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. 

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. 

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. 

Combat veterans returning home from active duty will have a slightly easier transition back to civilian life thanks to a new bill signed into law by Illinois' governor.

This month, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed state legislation that will waive license plate fees for combat vets in Illinois who are returning from active duty, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The waiver will be applicable for up to 12 months after the veteran's return from service.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Neil Anderson, a Republican from Rock Island.

According to the Post-Dispatch, returning combat soldiers will have to prove that they received hostile fire or imminent danger pay in the last 12 months by providing documentation to the Secretary of State. 

The Cyber Drive Illinois website listed that random-number U.S. Army veteran license plates typically have a $195 fee for newly acquired vehicles.

The law is set to go into effect in January 2017. 

Many combat veterans struggle with their return to civilian life after service. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that around 11 to 20 percent of veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder. However, former U.S. Marine Tank Commander Sean Gobin may have found a solution. Gobin's own combat experience was difficult, and upon his departure from the military in 2012, he found it hard to process everything he had gone through. In hopes of clearing his head, Gobin and another military friend decided to hike the Appalachian Trail and raise money for disabled veterans along the way.

The pair hiked the 2,168-mile trail for eight hours a day, and Gobin said the challenging experience gave him time to work through his military experience. He decided to share this healing process with other combat veterans when he founded Warrior Hike. The nonprofit supplies returned military personnel with the supplies and equipment needed for hikes ranging from two to six months all across the country. Gobin told CNN that "hiking is like a reset button. It helps you become a civilian again." Thus far, Gobin and his nonprofit have helped over 70 veterans, and it is their hope that these numbers continue to grow.

Earlier this month, Angers, France, hosted the first-ever Conseil International du Sport Militaire Women's Basketball Tournament. The U.S. team was comprised of players selected from the 2014 Armed Forces Women's Basketball Championship. Coached by Army Lt. Col. William Johnson and Tonya Strobridge of the Navy, the U.S. team left with a 3-1 record and a bronze medal.

The team's only loss came in the semifinals of the tournament. The game remained close throughout regulation play, but China advanced to the championship with a 79-74 victory over the U.S. The women came back strong, however, and played an impressive game against the host team.

The center for the team, 6-foot-4 Army Spc. Danielle Salley, led the U.S. to a 74-41 victory over France with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tiffanie Guthrie also put up impressive numbers with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The team is currently preparing for the CISM World Military Games, which will take place in South Korea from Oct. 2-11 this year. The U.S. is set to host the 2016 CISM Women's Basketball Tournament at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

Job interviews can be challenging for anyone. But that difficulty is often multiplied when an individual has post-traumatic stress disorder or a mental illness. It is a hurdle that many veterans face in life after service when they attempt to start a new career outside of the military. 

While it may seem daunting, veterans who live with these conditions are not without hope. Researchers at Northwestern University found that study participants with PTSD or severe mental illnesses who trained with a virtual program were nine times as likely to get job offers in the next six months compared to those who did not use the system, the university reported. 

Training for success
According to the Chicago Tribune, the study looked at the virtual program "Job Interview Training with Molly Porter," a computer program that features an actress who reads questions and responses common in interviews.

The program, which was released for general use last summer, was created by SIMmersion, a Baltimore-based startup. According to the program's website, "Molly" is equipped to ask hundreds of common interview questions.

Northwestern University reported that participants were repeatedly asked questions by the virtual character, who acts as a human resources employee. Their responses were recorded with voice recognition software and a job coach in the program gave immediate feedback on the screen regarding their answers. As the interviews progressed, the questions became increasingly harder. 

Confidence through experience
Of the vets with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illnesses who participated in the study, the ones who did more training sessions tended to have a greater likelihood of getting a job offer and within a shorter period of time, the university reported. 

"Veterans with PTSD and people with mental illness such as bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia are prone to anxiety, which can escalate during stressful social encounters such as the job interview," Matthew Smith, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said in an article by the university. "The training was a big confidence builder for them."

Individuals can purchase full access to the training program online for $89.95, but The Huffington Post said that it may also be found at some job resource centers. 

