For many military members and their loved ones, holidays like Valentine’s Day are often spent apart, but that doesn’t mean there aren't ways to celebrate. Whether on deployment or TDY, life in the military can be demanding on service members and their spouses. Military families know that love has no borders, and that quality time can be spent together regardless of the miles that separate them. Thanks to modern technology, some great veteran-owned businesses, and the creativity of military spouses, it’s never been easier to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a partner abroad.
Video Chatting
A great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one is to spend time video chatting. This isn’t new to military families, as they often have to find ways to connect with each other when there is a physical distance between them. Now, with the rise of social distancing, most of us are familiar with using video calls to stay connected. There are a variety of video chat applications to choose from that are free to use, like Zoom (best for domestic calls) and Skype (recommended for international calls). While seeing a face and hearing a voice is ideal, video chatting may not always be an option, and there are plenty of other ways to connect with loved ones.
Valentine’s Day-Themed Care Packages
When video chatting isn’t an option, sometimes you have to get a little creative. Putting together a Valentine’s Day themed care package is a nice way to support your partner abroad while also being cathartic for you as well. We all know a deployment is stressful on all parties, and that a reminder of love goes a long way. Care packages can be filled with letters, pictures, and other mementos. There are also plenty of veteran-owned businesses that curate custom care packages for every holiday or situation. One company that we love is Hero Care Packages, who put together uniquely and interesting care packages for our military family. Learn more about Hero Care Packages at https://www.herocarepackages.com/.
Personalized Valentine’s Day Cards
We all loved getting Valentine’s Day cards in elementary school - the cheesy, cartoony Valentine’s Day cards were passed around the classroom. This year, head back to your elementary school days and send a special card to that special someone. Making personalized Valentine’s Day cards for those who you secretly, or not so secretly, admire isn’t only sweet, but it’s fun as well. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate a day meant for love.
IHG® Army Hotels themed Valentine's Day Cards
In the past, we’ve highlighted the Soldiers Angels organization and their Valentines for Veterans initiative. With a $1 donation, they send Valentine’s Day cards to veterans and service members across the country as well as abroad. If you’d like to donate to this organization and send a card to a military member, visit https://soldiersangels.org/valentinesforveterans/
Here at IHG® Army Hotels, we understand how difficult these holidays are to spend apart. It’s our mission to support yours, holidays included. Our hotel staff and family continue to make efforts to make every property feel festive. Last year, our IHG® Army Hotels colleagues on Joint Base San Antonio decorated their hotels to get in the Valentine's Day spirit and share the love with their guests. Keep an eye out this year on our social channels to see what our properties have in store. From all of us at IHG® Army Hotels, we wish you a happy Valentine’s Day.