1. They're Handing Out Roses in Loving Memory of Those Who Gave Their Life to Serve Their Nation
Each Memorial Day, volunteers at Memorial Day Flowers place thousands of roses on headstones and to visitors across the country in order to honor the lives of those who served their country.
2. They’re Offering Military Pets a Home Away From Home
Through Dogs on Deployment, volunteers connect with service members by offering their pets a loving home while they're away serving their country. Leaving loved ones behind can be tough, but, thanks to these volunteers, service members can be reassured that their furry friends are in safe hands.
3. They’re Emailing Words of Encouragement to Inspire Service Members
Everyone needs a few kind words of encouragement sometimes, especially the brave men and women proudly serving in the United States Armed Forces. Founded in 2001, eMOM lets volunteers email their support and gratitude to deployed troops to show them how much they care.
4. They’re Connecting Loved Ones With Calling Cards
Being able to hear the voice of your loved ones when you're away from home is an incredible way to boost morale. Cell Phones for Soldiers makes moments like this possible by providing service members with prepaid calling cards through generous donations and recycled mobile phones.
5. They’re Adopting U.S. Soldiers and Showing Them How Much They Care
Through Adopt a U.S. Soldier, volunteers commit to sending postcards, letters, and care packages to service members on deployment to show them how much they're appreciated. It's a personal way to reach out, say thank you, and encourage troops who are miles from home.
6. They’re Bringing Families Together Through Reading
Being separated from your loved ones is one of the hardest parts of deployment for everyone involved. Thanks to United Through Reading, deployed service members can record themselves reading a story to their children back home. Their reaction is then recorded and sent back to the service member. This system is a great way to ease the stress of separation for both parents and children. There’s nothing like being able to read your child a bedtime story even when you’re far from home.
7. They’re Saying "Thank You" by Baking Homemade Treats
The Soldiers' Angels Baker Team volunteer their time in order to bake tasty treats like cakes and cookies for troops serving their country. Nothing says "thank you" like a taste of home!
8. They’re Pampering Our Ladies of Liberty With Care Packages
The Ladies of Liberty Team (LoL) are a group of women who volunteer to send care packages full of treats to pamper and rejuvenate the women courageously serving in the United States Armed Forces.
9. They’re Joining Together to Create a Network of Mental Health Services for Troops and Their Families
Mental health professionals are joining together as part of the Give an Hour organization in order to provide a network of support services available to troops and their families. By donating their time and expertise, these individuals are working to address the psychological needs that arise with the stress of deployment.
10. They’re Sending Video Games to Deployed Service Members in Need of Home Comforts
The United Service Organizations have developed a Mobile Entertainment Gaming System (MEGS), a multimedia platform which supports multiple gaming systems and can be delivered to military bases around the world (and even ships at sea). Thanks to donations from supportive civilians, service members are able to have home comforts and entertainment while they're off duty.
11. They’re Supporting New Moms by Throwing Baby Showers for Military Families
Operation Shower celebrates military families by throwing baby showers for those families who are expecting a new baby and are experiencing or have recently experienced deployment. Thanks to the team, and everyone who sponsors the showers or donates products, new moms are brought together to celebrate and feel supported during a potentially stressful time.
12. They’re Sending Personalized Care Packages to Thank Their Hero
Through HeroBox, supportive civilians at home can connect with service members on deployment, as well as homeless and injured veterans. They can show their gratitude by sending care packages personalized with the items their hero needs most.
And GEICO is making sure infants of military families travel safely, starting with their first ride home from the hospital.
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GEICO's Baby's First Ride program allows new parents to borrow a car seat for their infant...at no charge! It's just one of the many things GEICO is doing to support the military. Find more programs here.