It's that time of year. Everyone has packed away their Halloween costumes and candy in favor of autumn wreaths and various Winter Solstice decorations. Television networks have begun to air advertisements for Christmas sales, festive music fills the shopping malls and people seem to be in an overall merrier mood. The holiday season is a time of joy for most people as families come together to celebrate. Yet, for military families, the holidays can be a challenging time. Deployments can keep even the closest of families apart when they really want to be together. Take a look at a few ways to make the holidays a little brighter when your loved one is away at service.
Invite other military families to celebrate with you
Yours is not the only family missing someone. Try to contact other military families in your area with a loved one deployed. You can invite them to your home for a large holiday celebration. This can help prevent loneliness and make the holiday extra special for everyone involved. If you are feeling really ambitious, you could arrange a group celebration on the nearest military base, where many families could spend the holidays together.
Try to schedule a video chat session near major holidays
If possible, arrange a time to video chat with your deployed loved one on or near the holiday. Not only will this brighten up your servicemember's day, it will bring a little more joy into your own celebration. Remember that your servicemember may not be able to talk on the exact date of the holiday, so try to plan ahead as much as possible.
Send your servicemember a piece of the celebration
While it is not possible to send your loved one a whole turkey or a Christmas tree, you can still send him or her a small part of the celebration. In your holiday care package, you could include the servicemember's favorite ornament or a picture of the family taken during the Thanksgiving meal. Your loved one will feel like he or she was a part of the gathering, even if there is a large distance separating them from you.
Invite other servicemembers to share in the celebration
Your deployed servicemember would be proud if you opened your home to other local servicemembers who may not have a family to celebrate the holidays with. Contact your local VA or VFW post to inquire about Adopt-a-Vet programs. They can tell you how to arrange for a veteran to celebrate the holidays with you and your family. There are also many Adopt-a-Soldier programs that will put you in contact with a local servicemember looking for a place to spend the holidays. Click here for more information on these programs.
The holidays should be a source of happiness for everyone. Deployment does not have to put a damper on things. By following the above suggestions, you can help make the season just as merry as if your loved one were still here.
Seth Jordan is no ordinary brewer. A veteran of multiple combat tours with the U.S. Marine Corps, Jordan is the founder of Dog Tag Brewing Co., a non-profit run by veterans that, in a drive to expand awareness of those who lost their lives defending this country, displays the story of a fallen warrior on every beer can. All the proceeds are donated to remembrance organizations chosen by the families of the servicemen and women featured on the cans.
"It's to make sure that the folks we lost are never forgotten," Jordan told USA Today. "And it's about celebrating their lives rather than focusing on their death."
Since it first launched, Dog Tag has expanded from featuring only a few families on its cans to more than 600. Jordan insists on speaking with every family that requests their loved one's story be told so as to truly understand what they were like not only as warriors, but as people.
So far the brewing company has proved a major success. Dog Tag's first runs of its India pale ale and pilsner are already depleted. Jordan said that he is in the process of talking with a major distributor to extend Dog Tag's reach nationwide. "Random Americans will be in a position to learn about people's loved ones," he told the paper. "And the families enjoy that."
Dog Tag isn't the only veteran-run brewery achieving success. Veteran Beer Co., which started up in Cold Spring, Minnesota two years ago, is a brewery run by Paul Jenkins, a disabled Navy veteran. Jenkins doesn't drink, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, but he wanted to create jobs for veterans and thought crafting beer was an excellent way to do it.
Jenkins hopes to employ 3,500 veterans in regional breweries by 2017. For men and women who love beer and are looking for unique work in their life after service, veteran breweries are worth a toast or two.
Most people do not recognize the name Harry Colmery, but The American Legion is trying to change that. The organization plans to commemorate the man who has been called the "unsung hero of American Veterans" by building a memorial park in Topeka, Kansas.
So, who exactly was Harry W. Colmery? After moving to Topeka from his home state of Pennsylvania, Colmery spent his early years in Kansas practicing law. However, in April 1917, he joined the Army Air Service during World War I. Upon discharge from the military, Colmery made it his mission to advocate for the fair treatment of veterans and servicemembers, according to the Topeka-Capital Journal. He joined the American Legion and was quickly promoted within the organization. The news source reported that in 1936, Colmery was elected the national commander of the American Legion.
