Military spouses are truly one-of-a-kind.
We’re perfectly happy standing beside our service members and don’t want a lot of limelight. But being acknowledged is always a nice feeling. Cue Military Spouse Appreciation Day – May 9, 2014.
Unsure of how to say thank you to a military spouse you know? Never fret – we’ve got five easy ways to do so:
5 Easy Ways to Say Thank You to a Military Spouse
Don’t ask what you can do to help, just do it.
Military spouses are proud, proud people. We don’t always accept help easily, so when someone asks us “what can we do to help?” or “let me know if you need anything” we will more than likely respond graciously but decline any help. Instead, show up with food or wine and let them know that you’re there for them.
Do something amazing for their kids.
Show up to their soccer game or other sporting event, take them to the park, bring them a special gift or care package. It really does take a village to raise kids, so when others pitch in and help – especially if the military member is away – it helps out the spouse at home by giving them one less thing to worry about. Plus, what parent doesn’t want to see their kids happy?
Send them snail mail.
There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note in amongst the bills and junk mail. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Just a quick note to let them know you’re thinking of them and miss them will do the trick. (PS – this works for anyone, anytime. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t love getting happy mail.)
Be their biggest cheerleader.
Military spouses give up a lot when they marry their love. They move away from their family and give up jobs. In doing so, sometimes they feel as though their wants, needs and desires are less important. Find out what they’re passionate about and help them follow that passion. Maybe it’s returning to school or building a business. Encourage them to follow their dreams and stay positive for them.
Plan an outing with their friends.
We’re all pretty busy people and finding the time to get together with friends can be difficult. Create an impromptu gathering to help show your support to a military spouse. Let them know you’re there for them. Bonus points if you can gather civilian friends or family that may not live locally.
Showing support for our military spouses doesn’t have to take a lot of money or time. Be sincere and that will come across in whatever way you choose to show appreciation.
Two things to remember: Spouses include men and partners. And you don’t have to limit this to once a year – say thanks whenever you can. An unexpected thank you can be the best gift of all.
Tell us- What’s your favorite thing to do to say “thank you” to another milspouse?
This post is sponsored by AT&T. AT&T is committed to hiring military spouses. Check out their military employment page here!
First, can I just say… NextGen MilSpouse rocks! Another way to SHOW your appreciation to milspouses is to be a dedicated advocate for them, working to stop reduced benefits and support to milfams by contacting your members of Congress.
By saying “Thank you” and letting them know they are missed and loved
Snail mail is great! It’s especially nice to get a note from a friend when your address changes so often.
One of my blog friends (Runner Army Wife) had a really cute idea for a care package that you could send to a military spouse. It was things like life savers to keep you afloat, Kleenex to dry your tears, etc. really cute.
Honestly I feel good just when people ask me to pass along their thanks and respect to my husband.
Love the snail mail idea and the thought of someone just showing up with ice cream or adult beverages (can’t think of a time I’d turn either away). Thanks for the post!
Sending thank you cards would be a great way to show appreciation!
Random surprises and treats 🙂
Saying thank you or sending thank you cards.
I think recognizing that spouses don’t just live on bases or in military towns. There are so many Guard and Reserve spouses that are overlooked completely.
Being there as a good friend and emotional support is great – lending an ear, having a girls day, etc..
KEEPING THE KIDS AND LETTING THEM HAVE SOME TIME WITH THE HUBBIES
I would write a heartfelt letter letting them know how thankful I am for them and to show my support
Treating them to dinner and a movie, send them flowers, babysit
I show my appreciation by baking for the military family I know – yummy things are always appreciated. I try to help out by babysitting, doing errands, things like that to take life’s burdens off them.
Dropping off a random dessert or flowers!
A hug and a smile go a long way & a BIG sincere “thank you!”
Treating them to lunch.
Volunteer your time ….for yardwork or kid-sitting, or bring over a homecooked meal.
A hand written card with a box of chocolate.
Care packages are a great way to say thank you and getting things in the mail is always a treat.
Getting a letter or card is always the best!!!
when we see people in the military my husband walks up to them and shakes their hand.. He always says “thanks for your service”
By preparing boxes full of small things of samples to send to serving spouse who might now have access to many things
I would prepare a fun gift basket with a movie and restaurant gift card and lots of snacks.
You can show a military spouse support by being there as a friend whether it be in person or over the phone. Having a great friend is important. Also, a card here or there or a care package is also a great idea.
We can show appreciation with care packages. They tell someone that you are thinking of them and care about them.
I mow their yard while their spouse is gone.
From my opinion all letters & care packages are great way of saying thank you. Outing plan is also good idea, but these they peoples are so much busy in there professional life. they do not have much time. but if they want then this is good idea to plan outing with military spouse.