Hi! My daughter is attending a wedding soon of a friend who spent three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. I don't know him very well, but I would like to send him something anyway, I believe they are very special people, those who serve our country. I didn't really want to send money, (unless people think that's the best idea) I was thinking of making a donation to an organization in his name, or if there was a specific item that would be meaningful or helpful to someone returning to the US after several years of service. They do have a house, located in a rural area of Wisconsin. Any suggestions, especially from those who have personal experience in this area, would be appreciated. Thanks!
I think cash or a gift certificate to Lowes or Home Depot (be sure there is one in their area) is always an appropriate wedding gift. The meaningful part can come from the card you put it in. Making a donation to an organization close to his heart is a nice gesture in general, but not really appropriate as a wedding gift-- plus if you don't know him there is no way to guess what organization would be close to his heart
Hi R.,
You sound like you are about my age with grown children at the marrying age. As I read your letter, I was struck by the fact that in our generation, we sent gifts, not money. However, with today's economy, and new ideas about what is appropriate, I see money as an ideal gift for a wedding and/or thank you for serving in our armed forces.
Whether you choose money or some other wonderful gesture, I expect that the happy young couple will be especially grateful and appreciative and find it useful. I thank you also for your support of those who support us with their very lives.
If he's served 3 tours, you can bet the military is near and dear to him. I would suggest giving a donation to the FRG (Family Readiness Group) for his unit. This is the group for the families of those who are serving and they do all sorts of things to help prepare the soldiers to leave, keep their spirits up while they are gone and then welcome them home and reunite them with their loved ones! Every unit has one.
If your daughter knows what unit he was in, a little research to find contact info for his unit would get you to someone who would know how to connect you with his FRG. It would be such a nice thing for him...and it would reflect so positively on him, amongst his military peers. It also will make him proud that your donation will be helping his buddies and their families directly...those that served beside him and are still finishing their tours.
If you can figure out his unit and want help researching the contact person for his FRG, I would be happy to help. I was involved with my husband's FRG here in Orlando a few years ago and I believe I still have my resource directory.
God bless you for making this effort, whatever you decide.
R.,
I am prior service and I too will be attending a wedding this weekend for a friend who has served serveral tours in Iraq. If your daughter's friend has just returned he will still be in the readjustment phase. A nice gift would be a gift card to a local shopping area IE Target, Bed Bath and Beyond. If not my next suggestion would be a Visa or American Express gift Card.
This is by far one of the most requested items, it allows the person to chose what they would like.
Hopefully this helps.
If you can find out something he is interested in: sports team, cars etc...have a memorbilia personalized with his name or something...or maybe a plaque signed by all your family thanking him for his years of dedicated service...something of that nature. The more personal the gift...I think the more it will mean to him. It is very thoughtful of you and I'm sure you can think of something...another idea, possibly tickets to the Wisconsin Dells for he and his new bride. Good luck & God Bless. B.
I would think someone who has done so much for our country should get a gift to help themselves. Not that a charity is bad but this family probably needs some help to start their new lives. I would not send money to a charity on their behalf.
The idea of a donation is great! How about something to an organization that helps familys of vets who didn't come home. M.
