Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans
Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country.
Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas.
Acts of Service
- Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise.
- Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities.
- Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for.
Connect With Veteran Networks
- Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support.
- Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members.
- Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans.
- Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness, physical health and wellness, peer support, financial education, and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest.
Send a Military Care Package
Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family.
Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package:
- Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home.
- Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks.
- Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen.
- Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies.
- A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us.
Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans.
Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
Source: Wounded Warrior Project
Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!
Share
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading. Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options . Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget. You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks. Historically, Summer helps with that. Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices. According to Realtor.com , any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.
