Whether they're serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, or waiting to hear news from a husband or child serving far from home, military moms deserve a special shout-out this Veteran's Day.
More than 3 million Americans have had a spouse or parent deploy since 9/11, according to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. With the Department of Defense noting that 6,600 of currently deployed soldiers are moms, mom.me would like to share ways you can support these brave women overseas, as well as those cheering on deployed family members from home.
Phone Home ($25; USO)—Give moms the chance to share their voice with family. The USO program provides phone cards and technology to soldiers serving abroad.
Gourmet Gift Basket ($35-$40; GourmetGiftBaskets.com)—Whether it's junk food or healthy snacks, these care packages are stuffed with goodies for deployed soldiers.
Bedtime Stories ($50; USO)—Moms can record bedtime stories on a DVD to be sent home to their kids.
Gift Packages ($25 to $60; Troop Care Pack)—From personal essentials like shampoo and lotion to a coffee and cookies pack, Troop Care Pack sends personalized packages to moms serving abroad.
Overnight Newborn Care (varies; Mission: Sleep)—Give a mom the gift of free overnight newborn care when her husband is deployed or wounded when baby arrives.
Write a Letter ($1; Operation Gratitude)—For the cost of a stamp and some stationery, you can send a letter to a mom serving in the military.
Make a Donation (varies; Operation Once in a Lifetime)—Donate funds to help send a soldier home to see her family or to help with bills.
Grab a tissue, and check out these videos of military moms returning home to their families:
We Salute Military Moms: Airport Greeting
We Salute Military Moms: Who's This Patient?
We Salute Military Moms: In the Classroom
We Salute Military Moms: Salon Surprise
We Salute Military Moms: At the Office
