I was only 9 at the time, but I still remember when it happened. It was February 25, 1991, and the first Gulf War was going on. An Army Reserve water purification unit from here in Greensburg was serving in Saudia Arabia when an Iraqi Scud missile destroyed a makeshift barracks. 13 members of the Greensburg unit were killed and 43 others were wounded.
Tragedies such as this really brings home what our troops sacrifice in order to protect our freedom.
I had had the privilege to visit the 14th Quartermaster memorial at our local Army Reserve center. Even more of a privilege, was the opportunity to spend time getting to know those that serve at the center and learn what we can do in order to give back to those who give so much to us.
5 Ways To Say Thank You To Our Military
Write Letters: Sometimes just sending a simple letter can mean the world to someone. There are lots of troops that don’t have family writing them, so why not find out if there are any troops that might need some cheering up and would like to receive a letter?
Send Care Packages: This would be a great class project, whether it be a grade school class or even a Sunday School class. Collect toiletries, candy, snacks, magazines, or movies that can be boxed up and sent overseas. This will let the troops know that we are thinking about them and that we appreciate the time they are taking away from their families in order to keep our families safe.
Help Out a Family: Dealing with a spouse being deployed can be tough on a family. This often leaves only one parent to take care of the house and the kids in addition to possibly having a full-time job themselves. If you know of a family dealing with a deployment, lend a hand by taking over dinner. You could also either pay to hire a cleaning person for them, or go help clean their house yourself!
Volunteer: There are always activities going on at the Army Reserve units. Find out if they could use a hand boxing care packages, cleaning up the center for an event, or even helping out some of the families. This would also be a great way to get your kids involved.
Listen: Both of my grandfathers served in the Army during World War II. My maternal grandfather never talked much about his experiences in the European Theater, however, my paternal grandfather does talk about his experiences in the Pacific. There are lots of veterans out there that would love to be able to share their war experiences. Take a few minutes to listen to their stories. This is also a great way to keep history alive for the next generation.
Direct Energy is also committed to saying “thank you” to our military. This is why they have recently launched the military portal, a dedicated space where military personnel can find discounted energy rates for their home energy needs. (Note: To be eligible for the discounted military rates, you must enter your valid ID into our portal. Once it verifies, you will then be directed to a dedicated military plans page. You will then see plans available in your area.) This is just a small way that Direct Energy can give back to those who have given us so much.
If you know someone who might be able to benefit from the Direct Energy military portal, you can direct them to the Direct Energy military portal HERE.
Remember, a little bit can go a long way. Our military members have given up so much in order to ensure our freedom. However, freedom isn’t free. Do your part to say “thank you.”
Simply say “thank you.” It’s such a small, simple gesture that is completely disproportionate to the sacrifice soldiers make for us, but they really do appreciate it.
We send care packages to soldiers each year
We go to the airport and meet returning servicemen and women 🙂
I like to let them know how thankful I am by telling them when I see them out and about
I think it is great that there is a discount for military. There should be discounts on as many things as possible. I don’t really encounter people in the military but then we don’t go out much. I think it would be a nice gesture to pick up the tab for their meal or something. It may be a small thing but it would let them know they were appreciated.
my brothers are all in the military, I always make sure to thank people for their service if I know they are in the military and just wrote a blog post about a program to get biblesticks into the hands of military on my blog.
i live in a military town and we just say “thank you for your service.”
Thank You for the giveaway…I would support policies that give greater access to healthcare, educational, family benefits to veterans at the ballot box.