First responders are some of the bravest individuals in the workforce. What makes them even more special is that they go to work for their communities every day without expecting recognition. The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is the perfect time to show your local first responders some gratitude for their service. AFBA has listed six ways you can thank the first responders in your community.
1. Cook a meal
First responders are busy people. They may not always get the chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal. If you have the time, put together a lunch or dinner and take it to your local police or fire station. The first responders will likely be grateful for the food, and you will have the opportunity to thank them in person. It is a good idea to plan a simple meal that can easily be taken to go should the first responders be called away.
2. Donate
You can show your support of your local first responders by donating to stations or supporting one of their charity events, such as Fill the Boot. There are also a number of organizations whose purpose it is to support first responders and their families. You might consider donating to one of these as well.
3. Write a letter
Sometimes a simple letter can have the biggest impact. If you want to thank a first responder, scribe a sincere and specific letter and deliver it to a local station. If you want to make an even bigger impression, you could gather a large amount of letters from various people in the area and deliver them in person.
4. Gift basket
These items are an excellent way to show your gratitude. Find out what your local first responders need most and put these items in a gift basket with a thank you card. You could also include gift cards for restaurants so that the first responders could enjoy a nice meal.
5. Spread the word
One of the easiest ways to show your appreciation for first responders is simply spreading a good word about them. Whether it be a friendly post on social media or telling a neighbor how great first responders are, positive word-of-mouth is an excellent way to say thank you.
6. Just say it
Thanking a first responder can be as simple as saying, "Thank you for your service," when you pass a police officer or firefighter. There is a good chance you will make this individual's day, and you can feel good knowing that you have shown appreciation for a person who serves your community.
The first responders who serve their communities on a daily basis often do so without expecting gratitude. On the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, you could take the opportunity to thank the first responders in your area. There are plenty of ways to do this, but the six above are some of the most effective.
According to the Cribs for Kids website, more than 3,500 infants die in their sleep because of sudden infant death syndrome, which is often caused by suffocation and asphyxia among other things. The organization, which was founded in 1998, has been working to lower this number. Recently, first responders in Washington paired with Cribs for Kids to help. The first responders are calling their initiative "Cops n Cribs" for law enforcement officials and "Code Red" for firefighters.
Often, SIDS is the result of improper sleeping arrangements for infants. This may be because families do not have a crib or have it set up incorrectly, which can present a potential danger to a sleeping infant.
"Firefighters are going in, they're re-doing cribs. For low-income families who don't have a crib or the ability to buy a crib, they're getting portable pack 'n plays," Deborah Robinson, infant death investigation specialist, told NBC.
The first responders have also been trained to do checks on families with infants and inspect the sleeping quarters. The Washington Department of Health and Cribs for Kids hope this initiative will lower infant mortality in the region and encourage families to arrange safer sleeping areas for babies.
It has been 14 years since the 9/11 attacks, but comedian and former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart is still lobbying for the first responders who were in action that day. Many of those brave individuals developed health problems related to their vicinity to the attacks, such as cancer, lung problems and physical disabilities.
According to Time magazine, Stewart is scheduled to lobby Congress for a bill that will preserve a health program for 9/11 first responders. Stewart's involvement was announced recently by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on her Twitter account.
"Today, I spoke about the need for Congress to #renew911health programs, 1 of which is set to expire on Sept 30 if we fail to take action," Gillibrand tweeted on Sept. 8. "Honored Jon Stewart will join 9/11 heroes next week, but fact is, they shouldn't have to walk the halls of Congress at all. #renew911health"
Gillibrand and Stewart want to bring about an extension for The World Trade Center Health Program, which, according to Time provides health services for over 30,000 police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The pair will argue to make the program permanent, allowing the first responders to receive continual medical care for their 9/11-related illnesses and injuries.
On Labor Day, when most people are off work, the nation's first responders report for duty like always. It is a busy day for police officers, firefighters and emergency service crews. While they are busy making sure their communities are safe and healthy during the holiday, they often miss out on celebrating with their own families. One chain restaurant has a Labor Day tradition of gratitude. As part of this tradition, the Italian eatery Olive Garden delivered baskets of its food to first responders across the country for the 14th year in a row.
