On May 24, car racing fans were treated to a special Memorial Day tribute at the Coca-Cola 600. The usual drivers' names on car windshields were replaced with the names of servicemembers killed in the line of duty. 

According to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, all 43 drivers participated in the "600 Miles of Remembrance" tribute. Many of the family members of the fallen soldiers being honored were in attendance, in addition to more than 6,000 active members of the military. 

 "In a lot of ways, we get more attention than we should, so this is a great way to redirect some of that attention," NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr. told the Air Force Times.

The tribute launched "NASCAR: An American Salute," a summer series of events that will run through Independence Day. The seven-week platform seeks to express respect, reverence and gratitude to the soldiers who served our country and continue to defend it today.

In addition to the Memorial Day weekend activities, NASCAR reported that "An American Salute" will include a national letter-writing campaign to encourage fans to send messages thanking military members for their service, a "Troops Welcome Center" for veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families in the Midway at the Coke Zero 400, and opportunities for families of former and active members of the armed forces to attend each race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 

In conjunction with the platform, NASCAR partner Goodyear launched a charity auction featuring signed memorabilia, blimp rides and special race experiences that will run through July 6, Goodyear reported. The funds raised will go to Support our Troops to help U.S. military members and their families. 

Fans can follow the stories and events around "An American Salute" through the social media hashtag #NASCARSalutes. 

The activities will culminate on 4th of July weekend at the Coke Zero 400, held at the Daytona International Speedway. 

From deployments to relocations, military life can present many challenges for families. Luckily, technology is being developed to help address some of these difficulties. These five mobile apps aim to make life easier for military families by providing valuable resources straight to their phones.

1. My Military Life
The National Military Family Association created the My Military Life app to give families credible information to help navigate a variety of relevant topics. According to the NMFA, these situations include deployment, moving, parenthood and transitioning out of the military, among others. When a user downloads the app, he or she answers a few preliminary questions to help the app determine which topics are applicable. 

2. Sesame Street for Military Families
Who better to help young kids through the challenges of military life than their favorite characters from "Sesame Street"? This app has resources, videos and activities to help military families navigate difficult issues by encouraging kids to recognize and express their feelings. Topics that are covered include injuries, grief, homecomings, deployments and self-expression. The resources provided by the app are available in both English and Spanish. 

3. My Base Guide
Families who relocate will find My Base Guide to be a useful resource for simplifying the process. The app provides information on base regulations, registration, education and schools, housing and more, which is perfect for a transition to a new location. The app contains this helpful information for more than 120 bases in the U.S.

4. Babies on the Homefront
​Taking care of a baby is difficult under the best of circumstances, but being in the military brings additional challenges. The Babies on the Homefront app attempts to smooth the experience for military parents of children up to age 3 by providing tips to handle bad behavior, ideas for creative play time and suggestions for self-care, the app's website reported. The app, developed by ZERO TO THREE: The National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, allows parents to personalize their account with their baby's picture and age, and specify their situation using a variety of options such as "at home," "deployed" or "leaving soon."

5. FOCUS on the Go!
Created by the Families Overcoming Under Stress Project for Military Families, the FOCUS on the Go! app provides fun, educational games for families to play together. The games provide opportunities to practice solving problems and communicating while helping Buddy Bear through different challenges. Kids also learn relaxation tools and ways to identify their emotions. 

Military uniforms perform an honorable duty when they are in use, but once they are no longer needed, they are often discarded or packed away. However, those looking for an alternative option are in luck. A U.S. Marine mom is turning old uniforms into treasured mementos for loved ones. 

Elsa Zarate, an Army veteran, operates Bands 4 Courage, a company that creates bands and bracelets from military uniforms. According to her website, Zarate was inspired when her son was on his first deployment overseas with the Marines.

Zarate took pieces of her son's boot camp uniform and fashioned them into a band in order to symbolically keep him close while he was away, Today News reported. People soon started asking about the bracelet, and the idea for Bands 4 Courage was born.

