Photo By Maj. Joe Legros | Spec. Abigail Graham of the 126th Press Camp Headquarters, Michigan National Guard,...... read more read more
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LANSING, Mich. -- What time of year comes to mind when you see candied yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese? Perhaps you now envision the scrumptious main dish of stuffed turkey with gravy, followed by pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.
Despite the nostalgic aromas and once-a-year flavors of this typical Thanksgiving dinner, many would argue that it is the warmth of spending quality time with loved ones that matters most.
However, for many of our nation’s service members and families, the holidays can be a difficult season. For some, the challenge is due to a current overseas mission or deployment. While others, such as Gold Star families, must reflect back upon past holidays when their fallen loved ones were still around.
For all of us, even those with a broken family or no family, the holiday season should be a time of reflection, gratitude and giving.
While the above statement may seem easier said than done, one of the best ways to inspire gratitude is to give of oneself. Giving not only leads to gratitude in the recipient, but it does something special for the giver as well. If you want to be grateful for what you have, try meeting the needs of others.
The rewards are as bountiful as the Thanksgiving dinner described above.
Military families do this the minute they sign up for the armed forces. They have decided to serve a cause greater than themselves. In return for this sacrifice, they receive numerous leadership opportunities and training, a sense of pride for defending freedom, long lasting friendships, not to mention the educational and health benefits.
However, if you are still wondering about the ways you can give this holiday season, consider the following example.
Abigail Graham is a stay-at-home mother of four young children under the age of six. While she sells cosmetics on the side, technically she is unemployed and the family of six relies solely on her husband’s income as a shop manager at an automotive store in Grand Rapids.
“We’re trying to make it work with just his income due to the cost of childcare, but the cost is ridiculous with four kids,” says Graham, “We would be losing money if I went to work after you factor in childcare, tax and gasoline.”
Living paycheck to paycheck is a way of life for many, and in this case, one paycheck must provide housing and food for a rather large family.
Graham is also an Army National Guard Specialist and Combat Documentation / Production Specialist with the 126 Press Camp Headquarters in Augusta, Mich. Having served in active duty for six years at Fort Meade, Maryland, Graham has spent the last three years in Michigan taking photos and producing videos for statewide military exercises.
“My sister has not been able to work for a while, what with having four little kids to take care of,” shares Sarah Jessup, Graham’s sister. “When I heard that a local Veterans Motorcycle Club was looking for deserving families, I immediately thought of Abigail. I submitted a form and hoped for the best.”
After talking with Sarah, the VMC decided Graham’s family would be the perfect recipient of some Thanksgiving “gratitude.” After voting unanimously, the group awarded her with a $100 meal card.
Some might be tempted to think their gift will not help. Others may believe there are simply too many people in need. However, a simple $100 gift made a family of six very grateful on thanksgiving. Every little bit helps.
“The Graham family is a great example of why we do what we do,” explains Dave Acker, president of the VMC’s Lansing chapter. “She serves our country, sacrifices for her family and is struggling financially right now. A good Thanksgiving meal won’t meet all their needs, but it will give them hope.”
Sgt. 1st Class Dave Acker is also a full time senior Human Resources non commissioned officer in the Michigan Army National Guard. He shares “It’s just veterans helping veterans. We plan to do this again during Christmas and we already have a family in mind.”
“Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude," says Graham, “And now we have another thing to be thankful for.”
Nearly everyone goes through tough times when it may be hard to make ends meet. Families can experience a health crisis, the loss of a job, or worse: the loss of a loved one. There is no shortage of need, if we only take a look. But once you find a need, you may be wondering how you can address it.
Maybe $100 hurts your wallet too much? Not to fear. Money is just one of many ways to give. For further inspiration, look no further than the same organization that helped the Graham family.
Together with another non-profit organization called We Love Our Troops, the Lansing VMC helped supply and pack care packages for over 100 service members deployed overseas this season. The boxes contained snacks, food, treats, toiletries, and other holiday items totaling over 1,300 pounds. Additionally, the group collected 1,326 cards to mail to deployed service members before Christmas.
“We've had warriors come to our home on their leave time, had them call assuring us they're safe, been invited to baby's births, weddings and family Christmas.” said Christina Webster, founder of We Love Our Troops. “Many warriors have become an extension of our own family.”
Whether you give money, time or energy, the positive results may go well beyond what you expected. Organizations like the two highlighted above make a huge difference in the lives of many, but your contribution alone might just make the difference. Even a comforting or encouraging word might be the spark that leads to bigger and better things for others.
Graham explains, “The VMC searches for families to help. My sister knew of the group and told them about me.” Graham probably would not have asked for assistance on her own.
“My sister filled out the form, then she called to tell me that the VMC had unanimously voted for my family to receive the meal.”
Most people will not expect anything, nor will they ask for help on their own. Sometimes they need others to advocate on their behalf.
“I was stunned and pleasantly surprised when I found out that my family was chosen,” shares Graham. “I am also happy to be able to share this meal with my family and plan to pay it forward when I get the chance and I'm in a more financially stable position.”
A special gift, a little bit of time and energy, or even a heartfelt word can make a difference. Make the most of your opportunities this holiday season, not just to spend time eating wonderful food together with loved ones, but also to give the gift of gratitude.
Pay it forward.
ABOUT THE 126 PRESS CAMP HEADQUARTERS (PCH)
Headquartered at the Augusta Armory in Augusta, Mich., the 126 PCH is the Michigan Army National Guard’s primary media relations unit with photography, videography, interview and feature story capabilities.
For more information contact:
Capt. Joe Legros, Broadcast Section Chief: joseph.d.legros.mil@mail.mil & (616) 502-6079
Sgt. 1st Class Adam Swager, Operations & Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer: adam.v.swager.mil@mail.mil & (269) 731-6431
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.30.2019 15:10 |
| Story ID: | 302272 |
| Location: | GRAND LEDGE, MI, US |
| Hometown: | BATTLE CREEK, MI, US |
| Hometown: | DETROIT, MI, US |
| Hometown: | LANSING, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Gravy, Gratitude and Giving, by MAJ Joe Legros, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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