Every year many servicemembers return home from deployment bearing the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder. Fierce Government reported that in 2013 alone, more than half a million veterans with primary or secondary PTSD were treated at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' clinics and medical centers. 

Despite the large number of veterans living with PTSD, knowledge and treatments related to the condition are limited. But a consortium led by the VA's National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder wants to change that through a collection of neurological tissues. 

A closer look at PTSD
On July 2, the VA announced the creation of the first-ever nationwide brain tissue biorepository. The "brain bank," as it is more commonly referred to, will help research that looks at PTSD in veterans, the VA reported.

According to a press release issued by the VA, the bank will follow participants during their lifetime and then study the brain and other tissues donated after death. The information gathered both before and after death will help researchers to learn more about the causes and progression of PTSD and hopefully identify possible treatments. 

"Although we have learned a great deal about abnormalities in brain structure and function from brain imaging research, there is no substitute for looking at the neurons themselves," national brain bank founder Dr. Matthew Friedman said in a statement. "Understanding the cellular and circuit contributions to abnormal brain activity in PTSD is critical in the search for potential biomarkers of susceptibility, illness and treatment response and for developing new treatments targeting the conditions at the cellular level."

A call for participants
The VA's Office of Research and Development reported that the study is open to any veteran with PTSD living in the U.S. Participants will be required to fill out surveys by mail, on the phone or online, and complete a brief test of memory and concentration. Donated neurological tissues will be collected after death. 

According to the Office of Research and Development, veterans who wish to participate will need to sign consent documents, as will their next-of-kin who will have to confirm the decision to donate after death. Even after signing, former servicemembers can withdraw from the study at any time. 

Veterans without PTSD can also participate in the study. The VA reported that researchers need to be able to study unaffected tissue as well to determine the impact of PTSD on the brain. 

During T-Mobile All-Star FanFest, baseball fans in Ohio will have an opportunity to spend the day celebrating their favorite sport with other fans while supporting the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. 

In the week leading up to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Cincinnati, Ohio, will host a series of themed days for fans. Saturday, July 12, will be "Salute to Our Soldiers Day." According to a press release from MLB, the organization planned the day to honor and support the men and women who serve in the armed forces. 

Activities for the day will include a presentation of the colors by Junior ROTC members for the national anthem and an opportunity for attendees to write thank-you notes that will be sent to troops. 

Servicemembers who want to attend the FanFest day will receive a $5 discount on their tickets. 

Other themed days include Opening Day/Kids Day on July 10, 25th Anniversary of the World Series Champion Cincinnati Reds Day on July 11, Spirit Day on July 13 and Tribute Tuesday on July 14, MLB reported. 

The five themed day will lead up to the 86th annual All-Star Game, a friendly competition between the American and National baseball leagues. Players were chosen by the votes of fans to represent their team in the prestigious games. The winning league is awarded home field advantage in the World Series this fall. Fans will have opportunities at the themed days to win tickets to attend the game. 

The All-Star Game will be held at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati on July 14. 

Soldiers may still have to dress in uniform, but they now have a little more variety when it comes to their options.

The new Army fatigue pattern officially hit select military stores on July 1. The design, called Operational Camouflage Pattern, is replacing the current Universal Camouflage Design. 

The Army reported in a press release that several uniforms and variations will be permitted during the transition period.

"Presenting a professional appearance is very important to Soldiers. But, we will not inconvenience or burden our troops," said Army Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey in the press release. "We will still be the most lethal fighting force the world has ever known even if our belts don't match for the next few years."

The uniforms will be coming to military stores through November of this year, and new soldiers will receive Army Combat Uniforms in the pattern beginning in January 2016.  

Army Times reported that the new pattern is available for purchase at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Lewis, Washington; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Richardson, Alaska. It is also available in some South Korean installations.

The cost of the new uniforms is comparable to the price of the old pattern, and soldiers will continue to be issued a clothing stipend that can go toward the new purchases. 

Soldiers have until Oct.1, 2019, to fully transition to the new uniform.