Things I did not know…

So, as I was forcing myself through writer’s block this week when I stumbled upon “National Hug a G.I. Day” (March 4th btw).  What is that day for I asked myself (beyond the obvious)?  Also, what else is out there to honor the men, women, dogs (and families of) who servezj3nl9r5 in our Armed Forces?  My dad is retired submarine Navy.  The military was our way of life for parts of two decades.

Anyone who has joined our military is someone who, at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount up to and including their life.  Puts things in perspective for the rest of us.  So these men and women (and their families) deserve a big “thank you”.  They do not choose the wars, they do not argue the politics, but they do protect our freedoms.  And for that, I am thankful.

While political division appears to increasingly be the norm in civilian life, enlisted service members have remained relatively insulated, according to Army Command Sgt. Maj.  John Wayne Troxell.  “One of the things that makes our military great is that we remain apolitical,” Troxell said in a nod to the long-standing rules that restrict political activity by personnel in uniform.

So back to National Hug a G.I. Day.  As the only day on the calendar that is mnemonically (full disclosure did not know how to spell mnemonically) a military command, March 4th (“march forth!”) recognizes National Hug a G.I. Day.  The intent is for Americans to gather around your servicemen and servicewomen to give them a hug (figuratively).  It’s simply a way to show your support (ask their permission first). With either a pat on the back or hearty handshake, be sure to give both past and present G.I.s your appreciation. Maybe even a cup of coffee or a free lunch. While the G.I. term refers to Army personnel, the day encompasses all those who have served in the military. So, hug those from all branches.

Today the term G.I. is known to refer to those serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  Upon further review, I discovered that at the turn of the 20th century, “G.I.” was a notation used in supply records for galvanized iron (G.I.). It was later used during World War I for German artillery shells made from galvanized iron.  Sometime during the war soldiers started interpreting the initials as “Government Issue” or “General Issue”. By the time World War II came around it was starting to gain meaning as the generic enlisted (non-officer) person.  Not surprisingly, sarcastic usage among many service men and women was common, feeling they were just like any other Government Issued supply being mass-produced.

About that same time, G.I. Joe was born (not the toy yet). His creator, comic strip artist and former Army Sergeant David Breger, issued his first G.I. Joe cartoon series in Yank magazine on June 17, 1942.

The term G.I. became more permanently etched in the American language when in 1944 President Franklin Roosevelt signed the bill that became known as the G.I. Bill; Servicemen’s Readjustment Act.  And then there was no going back when Hasbro trademarked their G.I. Joe as an action figure in 1964.  Now, you know as much as I do.  

So any day (but March 4th is the day) find a G.I. you know and give them a pat on the back, a handshake or even a hug. Is your G.I. too far away to give a hug? Send him or her a virtual one via text, e-mail, phone or even snail mail. Use #HugAGIDay to post on social media.

How else do we honor the military?  Well, the list is lengthy, and here is just a sampling:  President's Day, Month of the Military Caregiver, K 9 Veterans Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Month of the Military Child, National Military Appreciation Month, Silver Star Service Banner Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day ,Children of Fallen Patriots Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, D-Day, Purple Heart Day, VJ Day, Patriot Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day, Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, National Day of the Deployed, Military Family Month, Armistice Day, Pearl Harbor Day, National Wreaths Across America, and of course Veteran’s Day (the list goes on).

Here are just a few things you can do to honor and pay respects to our heroes – past and present that servezj3nl9r5:

-       Say “thank you for your service”

-       Buy them a cup of “joe” or even a meal

-       Volunteer to lay flowers or plant flags at your local Veterans cemetery

-       Sponsor a thank-you bouquet through one of many military service organizations

-       Provide financial support for families of the fallen

-       Reach out to those grieving

-       Run (or walk) and remember those who served us (the USO and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provide financial and emotional support to bereaved spouses and children of troops who have died serving their country)

-       Fly the American Flag using proper flag etiquette

-       Visit a military memorial, museum, or monument

-       Honor the deceased by supporting living veterans

-       Observe the National Moment of Remembrance and other tributes throughout the year.

-       Post a note about a current or fallen hero on social media – whether you know them or not. See below:

Your service is not unnoticed Javier and Antonio.  My condolences to your respective families. Both soldiers died February 8, 2020 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations. The last ranks were: Sgt. 1st Class* Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas.Sgt. 1st Class* Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico (* indicates posthumous promotion).

Both soldiers were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Together.  We.  Win.