That same year, hundreds of veterans who had not yet received their service benefits marched on Washington, D.C. Their action inspired Colmery to write the first draft of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Colmery's act would later become known at the GI Bills of Rights, which would guarantee education and other benefits to the nation's servicemembers. Some even argue that Colmery's proposal helped build a middle class in the country and helped avoid a major post-war recession. Because Colmery had such a lasting impact on the country, the American Legion, the organization Colmery was so dedicated to, is organizing a memorial park in his honor.
"Every person I feel in this United States has benefited either directly or indirectly from his efforts in making sure that bill went through Congress, like myself, I had a GI Bill to buy my first home," Raymond Vail, the director of American Legion's Department of Kansas extension, told WIBW.com.
The group has stated that the park will be a block away from the Topeka Capital Building and will house a statue of Colmery. Fundraising for the project began in April, and so far the American Legion has collected $264,000. The Topeka-Capital Journal reported that the total cost of the park and the statue is estimated at about $320,000, including future upkeep.
The organizers of the project told the news source they hope to break ground and complete the park within the next year. City officials believe that the memorial will draw visitors to Topeka and will educate them on the life and service of Harry W. Colmery.
Halloween is right around the corner, and many families are beginning to pick out costumes for the kids. If you want your children to represent your military family well during this year's Trick-or-Treat festivities, consider dressing them up in a patriotic costume. Take a look at AFBA's top 10 favorite USA-inspired costumes.
1. Captain America
What better way to embody the American spirit than the First Avenger himself? Your sons and daughters can go as the shield-wielding hero and still represent the country you serve by wearing the star-spangled uniform.
2. Statue of Liberty
This costume is a great opportunity to test out your DIY skills. Sons or daughters of military members will be the hit of the Halloween parade as they proudly carry the torch of liberty in front of them. See how to make your own Statue of Liberty costume here.
3. Astronaut
Take your patriotism to infinity and beyond as your dress up your little guy or gal as a space pioneer. Proudly display the American flag patch on the astronaut's uniform, and get crafty by doubling the space helmet as a candy holder.
4. Olympic Athlete
Few things are more American than sports. Give your kids the chance to shine by dressing them up as gold medalists. If you are feeling creative, you could even create a Wheaties box with their face on it to serve as a Trick-or-Treat basket. Easily accessorize this costume with a reflective sweat band and light up athletic shoes to help you see them in the dark.
5. Revolutionary Patriots
Picture how adorable your little ones will look dressed up as Abe Lincoln, Ben Franklin or Betsy Ross. Colonial outfits are easily rented, and who knows? Maybe your son or daughter will even learn something about a historical figure in the process.
6. Military Dress Uniforms
Make your kids the spitting image of the servicemember in your family by putting them in their very own dress blues. Most Halloween costume shops will have a variety of military dress uniforms available. All that is left to do is let your kids pick out their favorites.
7. First Responder
Nothing is quite a patriotic as a hometown hero. Dress your little ones up as firefighters, police officers or emergency medical service workers for a good old-fashioned American Halloween.
8. Rosie the Riveter
Give your kids the chance to relive history with this costume. Rosie the Riveter was an iconic image from World War II, but your children will be equally iconic as they stroll through the neighborhood calling out, "We can do it!" Here is an affordable DIY option for this costume.
9. Field Medic
You can get creative with this costume idea. When you dress your children up as a military field medic, you get the opportunity to use the medic's bag as a candy holder. This is another outfit that most Halloween shops will have in stock.
10. Military K-9 Trainer
Want an opportunity to bring the beloved family dog along on Halloween? Dress your kids up as military K-9 trainers. This costume could consist of an all-black outfit with a patch that reads, "K-9 Handler." Accessories might include a whistle and a bag of treats for the well-behaved pup.
Halloween is an exciting time for children. While most kids might dress up as story book characters and princesses, you can give your children the opportunity to portray real life heroes. Most of the costumes above are easy to put together, and many of them will be a hit with your kids. Even though Halloween is a typically patriotic holiday, you can still use it as an opportunity to promote the feeling in the children of your military family.
While veteran unemployment reached its lowest numbers in 2014, there is still a significant percentage of former servicemembers who are unable to find work. The Border Jobs for Veterans Act hopes to provide some relief by employing these individuals in defense positions along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.- Canadian borders.
According to Tucson News Now, the Border Jobs for Veterans Act will employ former servicemembers with Customs and Border Protection. They will be trained to guard the border and be responsible for legal entry into the U.S. Proponents of the Act argue that not only would hiring veterans fulfill the vacant Customs and Border Protection positions, but the extra employees could help speed up processing checkpoints at the borders.