"The more compliments I received the more I wanted to show my appreciation to our servicemembers and find a way to uphold the honor of their used Military uniforms instead of it being trashed or misused," Zarate said on her Etsy page.   

Zarate uses fabrics, buttons, patches and any other salvageable part of the uniform to make each of her final products unique. Each item is delivered with a card containing information about the person who owned the uniform that was used to make the band, and free bracelets are given to anyone who donates a uniform. 

Bands and bracelets can be ordered from the Bands 4 Courage website or the company's shop on Etsy. While there are many options online, customization is also available.

It is common for military families to have to move frequently. These transitions can be challenging, as aspects like moving with children can make the process stressful without good planning. Preparing for your move a few weeks before the day will help reduce any anxiety you may have about the transition.

Whether you are an expert or this is your first time switching homes, before your next move, remember these tips to ensure that your experience is as stress-free and positive as possible.

1. Declutter as often as you can
Over the years, a house can start to accumulate a significant amount of your belongings. It is best to frequently declutter your home. It helps to determine if you want to keep something based off of whether you are willing to move it to another house down the line.

Military.com recommended going through everything as frequently as every 10 days, especially if you have children who tend to collect a number of toys. Go through their closets with them and figure out what they are willing to get rid of. Having a yard sale with any items you do not want to keep but are not willing to throw away will reduce the amount of stress you feel on moving day.

2. Choose trustworthy packers
When your spouse is away and you are responsible for moving everything on your own, movers and packers are extremely valuable. While most people focus on finding movers they can trust – which is important – they often forget to focus on finding reliable packers. They are the ones who will be making sure that your belongings get to your destination in one piece, so it is essential that you can trust them. Sometimes it can even be worth it to praise their hard work, as this often encourages them to do a better job.

3. Pack a box for your first day
According to MilitarySpouse, packing a box with all of the essentials you will need for your first day at your new home will make the moving process run a lot smoother. Think of everything, from towels for showering to a broom to get rid of any debris that enters the house after moving boxes in and out all day. Be sure that your box is not put in the moving truck with all of the others. Sometimes using a bag instead of a box can make these items easier to carry and may fit better in your car.

4. Take pictures of complicated cords
If you do not know the ins and outs of the cables and cords involved in the setup of your electronics, it can be challenging to reinstall everything without assistance after you move. Before unplugging electronic devices like your television and computer, it can save you a lot of trouble to snap a picture. When you get to your new house, you can refer to the photo as you plug everything back in.

5. Have a plan for unpacking
A home overflowing with unpacked boxes can be overwhelming. Having a plan can speed up the process. After a couple of moves, you may have determined what works for your family. For example, if you have children, tell them that after unpacking five boxes you will go to a nearby park or pizza place to motivate them.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to never open more than one box at once. This makes everything feel more chaotic. Tackle one at a time and take breaks if you feel yourself start to get stressed out. 

Giselle Wilz was recently promoted from colonel to the first-ever female brigadier general in the Army National Guard in a ceremony in Bismarck, North Dakota. She attributes the majority of her success to the love and support of her family.

A family of dedicated servicemembers 
Wilz became a captain of the National Guard in 1993. She followed in her father's footsteps, who was a colonel in the Guard for 38 years. He retired after being diagnosed with cancer. In 2008, he promoted Wilz to colonel and passed away soon after. He always told her that she would be the Guard's first female general.

"He just somehow knew. I think early on, I wasn't sure. I just loved the Guard and loved serving and wearing the uniform," she told the Grand Forks Herald. "It wasn't until probably the last 10 or 12 years that I really aspired to be a general."

Although she is thrilled to be promoted, she regrets that her father was not there to see the ceremony. Her new role marks the start of her 32nd year in the Guard, having enlisted in the 191st Military Police Company as a student in high school. Three years after her enlistment, she became a second lieutenant and has since held various roles within the Guard.

