how do invite a soldier forhanksgiving dinner?
915348
I usually just have them over for stuffing.
910106
I sent you the name of a unit in Afghanistan to your email through Yahoo. Thank you for your and your restaurant for your support. Wish you could send real food. HAHA.
298249
I am not sure if this is the same thing as a "come and go" event, but we have a very large family and often hold what we call "open houses".  I advise a 2-3 hour time frame for the event.  Refreshments can be very simple, especially if you hold the shower during the afternoon hours of 2-5 or 1-4 since this is after lunch and before dinner.  Use small plates, 6 or 8 inch and provide finger foods - fresh veggies with dip, cut-up fresh fruit, small appetizers such as little quiche or little sausages wrapped around crescent roll dough.  Dessert can be sugar cookies made in hearts with the wedding date or bride and groom's names written on them.  Miniature cupcakes would be cute, too.  Provide something that will "unite" all the guests since they won't all be there at the same time.  Maybe provide a recipe card and a 3x5 card in each guest's invitation.  Have them bring a favorite recipe on the recipe card and some "advice" for the happy couple on the 3x5 card.  Have a pretty basket available to put the card in.  As each guest leaves, give them something small as a momento since you won't be able to do much in the way of games.  Perhaps a small votive candle or a little potpourri wrapped in tulle and ribbon that match the colors of the bride's colors.  After the party, as the bride-to-be unwraps each gift, take a digital or poloroid picture of her with the gift and send it in the thank-you card to the giver.  Make sure everyone has a name tag since the guest list is large.  Another option may be to consider a different venue for the party.  A church social hall, a school gym or cafeteria, a park with a gazebo, someone's back yard, may be possibilities to allow all guests to be there at the same time.  Also, if you have anyone nice enough to ask what they can do to help, be sure to accept their offer and see if they can either help set-up or clean-up or perhaps bring a veggie tray or make cookies.  This will help financially and will be less stress for you.
93017
Turn it into a big family and friends event. Get both guys and girls involved. Have a cookout. That is what I did.
278980
bride..and best wishes!!\nif you wanted to try and include your parents on the invite, you could do: Suzy and Tom, together with their parents, request your presence...
1055336
First off...be there for him.  If he needs someone to talk to, or someone to write letters of support...be there.  \nGo to www.anysoldier.com    you can send care packages to soldiers who don't get mail.  They're relatively cheap, i do it all the time.  \nAlso...don't forget the people left at home.  If you know family of deployed soldiers....spouses, children, mothers, etc...let them know how much u appreciate their loved one, and help them in any way you can.  Whether it's babysitting for a night, or helping with chores at home, it IS a way of supporting your troops.  It makes sure they have a happy household to come home to.  \nGood luck in whatever you do, and from a military spouse, thank you for your support!
778047
1st thing:  Breathe!  You'll get through this & have some great memories in a few years.\n\nNext, don't be embarressed for your in-laws.  It's not YOUR fault they are the way they are.  Your parents/family KNOW this. \n\nRegarding the kids, plan on doing a children's table.  2 reasons:  keep them seperate from the adults so you can have "grown up conversations" and you can use that same table for activities such as puzzles, games, crafts, etc. \n\nFor the menu:  Tell them that you had planned on traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  If they would like to make & bring barbeque, that would be great!  Then both families can share what they consider traditional.\n\nHave fun!  Remember this won't be the only time the families get together.  Make the best of it!
108241
Anything food that can be added to the menu or dessert.  Wine is also an apporpriate thing to bring.  If a different gift is your desire a nice vase or bowl would be acceptable, something that is out of the ordinary.  Do not be surpirsed if you do not receive a gift in return.  That is something that happens in all Orental Cultures.
