| Across the United States anyone can find | | | | Participate in their fundraisers and events. |
| millions uponmillions of US Flags and yellow | | | | |
| ribbons. If you are a memberof the extended | | | | Don't Forget The Ones Left Behind |
| family of a service member, or even a | | | | |
| friendor neighbor, you quickly realize | | | | Often we remember the soldier, but forget the |
| supporting the military andits families takes | | | | spouse andkids. Remember that the soldier |
| much more than a ribbon or a flag. | | | | will be more at peace by notworrying if |
| | | | everything at home is squared away. Offer |
| Military members give their lives and their | | | | asmuch help as you can for the family that |
| hearts to fightfor our country. Every day | | | | has been leftbehind. Be an open ear. Visit |
| many find themselves indeployment situations. | | | | them if possible. |
| Though the Department of Defense hascreated | | | | |
| many programs and services to support troops | | | | Communicate |
| intimes of war and peace, an active role by | | | | |
| the family andfriends is imperative for | | | | Buy your soldier a phone card to call home. |
| morale. | | | | Buy one fortheir kids or spouse also. This |
| | | | shows that you are openingthe lines for |
| It has been found that many immediate | | | | communication. Create a simple basket and |
| families such as thespouse, and children have | | | | fillit with phone cards, stationery, and |
| some understanding of what thesoldier is | | | | kids' supplies |
| facing. However, as the chain grows longer | | | | |
| theextended family usually knows less and | | | | (markers, glitter pens, colored paper) for |
| less. Below you willfind tried and true ways | | | | keeping in touchwith the deployed member. |
| to not only show your support forthe service | | | | Write the soldier letters, sendcards, care |
| member, but to provide a strong system for | | | | packages, or email. Don't get upset |
| themilitary family as well. | | | | ordistraught if you don't hear back from the |
| | | | soldier. |
| Tell Them You Are Proud | | | | |
| | | | Remember, they are often busier than you can |
| Tell the soldier and their family that you | | | | ever imagine. |
| are proud of whatthey are doing. Even if you | | | | |
| do not agree with the situationor our | | | | Each letter is anxiously awaited and welcomed |
| leadership decisions, support the sheer | | | | on mail dayeven if you hardly ever hear a |
| selflessnessact of your soldier. | | | | word back. |
| | | | |
| Show Your Pride | | | | Send Care Packages |
| | | | |
| Pride can be shown in numbers of ways from | | | | Don't wait for you soldier to send a list of |
| flying a flag,tying a yellow ribbon around a | | | | things he/she |
| tree or pole, placing aservice flag in your | | | | |
| window, putting a magnet on your car,buying a | | | | "needs". Send a care package once a month or |
| bracelet or trinket with their name or | | | | as often as youare able. Pack the package |
| unit,placing a flickering candle in your | | | | with fun things (see our carepackage article |
| window symbolizing | | | | for suggestions at Send an AAFES (Army & Air |
| | | | Force |
| "keeping the light on", and many more. Find | | | | |
| the way you wantto show your support and fly | | | | Exchange Service) gift certificate to a |
| it high! | | | | service member ortheir family: Don't forget |
| | | | thatthe soldier is not the only person that |
| Do Your Research | | | | needs/deserves acare package, mama and the |
| | | | kids do too! So send anysignificant people |
| Know where your soldier is going. What kind | | | | that were "left at home" a specialsomething! |
| of weather isthere? What kind of religion? | | | | |
| What rules? What is theirmission (if possible | | | | Remember Important Dates & Attend Important |
| to know)? Be interested and find outmore | | | | Events |
| about where your soldier will be and what he | | | | |
| she willhave available to them while they are | | | | Often times, your soldier leaves behind a |
| away. | | | | family at home. |
| | | | |
| Help With Chores & Tasks | | | | Life continues where they were left. Children |
| | | | graduate,dance recitals, soccer games, etc. |
| The family left behind is left with many | | | | Remember these specialevents and try to |
| additional dutiesdue to the absence of the | | | | attend if possible. Always try to |
| service member. If possible, helpwith duties | | | | rememberspecial dates such as birthdays, |
| like mowing the lawn, small home | | | | anniversaries and more. |
| repairs,babysitting etc. If you are too far | | | | |
| away to help with thesethings consider | | | | Holidays are the toughest times when a family |
| sending a gift of "lawn maintenance for | | | | member isdeployed. Remember that most |
| oneyear" from a business local to the family, | | | | military families don't livenear their |
| or finding alocal sitter service and | | | | relatives and may not be able to travel |
| purchasing a gift certificate. | | | | thisholiday season. So, invite a military |
| | | | family over for aholiday meal, buy them a |
| Get Involved - Participate | | | | small gift (or make a craft) oroffer to |
| | | | baby-sit while the parent does shopping. If |
| Be involved in your soldiers' life and with | | | | at allpossible, celebrate through the miles. |
| their family. | | | | |
| | | | Tara Crooks is the site owner and talk show |
| Don't be afraid to call them just to say | | | | host of Tara's journey with themilitary |
| "hello" and checkin to see if things are | | | | began in 1998 when she and her husband CPT |
| going okay. Every soldier has somesort of | | | | Crooks |
| family readiness group or support system | | | | |
| (dependingon the branch) that offers | | | | PCS'd to their first duty station, Ft Hood. |
| information pertaining tofamilies. Get | | | | Since, she hasearned a profitable living by |
| involved in this group. Allow them to | | | | building a great Army wifeinternet talk radio |
| callyou, mail you, or email you with updates | | | | resource. She is a PROUD Work at Home |
| or information. | | | | |
| | | | Mama & Army Wife. |