At the time of year when Americans are stringing Christmas lights, one organization was putting together a national effort to commemorate fallen soldiers with graveside wreaths. On Saturday, Wreaths Across America completed its mission of laying more than 900,000 wreaths on the graves of military veterans, not only nationwide, but all around the world. The annual community-oriented tradition, started in 1992 by Maine business owner Rob Worcester, traveled to over 1,000 national cemeteries and an additional 25 overseas.
"It's tremendous; there's a lot of help involved," Worcester told USA Today. "We have 320 trucks from about 150 volunteer truck companies."
Saturday marked the finale of a week long journey from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. "One part of Wreaths Across America day is an honor convoy that goes directly to Arlington (Cemetery). The 12-truck convoy takes six days (with) stops at schools, veterans' homes and other community centers," said Worcester.
U.S. congressman – and former Navy SEAL – Rep. Ryan Zinke was on hand with thousands of other volunteers on Saturday to help distribute the wreaths. According to The Hill, Zinke served in the Iraq War and spent more than 23 years in the Navy. He felt it was his duty in his life after service to be in Arlington. Looking out at the thousands of graves, he was well aware of the human cost they represented.
"We often fight wars with our young," he said. "That's the sacrifice."
Adorning Arlington's graves is just one way of making sure those sacrifices are not forgotten. Since 2007, when Wreaths Across America went non-profit, the number of distributed wreaths has skyrocketed from 30,000 to the more than 900,000 wreaths laid this year.
During the holidays, everyone wants to know that someone is thinking about them, and servicemembers are no different. That is why two Massachusetts natives, Emily Spencer and Lauren Eliopoulos, joined their nonprofits to gather holiday cards for soldiers and veterans.
Both women have personal ties to the Armed Forces and founded military-focused organizations to show their support of the troops. Every year since 2012, they have joined efforts to do something even more special. Spencer and Eliopoulos send out an annual request for holiday cards for the troops and veterans, according to Boston.com. This event is called Mission: Holiday Cards, and this year, the women received more cards than ever before.
"The fact that we've received cards from all 50 states and four countries, is insane," Spencer told CBS Boston.
A recent Facebook post from Eliopoulos' Hero Helpers of America page tallied the total number of cards up to 317,000. Boston.com reported that half of the cards will be distributed to the Fisher House medical facility in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and the other half will be sent overseas to deployed soldiers.
As the holidays get closer, many families and kind-hearted civilians are probably searching for items to send deployed soldiers. Many of these servicemembers will not get to spend Christmas with their loved ones, and care packages make their holidays a little brighter. But what do military members really want in their care packages? AFBA has compiled a list of the most requested items to assist you in building your next care package.
Coffee
Most branches of the military provide soldiers with basic coffee brands, but many prefer a little variety. Including specialty coffees from your soldier's favorite shop can be the perfect way to make your deployed soldier's life a little brighter.
Shaving cream
Some units may provide this item, but according to Army Strong Stories, most soldiers are always in short supply. You could be your servicemember's hero if you include a couple canisters of shaving cream in his or her next care package. Send the kind with extra moisturizers if your soldier is in a dry climate.
Books
Every servicemember experiences down time, and reading is a great way to spend that free time. Army Strong Stories reported that books are always put to good use, as most units have a makeshift library where soldiers can donate books once they are done with them. Having fresh reading material to add to these collections can keep your deployed loved one happier in his or her spare time.
Specific odds and ends
If you have a personal connection to a deployed servicemember, it can be easier for you to find out what your loved one needs most. However, if you are putting together a care package for a stranger, it can be a little bit more of a guess. Many soldiers will appreciate any comfort item from home, so there is not much to worry about. Try to think of things you would want if you were far away. Sudoku puzzles can help pass the free time, foot powder can make them more comfortable and new socks are always needed. Try to get in touch with your local military base and see if they have a list of items requested by deployed soldiers.
As you exchange gifts with your family and friends this holiday season, try to keep deployed servicemembers in your mind. If you have the time to compile a care package and send it overseas, you may be the one to make a soldier's holiday really special.
Shopping at a business that employs veterans is great. Shopping at one owned by veterans, and that makes products with fellow veterans in mind, is even better. The holidays are approaching quickly, and if you're stuck debating what to get the veteran or military servicemember in your life, here are some great gift ideas that are sure to impress.
Clothing
Grunt Style. Founded by a former Army drill sergeant in 2009, but now employing more than 90 veterans and patriots, Grunt Style lives by a code – PT, Freedom & Bacon. The company's Beer Guarantee – which ensures that any tears or beer stains are enough to earn a new shirt – means that shirts like "I Find Your Lack of Ammo Disturbing" won't ever lose their place in your vet's wardrobe.
Lady Brigade. Nadine Noky, a veteran of the Iraq War, told Buzzfeed earlier this year that she was fed up with walking into stores and finding no clothes for women veterans, despite the fact that women make up nearly 16 percent of the military. Noky decided to fix that. Lady Brigade is one of the only clothing lines for female veterans, and with shirts that say things like "This is What a Veteran Looks Like" and "Daughter, Sister, Sailor," women are finally able to celebrate their service with as much pride as men.
