May is National Military Appreciation Month here in the United States!

Being that I know a lot of people who are either serving in the military, or have served in the past, it’s only fitting to write up another post that is dedicated to the hardworking men and women who defend our country’s freedom each and every day! Honestly, I didn’t know that National Military Appreciation Month existed until just last year, when I learned about the many ways that my employer supports our military!

What is National Military Appreciation Month?

National Military Appreciation Month began in 1999 via Congressional designation as a way to not only to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our hardworking military personnel, but to also educate American citizens on the historical impact of our military through community involvement. There’s even an official website that you can visit to learn more about National Military Appreciation Month, all of the events that encompass the month of May, and how you and your community can get involved! Of course, one of the most simplest ways to show your appreciation for our military, is to tell a military service member “Thank You for Your Service!”

Video Credit: US Department of Defense. Posted on the official NMAM website homepage.

What does the month of May encompass in respect to military appreciation?

The month of may encompasses several different days that are dedicated to the US military, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9, Armed Forces Day on May 17, and of course…Memorial Day on May 26. In addition, VE Day (which marked the end of World War II in Europe) is May 8; and this year…President Obama proclaimed May 1 as Loyalty Day.

The USS Ramage returns home!

This post could not have come at a better time! One of my favorite US Navy ships, the USS Ramage (DDG-61) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, VA this past weekend after embarking on a nine-month deployment in the Mediterranean region with a focus on Ballistic Missile Defense.

The Ramage is a US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer that was commissioned in 1995, and was named after Vice Admiral Lawson Paterson Ramage (USN), who served during World War II. Now this isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned the Ramage in my posts, as I have mentioned the ship in my Veterans Day posts in 2012 and 2013.

I personally know two officers onboard the Ramage, one of whom is Lieutenant Junior Grade Jamison R. Fiebrandt, pictured above. I thank him and the entire Ramage crew for doing all that they do to help protect our country’s freedom! ROCK ON RAMAGE CREW!

HARTride 2012