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The Joy of Giving: Memorial Day Parade
This weekend I heard TAPS. It had been a few months since I last heard it and I had no idea the emotion would flow. (TAPS: Wordless-Wednesday) But Memorial Day is a day to celebrate the memory of our war veterans and that we did! Getting ready to march in our Community Parade The joy of givingOur decorated ‘Float’ for the parade Two of my boys and their own hero, their dad The Kocsis-crew marched (or strolled) in a parade, showed the boys the joy of giving over receiving (you can’t catch candy in a parade if you are the one throwing it), talked about what Memorial Day is really about with the kids, had…
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New Medal Recognizes Changing Face of Conflict – and Creates Controversy
The new Department of Defense Distinguished Warfare Medal (DWM) has become very controversial after the recent announcement of its approval by the Secretary of Defense. The DoD Blogger Roundtable met with Juliet Beyler, Acting Director Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management, to discuss reasons for the creation of the DWM and where it was placed in its precedence with other medals such as the Bronze Star. According to Ms Beyler the medal is designed to recognize actions with direct effects on combat. When asked who appeared to be opposed to the medal? Was it a service issue? She responded with a resounding “no”. The services had all agreed to the creation…
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Are You Part of Your Local Community?
“As we took our first break, one of the other workers, asked us what we had done to earn community service hours?” Volunteers at workBecoming part of the outside the gate community is often very difficult for military members and their families. We PCS often, have different interests, go to unit functions and with young families, it just seems like we are too busy to really connect. But there are so many good reasons to find a connection in your local community. Here are few of the reasons we continue to be a part of the community after living the military lifestyle for many years: 1 – Participation makes you feel good…
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#79 of 101 Ways to Thank a Veteran: Send a Christmas Card
Have you read 101 Ways to Thank a Veteran? They were written with Veterans Day in mind but many for all year round. 79. Remember Veterans during other holidays, especially those without family. Send a Thanksgiving card, Christmas card or Valentines card, to either a Vet that you know or through a VA Hospital or VFW.– http://www.militaryavenue.com/ways_to_thank_veteran Last night after dinner, we cleared the dishes, did our usual cleanup routine and then I pulled out the craft supplies. Glitter, paint, glue, markers, stock-paper and oh so much more Time to make Christmas Cards for a special Veteran in my life, my Grandfather (and Grandmother). They are far from family, not…
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What is a Veteran?
A military veteran is: experienced in a trade trained and skilled in their job knowledgeable about being on time and on target salutes the flag with purpose wears or has worn a uniform has sworn and taken an oath has carried a weapon has polished boots understands what ‘taps’ means comprehends an order has awoken to reveille knows the chain of command has spoken the language of acronyms has longed for leave owns a set of dog tags has access to organizations like the VFW, American Legion, VA, MOAA, NCOA garners respect when speaking of service has protected the integrity of our constitution has pledged allegiance to our flag,…
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Week in Review: June 12 – 18, 2011 (Military News) #MilitaryMon
Popular Military Family Articles for the week of June 12 – 18 on MilitaryAvenue.comHow Did I Miss this Great Information Resource?: The USAA Educational Foundation: What do you know about the USAA Educational Foundation? I have been a USAA member for over 40 years and have to admit that I knew little about this non profit resource provider! They are totally separate from USAA since USAA donated a one time gift to establish the foundation and have completely separate missions, leadership and absolutely no ties for products or services, etc. With an opportunity to talk to Barbara Gentry, the President and Steve Finley, the Director of the USAA Educational Foundation,…
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Memorial Day Weekend Revisited: A Story in Pictures
Wow! What a fantastic weekend. We had dinner with neighbors, a barbecue with friends, went to another party with more neighbors and then Memorial Day we marched in a parade, visited a few cemeteries and then had lunch at the VFW. No, the garden didn’t get ’tilled as planned after the major thunderstorm on Saturday night; yes, the air-condition did get turned on Monday night after reaching 90 degrees that day; and yes, the Kocsis Crew needs to officially restock the band-aid box after my 6 year old fell multiple times on his knees. But all in all it was a weekend to be remembered. Neighbors! We are so blessed…
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Being a Caregiver for Our Wounded Heroes
Do you know what it is like to be a caregiver for a seriously injured or sick person? a family member? Caring for my wonderful wife during her treatments for breast cancer five years ago became my mission! This fall she cared for me after several surgeries to remove malignant tumors from my foot and leg. With that experience and background I recognized the impact our wounded heroes’ caregivers. Recently the VA provided some great information about new programs to assist our wounded and their caregivers. The week of 14 February is set aside to recognize our wounded heroes. Do you know how many have been wounded since 9/11/2001 in…
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The Military Family Should Be the Next “TIME Person of the Year”
The Military Family is a Hero group! Self sacrifice is their first name and we come in all sizes and shapes! There is not a more diverse group of Americans who serve their country. Often unrecognized, it would be wonderful to see the group put in the spotlight in some manner. Maybe it would encourage civilian friends, neighbors and local businesses to take notice and offer a helping hand when needed; or someone to share a cup of coffee with a lonely spouse during their X number of deployments? I had a great opportunity to interview Kristen Tsetsi about one way to spark recognition for the military family. Kristen is…
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112 Ways To Thank a Veteran
I absolutely /LOVE/ that one of our most popular pieces on ‘Our Letters to You’ is ‘101 Ways To Thank a Veteran‘. Most folks come in through a search engine with a simple search of ‘Thank a Veteran’ or ‘How to thank a veteran’ and they leave on one of the many links mentioned in the list. I hope they are following through. Perhaps they are leaving a message on one of the message boards that is mentioned, or they are learning how to donate their time and talent at one of the organizations dedicated to the US Veteran. I love that we are helping put people in touch with US Military…
