Military deployment is a tough time for servicemembers and their spouses. Many military spouses count down the days until their servicemember comes home, but deployment does not have to be a waiting game. There are a number of ways to keep yourself distracted yet still make the most of deployment.
Join a family readiness group
Most military units have one of these military-sponsored groups. By joining, you can stay up to date on any news surrounding your spouse's unit. You may also form new friendships and find support from individuals who understand what you are going through.
Volunteer in your community
While your servicemember is serving his or her country, you can serve your community. Join a local service club or volunteer for an organization that needs extra help. This will keep you busy and you may even make new friends in the process.
Pick up a hobby
Hobbies are great ways to distract yourself during your spouse's deployment, and they are great for self-improvement. Consider starting a fitness routine to keep you busy and healthy while your servicemember is deployed. You could also learn a new language, take up a craft or start a blog.
Treat yourself occasionally
It is OK to enjoy yourself while your spouse is deployed. Take yourself shopping for a new outfit or try a new haircut. As long as you do not exceed your family's budget, the occasional spending spree can help alleviate the boredom
Eliminate excessive downtime
While some relaxation is good for you, too much can lead a spouse to focus on how much he or she misses his or her servicemember. Keep a crossword book or a puzzle around for those empty little moments.
Focus on the kids
If you have children, deployment is a good time to bond with them. They will likely be missing their parent as much as you are missing your spouse. Make a weekly plan to go to the movies or the park. By spending time together, you can eliminate some of the loneliness and support one another through your servicemember's absence.
Go back to school
The military offers many scholarships to spouses of servicemembers. Use your free time during deployment to further your education. By investing in your education, you can add peace of mind for your future. The school work will also keep you busy, and you may meet new friends in your classes.
Experiment in the kitchen
Cooking can provide military spouses with a delicious distraction. Do not be afraid to test out new recipes or even create dishes of your own. You can host dinner parties with your tasty new meals and surround yourself with friends and family. Additionally, you can try out your new menu on your spouse when he or she returns.
Get outdoors
Deployment comes with many stresses. Get outside and let nature relieve you of some of them. Try yoga in the park or find a new trail to hike. If you are looking for something that is a little less physical, you might consider starting a garden.
Do not be afraid to explore
There is no rule that says you have to stay at home while your spouse is deployed. If your budget allows, take the trip you have always wanted to take. Explore a new city, eat at different restaurants and experience a different culture. Your spouse will have plenty of stories to tell when he or she returns home, so you should have some of your own to share.
Any family that has experienced deployment knows that it is not easy. It is especially difficult for spouses who may have to cope with feelings of loneliness and worry. By finding activities you enjoy and joining groups of people who understand what you are going through, you can alleviate the negatives surrounding deployment.
First responders in the Detroit metropolitan area are some of the hardest working first responders in the nation. These individuals sacrifice their time and put themselves on the line to make the community a safer place for civilians. The Detroit Lions found a way to thank these hardworking individuals for their service and commitment.
At their practice on Aug. 17, the Detroit Lions hosted about 1,500 first responders. The practice, the team's second away from its home field, was held at Edsel Ford High. The school's stands were full of local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. The practice, which is normally closed to the public, serves as the final training camp preparation outside the Allen Park facility.
The Lions management and the players invited the 1,500 first responders from the surrounding area for a private viewing of the practice as a gesture of gratitude.
"To have an opportunity to visit with them, talk with them, share this night with them, is pretty special," Jim Caldwell, the Lions coach, told The Detroit News. "I don't think until there's some sort of a national catastrophe that they actually get their due and respect."
On Monday, Aug. 17, the Pentagon announced it would be sending active duty military personnel to assist with wildfires in the western part of the country. About 95 fires are burning across seven states, including California, Washington, Nevada and Colorado. The wildfires have scoured over 1 million acres of land and have cost the Forest Service about $100 million every week. Many people have been forced to evacuate their homes in the areas. In California alone, 13,000 firefighters are stretched thin while combating 19 large fires.
The Pentagon has dedicated 200 active duty personnel to assist the firefighters. According to CNN, military servicemembers have only been engaged to fight fires 35 times in the last 30 years, and this is the first time since the early 2000s. The military personnel will take over the smaller, less aggressive fires.
"[The soldiers' assistance] is important because it frees up our more experienced crews to handle more complex dangerous fire situations," Ken Frederick, the National Interagency Fire Center spokesperson, told CNN.
The 200 soldiers will be divided into 10 groups of 20 members and deployed across the region. The soldiers' presence will not only take pressure off the civilian firefighters, but it will alleviate some of the stress on the Forest Service budget.
Aug. 21 will be a historic day for the Army Ranger program. For the first time since the school's beginning in 1950, a woman has finished the grueling 61-day training program. In fact, two women completed the training and will graduate with the rest of the class at Fort Benning, Georgia. The names of the women have not been released, but NPR reported that they are both in their 20s, graduated from West Point and are ranked as lieutenants.
For decades, the Army Ranger School admitted only men. In January, the decision was made to allow women into the program. Ranger School is an exhausting combat training course. Only 40 percent of the trainees graduate what is frequently referred to as the most difficult combat training program in the world. For two months, participants are subjected to combat drills in the mountains of Georgia and in the swamps of Florida.
