October 26 - Day of the Deployed

On October 26, 2010, the 5th Annual Day of the Deployed, Americans are encouraged to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and to honor our brave men and women in uniform (and their families) who are selflessly putting their lives on the line to protect and preserve our way of life.

Businesses are encouraged to display the proclamation honoring America’s deployed service members and their families. Other ways for individuals in local communities to honor a deployed service member are: holding a special thank you event, assisting with daily chores, raking leaves, watching their children, or adopting a hero, among many other ways to say “thank you!”

Major Bryan Carroll, recently returned from Afghanistan, explains why this is so important. "Our brave young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard are in harm's way, every day, around the world. I cannot even begin to tell you how much of a difference it makes when they know that they are loved and supported by their fellow citizens back at home. It could have been the worst day in the world, for any number of reasons, but that knowledge that comes from a letter, a care package, or a day like Day of the Deployed is what can make a critical difference in their spirits and morale. Thank you to all of you that participate in events like Day of the Deployed and sending care packages and letters to our brave troops."

Shelle Michaels, who led development of this special day adds, "This is the 5th Annual Day of the Deployed that Soldiers' Angels has honored. We encourage Americans to join with and other organizations across America to make this a day that our country stands in unison to support our deployed warriors and their families, a day to renew our commitment to support the troops all year long."

Cpt. Dan Murphy, North Dakota Army National Guard Public Affairs Officer says, “From the service member deployed today to those who have deployed throughout history there is no greater call than to serve others. Take the opportunity to thank all who wear a uniform, that show of support means more than we can express.”

Soldiers' Angels Patti Patton-Bader and Shelle Michaels developed the concept of Day of the Deployed in 2006 in honor of all deployed military members and their families. This day of honor is no longer a day of honor just from the Soldiers‘ Angels standpoint, as governors across the nation are on board signing their own state proclamations.

Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led nonprofit, with over 30 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Volunteers send letters, care packages, and comfort items to the deployed, and support their families here at home. Soldiers’ Angels also provide assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen and immediate response to unique situation. For more information, please contact ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org or view details on www.soldiersangels.org.

Complete story and the Day of the Deployed proclamation.