With the holidays coming up, Mainers stationed around the world had a chance to videotape a quick shout-out to family members back home.
Not all military members overseas can come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, often creating loneliness and stress for them and their families.
Military.com has some ideas for deployed parents on specific ways to handle the separation, such as by writing a letter to their children about all the different ways they’re loved and appreciated, recording a favorite holiday book or story and sending it to their child, creating a holiday ornament with their child’s name on it, or trying to participate in holiday activities in real time, remotely.
For family members stateside, the site recommends finding ways to reduce stress, such as by exercising, seeing a movie, shopping or getting a massage. Family members might also put together a care package for their service member or volunteer in the community, as it can be emotionally rewarding.
Either way, it’s important to stay in touch.
Check out the videos below.
Airman 1st Class Colin Chase in Japan gives a holiday shout out to family and friends in South Paris:
Lt. Nicole Martin in Sigonella, Italy, sends her greeting to Bangor:
Lt. Frederick Barry in Djibouti sends his holiday greetings to family in Bangor:
