Children of military servicemembers have a unique childhood. Their mothers or fathers may be absent from important events in their lives because of deployment. There is added pressure on these kids to help out at home and remain strong even if they are missing their parent. Camp Corral was created to give military kids the chance to be young and to let loose. It was founded in 2011 and caters to children between the ages of 8 and 15 whose parent is an active duty servicemember, veteran or fallen hero.
Camp Corral gives participants the chance to bond with kids whose situations are similar to their own and let go of their daily stresses for a week. Together, these kids engage in activities such as ropes challenges, horseback riding and canoeing. The camp also has a Military and Family Life Counselor on site at all times to help campers through any emotional difficulties. On its website, the camp stated that it has served over 6,500 military children in 23 camps across 19 states. Camp Corral is based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and is free for military children to attend. For more information, visit the camp's website.
Republican presidential candidate and former governor of Florida Jeb Bush announced on July 28 that he would be attending the upcoming Veterans and Military Town Hall. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Aug. 17 in Columbia, South Carolina. The main issues that will be covered will include veterans' health care, federal spending reform, veterans' homelessness and VA reform. Bush is just one of the policy makers expected to lead the discussions at the town hall. The presidential hopeful is expected to discuss his statements regarding the privatization of some veteran health care.
The event was organized by The Concerned Veterans for America. This organization defines itself as "advocates for policies that – and support policymakers who – preserve the freedom and prosperity that veterans and their families so proudly served to defend." The CVA works to make positive changes for veterans through grassroots campaigns and public forums. The organization also works to gain a representative voice for veterans when it comes to military decision-making in Washington, D.C. The Veterans and Military Town Hall is part of the CVA's ongoing Defend and Reform Policy Series, a veterans advocacy movement that began in 2012.
To register to attend the event, click here.
There are times when your patriotic nature needs a jumpstart. There is no better place to turn to rejuvenate your American spirit than Hollywood. For decades, films have embodied what it means to be an American. They have us cheering for our heroes and chanting, "USA!" See which movies made the most patriotic list.
1. 'The Patriot'
The title says it all. This movie tells the story of the brave men and women who fought so that our country could exist. "The Patriot" defines what it means to be an American. It depicts the sacrifice and courage it took to found this country.
2. 'Independence Day'
Even though this sci-fi was a little far-fetched, "Independence Day" still captures the grit of the American people. Our fighting spirit has never shined so brightly as when Bill Pullman shouts, "Today we celebrate our Independence Day," after stopping the alien invasion.
3. 'Glory'
This period drama may have been set during a divided time in American history, but the unity of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts is as American as it gets. These men were fighting together for their freedom.
4. 'Captain America: The First Avenger'
Marvel's comic-inspired character, Steve Rogers, is the personification of the American spirit. Rogers' determination to serve his country, even in the face of multiple rejections, is a testament to American tenacity. His star-spangled suit and commitment to ensuring that the American dream lives on makes Captain America one of the most patriotic characters of all time.
5. 'Red Dawn'
Depending on which version of this film you watch, either the Russians or the North Koreans invade the U.S. But a rag-tag group of high school students, self-titled the Wolverines, stand up to the offending country. They defend the land and freedom that is theirs despite their fear and inexperience.
6. 'Top Gun'
Thousands of Americans felt the "need for speed" after watching this 1986 classic. In fact, Naval enlistment increased by 70 percent after the movie's release. The adrenaline-packed aerial dogfights and troop camaraderie showed a more exciting side to American military service.
7. 'Annapolis'
This movie involves another underdog, Jake Huard, who aspires to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, but a life of poverty and self-doubt threaten to hold him back. It is hard not to get goose bumps when Huard's commanding officer asks him why he is at the academy and Huard responds stoically, "To serve my country, sir."
The next time you are looking for a jolt of patriotism, turn on one of these films. The struggles and triumphs of the movies' heroes will surely revitalize your American spirit.
The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is known for its patriotism. Every year, the Patriot Festival is held there. However, Pigeon Forge recently took its patriotism to a new level. The little Tennessee getaway with just over 6,000 residents will be celebrating veterans and, for the first time, first responders in various ways for the entire month of August. The town is calling its month-long celebration and display of gratitude Celebrate Freedom. To kick things off, local businesses are offering discounts to veterans, active military personnel, firefighters, emergency responders and police officers.
The activities during the month include a Welcome Home parade, an exhibit featuring a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, artillery demonstrations and various military performances. Musical guests include The Alabama Boys, Unreconstructed, Marty Raybon and T. Graham Brown. Active and former military personnel and first responders from around the country are invited to the Celebrate Freedom events. Admission is free for servicemembers and first responders. Interested parties can get tickets by calling 800-309-0816. Some of the money from ticket sales will benefit the Sevier County Fire Chiefs Association.
Click here for a complete schedule of events.