"This is our way of giving back to the people who go out and protect and serve us each and every day," Adam Zimmer of Olive Garden told ABC 22.
Many first responders are used to missing meals with their families because they are busy serving. The first responders interviewed by ABC 22 said that holidays were especially difficult occasions to miss. Olive Garden wanted the first responders to have a chance at a relaxing family meal, even if the men and women could not actually be with their families.
Olive Garden served food to first responders in over 800 cities nationwide and hopes to continue the tradition next year.
First responders in Darien, Connecticut, told The Darien Times that many members of their community were victims of domestic violence. The local firefighters, emergency medical personnel and police officers bonded together to raise awareness of the issue and raise money for victim services provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The event is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. On Oct. 3, the first responders will don bright red high heels and join the civilians participating in the Darien Walk-a-thon. Many of the first responders are working to develop sponsorships for their walk, the proceeds of which will also go to services for domestic violence victims.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign was founded in 2001 as a way to encourage men to take action in the fight against domestic violence. According to the website, the organization became a "world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs."
The Darien first responders have not yet announced a fundraising goal, but The Darien Times wrote that donations can be made in either cash or check, with checks being made out to "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 06820."
It has been 10 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, destroying homes and uprooting lives. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the military and first responders worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the debris and help others clean up the wreckage. Master Sgt. Michael Maroney of the U.S. Air Force was one of these dedicated individuals. Maroney and his team executed the rescue of a then 3-year-old girl during a dangerous part of the storm.
After the successful rescue, Maroney was photographed receiving a thankful embrace from the little girl. Ever since then, Maroney has been attempting to reunite with the little girl in question. The Huffington Post reported that he decided to put social media to work for him by using the hashtag #FindKatrinaGirl. The Internet pulled together and recently put Maroney in touch with the now 13-year-old LeShay Brown.
"I can't wait to meet her to tell her how important she is," Maroney told People magazine.
Maroney saidBrown's embrace was a light in the dark time that was Katrina. Her embrace reminded him why he was there. Brown and her family currently live in San Antonio, Texas, but The Huffington Post wrote that the pair have plans to reunite sometime in September.
For the fourth year in a row, the city of Lamar, Colorado, will host the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute. The three-day event is a celebration of veterans and first responders and a time to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This year's tribute is scheduled to begin on Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at the local library. Other activities during the event include a parade, presentations from veterans and much more.
According to 911families.org, live bands will play on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The next morning, the festivities will begin with a parade that will end at the fairgrounds. The Pueblo Chieftain reported that the previous year's parade lasted for an hour and was so large that the Colorado Department of Transportation asked the event leaders to move it from Main Street to the state highway. There, firefighters, veterans, active duty military personnel, police officers and other first responders are invited to enjoy a free barbecue. At 1:00 p.m., there will be a flag retiring ceremony before the 9/11 Memorial ceremony begins an hour later.
The events will conclude with a patriotic concert on the evening of Sept. 13.
While many servicemembers are trained with special combat skills, few people know about the entertainment talents they have. A group called the U.S. Army Soldier Show allows servicemembers to showcase talents such as acting, singing and dancing. According to the Sierra Vista Herald, the variety show spectacular is made up of about 24 Army personnel of various rankings. Every year, these individuals go through a challenging audition process, and those who make the final cut are far from finished with their hard work. They must go through months of rigorous training and rehearsals before the show finally goes on the road from May to December.
"We go to over 42 venues or garrisons, performing about 82 shows," Spc. Tony Brown, social media liaison for the tour, told the Sierra Vista Herald.
The group has even performed in Times Square during New York's Fleet Week. The U.S. Army Soldier Show defines itself as entertainment for the soldier, by the soldier. The program's theme this year is "We Serve," and its latest stop was in Sierra Vista, Arizona. For more information on the U.S. Army Soldier Show and to view its tour information, click here.