"This course has proven that every soldier, regardless of gender, can achieve his or her full potential," Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh told CNN.
Of the 19 women who were part of the trial inclusion, the two program finishers will be given the coveted Ranger patch. However, the Pentagon has decided that they will not be allowed to apply for the 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite special operations force.
One of the most difficult parts of deployment is the lack of communication with your servicemember. Communication is important to maintaining a good relationship, and fortunately, there are many options available to help you stay in touch with your loved one during deployment.
1. Skype
For a free service, Skype is one of the best ways to communicate with your servicemember during his or her deployment. Even if your soldier is in an area where bandwidth does not support video services, you can still message without charge.
2. Handwritten letters
This form of communication is the most personal. There is something uniquely special about reading stories from home in the handwriting of those you love most. Handwritten letters can also be the most reliable if your servicemember is in an area with limited connectivity.
3. Smartphone apps
Mobile applications like WhatsApp and Viber allow people to connect for free, even without cellular service, as long as they are connected to Wi-Fi. Additionally, HeyTell allows you to record voice messages and send them back and forth. This can help you cut back on costly long-distance phone bills while still allowing you to communicate easily.
4. Email
Chatting via email is one of the most cost-efficient methods of communicating with your servicemember. Again, you will need to make sure that he or she has access to the Internet, but email is a fast way to share stories, pictures and videos with your loved one overseas.
5. Care packages
While this method of communication usually doesn't come with a response, servicemembers always look forward to items from home. Include your soldier's favorite treats from home as well as photographs, handwritten notes and entertainment items for his or her downtime.
6. Recorded videos
Your servicemember may not have access to the Internet, but you can still record a message and ship the DVD to him or her. Tell stories from everyday life and provide updates on family members. Whatever you decide to record, make it personal and conversational. You want your servicemember to be able to revisit the video and still get enjoyment from watching.
Deployment can be a difficult time for servicemembers and their families. It may not be possible to talk as often as you would like, but there are still ways you can keep in touch whenever you are able. Options like video services, free messaging apps and care packages are great ways to stay in touch without racking up a phone bill or waiting too long for a reply.
Veterans have made many sacrifices in their service to the country. They have put their lives on the line, and some carry physical and emotional reminders of their time in service. One county in Texas has launched a program to help make life after service a little easier for these brave former servicemembers. In January, Nueces County, known for having a large military population, began issuing "Thank a Vet" program cards to former servicemembers.
"There is no way we can ever fully thank veterans enough for the sacrifices they have endured, but this program is a nod from the community to show that we appreciate and want to honor them," Nueces County Clerk Kara Sands said in a news release.
The cards give veterans special benefits at local businesses and attractions. To date, 42 businesses have joined program. Among these are Schlitterbahn, Brewster Street Ice House, Candlewood Suites and several other businesses. With the "Thank a Vet" program card, former servicemembers can receive free or discounted items at participating businesses. The Nueces County program is based off the Galveston County program, which has been highly successful since its introduction.
The Nueces County program leaders hope the program continues to grow and more veterans will join.
On Aug. 22, Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois, will host the First Responders Family Fest 2015. The event was created to give first responders and their families a day of fun in thanks for their service to the community. There will be a youth run and a 5K walk/run. Local firefighters, police officers and EMTs will compete with locals in the First Responders Obstacle Course Challenge.
Vendors and local sponsors will have demonstrations that showcase the daily service and sacrifice of first responders. One of the sponsors is even raffling off a big-screen television. There will also be a tug-of-war competition between local police and fire crews, and the day will end with an all-inclusive water balloon fight. The winner of the events will be awarded with a trophy and half the event's proceeds. The second- and third-place winners will also receive a trophy.
From 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., first responders and their families are able to relax, enjoy the day and receive praise from the citizens they serve every day. The event is free, but registration is required for some of the events.
For more information on the event, click here.
For the fifth year in a row, World Sport Chicago will host the Valor Games Midwest. This event is an adaptive sports competition for active duty military personnel and veterans who were disabled in their service. The competition is for veterans and active duty personnel who have had a limb amputated, are coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, have sustained brain injuries or experience visual and hearing disabilities. The participants compete in events like shot put, cycling, archery and indoor rowing.
The three-day event will take place Aug. 18-20 at Soldier Field, Armour Square Park and Marquette Park. At the opening ceremonies in Soldier Field, World Sport Chicago will display thousands of messages they are calling the Wall of Thanks. Gathered from various social media accounts, the wall will convey messages of gratitude and support from people around the country. The games are a chance for the men and women who have served and are serving the country to remain physically active and reintegrate into society.
"Sometimes the hardest thing when you get back from deployment is getting back to a sense of normalcy, especially if you've lost a limb or you've been injured," Kambium Buckner, executive director for World Sport Chicago, told the Big Ten Sports Network. "Valor Games gives them a chance to get back to normalcy and to be around folks with shared experience."
This year, over 200 former and active duty servicemembers are anticipated to compete.