852080
This is sweet of you it meant alot to me and my men!  \n\nThe United States armed forces cannot recieve cards to "any serviceman" this year due to fears of terrorism.  Instead, the Pentagon has set up a secure email system that allows anyone to send a message to "any serviceman." Just pick the branch of the service, type your message and click send.\n\nThe story behind the "to any serviceman" cards:\nSince 1967, when Sgt. Billy Thompson wrote Abigail Van Buren and mentioned that a wonderful Christmas present to our armed forces would be "just a letter from home," American citizens have been sending holiday wishes to servicemen and women stationed overseas every holiday season. Dubbed "Operation Dear Abby," the program has brought holiday joy to hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel deployed away from home.\n\nTo access the site, visit http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/\nMilitary Exchange Prepaid Calling Cards\nThe Department of Defense Military Exchanges have been authorized to sell the following prepaid calling cards to individuals and organizations who wish to purchase these cards for our troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.\nhttps://thor.milexch.com/scs/default.aspx\n\n12 Ways to Support Our Troops\nBy Lance Helgeson\nhttp://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/Articles/a2004-12-07-12support.html\n\nYou can adopt a specific or random service person for a prayer circle.\n\nhttp://www.presidentialprayerteam.net/troopsadopt.php  \n\nYou can write to a service person.\n\nhttp://anyservicemember.navy.mil\nThere are dozen of organizations, which allow you to purchase items and present it to a service person, but there are other options you might consider.  Visit the closest VA Hospital or for something really unique try: \nwww.snipersonline.org (They ask for contributions to buy items that the Government refuses or that is out of stock.\n\nGod Bless You and The Southern People
738907
With a moment of silence and think about what might have been had he been allowed to live.  Then commit yourself to doing something worthwhile for your fellow man tomorrow on Thanksgiving instead of just feeding your face.  If you live in a town with a military base, it can be something as simple as having a serviceman share your Thanksgiving dinner.
444171
We always pass an envelope around. People contribute what they want, and a gift is purchased accordingly. As for refreshments, etc. we all volunteer to bring something. i.e. someone brings cake, someone ice cream, someone drinks, someone plates... you get the idea. Works very well!
193061
set a date, have several in mind. Call or send out invitations. \n \nThree to four weeks should be plenty of time. Gather all non perishable items, napkins, plates, pop etc at least two weeks before. make menu two weeks before.  \n\nOne week to go- make things that can be made ahead like dips and sauces. Most desserts can be frozen no problem. \n\ntwo-three days ahead- do all shopping for food, decorations. \n\nOne day before- prepare veggies ie; corn on cob, peel potatoes, but keep cover with water or will turn brown. make up burgers( if having) wrap well to prevent cross contamination). Now is the time to prepare any thing you wish to marinate. Remember to put any raw meat products on the bottom shelf of your fridge, in a sealed container.\n\nMorning of bbq, mix salad, but dont dress until last minute. Make up a cooler of ice and chill the drinks. \nSet table buffet style, believe me its the easiest. \nPrepare main courses, thaw any frozen items. \n\nCould use some flowers and candles to make the tables pretty. Always a nice touch. Or a bowl of water with some floating candles.\nHang little white lights or lanterns for some ambience.\n\nNext step, sit back, relax and enjoy the party.
708024
SPC, there are a number of organizations you can find that will send you care packages if you give them you raddress as opposed to begging in public.\n\nhttp://www.treatsfortroops.com/\nhttp://www.anysoldier.com/\nhttp://www.operationwecare.com/\nhttp://www.opgratitude.com/\nhttp://www.americasupportsyou.mil/\n\nTo list a very few.  Please gather your dignity and remember you represent more than yourself when you are wearing that uniform.\n\nTo those of you reading this, instead of singling out one soldier to send gifts to, please consider supporting these organizations and spread your support and generosity.\n\nOr, if you wish to support othe organizations that do tangible service work for troops every single day, consider buying stock in Haliiburton, KBR, DHL, Hessco, Conrack....\n\nSGT Robert White
959707
My dad was deployed on a lot of holidays when I was growing up.  My mom invited soldiers over whose family was in the States or somewhere else.  Thanksgiving isn't just about family its about being with friends too, so she just made sure that if anyone didn't have a place to go they were at our house!
844591
Commander Calls are generally only the forum that commanders use to get information out to assigned personnel.  Generally unit have events that get the families involved at times, from picnics, dinners, and softball games that get the families out to visit with individuals in the unit.  Families are generally invited to special events like promotion ceremonies, awards or retirements to get them involved and show their appreciation.  Most unit have spouse groups that that stay in touch when units are deployed or social events are happening and the word gets out to everyone.  You call into the units Support Staff and they can direct you to the appropriate individual handling those types of groups.  IN addition, when a military member is deployed, the members section generally is responsible for helping the family while they are gone.  If you know anyone in their section contact them and they can help out as well.  Good Luck
799481
i am planning to surprise my husband by inviting my boyfriend to dinner!
825095
I'm hosting too.  Here's a list of what will be on the menu:\n\nTurkey\nStuffing\nMashed Potatoes\nGravy\nRolls\nCorn\nMy wife's famous baked broccoli/cauliflower casserole\nCandied yams (sweet potatoes)\nCranberry sauce\nPumpkin pie\nApple pie\n\nOK, so it's very traditional and pretty boring, but hey...it only comes once a year and my family likes the traditional dinner, so it works for us