Nine Line Apparel. Servicemembers both past and present will recognize the military's term for an emergency medevac request. Daniel and Tyler Merritt, two brothers who served together in the Army, started the company in their garage. Now, with more than 70 veterans and military spouses contributing to a brand built on initiative and high-quality clothing, Nine Line is a great place to find both men and women's apparel and outdoor gear.
Accessories
Combat Flip Flops. If the name seems odd – not many veterans would likely advocate going into battle with flip flops – it's only because the two Army Rangers behind this innovative company decided that, after several combat tours in Afghanistan, a peaceful and easy-going approach to business was in order. All of the company's flip flops are made in Bogota, Colombia, where jobs are turning people away from violence toward making a good life for themselves. In addition to awesome footwear, the Claymore Bag puts a cool spin on men's messenger bags.
Sword & Plough. You might say that the idea for making fashionable recycled and repurposed military gear has been with Emily and her sister Betsy from the very beginning. They both grew up at West Point, their uncle was a Marine NASA astronaut, and Emily now serves as an officer in the Army. Their totes and handbags made out of parachutes and tent canvas come with a great military discount.
Beverages
Leadslingers' Whiskey. Members of the popular Article 15 clothing company decided to branch out in 2013 by founding Leadslingers' Whiskey. This small group of Army Ranger, Air Force TACP and Special Forces veterans have crafted a small-batch, single-barrel aged and double distilled bourbon so smooth that it must be tasted to be believed.
Black Rifle Coffee. If your veteran prefers beverages of the caffeinated sort, this is the coffee for them. Owned by former Special Forces operators, Black Rifle Coffee imports only the highest quality beans from Colombia and Brazil, then blends and roasts them with a top secret methodology. Blends include "Sniper's Hide" and "Girls for Gunslingers," along with related apparel.
Shopping for servicemembers or veterans in their life after service can be tough, but with gifts like these, it's hard to go wrong this holiday season.
Previously, women in the military were limited in the jobs they could do. Female servicemembers were not allowed to serve in armor, infantry, reconnaissance and a few special operations units. That left about 220,000 combat positions that were exclusively for men, according to CNN. However, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford recently announced that women would be allowed to take on these roles in service.
"Moving forward, my focus is to lead the full integration of women in a manner that maintains our joint war fighting capability, ensures the health and welfare of our people, and optimizes how we leverage talent across the Joint Force," Marine Gen. Dunford, said in his speech.
Though there has been some resistance since the chairman's announcement on Dec. 3, most are in favor of the military's new inclusion policy. USA Today reported that the Department of Defense gave all branches until Dec. 31 to incorporate the new policy.
Many of the policymakers acknowledge that full acceptance of this change will be an on-going process over the coming years, but they agree that it was the right move to bring the military into the 21st century.
In the military, you and your family may be asked to relocate to a base in a different country. When this happens, it is both exciting and nerve-wrecking. You and your loved ones will get to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time, an opportunity that not many other people have. However, you are also leaving behind what is most familiar. AFBA has outlined some tips on how to make the move overseas a little easier.
Communicate clearly with your children
If you and your spouse have children that will be accompanying you on the relocation, it is important to explain clearly and fully what the process will entail. Expect them to be a little hesitant and ask a lot of questions. The more patient and calm you are, the less upset they will be about the big change in their lives.
Get rid of stuff you don't need
You can save yourself a lot of stress by de-cluttering before your move. Have each family member go through his or her closet and select clothing they no longer wear or that no longer fits. You can donate the clothes that are still in good condition and throw away the rest. As for appliances, many other countries have different outlets and voltage systems than America, so you're better off to sell electrical items and start fresh upon arrival. It is probably best to sell furniture, as well.
Connect with relocation resources
The Transportation Management Office at your military installation is a great resource for helping you through your move. They can guide you through the process and direct you to additional resources, such as websites for language training and moving assistance. Relocation counseling services will also provide you with useful information about your new home and offer advice for the transition.
Find an in-country sponsor
Militaryspot.com recommended asking your superiors about sponsor programs. These will connect you and your family to another military family already in the country where you will be moving. The in-country sponsors can help answer any questions you may have about the move and will give you a social contact before you even leave the United States.
Relocating to a foreign country is a big opportunity in the military. Though it can seem like an intimidating prospect, your military branch likely has many programs and resources available to help make the transition a little less complicated.
Newman's Own Foundation announced on Thursday that it would award $1.5 million in grants to organizations that support military servicemembers, veterans and their families. In a press release, the philanthropic nonprofit, formed in 2005 by the late actor Paul Newman – who was himself a World War II veteran – described the donation as a celebration of its 10th anniversary.
Twenty-nine organizations will receive money to fund the work they do in assisting veterans with physical and mental rehabilitation, housing, education and career development. "Our men and women in uniform make great sacrifices in their own lives to protect the unique freedom, privileges, and opportunities we enjoy as Americans. It is not so much a responsibility to support them, but more a privilege to express our gratitude for their service," said Robert Forrester, the president and CEO of the foundation, in a statement.