When military service ends, many veterans choose to go back to school to begin or further their education. There are many scholarships available to assist veterans with their educational goals in life after service. AFBA has compiled a list of nine of the top scholarships available to military veterans and their families.
1. The Montgomery G.I. Bill
This is the most well-known scholarship available for veterans. During active duty, military personnel can elect to have $100 withheld from each paycheck to be used for education upon discharge. According to CollegeScholarships.org, honorably discharged service-members can receive up to $37,000 in scholarships for up to 36 months.The Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits are available for 10 years after an honorable discharge and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, housing and other university-related fees.
2. Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
The VFW partnered with Sport Clips to establish this veteran scholarship program. Honorably discharged servicemembers and their families can apply for this scholarship during the fall and spring semesters. The amount of the award can add up to $5,000. This scholarship is paid directly to the accredited institution and may only be used for tuition and school fees.
3. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
This bill is an extension of the Montgomery G.I. Bill and is specifically for military members who enlisted within 90 days of September 10, 2001. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill offers the same benefits as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, but it extends to graduate programs and private institutions.
4. AMVET National Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for veterans who have used all of the possible funds from the G.I. Bills. The AMVET National Scholarship is only available for students who are currently enrolled in an accredited institution and were honorably discharged. For up to three years, veterans are able to receive $1,000 in scholarships.
5. Leadership Through Action – Tilman Military Scholars
The Pat Tilman Foundation provides varying award amounts to veterans who are interested in beginning or continuing their higher education. Applications must demonstrate reasonable financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA. To be considered for this scholarship, veterans can submit two essays to the foundation.
6. American Legion Scholarship
For an annual award of $1,000, veterans who are members of the American Legion can apply for this scholarship. Funds can be used for tuition, book and other university fees at an accredited institution. Most eligibility for this award is based on the financial need of the applicants.
7. Troops to Teachers Program
The U. S. Department of Defense provides this scholarship for veterans who are interested in pursuing a career in education. Veterans who demonstrate financial need and have proven academic merit will be considered for this award. Once veterans accept this award, they must agree to teach in a high-need high school for one year.
8. Disabled War Veterans Scholarship
Veterans who sustained injuries during Iraqi Freedom Operation and Enduring Freedom Afghanistan, and are now considered disabled, are eligible for the AFCEA Education Foundation's Disabled War Veterans Scholarships. The foundation offers $2,500 for veterans looking to attend a 2- or 4-year accredited institution.
9. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship Program
Veterans who are members of the Order of the Purple Heart are eligible for this scholarship. The foundation awards 80 scholarships to veterans and their families every year. Recipients must be accepted into an accredited institution and maintain a 2.75 GPA during the semester.
Beginning or continuing higher education is an excellent opportunity for military servicemembers entering life after service. Many foundations and government agencies have created scholarships to assist veterans with their educational goals. The nine scholarships above are just a few of many available to former servicemembers.
Deployment is a difficult time for military families. Exchanging letters, email and video calls can help combat the feelings that accompany separation, but many soldiers still long for the familiar luxuries from home. One thing military families can do for their heroes is send care packages. There is nothing like being halfway across the world from everything and everyone familiar and receiving a big box of your favorite items from home. AFBA has complied a list of items to include in your next care package.
Personal care items
The military provides soldiers with personal hygiene products, but some specialty items are not included. Your servicemember is hard at work most days, so sending a tub of IcyHot or other topical pain reliever can really make his or her day. Things like lip balm and exfoliating body washes are also appreciated. However, package any items that could leak in a Ziploc bag to avoid contaminating the rest of the package. Servicemembers also spend a great deal of time on their feet. Keep your soldier's feet dry and comfortable by sending cushioned camping socks and gel insoles regularly.
Activities for downtown
While your servicemember will have his or her fair share of action, there is still plenty of downtime. Send some items to combat boredom, such as movies and video games. iTunes gift cards and mp3 players are another luxury your servicemember is sure to appreciate. However, there may not always be a way for them to play or watch. Include non-digital items like books, puzzles, board games and decks of cards in your care package.
Reminders of home
Even though your servicemember is busy, he or she will inevitably get homesick at some point during deployment. By including photos of the family, the house and favorite places around town you can give them a piece of home to carry along. Handwritten letters are great care package items. While email may be faster, there is something special about reading the handwriting of loved ones as they wish you well. If you have the opportunity, you could also pack home videos that include messages from friends and family, the baby's first steps or a younger sibling's graduation. USB drives can hold quite a few photos and videos, and they fit well in care packages.
Special foods
The military makes sure that your servicemember will never go hungry, but many soldiers find the food repetitive and bland. A care package is the perfect opportunity to send along some luxury food items. Veteran United Network recommended including a bottle of your servicemember's favorite sauce or condiment from a local restaurant to give the package that extra personal touch. Typical American snacks like beef jerky, potato chips, sunflower seeds and hard candies are always appreciated. Make sure the food is non-perishable and will not be crushed or leak during shipping.
Deployment is rough on both servicemembers and their families, but care packages are a great way to connect. They help families feel like they are there for their servicemembers, even when they cannot be physically present, and it gives the soldiers something to look forward to.