Military Dad Brings Son to Tears With Surprise Return at Football Game (VIDEO)

vrijdag 27 september 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Ericka Sóuter 10 hours ago

It's easy for teens to take their parents for granted. We are always hovering, asking questions, getting into their business. We never actually give them the opportunity to truly miss us. That's clearly not the case for all those teens with parents in the military. That separation can be agonizing, but it also makes the reunions that much sweeter. Among the most astonishing examples I've ever seen is the surprise return of Master Sergeant Joseph Martel at his son's football game.

With his dad disguised in a football uniform and helmet, the teen had no idea he had returned early from deployment. The reaction is priceless. Get the tissues ready!

No matter their age, this is a reminder just how much our kids need us. There is nothing like that bond. It’s really heartwarming seeing this big, brawny, tough football player break down in complete joy at seeing his dad. Such a special moment -- not just for them but everyone who witnessed it.

Did this bring tears to your eyes?

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ericka Sóuter

is a veteran pop culture and celeb news writer. That experience boils down to two things: she knows way too much about the Kardashians and she dominates on Trivial Pursuit's arts and entertainment questions.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Military Mom Almost Ruins Plans for Surprise Reunion With Daughter and We Totally Get It (VIDEO)

dinsdag 24 september 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Jeanne Sager 2 hours ago

I love a good military homecoming video. Who doesn't (no, really, who?)? But I've always wondered how it is that these moms and dads manage to keep themselves from blowing the surprise. If it were me just home from war, I don't know that I could contain myself. That's what I really love about the latest military mom surprising her kid at a football game.

Capt. JR Lund came home early from Afghanistan. She didn't tell her 13-year-old daughter ... so she could manage to surprise her at Saturday's Wisconsin vs. Purdue game. But from the looks of it, Mom almost didn't make it to the game!

Aww! Did you catch the part about how Mom just wanted to go run over and grab her daughter ... but she was trying her darndest to rein it in so she could make the surprise even more meaningful? She almost ruined her own surprise! Maybe it's because she's an Army Reservist that JR Lund is so much stronger than the rest of us?

Or at least stronger than me?

I don't know that I could do it. If I'm away from my kid just for a few days for a business trip, I come home and it's all I can do not to smother the poor thing with love and attention!

Not that JR Lund's daughter isn't getting plenty of that -- did you see the look on mother's and daughter's faces when they finally DID see each other?

Would you be able to hold out to surprise your kid or would you ruin your own surprise?

Image via Wisconsin Badgers/YouTube

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeanne Sager

writes articles for The Stir by day, slays closet monsters and bounds through bedtime stories with her elementary schooler by night. The Phineas and Ferb soundtrack reverberates through her brain.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Military Dad Takes 4-Year-Old Daughter's Teddy Bear on Deployment and Shows Her the World

vrijdag 13 september 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Julie Ryan Evans 10 hours ago

We see a lot of the heartwarming homecomings when military men and women reunite with their families after long deployments overseas. They're emotional and beautiful, and we wonder how they're able to make such a sacrifice. While nothing makes it easy, families do find ways to stay in touch and keep that bond though miles separate them. Coast Guard officer Gerald Orellana and his family provide a unique and heartwarming example.

According to a story at the Huffington Post, Orellana's daughter, Evelyn, gave him her prized stuffed teddy bear when he was about to leave for his deployment to the Arctic. Her mom, Irene, said Evelyn didn't want him to be lonely. "She knew that she and I would have each other, but Gerald wouldn't have our family."

So Gerald set out with "Evelynbear" in his suitcase, which is sweet enough. But it gets even sweeter.

Gerald didn't just keep the bear packed away in his suitcase and take her out once in awhile when no one was looking. He actually took Evelynbear on adventures with him, then sent pictures back to his wife and daughter to show just how much fun she was having.

There are pictures of the bear on the ship, in the snow, and in a cigar shop. She even has a uniform! Since Gerald will reportedly be deployed for the rest of year, we can only imagine what else they'll see her do. It's such a sweet and simple way for the family to share the experiences together even though they're worlds apart.

Nothing can make it painless to not have a parent there for the day-to-day activities and milestones, but things like this help ease the pain a bit.

What unique ways have you seen military family members keep in touch?