Military dogs are trained with the skills to save lives and help prevent disaster. They form a deep, sometimes life-long bond with the military personnel who train them. On July 27, these highly skilled dogs and their owners got to show off their abilities at a 5-day competition at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Working Dog Challenge gives military service animals the chance to compete in events like drug sniffing, explosives detection, hardest-hitting dog, obedience and endurance.
Capt. Troy Cline, one of the officers in command of the event, told KITV News, "This competition is designed to get all military working dogs together so they can learn each other's tactics and techniques, because military working dogs are one of the few pieces of Army equipment that has a mind of its own."
Military dogs go through extensive training, not unlike their handlers. They are taught to leap from helicopters, sniff out contraband cell phones in military prisons, and remain focused on the task at hand when there is a lot of surrounding chaos. Many military lives depend on the skill and reliability of these canine heroes, and the Working Dog Challenge is an excellent display of these elite animals' abilities.
After deployment, most service members are eager to return home to their families and friends. However, for some, it can be a daunting prospect. Some veterans are intimidated by life after service because it is unfamiliar. There are steps newly returned service members can follow to make the transition from combat to civilian life go smoothly.
1. Prepare for change
Civilian life is going to be monumentally different than life in combat. Free time will become more abundant and things will be much less structured than you are used to. You should also realize that your friends and family may not recognize what kind of struggles you are dealing with. Mentally prepare yourself for these changes before you arrive home so you do not get frustrated with your new lifestyle.
2. Establish your comfort zone
Patience is key for any former service member attempting to transition to civilian life. You should figure out what you are comfortable discussing with friends and family and what you would rather keep to yourself. Do not feel obligated to share stories from combat if you do not want to or engage in social situations where you are uncomfortable. Find a group of friends who make you feel at home and set clear boundaries about what you are comfortable discussing with your family. Communication will help you avoid awkward scenarios.
3. Find a hobby
As previously stated, you will likely have amounts of free time you are unaccustomed to. While this may seem like a good thing, it can quickly lead to boredom and anxiety. Experiment with different hobbies until you find something relaxing and enjoyable. Group hobbies are an advantageous way to reach out to others in a safe, unassuming environment. Additionally, choosing an athletic hobby will also help you keep the fitness level you maintained during combat.
4. Surround yourself with support
There are thousands of veterans' support groups and organizations geared toward helping service members transition to civilian life. A simple Internet search will bring up a variety of different ones for you to choose from. Not only that, but your family and friends are most likely eager to help you feel at home again. Do not be ashamed to accept their help and support. To see a list of veterans' support groups, click here.
5. Utilize your resources
The government, the military and many nonprofit organizations offer transitional programs. Many of these can help you with financial planning, career advice and mental health support. Use these resources to make the most of your life after service. They were put in place to assist you, and there is no shame in taking advantage of the help that is offered. Click here to look at the Transition Assistance Program, which was designed to help veterans with financial, career and health issues they may experience during their transition.
Your return to civilian life should not be cause for stress. By adequately preparing yourself and using the help provided, you can make the transition without much difficulty.
Life can be stressful for military families. Long separations make it difficult on parents and kids alike. However, when the family is together again, a vacation can be the perfect way to reconnect and relax. The examples below are just a few of the many places that offer great vacation packages for military service members.
San Diego, California
This city is an amazing blend of landscapes. San Diego has beaches, mountains and deserts. Its mild climate and friendly reputation make it a great vacation destination for anyone. San Diego's reputation for supporting the armed forces make it an even better place for military families to visit. Military members receive free admission to certain attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and the San Diego History Center. Families of active duty military get discounts to these locations as well.
Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center
The camp is located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center was designed by military families to help promote bonding and healing. It is free for military families to come for the weekend and participate in archery, cookouts, camping and more.
Universal Studios
This theme park is known for taking visitors on an adventure through film-making history. There are plenty of rides and activities to keep the whole family entertained, and the best part of the Universal Studios is that it offers military discounts at both its Los Angeles and Orlando locations.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
As home to an air force base, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of patriotism. Military members and their families can relax on the city's 60 miles of beaches or engage in a little friendly competition at one of the 100 golf courses. Many hotels, attractions and restaurants in the area offer military discounts.
Camp Noble Cause
Tucked away in the wilderness of Rockaway, New Jersey, this camp gives military families the chance to boat, fish, swim, camp, hike and engage in many more outdoor activities. The Boy Scouts of America and the Patriots' Path Council offer their camp to military members and their families at no cost. Camp Noble Cause takes place one weekend every year and provides the ideal setting for military family bonding.
Disneyland or Disney World
What better place to take the family on vacation than the Happiest Place on Earth? Disney theme parks are an excellent way to make memories with your kids. Both of the parks offer military family discount packages. They even allow military spouses to use the discount without the military member being present.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
Has your family been begging you to visit Shamu or pet a sea turtle? It may be the right time to take them to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. Both parks grant military members and up to three dependents free admission. Just like the Disney parks, SeaWorld allows military spouses free admission without the presence of the military member.
