This week’s OneOp blog post is a guest blog contribution from Christine “C.C.” Gallagher, Founder of Military Quality of Life Consulting LLC. C.C. is no stranger to the major life changes and often unexpected transitions that comes with living in a military family.
As a mother of two and a spouse to an active-duty Army soldier, C.C. has experienced many obstacles and successes in her journey as a military spouse, mother, and professional. You can read more about C.C. and get a list of her collaborative efforts with us on her bio page.
Celebrating National Military Appreciation Month
By: C.C. Gallagher
May is a month of celebration and commemoration. National Military Appreciation Month includes several key dates pertaining to our military community:
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 7, 2021 (The Friday Before Mother’s Day) where we honored military spouses.
- Armed Forces Day: May 15, 2021 (The Third Saturday in May) where we celebrate all of those serving in our military.
- Memorial Day: May 31, 2021 (The Last Monday in May) where we remember those who have gone before us and their military service.
Below you will find several ways that you can show your gratitude to our men and women who continue to serve in uniform, have served and the families that stand beside them.
Show Gratitude
The easiest way we can show our appreciation is by simply saying “thank you” to those who serve or have served.
Send a card
If you have children this could be a great way to get them involved and explain to them what selfless service is and what our military does. Here are a couple of great organizations helping to deliver cards to our service members all around the world!
Donate or Volunteer
There are many organizations that give back to our veterans, service members, and military families. Donating to these organizations, whether monetarily or with your time, gives the military community well-deserved opportunities, support, and resources.
Support Military-Owned
There are many hardworking men and women, who not only own a business but have selflessly served our country as well. Take the time to do a little research and purchase from a Veteran-owned or Milspouse-owned business. Amazon allows you to directly support military family small businesses, The Rosie Network hosts The Rosie Shop that highlights military entrepreneurs, and Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families created a military-owned shopping guide with over 400 veteran, active duty, reservists, and military spouse-owned businesses listed.
Discounts
Another easy way to show your appreciation for service members and their families is to offer specific discounts during the month of May. If you own a business, consider showing your appreciation by providing a special discount.
Listen to their stories
If you have a military connection, take some time to listen to their stories. Our service members and their families go through many experiences that are left untold or go unnoticed. Listening to their stories not only shows them that you care but can give you insight or a new understanding of the sacrifices made.
There are so many impactful ways you can get involved in supporting our military members and their families, not just during the month of May, but all year long. Show your appreciation and support to them however you are most comfortable, as even the smallest of gestures can go a long way!
Sending my sincerest appreciation to all those who currently serve, have served, along with their families.
We want to thank C.C. for contributing to our OneOp posts! Stay tuned for more potential guest contributions from her in 2021. For access to all of OneOp’s blog posts, see a list of all our blog posts here.
Blog Image: Personal photo, used with permission of C.C. Gallagher
