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