Easy Ways to Thank the Military for Their Service

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, I wanted to share a few ways to thank the military for their service. When I was growing up, my father was in the Naval Reserves. Some of my earliest memories if him include those shiny shoes, formal navy uniform and that flat topped white hat with the black brim. He always looked so handsome in that uniform!

My dad was in the Naval Reserves for 25 years and I like to think that at some point during his service, someone stopped to say THANK YOU for the work he was doing. I may not always agree with the politics of what our military is sent off to DO, but I certainly appreciate the men and women serving our country and the hard work they have to do to keep us safe.

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How to Thank the Military for their Service

Ways to Thank the Military this 4th of July

This country would not be the independent nation it is today if it weren’t for our country’s military personnel and every once in a while, I bet they like to have someone say thank you. So, this 4th of July, take a moment to thank the military however you feel is appropriate but here are a few suggestions:

  • Think about doing something nice for the spouse of a deployed service member. It is hard to have your significant other deployed for long periods of time. Offer to babysit a child or bring them a meal to help reduce the workload while they are on their own.
  • Own a local business? Offer a military discount! And make sure you publicize it…secret discounts do not help much!
  • Get your church involved by having a military appreciation ‘date night’ where childcare is provided in the nursery and a potluck dinner is provided by the congregation.
  • Write a letter and let them know what is going on here at home.
  • Have a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance that is home on leave? A simple hand shake and word of thanks will let them know that you appreciate their service.
  • Say a prayer. Pray for the safety of the one deployed and strength for the one left behind.
  • Make a donation to a military charity. Check out Clark Howard’s Best and Worst Military Charities.

ways to thank the military

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Military Care Package Ideas

One of the best ways to thank the military for their service is to send someone a care package! Some of the best items to put in military care packages include:

  • Personal items like deodorant, baby wipes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
  • Playing cards and dice are great forms of entertainment
  • Snacks that ship well like prepackaged Rice Krispy Treats, sunflower seeds, beef jerky or even boxed macaroni and cheese or Ramen noodles.
  • Magazines are also very popular and do not have to be brand new to be enjoyed!
  • Include personal photos and letters if the package is going to someone you know personally.
  • If you want more information on what to include, check out my post on military care packages for more suggestions.

 

military dogs

Did you know that you can actually send care packages to Military Working Dogs (MWD)? We have had shepherds for 20 years and our first came from a line of search and rescue dogs. I am passionate about service dogs and they need our thanks, too!

Check out BarkPost.com for information on how to send a care package to a dog serving in the armed forces!

How to Ship Military Care Package

Once you put together your care package to thank the military, you want to make sure it gets where it needs to be. Follow important shipping and delivery guidelines below:

Be sure to write out your service member’s complete address on the package! Include all the information below

  • Service member’s full name (with or without rank or rating)
  • Unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address
  • Battalion, ship, squadron, platoon, etc., with the nine-digit ZIP code, if one is assigned

Remember, you don’t always have to agree with the politics of our country to appreciate the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces. Take time to remember them and thank the military for their hard work!

Do you have a loved one in the military?


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