Camp Gratitude
This week-long getaway is free for military members and their families. The camp was started as a way of expressing appreciation for the service of military members. Camp Gratitude offers activities throughout the week that promote bonding, relaxation and healing. Many of the activities are designed to help veterans or members who have experienced deployment cope with any issues they may have.
Vacations are an important part of family bonding and memory-making. They are a perfect time to get to know each other again after a deployment and can even help alleviate some of the emotional trauma military members may have experienced in combat. Before booking a trip, remember to scout around for place that support military families. There are plenty of destinations around the country that offer deals and discounts to service members and their families.
Starting a family is an exciting time in life. It is not without its stresses, though. These can be more difficult when you are deployed. There are ways to be a part of this monumental time even when you are halfway across the world.
Prepare
You and your spouse should prepare emotionally for the fact that you may not make it back in time for the delivery. Even if you believe that you will be able to return for the birth of your child, prepare for the unpredictable. Have a backup plan to be Skyped into the delivery room should something arise that prevents your return home. Before you deploy, assist your spouse with enrollment in military mother support groups and classes. Decide on a doctor and schedule as many future appointments together as you can. You and your spouse can tentatively plan a time to talk each week to discuss the pregnancy.
Communicate
As with most things in a relationship, communication is key. Call as frequently as is convenient for you and your spouse. Make the most of these phone calls by inquiring about doctor's appointments, developments with the pregnancy and difficulties your spouse may be having. It is important for you to be there for your spouse emotionally even if you cannot be there physically. You should also communicate your worries or excitement, too. Pregnancy puts a strain on ordinary marriages. For military couples, it is especially trying, but by maintaining good lines of communication you can help each other through the difficulties.
Share
Pregnancy is not all stress and worry. It should involve excitement and joy, as well. When you speak, swap baby name ideas and nursery decorating plans. Dial in on a video call when your spouse goes baby clothes shopping so you can give your input on what your little boy or girl will be wearing. Don't be afraid to ask for monthly belly pictures and ultrasound videos. You should want to see how your future son or daughter is growing and how your spouse is changing along the way. Ask your spouse what she is craving at different times during the pregnancy and coordinate with friends and family back home to make sure she has plenty of pickles, peanut butter and whatever else she may enjoy at the time. When you are feeling homesick for your growing family, it can be helpful to find other members of your unit who are expecting a child and share your experiences.
Track
Before you deploy, download a pregnancy tracker app. This way, if you reach a point in your deployment when communication with your spouse may be limited, you will always have an idea what is going on. If you have enough time before you ship out, it would also be nice to plan surprise packages that coincide with the different stages of pregnancy and arrange for them to be delivered monthly to your spouse.
You are preparing to take on two of life's greatest roles: soldier and parent. It can be difficult to be so far away from your family during this important time in your life, but the suggestions listed above should help you stay involved with your spouse's pregnancy while you are deployed.
It is not every day that one sees scantily clad military members hiking together, but residents of San Diego, California, were treated to just such a sight on July 25. More than 50 active duty service members and veterans banded together for a 13-mile walk from the Mission Beach jetty to La Jolla cove. The hikers, all shirtless and in short shorts, were part of an event called "22, with 22, for the 22" during which they walked 22 kilometers carrying 22 kilograms to raise awareness for the 22 veterans that commit suicide each day.
The founders of the beach hike are a veterans' group called Irreverent Warriors. Their mission is to help veterans out of their depression and anxiety through humor. They hope their hike does more than raise awareness to veteran suicide. They want struggling veterans to recognize that there are support groups available if only they reach out.
Retired Marine and Irreverent Warriors co-founder Donny O'Malley told Take Action, "If I can get guys together, and if I can inspire little Irreverent Warriors groups to start popping up across the country, then [veterans] who are alone and lonely and in a dark place will feel supported and loved."
O'Malley's Irreverent Warriors inspired a second hike on Aug. 1, in Houston, Texas.
Scott LoBaido is not a veteran, but he is a patriot in every sense of the word. The 50-year-old artist is well known for using his creative talents to support the servicemembers who protect the country. In 2006, LoBaido embarked on a 10-month cross-country tour during which he painted the American flag on a rooftop in every state. In 2010, LoBaido set a recorded by painting the world's largest American flag near Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas.
LoBaido's latest undertaking is called the Fifty State Tour. Once again, he plans to visit all 50 states in the U.S. This time, however, LoBaido will be painting one of his famous renditions of the American flag on a VFW or American Legion post in every state. LoBaido always wanted his art to express gratitude for the service of American military members and veterans and is using this tour as a way to say thanks.
"I became fascinated with preserving the symbols of the countless brave Americans who stood, fought, marched, and sacrificed so much for our livelihood," he said on his personal website.
Every VFW or American Legion gets a different version of the painted flag, and it takes the artist about two to three days to finish each one. As of July 22, LoBaido had completed 40 of the 50 flags and was on schedule to complete his tour by August 2015.