Alexandria, VA – With ongoing attacks in Iran and the Middle East, the US military is making daily headlines. It is fitting, then, that we take a moment to recognize the service and sacrifices of those deployed in service to our country.
October 26 is the annual National Day of the Deployed. The observance is meant to show gratitude and support for the essential work of deployed service members in defending the country and protecting America’s interests abroad. It also acknowledges the sacrifices of military families during these difficult periods. Further, it helps raise awareness of opportunities to advocate for policies and initiatives that provide resources to help service members fulfill their missions and to support their own and their families’ well-being.
The first Day of the Deployed was observed in 2006. Then North Dakota Governor John Hoevento issued a formal proclamation in response to a petition from Soldiers’ Angel volunteer Shelle Michaeles Aberle. October 26 was chosen to honor the birthday of Aberle’s cousin, LTC David Hosna, serving in Iraq at the time. In 2011, now US Senator Hoeven co-sponsored a resolution for a national day of honor; it passed unanimously. By 2012, all 50 states had adopted the observance.
Military deployments are nothing new. In 1845, President Polk deployed US troops to Mexico in a boundary dispute over what is present-day Texas and other territories. World War II saw over 12 million Americans in overseas combat zones, more than in any war in American history. At the height of the Cold War, 400,000+ troops were stationed in Europe to prevent Soviet expansion. In 1953, over 300,000 soldiers were deployed in America’s conflict with North Korea; nearly 23,000 serve there today.
Currently, approximately 174,400 active-duty US troops, 13% of the total active force, are stationed across anywhere from 80 to 95 countries, most outside of the Western Hemisphere. Adding in the National Guard, reserve components, and Department of Defense civilians increases the total to over 221,000. The highest numbers of active-duty troops deployed OCONUS (outside the Continental US) are stationed in Japan, Germany, South Korea, Italy, and United Kingdom, in that order. Over 45% are under 25 years old. Half are married, 6.7% in dual-military marriages. The standard tour length is 36 months for an accompanied (with family) tour; 24 months for an unaccompanied tour.
Deployments are challenging. Prolonged separation means births and birthdays, holidays, recitals, sports games, and graduations missed. Please let deployed service members know that a grateful nation stands with them and supports their families. Send a care package or letter to a deployed service member through, or donate to or volunteer with, a local veterans service organization, military base Family Resource Center, a military family support group, or an organization such as the USO or Operation Gratitude. Post a social media video or blog sharing personal stories of military families (#DayOfTheDeployed).
Or, simply tie a yellow ribbon on a tree near your home. Popularized by a 1973 song that inspired the display of yellow ribbons to support the return of US hostages from Iran in 1979, and again in the 1990s during the Gulf War, the ribbons have become a symbol of remembering someone serving far away from home and of hope for their safe return.
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If you are a veteran or know a veteran or family member who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; or contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