"This legislation will put veterans to work, improve national security, increase trade, and grow the economy – all at no additional cost to the taxpayer," Arizona Senator Jeff Flake said on his website.
Veterans that spoke to Tucson New Now were also very enthusiastic about the Act's potential. Many said that the job sounded like meaningful work that would benefit them in their lives after service.
On Sept. 9, the Act was passed in both houses of Congress, meaning the only thing it needs to go into full effect is the president's signature.
Though military children may face more difficulties than their peers, they also have opportunities that other children their age may not. Military children are exposed to a different lifestyle than others and learn important life lessons at a young age. Take a look at some of the qualities military children glean from their experiences.
1. Cultural awareness
Some children of servicemembers have the opportunity to spend chunks of their lives in foreign countries where their parents are stationed. This time abroad can introduce military children to cultures different from their own. It can also be a chance for them to learn different languages. Later in life, military children who have been exposed to a variety of cultures and languages may have greater cultural sensitivity and global understanding.
2. Adaptability
The unpredictability of military life means that military children have to learn to adapt quickly. This can mean being prepared to change schools, move cities or countries, or say goodbye to a parent as he or she is deployed. Children of servicemembers will have excellent adaptation skills later in life.
3. Easily make friends
Children of servicemembers who get transferred frequently must get used to saying farewell to old friends. While they leave many playmates behind, military children often learn how to make friends quickly in a new environment. This can lead them to develop excellent conversation skills and a charismatic disposition. The ability to be amicable and approachable in unfamiliar environments will be useful in their future careers.
4. Self-reliance
When a servicemember is deployed, his or her children often have to assume part of the responsibility and help the remaining parent with housework and other things. Military children learn that something will not get done unless they take the initiative to do it. They also grow up around some of the best role models and may pick up on some of the self-motivating qualities that drive soldiers to serve.
5. Respect
If military children learn nothing else, they will learn respect. It may come in the form of deeply ingrained patriotism or from being made to keep their rooms immaculate. Wherever they pick up on respect, it will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Military children understand hierarchy and know that to move up you must put in the effort.
So, while children of servicemembers may have a more difficult and unconventional childhood compared to their peers, the skills they learn far outweigh the inconveniences.
AFBA has written articles on care package ideas for military families to send their servicemembers. These lists include items like activities for down time and special foods from home. However, there are some items that are simply not a good idea to send to your soldier. There are also military and United States Postal Service restrictions on some items. Take a look at some things you should leave out of your servicemember's next care package.
Carbonated beverages
These are mainly restricted because they may explode in transit and cause a mess for the carrier. It is likely that your servicemember will have access to his or her favorite carbonated beverage anyway, so prevent your package from being rejected and leave this item out.
Aerosol cans
Disinfectants and body sprays that come in aerosol cans are prohibited items. These are more items that could potentially explode during shipment and destroy other packages. Do not include any aerosol cans in your servicemember's care packages.
Firearms and ammunition
Servicemembers have a government-issued weapon and ammunition. Even if they request their personal firearm or special ammunition, these items are strictly off-limits in care packages. Do not risk legal trouble for you or your servicemember by including one of these in a care package. Let your loved one know that you will look after their prized possession until their return.
Alcohol
This is often considered an "unauthorized substance" in combat zones. While your servicemember may request it, it is not a good idea to send alcohol in care packages. It could explode in shipment and ruin the rest of the items you sent, and your servicemember could face trouble if it is discovered.
Adult entertainment
Most military establishments do not allow servicemembers to receive items or media related to adult entertainment. It is seen as inappropriate and causes a distraction. It is best to exclude these items from your servicemember's care packages.
Fruit
Because fruits rot so quickly and to avoid violating cross-border agricultural policies, fruit is not allowed in military care packages. Your servicemember will likely have access to local fruit or canned fruit in military rations anyway. Skip the fruit in your next care package.
Live plants
It can be tempting to send your loved ones items that will make their deployment a little cozier. However, live plants are another prohibited item, as they can violate the same agricultural laws as fruits. Send home videos, pictures and other decorative items in place of live plants.
Whenever you begin a care package for your servicemember, you begin with good intentions. You want every item to make him or her more comfortable and boost his or her morale. However, even a well-meant item that is prohibited could cause unnecessary stress for you and your loved one. Be sure you are familiar with what he or she is allowed to have by checking with your local military support group and the USPS. MarineParents.com has also developed a database of prohibited items based on region. Check it out here.
