91��Ƭ��

1. Send cards of appreciation to the Armed Forces.

   One of the most direct ways to thank a servicemember is to send them a personal letter of thanks. Organizations like give you information on how to send letters to those who are serving stateside or abroad or who are recovering in hospitals.

   “Sharing a message of gratitude, a simple thank you can go a long way especially to a family member whose sacrifices go unseen,” says Kelly Grooms, assistant director of veterans initiatives at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). She has worked with UMGC military-affiliated students for over 10 years.

   This small act of gratitude can make a huge difference in the lives of military members, reminding them that they are appreciated by people all over the world.

2. Support businesses that are owned by military veterans and active-duty servicemembers.

   Shopping or working with businesses and organizations owned by servicemembers are great ways to show your support this month. You can of veteran-owned businesses to get started.

3. Volunteer for non-profit organizations that support military servicemembers and veterans.

   Many non-profit organizations are dedicated to supporting our military servicemembers, and each make an impact in different ways.

   “A great way to show appreciation to servicemembers is by donating to reputable military charities and actively participating in or supporting local military events that honor their service and sacrifices,” says Amy Hoch, a team associate for military enrollment operations at UMGC and spouse of a retired U.S. Army National Guard member.

   Some of organizations dedicated to serving veterans and military servicemembers include the , , , , and You can donate, volunteer your time, or share your support for these organizations.

   “I think one of the best ways to show appreciation is meeting servicemembers and veterans where they are physically and mentally,” says Grooms. “You can volunteer with local veteran service organizations [VSO] or connect a servicemember or veteran with a VSO to help meet their need.”

4. Buy a meal for someone in uniform.

   If you are in a restaurant or a coffee shop this month and see somebody in uniform, you can offer to buy their food or a non-alcoholic beverage as a way to thank them for their service. This is also a great opportunity to connect with others.

   “On a couple of occasions, we have been surprised by someone secretly paying for our meal when we've been out to eat,” says Laurie Miller, senior certification specialist with veterans initiatives at UMGC. Miller is the spouse of an Army veteran with 24 years of service. “In Hawaii, the students at the university I worked at would bring leis and food.”

5. If you know a military family with a member who is deployed, check in to see how they are and if they need anything.

   The life of military servicemembers can sometimes feel isolating, especially for those who are separated from their loved ones by miles and time zones. Checking in on them, either through a call, text, or letter can offer them that connection to home as they continue their important work.

The Legacy of Military Support at UMGC

At University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), we celebrate servicemembers, veterans, and military families everywhere for their dedication to our country. Since 1947, UMGC has proudly supported the military community and is recognized as a military- and veteran-trusted school.

“Our team is deeply invested in making sure our students have what they need to succeed. They are doing independent research to make sure students have the support they need behind the scenes.” says Meghan White, assistant director of military enrollment operations at UMGC. She is a U.S. Army veteran with nine years of service, and spouse to a recently retired Marine. “We are adjusting schedules and hours to make sure we can see each student that needs us, are creating new locations, and meeting virtually to make sure each and every student’s voice is heard, and they have the support we're famous for.”

We specifically offer our military students many benefits, including

• A military tuition rate, tuition assistance, military scholarships, and flexible online learning options tailored to service members
• Support services like military academic advising, career services, and transition programs for veterans
• College credit for your military rank, experience, and training
• The opportunity to study anywhere in the world or in a hybrid format at our more than 175 global locations

“It means a lot to me to mentor and guide military affiliated students. I understand where they are and what lies ahead as they transition from uniform to civilian,” says Matthew Martie, military education coordinator for military enrollment operations at UMGC and U.S. Army veteran with 23 years of service. “Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off, so it's an honor and privilege to have the capacity to affect change, motivate and encourage others to be more than they are today."

With more than 60,000 servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses and families currently enrolled at UMGC, we understand the unique benefits they bring to the classroom, and the challenges they can face in their line of work. This National Military Appreciation Month, and every month, UMGC thanks military servicemembers for their commitment, dedication, and service.