Image via Ben Sutherland/Flickr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Ryan Evans

can be found writing from coffee houses wherever she may be. The quality of her days is largely influenced by the seat she nabs and whether a protein plate is available.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Touching Reunion Between Military Dad and Little Girl Is the Stuff Hugs Were Made For (VIDEO)

dinsdag 3 september 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 3 hours ago

One of the hardest things about military deployments for a soldier is missing out on life's events back at home, big and small. When a military dad is away, he can't just put his oldest daughter's first day of school on hold or ask her dance instructor to postpone her big recital. Which is why reuniting with loved ones and catching up on absolutely everything that's happened is one of life's greatest joys for those in our military.

Take John, for instance. This military dad was stationed overseas in Afghanistan since May, and he recently gave his daughter Juliana a major surprise at school showing up after months away. Their reunion is absolutely adorable! Just you wait until you hear the one thing he notices about his daughter when he first looks at her:

A tooth! It's crazy to think that something as teeny as losing a tooth could be such a big deal to both daughter and father, but that's just one example of a life event that happens while dads, brothers, relatives, and friends are away serving our country. It's so heartwarming to see this father back with his daughter. And that hug? Ugh! The best.

I hope that now this duo's back together, they take this much-needed time to catch up on all the other important stuff (big and small). Welcome home!

How cute is this?

Image via TheBobjohnson1984/YouTube

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military!
?

reacties | | Read More...

Gay Married Veterans Finally Get the Same Respect as Straight Military Couples (VIDEO)

vrijdag 30 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 8 hours ago

Tracey & Maggie Cooper-HarrisWhen the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), it was easy to assume that the rights same-sex couples had been denied as a result of the law would be enstated ASAP. But that wasn't exactly the case. The law governing veterans' benefits, Title 38, still defined marriage as between opposite-sex spouses. So for couples like Tracy Cooper-Harris, a U.S. Army veterinarian who served in Iraq and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and her wife Maggie Cooper-Harris, it meant inequality still reigned and they were denied financial support for Tracy's medical costs that was readily available to heterosexual couples. That is ... until this week!

A federal court ruled on Wednesday that a married same-sex couple must be eligible for the same veteran benefits as married heterosexual couples. Hooray!!

Thank goodness this inequality has been set right. All you have to do is consider some embarrassing realities and cringeworthy facts to know veterans who are in same-sex marriages were getting the short end of the stick. For instance, according to her lawsuit, Cooper-Harris would be eligible for $124 more in aid were she married to a man. Ugh.

More from The Stir: Gay Soldiers' 'Marriage Leave' Shows Our Country's Love for All Military Families

Now, in light of this ruling, the Cooper-Harrises should get what they rightfully deserve, as will so many other couples in their shoes. While the Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has yet to respond to the ruling, the director of the VA, Eric Shinseki, told Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire on August 14 that if Title 38 were "revised or determined to be unconstitutional," then the "VA will be prepared to update its policies and systems in a timely manner." Cheers. To. That!

What's your reaction to this ruling?

Image via Maury Phillips/Getty

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

11 Heartwarming Military Parent Homecomings Guaranteed to Put a Smile on Your Face (PHOTOS)

woensdag 28 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Jeanne Sager 1 hour ago

Confession. Whenever I'm feeling really down, I will pull up a military homecoming video. Daddies and little girls, mommies and sons ... these awesome welcomes for the people who are out there serving our country never fail to make me smile.

Can anything top the look a little girl gets on her face when she hasn't seen her daddy in months? Or a little boy gets when he sees Mom after a year?

The reunion of a child and a parent carries with it so much emotion and so much hope.

I know I miss my daughter when I send her to school for a day or when I go on a business trip for a few. Now multiply that by weeks and months for servicemen and women and the families they leave behind.

That's true sacrifice. 

But as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder -- and the love that you can see on the faces of these returning heroes is only topped by the pure joy on the faces of their kids.

Need a pick-me-up? How about checking out some of the most beautiful expressions of love on earth ... photos of kids getting their Mommy or Daddy back!

Which one is your favorite?

Image via Official US Navy Page/Flickr

var UGC_HOST = "http://ugc-01.cafemomstatic.com";var current_slide_num = 0;var slideshow_url = "http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/160361/11_heartwarming_military_parent_homecomings";var short_url = "/big_kid/160361/11_heartwarming_military_parent_homecomings";var slide_id = "";var from_social = "";var current_slide_id = '109693'; There's no love like that of a daddy for her little girl, and this member of the... VIEW MORE

Image via The U.S. Army/Flickr

There's no love like that of a daddy for her little girl, and this member of the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Ironhorse,” 1st Cavalry Division got the biggest hug of his life when his brigade returned from a year combined tour in Iraq and Kuwait in June.

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeanne Sager

writes articles for The Stir by day, slays closet monsters and bounds through bedtime stories with her elementary schooler by night. The Phineas and Ferb soundtrack reverberates through her brain.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Military Ban on Pit Bulls and Big Dogs: Best for Families or Completely Cruel?

vrijdag 23 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 3 hours ago

Angel the pit bull makes a plea to the POTUSThis week, President Obama introduced the world to Sunny, the First Family's new dog and Bo's new playmate. But he's also making headlines for news related to a whole bunch of other dogs! The White House has come out against breed-specific legislation, or any regulations and laws that restrict ownership of dogs by breed. Pit bulls are usually the most common target. And ironically, one of the highest profile organizations to enact these sorts of bans is none other than the U.S. military ...

The Marine Corps bans "large dog breeds with a predisposition toward aggressive or dangerous behavior," including pit bulls, from on-base housing, and many Air Force, Army, and Navy installations have followed suit. (DogsBite.org has a list of bases and municipalities that have banned certain dog breeds.)

As if that wasn't enough, in Prince George's County, Maryland, pit bulls are banned altogether. According to the Maryland Dog Federation, those found within the county are usually either put down or donated to families in other areas. Ugh, horrible! No wonder the White House felt it necessary to speak out on this.

Families -- military or otherwise -- should be able to have whatever dog they want. The issue is not so much about the breed as it is about dog owners being responsible and informed. As the White House notes in their full statement, "The simple fact is that dogs of any breed can become dangerous when they're intentionally or unintentionally raised to be aggressive." Sad, but true! In fact, the White house notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found it "virtually impossible to calculate bite rates for specific breeds." Hello, that's definitely a case to keep the military and any other community from targeting specific breeds!

The solution, then, to guard against dog bites should be as the CDC suggests -- a "community-based approach," which would help "build stronger communities of pets and pet owners." Sounds like a win-win plan for every person -- and every dog.

What are your thoughts on the White House's statement and bans on specific dog breeds?

Image via Rebecca Corry/StandUpforPits.us

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

More
?

reacties | | Read More...

Army’s Ban on ‘Vulgar’ Off-Duty Clothing Goes Too Far for Military Wives and Kids

woensdag 14 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Nicole Fabian-Weber 2 hours ago

A new clothing policy has been put into place at an army post in Fort Irwin, California for off-duty soldiers, their families, as well as visitors. The new rules, which, among other things, bans "backwards caps," "pajamas and house shoes," and "torn, cut, or worn clothing," has some people up in arms. The policy change was posted to Fort Irwin's Facebook page, and around 400 people have been debating the issue in the comments section. One army wife wrote: "The good news is that I have ordered several burqas (all in black so as not to offend those who are sensitive to color) and I'll be able to use all of the facilities on post in the near future without harassment." And another inquired: "So would you tell an eight-month pregnant woman to take off her pajama pants? Just wondering. I never wore pajamas around post until I was pregnant."

Hmm ... while I completely understand wanting a respectable sense of decorum on an army base, are wives and kids really not allowed to wear PJ pants?

Other things that have been banned are "bikinis," "underwear as outwear," and "exposed midriffs." Those make complete sense. I 100 percent get that. Again, you want an army base to be a respectable atmosphere. But I, too, am wondering if some of the other things on this list are taking things a little too far. I mean, what would happen if a frazzled mom had to run out with her kids for something? Do they really all need to get dressed?

At the end of the day, military bases aren't public places, so any rules can be instilled. But I think perhaps a bit more flexibility may be in order here. Everyone should dress with a sense of modesty and respect at Fort Irwin, but sometimes you just need to run out in a pair of house shoes.

Do you think these rules are too harsh? Do you think spouses and children should be included in the dress code?