Wilz and her father are not the only family members who have dedicated their lives to military service. Her younger brother, Greg Wilz, is also a retired colonel who served for 29 years as a battalion commander and director of operations. The Grand Forks Herald noted that he was also appointed as North Dakota's director of the Homeland Security Division in 2006. Wilz's older brother, Gary Wilz, also retired as a Guard major.

"I can tell you the family is extremely proud of her accomplishments," Greg told the news source. "Her getting promoted is kind of a pinnacle to all she's done in her military career."

32 years of commitment and service
Wilz was a member of the 132nd Quartermaster Company during the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991 as one of the two water operations officers. She decided to volunteer for the tour at only 23 years old after graduating from Officer Candidate School. Maj. Gen. Alexander P. Macdonald, the adjutant general of North Dakota at the time, had encouraged her to participate in the tour. 

Greg mentioned that MacDonald recently reached out to the Wilz family out of respect and gratitude for everything they have done for the country.  

According to NewsOK, after her promotion, Wilz will embark on a one-year tour to Bosnia where she will focus on defense reform in collaboration with local officials. She will also be responsible for commanding the NATO forces operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Wilz explained that she is excited to serve as an example for all of the women servicemembers in the National Guard. 

It is common for military veterans to begin or continue their education upon entering life after military service. With this in mind, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has announced its plans for two new programs that will support military veterans and active duty members who want to enroll.

University starts new position to help veteran enrollees
According to WNCN, the two programs were announced on May 20 during a special presentation. Both programs, the Student Assistance Program and the UNC Core program, have already received a great deal of attention and support from staff, students and local military families.

The Office of the Dean of Students will be introducing a new position, the Student Veteran Assistance Coordinator, as a part of the Student Veteran Assistance Program. The full-time position will be filled this summer. The new employee will work closely with staff in the Office of the Dean of Students as well as higher education professionals throughout the local community and the state to assist veterans in the enrollment process and all additional tasks involved in becoming a student. The underlying goal is to reduce the stress that is often associated with navigating higher education and ensure a positive experience.

Active duty servicemembers receive support with online education 
The second program, the UNC Core, focuses on helping active duty members trying to complete their education online during deployment. There are many soldiers partaking in these online distance courses, but until now there has not been a service dedicated to guiding them through the process when help is needed. 

WKRG.com noted that the program assists servicemembers with any questions they have regarding their general courses and allows them to apply for follow-on undergraduate degree programs after completing their undergraduate program.  

Emergency medical responders are being honored across the country this week as part of EMS Week 2015.

According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, President Gerald Ford authorized the first EMS Week in 1973. At that time, EMS practitioners were only just starting to be recognized as an important part of public safety and emergency medicine. Today there are more than 800,000 EMS personnel working in the U.S., the NAEMT reported. 

From May 17 to 23, communities are recognizing these men and women who tirelessly provide aid in medical emergencies.

New this year is a partnership between the NAEMT and the American College of Emergency Physicians. The groups combined to create a promotional campaign for this year's EMS Week called EMS Strong to further recognize and celebrate the contributions of emergency medical technicians. 

According to the ACEP, the EMS Strong campaign aims to make EMS Week a daily reality, increasing the visibility of emergency responders in communities and among other health professions.

The campaign website described "EMS strong" as when a responder can break away from the mythical hero expectations of the public, acknowledge that on some days his or her best may not be enough and continue moving forward to the best of his or her ability. It is the strength to remain composed when everything else is in chaos, and the empowerment to run in when others run out. 

EMS Week does not recognize superhumans. It recognizes normal people who rise to extraordinary challenges every day when duty calls.  

First responders handle emergency situations nearly every day on the job. These high-stress events can make it difficult for servicemembers to remain calm and take care of the problem efficiently and in a timely manner. The ability to assess the situation and come up with the best course of action in a life-threatening circumstance is a skill that takes a great deal of training and is crucial to protecting the community. 

It is a good idea to keep your training in the back of your mind at all times to ensure that you know what to do in emergency situations. Here are a few tips to remember while on the job so that you can keep yourself and emergency victims safe. 

