This weekend my family is having a party for my cousin who is returning from Iraq. What would be a good gift for him?
2007-09-19 07:20:32 · 14 answers · asked by DeAnna 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
This isn't his first war, he's been in the army for almost as long as I have walked the earth. :) He's mothers cousin.
Thanks so much for the advice.
2007-09-19 14:56:04 · update #1
Oh and I won't be there long. Only the weekend. I am coming from another state...
2007-09-19 14:57:04 · update #2
Awww, AmericanPatriot, that is a good idea but I am not a planner. I have only heard about the party this past Sunday and there was some misunderstanding of what it was actually going to be since it is also my great grand mothers 97th birthday saturday, they are trying to mix several celebrations altogether. lol Soooo... I'll just have to stick to trying to do something more simple. Thanks though!
2007-09-19 15:00:28 · update #3
I know this is short notice, but go to the following website and go to CONTACT US. I have participated in several WELCOME HOME MISSIONS in the past year and a half. Hopefully there's enough time to set it up. It costs NOTHING. We do it because...that's one thing we REALLY enjoy doing...welcoming home our troops.
We just did a welcome home for a whole unit on Monday at Ft. Lee, Va.
(USN, retired/proud Patriot Guard Rider)
2007-09-19 09:06:15 · answer #1 · answered by AmericanPatriot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, be sure he is up for a party - Everybody at home loves them but they can be a little overwhelming to the servicemember if they are too close to homecoming.
Our number one Homecoming request is almost always some kind of food. If you know your Hero's favorite food - that is probably your best bet. Also something signed by everybody like a book, bible, or banner etc is usually a big hit.
2007-09-19 14:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanne- LEAVES Military Ministry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babysit his kids, arrange for some real down time he can enjoy, food always, some new clothes, music, an Ipod, upgrade his computer, get a flat screen TV ?? Depends on the budget. Mostly, volunteer to be around if he needs anything. Just hang out, talk, drink some beers and LISTEN. Big time! Help him debrief. It may take awhile b4 he is normal again. Good luck. And please thank him for US. I for one appreciate his efforts and feel they were valuable in my life. ALoha.
2007-09-19 07:38:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mele Kai 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing my husband wanted when he got back was a really nice meal -- a steak dinner. He said the mess halls over there weren't that great. Sometimes coming back it's the simple things that they've missed, not huge extravagence. Congrats on your cousin coming home!
2007-09-19 07:29:01 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with all of the above answers, He should also get a lot of understanding, love and space from all his friends and family. Give him a chance to get reacquainted with his own person and his family and friends. He has just gotten back from an experience that was very traumatic and may need a lot of personal space.
2007-09-19 07:38:08 · answer #5 · answered by READER 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good idea is to wait a few days until all the hoopla dies down, sit with him in a quiet place when you have plenty of time and let him tell you what it was like.
.
2007-09-19 07:39:22 · answer #6 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A big hug followed by thank you for putting your life on the line for this country.
I think anything else you do after that will be an encore.
2007-09-19 07:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just being home was good enough for me. lol But if you really want to get them a present, Get a memorbilia plaque... with all the medals and ribbons. I wish I would of gotten one of those.
2007-09-19 07:26:57 · answer #8 · answered by _Animal_ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe something to display thier medals or tags and stuff. Or gift certificates to thier favorite local restaurants.
2007-09-19 07:28:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saying "thank you and welcome home", a firm hand shake or a warm hug with a smile. I'm from Canada and in my eyes, they are all hero's.
2007-09-19 08:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by Debbie W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