Image via Facebook

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military!
?

reacties | | Read More...

Military Brother Shocks the Daylights Out of Sister With His Surprise Homecoming (VIDEO)

donderdag 8 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Nicole Fabian-Weber 2 hours ago

Few things can rival the relationship between two siblings -- especially when you're young. They're the person you complain about Mom and Dad to; they're the person you hang out with on family vacations; they're the person who can make you laugh like no other. They're a built-in forever friend. So when one of those siblings is deployed due to their brave decision to serve our country, it has to be terrifying for the other.

Check out this adorable brother giving his equally adorable sister the surprise of her life with his amazing military homecoming. Her reaction is truly priceless.

What a great reaction. This girl is genuinely shocked at her bro's casual "remember me?" greeting. And you can just see the love between these two through their long hug. So glad they were reunited. What an adorable pair!

How sweet is this?

Image via ECUSWIM11/YouTube

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military!
?

reacties | | Read More...

Pregnant Woman Killed by Tree Branch Leaves Military Dad-to-Be Behind

maandag 5 augustus 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Nicole Fabian-Weber 2 hours ago

A heartbreaking and freak accident happened over the weekend in which a pregnant woman was killed, leaving her 20-year-old husband behind. Yingyi Li-Dikov was doing one of the most innocuous things a human could possibly do -- sitting on a bench at a park -- when a tree branch fell on top of her, killing her and her unborn baby girl. Li-Dikov was hanging out at a park in Queens, New York, presumably exercising since she was in jogging clothes, when an uprooted oak tree fell and crushed her. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but sadly was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her husband, Aleksandar Dikov, who recently completed basic training for the National Guard, is, understandably, heartbroken. "She was a very great and loving person," Dikov said. "I was so happy to be with her. She was the one for me. She was the best thing. I don't think I'll find another girl like her. I know I won’t.”

Talk about life being unfair.

On any given day, there are millions of people doing dangerous things. And by no means do they deserve to die, but it's just so ironic and weird and cruel that a pregnant woman with her whole life ahead of her, and her baby, would be killed from sitting on a park bench. Something she and her husband probably never in a million years thought would put her in harm's way. Dikov, who must have been so thrilled to have his first child on the way, now is left with nothing. No wife. And no baby. He's no longer a husband; no longer a father-to-be. His life as he knew it is over.

I truly can't think of any possible explanation for something as awful and random as this happening. It just flat-out seems like life being mean and unfair. Thoughts and prayers to Yingyi's loved ones, especially her husband.

What do you think of this?

Image via richard_north/Flickr

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military!
?

reacties | | Read More...

Military Dad Has Incredibly Romantic Reunion With His Wife, But What About the Kids?! (VIDEO)

dinsdag 23 juli 2013

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 3 hours ago

A military father surprises his wife and kids in the water while they're playing at the beach. Generally cute, right? Even cuter when the wife and kids just told a friend on camera what they would say to Daddy if he were there with 'em. His daughter Charity's response? "I will love him for always."

Captain Hyrum Bronson returned early from his nine-month deployment and totally took his family by surprise, appearing out of the water in a scuba suit. As his children screamed, "Daddy! Daddy!" the soldier gravitated toward his wife Bethany saying, "I swam all the way here just for you hunny."

It's heartwarming. But at the same time, it's infuriating. Bronson's children circle the couple longingly, crying out in excitement that Dad's back home. While I admire Bronson and his military service and understand how long the two lovers have been waiting for this embrace, the blatant disregard of these kids hurts my heart.

First, let's watch Captain Hyrum Bronson's surprise homecoming, shall we?

At this moment for this couple, they have put the loving relationship they have between the two of them in front of the parenting relationship they have with their kids. In the heat of the moment, I guess I can understand that. These children are lucky to have parents who love and appreciate each other the way that the Bronsons do. Truthfully, though, it pains me to see their kids longing for the attention of their father whom they haven't seen in so so long, only to be ignored.

I'm happy the Bronson family is reunited. Here's hoping that Dad's getting in some more quality time with his kids back here on American soil.

How do you feel about Captain Hyrum Bronson's surprise?

Image via Bethany Bronson/YouTube

Click "Like" if you love someone in the military!
?

reacties | | Read More...