Never be afraid to ask for help
First responders should never hesitate to request backup if they cannot handle the situation on their own. Servicemembers who are new to the job should not be afraid to ask for assistance if something comes up that they do not know how to handle.

Even experienced first responders are bound to run into a situation that they have yet to encounter. Calling for backup will increase the chances that the citizens involved in the emergency will end up safe and a solution will be found. 

Stay calm while helping children
Most first responders have experienced an emergency situation in which they have to assist young children. Although it is always essential to stay calm and focused during your daily encounters, when they involve young victims, this is particularly important. Children will follow your lead – if you are panicking, they will follow suit.

Displaying confidence, even if it may be lacking, will help children feel that their safety is ensured. Being patient, speaking in a friendly voice and allowing them more time to process and respond to what you are saying will also increase the likelihood that the situation will work out smoothly. 

Know how to help those with mental disabilities
According to the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services, assisting someone with mental disabilities requires different procedures compared to helping healthy individuals. When aiding those with mental disabilities, clear and simple communication is key. Allow them plenty of space so that they do not feel overwhelmed or cornered, especially if they are already flustered as a result of an injury or traumatic experience.

Finding a quiet space away from the commotion and groups of people will allow mentally disabled citizens to relax and process what you are trying to tell them. Ask them or any caregivers that may be present if they are taking any medications. If so, remember to take the medicine with you as you leave the site. 

Be prepared for assisting people with physical disabilities 
Physical impairments, such as blindness or deafness, also demand certain strategies when handling an emergency situation. For example, when assisting those who are deaf, switching the lights on and off if possible to get their attention will ensure that you do not alarm them. Maintaining steady eye contact and using clear hand gestures will significantly enhance your ability to communicate. While helping those experiencing visual impairments, announce your presence and offer assistance before you try to guide them to safety.

Before helping people with mobility issues, ask them what the best way to assist them is, whether you are lifting them into a wheelchair or need to carry them out of the building. They may have special techniques that can get the job done faster, which is particularly important if there is a fire or they require immediate medical assistance. Try not to interfere with their movements until they give you their permission, unless the nature of the emergency demands immediate action. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with 50 cities to provide economic opportunities for veterans nationwide. 

According to the VA, the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, launched on May 18, aims to increase employment and education opportunities for former servicemembers through national and local employers alike. 

"The best way to get things done for veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. "If history has shown us anything, it's that all you have to do is give veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision."

Each community will have a VA Economic Liaison who will encourage and coordinate participation among public and private organizations that offer resources for veterans, the VA reported. The initiative's partners include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, departments of Defense and Labor, large companies like Hilton and TriWest, and others, at both the national and local level. 

While data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that unemployment for veterans declined in 2014, the numbers are still above 5 percent for both male and female veterans. The VA hopes that the community partnerships created by the VECI will accelerate job growth for America's soldiers. 

Six bills passed by Congress aim to provide solutions to some of the problems that veterans face in everyday life. The successful votes bring the bills one step closer to becoming laws. 

According to the minutes from the floor proceedings, on May 18 the House voted to approve the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act, the Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act, the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act, the Boosting Rates of American Veteran Employment Act, the Veteran's I.D. Card Act and the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act.

The bills aim to help veterans and keep the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable.

For example, the Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act would require the VA to keep a copy of any employee reprimand or admonishment on file, according to the Library of Congress. This would allow the VA to keep better track of each employee's work history, providing greater accountability.

To combat a problem that many veterans face, the Veteran's I.D. Card Act could help protect former servicemembers from identity theft, The Associated Press reported. Under current laws, many veterans must carry around official documentation in order to prove military service. Because some of these documents contain sensitive information, such as the veteran's Social Security number, it can make the vet vulnerable to identity theft. 

Homelessness is a problem that affects far too many veterans. The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act extends reintegration programs available to veterans through the year 2020, according to the Library of Congress website.

The Senate will vote on the bills next.