Holidays for the Troops
by Leslie Parsons
For most Americans, the holidays are all about community. Whether you’re sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with a cousin who lives on the other side of the country, decorating gingerbread houses with the grandkids, or toasting the New Year with co-workers, there is something about this season that makes people want to surround themselves with friends and family.
For the men and women who serve in our nation’s armed forces, this isn’t always possible. Active-duty service members don’t always have the luxury of being able to tailor their work schedules around holiday celebrations and those who are deployed overseas are often unable to be with their loved ones during this special time of year. They choose to give up their holidays in order to protect and defend our country, but that doesn’t make it any easier--for them or for their families.
The U.S. military recognizes this sacrifice and there are many programs designed to bring a bit of cheer to those who can’t get home for the holidays. Deployed service members are encouraged to decorate their bases and are served special holiday meals, while the USO’s (United Service Organizations) Holiday Tour provides entertainment in the form of musical acts, Hollywood celebrities, and specialized performers. The military also encourages its members to spread good will through service projects such as Operation Christmas Drop (the Defense Department’s longest-running humanitarian operation) and Operation Santa Claus (which provides toys and gifts to children in remote parts of Alaska).
There are also many opportunities for civilians to show their love and support to our troops during the festive season. Soldiers’ Angels (SA) is a nonprofit organization that provides aid, support, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families. They recognize how difficult this time of year can be, so they work overtime to bring a little holiday magic into their lives. Volunteers from around the country make and fill Christmas stockings to send to deployed troops, host holiday parties for military families, send cards to veterans who might be alone for the holidays and collect toys for children in need.
Another way members of the public can show their support and appreciation to veterans and active duty military service members during the holidays is by sending Dog Tag Bakery Holiday gift boxes- this year’s theme is “A Winter Wonderland.” Dog Tag Bakery serves as a learning laboratory for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers who are searching for a renewed sense of purpose and the skills to build amazing careers for themselves. While there are several different boxes available throughout the year, Dog Tag goes all out for the holidays.
Their Holiday Gift Boxes contain many of the bakery’s most popular treats and a few extra surprises, including signature sweets created by members of the Dog Tag Fellowship Program. Each box also contains a few small items related to the box’s theme. Customers can have boxes sent to deployed service members or to friends and family who are closer to home. Dog Tag also serves businesses looking for unique and fun corporate gifts.
It may only be October, but it’s not too early to start thinking about how you can share the warmth and joy of the holiday season with the veterans and active-duty service members in your life and community.
The True North Foundation is proud to support organizations like Soldiers’ Angels and Dog Tag Inc. and the work they do to show our nation’s military heroes how much we appreciate their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. For more information about True North and the organizations we support, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.