Thanksgiving is an emotional time for Americans. People travel hundreds of miles and endure flight delays and other logistical nightmares just so they can be reunited with their loved ones for the weekend. But not everyone can expect to be with their families—military personnel, for example, on deployment know they won’t be coming home to say grace with their loved ones at the Thanksgiving table. So how do they celebrate the holiday? And how can you help military personnel and their families this Thanksgiving? Read on to learn more:

Thanksgiving Traditions in Military Families Can Be Different:

It’s no secret that military service can change your life in a variety of ways. It could even alter some of the more traditional Thanksgiving celebrations that others have taken for granted and inspire new family traditions. For instance, not all military families stick to the staple roasted turkey. Some combine influences from the various cultures they’ve been exposed to during their time in the service. During deployment, a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel or Applebee’s isn’t uncommon. Some prefer cooking meals for soldiers who are far from family. 

Thanksgiving Traditions for Troops Deployed Overseas:

Deployment need not stop our troops from celebrating Thanksgiving. Given that Thanksgiving dinners hold sentimental value, the government ships out thousands of pounds of turkey and trimmings to troops wherever they are stationed. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) arranges large Thanksgiving dinners and sends out a proper holiday meal to field kitchens, dining facilities, and galleys hosting these troops. 

All military families stick to the staple roasted turkey. Some combine influences from the various cultures they’ve been exposed to during their time in the service. During deployment, a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel or Applebee’s isn’t uncommon. Some prefer cooking meals for soldiers who are far from family. 

Thanksgiving Traditions in a War Zone:

Serving in a war zone needn’t be an excuse for skipping out on Thanksgiving celebrations. If the situation permits, soldiers take a day off to play football and enjoy some food. Troops serving NATO get to enjoy the holiday with people across the world. Even soldiers in combat outposts are sent Thanksgiving dinner. But everybody carries their guns with them—just as they would in a war zone. 

For instance, not all military families stick to the staple roasted turkey. Some combine influences from the various cultures they’ve been exposed to during their time in the service. During deployment, a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel or Applebee’s isn’t uncommon. Some prefer cooking meals for soldiers who are far from family.

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) arranges large Thanksgiving dinners and sends out a proper holiday meal to field kitchens, dining facilities, and galleys hosting these troops. 

It’s no secret that military service can change your life in a variety of ways. It could even alter some of the more traditional Thanksgiving celebrations that others have taken for granted and inspire new family traditions.

What You Can Do to Help a Military Family During Thanksgiving:

There are tons of ways you can help military personnel and their families celebrate Thanksgiving. For one, you can contribute to groups set up for civilians who’d like to help the military and their families. For instance, Military Friends, a charity group, arranges “Hero Meals”, a program that provides meal packages to service people, families, veterans, and first responders. You could donate or offer to volunteer for them. 

People travel hundreds of miles and endure flight delays and other logistical nightmares just so they can be reunited with their loved ones for the weekend. But not everyone can expect to be with their families—military personnel, for example, on deployment know they won’t be coming home to say grace with their loved ones at the Thanksgiving table.

You could offer to adopt a soldier’s family, send them gift cards, offer childcare, or even adopt a soldier who cannot fly home for the holidays. If you know a military family who has recently moved in and can’t travel home, how about calling them over for Thanksgiving dinner? And maybe you could even show your support by donning American flag shirts or other patriotic apparel. These items can be purchased from US clothing stores that support the troops.