Celebrating Military Appreciation: Incrediwear & VBC Giving

National Military Appreciation Month takes place during the month of May. This annual observance, which was first proposed by Senator John McCain, has been celebrated each year since 1999. 

May was chosen because a number of military-related holidays and observances take place throughout the month: Loyalty Day on May 1, VE Day on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 12, Armed Forces Day on the 3rd Saturday in May (May 20 this year), and Memorial Day on the last Monday in May (May 29 this year.)

Military Appreciation Month is a time to express gratitude for the bravery and selflessness of military personnel and to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. 

How Incrediwear is Getting Involved 

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Incrediwear is proud to be supporting the VBC Giving Foundation. Volumetric Building Companies (VBC) is known for its innovative modular construction process, used around the world, and the VBC Giving Foundation is dedicated to giving back to the community by working to solve the problem of housing inequities. 

In the United States, around 600,000 people will be experiencing homelessness on any given night. This includes military veterans as well as refugees, seniors, foster care leavers, and abuse survivors. 

According to VBC, over 40,000 US veterans are homeless at any given time. Many of these individuals are women, with single mothers particularly affected. One in four veterans experiences PTSD, and they are twice as likely to die by suicide than their civilian counterparts. 

The VBC Giving Foundation works closely with veteran groups to find solutions to the problem of veteran homelessness through providing resources, building housing, and engaging skilled veterans in the construction process. Veterans Village, a 47-unit new construction permanent housing community for veterans located in Philadelphia, is the first project spearheaded by the VBC Giving Foundation. Veterans Village will serve as a template for future housing projects for vulnerable populations across the country.

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, a percentage of our May sales will be donated to this organization to help further its vital work. In addition, we will be launching a limited-edition camo sleeve for this month only. 

Active duty personnel, veterans, and military families can also enjoy 30% off in our online store. It’s our small way of saying thank you for your service. 

Why Do We Observe Military Appreciation Month?  

Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity for Americans to show their gratitude for the dedication and service of all our armed forces personnel, past and present. 

Serving in the armed forces requires a huge amount of dedication, sacrifice, and personal risk. Members of the military put their lives on the line in the course of their duties, and they and their families often endure long periods of separation and uncertainty. 

Military families face unique challenges including frequent moves, long deployments, and the stress of separation from their loved ones. These challenges can take a toll on the mental health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life of personnel and their families. By raising awareness of these issues, Military Appreciation Month can help to promote greater understanding, empathy, and support for those affected. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

If you’d like to get involved in Military Appreciation Month, there are numerous ways you can show your support. Here are just a few for you to consider: 

• Donate to or volunteer with a veterans’ organization. There are many organizations that work to support veterans and their families, who often face considerable challenges after retiring from duty (including adjusting to civilian life, finding employment, financial struggles, PTSD and other mental health problems, and a loss of the sense of identity that can come from military service.) These charities always need donations and willing volunteers. Even a few dollars or a few hours of your time can make a huge positive difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
• Send a care package to deployed troops. Many military personnel are deployed overseas and appreciate receiving care packages from home. Consider sending a care package to a deployed service member to show your support and gratitude. Long-life snacks and treats, personal hygiene items, entertainment (such as books, small games, or puzzles), cards and letters, or anything small and portable that can provide comfort in a stressful environment are all great things to include. 
• Attend a military appreciation event. Many communities hold events during Military Appreciation Month to honor and recognize our servicepeople. Attending one of these events is a great way to show your support and connect with other members of your community.
• Say thank you to a service member. This costs nothing and takes only a moment, but sometimes the simplest gestures can mean the most. If you see a service member in uniform, take a second to thank them for their service and sacrifice.