Giving Back to Veterans this Holiday Season

The holiday season offers many opportunities to ponder on some of life’s greatest blessings. What are you most grateful for? Friends? Family? Food? Good health? Despite our circumstances in life, we can always find something to be thankful for. What about taking time to thank those who have fought so valiantly to give us the freedoms we so readily enjoy? This holiday season, let us not forget to thank the inspirational military veterans of our country.

I received samples and compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

The military is not made up of extraordinary people, but of ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things. My husband’s grandpa is such a man. In my husband’s words, I hope you enjoy learning about one of my family’s beloved heroes and Veterans: Hershal Ivie.

Hershel Ivie (90), of Mackay Idaho, served in the United States Army during the conflict that would become known as World War II.  He trained as a paratrooper in an elite Airborne Division that would take him to fighting all across Europe.  He fought in numerous battles including the Battle of the Bulge.  He took a piece of shrapnel in the back from an artillery shell.  He suffered horrors and lived through nightmares that I can’t even imagine.  He watched countless comrades give what Abraham Lincoln eloquently, yet still inadequately, called “The Last full Measure of Devotion.” His sacrifice, and that of every other man and woman who has served in the United States Armed Forces, is a costly one.  Unfortunately, it is also one with little reward or recognition.  Hershel would be the first to say that it is not about recognition or reward.  He would say it was about keeping a land and a people free.  He would say it was about protecting an idea of a country where a man or woman can live their dreams.  Protecting a place where you can raise a family and provide a good life for your kids.  How do I know that is what he would say?  Well, because I am a part of the family that he raised.  Hershel Ivie is my Grandpa.  He is also my hero.

I always get a kick out of hearing stories of his training because it shows the man behind the uniform.  During exercises one day, a Drill Sergeant was leading his group in some exercises.  Being a fit young man from Idaho, Grandpa thought the cadence was a little too slow for his taste.  He decided to double time it, doing two pushups every time the instructor gave the call instead of just one.  Young men will be young men after all, and who doesn’t like to show off every now and then.  The drill sergeant wasn’t too happy about his little stunt.  But he was even less thrilled when Grandpa busted out all 100 punishment pushups without missing a beat.  Months and years of war would both humble and harden that young Idaho boy.  The ones who returned alive would never be the same.  It is impossible to go through war without scars.  The visible ones, and the ones not so easily seen by the friends and family they return to.

I just want to say thank you to my Grandpa.  And I want to say thank you to all of the men and women who have and who continue to serve in the military.  Thank you for your service.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  Thank you for fighting to keep us safe.  And thank you for going through such tragedy so that we don’t have to.  I try to make it a point to extend a hand and a heart-felt thank you when I see a Veteran.  I encourage others to do the same.

Although saying “thank you” to the wonderful Veterans in the world is a thoughtful gesture, there are many other ways we can give back to Veterans this holiday season. Looking for such a way to show appreciation? By purchasing a $30 cookie care package from Katy’s Goodness, an all-natural cookie brand, Katy’s Goodness’ Thank A Deserving Military Campaign will deliver these cookie care packages to over 2 million deserving military Veterans. Not to mention, every purchase made will go towards a $3 million donation to Katy’s Goodness charity partners: Easter Seals, Student Veterans of America, Warriors in the Workplace, and Support Military Foundation.

Each care package consists of 6 bags of Katy’s Goodness scrumptious 100% natural, whole grain cookies (Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Chunk, Country Fruit and Cashew Butter), a thank you card, and information about supportive military veteran organizations. My family loves these tasty treats (Chocolate Chunk is our favorite) and can’t wait to share this tasty goodness with deserving military veterans this holiday season.

This season of giving, be sure to thank the military veterans in your life by supporting Katy’s Goodness Thank a Deserving Military Campaign. Be sure to visit KatysGoodness.com for more product and campaign information.

How do you plan on thanking a Veteran this holiday season?