At the end of a tough day, the best thing to do is leave the job behind and unwind. Taking at least a half-hour to decompress and release stress can help you reset for the next day. According to The Huffington Post, it can also prevent you from developing heart disease, improve your immunity and may help prevent depression. There are plenty of ways for military servicemembers and first responders to relax at the end of the day, and one of the most effective methods is listening to music. Below are 10 songs to help you shake off the stress of the day.
1. 'Sunday Morning' by Maroon 5
This soothing ballad will have you swaying as you kick back on the couch. No matter what day of the week it is, Maroon 5's 2004 hit makes it feel as relaxing as Sunday morning.
2. 'Wake Me Up' by Aloe Blacc
It does not matter if you prefer the acoustic version or the remix. This song's folksy feel will calm you down in no time.
3. 'Free Fallin'' by Tom Petty
Listening to Tom Petty is always a good decision, but cranking this song in your car during rush hour after a long day can be the perfect remedy for work-related stress. The easygoing beat and guitar strumming accompanied by Petty's cry that he's free will release you from whatever negative emotions have followed you from work.
4. 'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers
This tinny-sounding alt song has a calming effect almost as soon as the first lines are sung. The best part is that The Lumineers have made it so that it sounds fresh every time you listen. You can return to "Ho Hey" as often as you like without tiring of it.
5. 'Brown Eyed Girl' by Van Morrison
Van Morrison topped the charts with this tropical-sounding ditty back in 1967, but the song's effect has never changed. It is hard not to slip into a chilled-out mindset when you sing, "Sha la la la."
6. 'Island in the Sun' by Weezer
When the first kicks of the drum begin, you know you are about to drift away to Weezer's beachy hit. The relaxing tempo and lulling bass guitar will have you mentally sailing away to your own stress-free island in the sun.
7. 'Tiny Dancer' by Elton John
When John plays the piano, it is like a signal to the brain to shut up and listen. Turn on "Tiny Dancer" when you want to be whisked away by charming melodies and soothing piano riffs.
8. 'Knee Deep' by Zac Brown Band
This is another island escape song, but Zac Brown Band adds a little country charm. After a few moments listening to this song, you will conjure up calming images of floating worry-free on the ocean.
9. 'Let It Be' by The Beatles
For days when nothing seems to go your way, The Beatles are there for you with this unforgettable song. The almost spiritual-sounding organ and Paul McCartney's soulful voice will absolve you of your troubles. After all, if there is nothing you can do about a bad day, it is best just to let it be and move on.
10. 'Landslide' by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks' hauntingly beautiful voice is enough to steal your cares away, but the lyrics of "Landslide" speak to the most human parts of us. This song is perfect for self-reflection and meditation. The violins in the song will soothe you as the softly strumming guitar robs you of your worries.
While there are many activities great for relaxing after a tough day on the job, there is just something about kicking back with your favorite songs that takes away all your troubles. The songs above are just a few of the most relaxing songs available. The next time you have a stressful day, consider turning some of them on to see if they soothe you.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, otherwise known as JPL, is responsible for creating some of the world's most important technologies. Most recently, the JPL team has been working on an artificial intelligence device called AUDREY. According to FCW, the device, formally recognized as Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction, and sYnthesis, was designed to filter through copious amounts of information and data to "achieve situational awareness."
AUDREY is a cloud-based software that is compatible with most personal computers. It is capable of using known data to conduct research to draw certain conclusions like the human brain, thus making it qualified to be called artificial intelligence. Recently, JPL has begun to loan the AUDREY technology to first responders to improve their effectiveness.
FCW stated that firefighters using AUDREY would not only be able to know where a fire broke out faster than before, but also who lived in the area and the hazards they may encounter along the way. Police stations utilizing the AI tech may have an easier time locating criminals, as AUDREY would have access to criminal databases, facial recognition software and traffic cameras.
AUDREY presents an interesting potential for the future of first responder technologies, but there are still many issues to work out.