Many know country music star Kip Moore for his songs "Something Bout a Truck" and "Beer Money," but lately the artist has focused his attentions on a new project. In partnership with CASE Construction, Moore will kick off a music festival to honor veterans. The event is called the Labor of Love Music Festival and will take place Sept. 7 during the Labor Day events in Festival Park in Racine, Wisconsin. Moore hopes the concert will draw attention to the importance of hiring veterans when they leave the military for life after service.
CASE Construction especially hopes to promote the hiring of veterans in skilled labor jobs, such as manufacturing and construction.
"There is a very real skilled labor shortage in America today, from welders and machinists to heavy equipment technicians and operators. It's important we help develop that next generation of talent and our veterans may be our greatest resource," the vice president of CASE Construction, Jim Hasler, said in a press release.
In addition to promoting veteran hiring, Moore has dedicated all the proceeds from the festival to the Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets for the event are $14 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.
Thanks to a new law, veterans who use their G.I. Bill benefits to attend college will be given in-state tuition rates at any public university in the country. According to The Shreveport Times, many veterans avoid returning to school when they enter life after service because they cannot afford out-of-state tuition. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill only covers up to $20,000 of a veteran's higher education costs. The College Board reported that the average cost of out-of-state tuition at a four-year public institution is about $23,000 per year. The average cost for in-state at the same institution was only slightly over $9,000 per year.
The Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014, which officially became a law on Aug. 7, 2015, requires public universities to offer veterans in-state rates no matter which state they hold residency in.
Jason Hansman of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America told The Shreveport Times that the new law is a win-win for states and veterans.
"[This law] will benefit both states, by allowing them to retain new veteran residents who end their period of active service and decide to remain local, and veterans, who will no longer face financial constraints in attending the public school of their choice," Hansman said.
When military members enter civilian life, they bring with them the wide range of skills they learned in their service. Aside from being well-disciplined, highly organized and excellent team players, military servicemembers learn specialized skills in their specific roles. These abilities are useful in civilian careers, but it is important to translate them into terms that civilian employers understand. Otherwise, you may be passed up for a position you are highly qualified for due to lack of understanding on the company's end. Below are some examples of military careers, which civilian careers they relate to and how to translate the skills involved to civilian terms.
1. Infantryman
Instead of writing that your military job was to shoot machine guns, you could say that you were responsible for operating dangerous technology in high-stress situations. Infantrymen are good at taking orders but also have the ability to think quickly on their own. This could be translated to strong team skills with an ability for self-direction.
2. Communication strategist
Roughly equated to a civilian career, a military communication strategist could pursue a job as a public relations manager. These individuals are highly organized with excellent communication skills. For your resume, you could write that you are gifted with planning, event coordination and public communication.
3. Commanding officer
When civilian employers see this title on your resume, they might be able to guess that you are a strong leader. However, it is your job to communicate what kind of leader the military has shaped you into. Give them an idea of how many people you were in charge of. Describe your demeanor under stress and pressure. You could also mention that your time as a CO gave you the ability to train a wide range of personalities to work together as a team.
4. Interpreter
A servicemember with this job title could pursue a civilian career as a translator or cultural awareness coordinator. Experience with learning and applying new languages and cultural customs makes these individuals excellent candidates for serving companies who do a large amount of overseas business.
5. Cyber warfare operations manager
The CWOM is responsible for planning and creating a security infrastructure for his or her unit's network. In a digital landscape that is constantly being threatened with cyberattacks, these individuals could pursue jobs as information security professionals. On your resume, mention that you have knowledge of the international threat landscape and experience with protecting highly sensitive information.
6. Corps engineer
Servicemembers who spent time as corps engineers have a vast array of technical, mechanical and infrastructure knowledge. Corps engineers have experience with building planning and development, flood prevention, hydropower and communication improvement. You could apply these skills to careers in construction or city planning.
7. Logistics officer
These individuals should have no trouble finding a civilian job as a logistician. On your resume, be sure to communicate that you are capable of analyzing and coordinating logistical functions of a unit that depends on accurate information. You could write that your experience working logistics with the military taught you the important of thorough analysis and accurate interpretation. Logistics officers also help the daily processes run smoothly and efficiently, a skill which may be appreciated in a civilian company.
The time and effort you put into learning the skills required to do your military job should not be wasted. Remember that they translate into skills that can be applied to civilian careers. You only need to write them on your resume in a way that employers outside the military will understand. The Military to Civilian Occupation Translator is a great resource for helping you with this process.