, to show your appreciation to our servicemen and servicewomen throughout the year!