Show Your Thanks During National Military Family Appreciation Month

As designated by presidential decree each year, November is National Military Family Appreciation Month. The month is so dedicated to honor military families for their contributions and sacrifices that the loved ones of those serving in the armed forces are asked to make to support their soldier's, airman's, or sailor's efforts on behalf of our freedom.

Military service members have dedicated their lives to not only safeguarding our borders, defending human rights and fighting tyranny all over the world, but also to upholding values that make America the great nation it is. When in active duty, military personnel are often separated from their families for months. They also face a lot of danger when on tour of duty. While the government appreciates the service of each and every service member, civilians should also appreciate the selfless sacrifice military personnel make. We should all show appreciation to active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

Here are just a few ideas of ways to express gratitude to veterans and their families:

1.  Offer to help. One thing that military families have in common, whether the service member is the mom or the dad, is that one parent is often left to care for the family alone. Offer to babysit or mow their lawn. Simple gestures can say a lot about how you feel.

2.    Listen to their needs. Perhaps they could use help around the house or need someone who is good at math to help with their kids homework. There likely are any number of ways you could make life easier for the family once you find out what they are.

3.    Give them a call. Whether they are a veteran or a family member, contact them to see how they are doing and to let them know you are thinking of them.

4.    If you are an employer of veterans, give them paid leave on Veterans Day so they can spend time with their family. Or you can invite the veterans on your staff to a special luncheon to celebrate the day and show your appreciation.

5.    Volunteer. Many veterans and family members of the active military extend their desire to serve by volunteering to work with organizations or community projects. Show them you share their passion for service and let them know you were inspired to join them because of their example.

6.    Leave a care package. You and your friends and family can put together an age-appropriate care package to leave anonymously at the front door of a military family with a note expressing your thanks. Packages can include clothing, toys, books, food, and household items like laundry soap, shampoo, and the like. They also can be fun boxes with a theme, such as a movie night box with a recent movie or movie tickets, popcorn, and candy.

7.    Take a veteran to lunch or dinner. Invite the entire family if you have the means to do so.

8.    Become a mystery benefactor. Do a random act of kindness for a veteran or a military family and be sure to do it anonymously.

9.    Offer a Discount.  Another way to help is by simply offering discounts to to active service members, their families and veterans. Be sure to publicize the offer both online and offline. While they do not need hand outs and favors, business owners can show appreciation by offering huge discounts throughout the month. One such business who is offering a great promotion this year is Great clips.  Active or retired military members get free haircuts or a free haircut card on November 11th, and any customer who gets a haircut at Great Clips on November 11th receives a free haircut card to give to a veteran. Only veterans and active members of the military are eligible to redeem the free haircut card. Family members of said military members do not qualify. This is the third year Great Clips is running this promotion, and Great Clips is the only major salon brand that offers customers a way to thank the veterans in their lives! Their “Thank a Veteran Free Haircut Card” promotion will allow their customers a way to show appreciation for the veterans in their lives. This is how the promotion works:

• On Nov. 11 only, customers who stop in for a service at any Great Clips salon in the United States can receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran;
• The free haircut cards are redeemable by all current and past members of the military including active, inactive, retired, disabled and reserve members from any branch.  The free haircut cards are redeemable until Dec. 31, 2015
• Free haircut cards are given away while supplies last. US Salons only.

In addition, veterans can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov.11 and receive a free haircut that day or receive a free haircut card to be used before the end of the year. 

What a great way to give back to veterans!

What are some ways that you help veterans and their families?