Cathy Cook of Work Vessels for Veterans, one of the organizations receiving grant money, told the Military Times that the $30,000 they were awarded would go a long way toward providing veterans with the type of vehicle or equipment they needed to pursue civilian careers or higher-level educations. Cook said that the group's 20 pending requests for pickup trucks could now begin to be filled.
Some of the most significant personnel changes in the U.S. military's history appear to be on the horizon. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, looking to enlist a generation of servicemembers for the 21st century, while also forcing the Pentagon's entrenched bureaucracy to modernize, is the driving force behind the reforms. According to the Associated Press, Carter's plans to recruit – and, just as importantly, to keep – troops in the armed services were the subject of a major speech given earlier this month in Hawaii.
Proposed changes to military benefits and retirement plans, such as the one that will automatically invest a small percentage of troops' pay beginning in 2018, are part of the effort. Other improvements include expanded sabbatical programs, which encourage service members to pursue advanced education and internships for knowledge and experience that they can then put to use at the Pentagon, as well as facilitated mobility between active duty and the reserves.
The Military Times reported back in August that major personnel reforms were under discussion, spurred on by increasing concerns within the military command structure that its personnel system was lagging far behind the ever-evolving private sector. In a memo obtained by the Military Times, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness Brad Carson wrote that "This is a moment that calls for revolutionary change in the human resources practice of DoD."
Many of Carter's modernization goals are designed to make the Pentagon more closely reflect the corporate world. To draw young people into the services, he plans to have the Pentagon embody the same kind of innovative, high-tech leadership displayed by successful companies in Silicon Valley.
More changes are expected to be announced in the next few weeks. Though some of the programs could be easily implemented, more extensive expansions require congressional approval.
Relationships are hard. They take work and sacrifice, but most importantly, they require communication. This can be difficult for typical couples, but it can be even more challenging for military couples. Things like deployments, reassignments and training can make it difficult to talk out your problems. Check out the advice below for maintaining healthy communication in your military relationship.
Choose your battles wisely
Is it really necessary to pick a fight over the small things? Most psychologists recommend waiting for at least 48 hours before addressing an issue. This allows a person enough time to process his or her emotions and decide if the topic is really worth hashing out. This will prevent anger or sadness from controlling the conversation. If you wait, you may even decide that a problem wasn't really that big of a deal after all and skip an argument altogether.
Have important discussions face to face
Long distances can sometimes mean having to get creative with communication methods. However, if there is an issue in your relationship that you want to work out, try to avoid doing so over video chat, text message or other digital communication methods. Wait until you can be in the same room with the person. This can eliminate the risk of being misunderstood through technology, and the in-person talk will allow you to see how the conversation is affecting the other person.
Be clear and concise
Always remember that your spouse is not a mind reader. He or she will not know there is a problem unless you tell them. When you choose to have this discussion, make your point well and avoid tip-toeing around the issue. Passivity may confuse your spouse and lead to further complications. A clearly laid out problem will likely lead to a more satisfactory resolution.
Actively listen
Any time you and your partner discuss something, be committed to the conversation. Nothing ignites anger and hurt feelings quicker than being ignored. If you setup to have a conversation, make sure you are mentally present and actively engaged in hearing your loved one out.
Communication is a big part of maintaining a healthy relationship. Military couples are put through more challenges than most other couples, but they have equal opportunities to work toward strong communication skills. The advice above is a good place to start when trying to improve your spousal communication.
Some historic changes are coming to the military retirement system in the next two years. Pensions & Investments reported last week that the Senate approved the military retirement reforms as part of the revised defense spending bill, which passed in a 91-3 vote the day before Veterans Day. The changes come after the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission recommended in January new methods for expanding retirement coverage to the more than 80 percent of servicemembers who didn't qualify for the old veterans benefits package.
"I would argue this is the most significant reform legislation that has been passed in 30 years," Sen. John McCain of Arizona said of the Senate vote, according to Stars and Stripes. Sen. McCain was the principal force behind the $607 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which will update the 70-year-old military pension system and expand military benefits. The reforms were designed with the idea of improving the Department of Defense's financial situation and laying the foundation for future overhauls.
Retirement changes will not go into full effect until 2018. The two-year period leaves times for details to be worked out, as every new program introduced in the bill is not yet set in stone. Programs which educate servicemembers on subjects like investing and bonuses are still in for a working-through process, the Military Officers Association of America told Stars and Stripes.
Beginning with men and women recruited in October 2017, troops will have 3 percent of their pay automatically invested in a Thrift Savings Plan account. Servicemembers will be able to opt out of the program or be given control over the amount of their contributions after undergoing training in financial literacy and responsibility. Twenty-year pensions aren't going away, but their value will be reduced for future troops.
For those serving currently, but who have 12 or fewer years in uniform, a choice between the old pension system and the new hybrid program will be offered.