2007-09-27 04:52:46 · 11 answers · asked by jnjnie 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
This is my personal opinion, but I would think if I was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan away from my family and friends a military themed party would not be what I would want. I think I would like the night to be a different theme so I can have a bit of "escapism" before I have to look at camoflage, guns and such every day for however long I am asked to be there.
That being said maybe a party situated around this person's likes, interests or whatever. If he is a huge football fan maybe a pre super bowl party, college bowl game, ect. NCAA basketball? Some time of event that he may miss while he is deployed. Milestone birthday going to be missed, maybe that. Anniversary? Holidays, Leap Year, Ky Derby, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day...you get the picture. You could also do a movie theme surrounded by his favorite movie and serve the typical theatre fare. Music fan? Maybe have your version of his favorite concert in your home? You could rent a karoke machine and record everyone "trying" to sing his favorite songs for him. That way he could take it with him when he leaves to remember his friends by. You could even fashion a party around one of your favorite vacation spots.
Also, I think it is going to depend on how many people are going to be there. The smaller the party the more intimate the party will be. I would just keep it light and festive. I would not make too much of a sentimental affair out of it. You want him and people to have fun, not be all weepy. There will be enough time for that when he actually has to board the plane.
Good luck and I htink you will find there are a million ideas you could do to taylor it to his interests! I wish him the best while he defends our country.
2007-09-27 08:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by traceilicious 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well let's just say that unless you're in the armed forces, let's not make assumptions based on the news. Afterall, most of the time the news has a slant on facts and figures they're telling people anyhow. If you don't believe me, look what happened on CNN with the Coast Guard on 9/11's 8th Anniversary. Is US Army morale broken? Or more like is the morale of the American armed forces (that includes the Army, Navy Air Force, and Marines) broken? No. If you look at recruiting and retention numbers, you'll see the more people want to join the armed forces, and more people already in are reenlisting at an all time high since 2003. So to answer your question, I don't see that an increasing number are refusing ot deploy. It's been relatively steady since 2005 when military members started having issues with frequent and lengthy deployments. Not because of broken morale. And what's up with "recent" carnages of Afghan Civilians. They have been at war dealing with such atrocities for over 30 years. If you want to be so slanted in your questioning, maybe you should go visit Afghanistan yourself to see for your own eyes. You sound like a modern-day hippy. All jaw jacking...your weapon of choice is finger pointing firing off complaints.
2016-05-19 23:35:57 · answer #2 · answered by christa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A very close friend of ours is over in Irak since 2006 just before his birthday. Even though his birthday was still a little over a month due, we all got together and gave him a big surprise party. Here's how it was:
For music we had a DJ and a group who came that we knew of and they offered to play for free. Everyone danced and had a great time.
Food: there was of typical food from here also there were trays of mixed cheeses, cold cuts sliced and diced served with different types of crackers to serve on. We also had various types of drinks such as the sodas and wine, beer, and rums.
We can not leave out the cake. Since his birthday was still yet to come we had a sheet cake made with the American Flag on it with Happy Birthday and a soldier saluting. There was also ice cream, chips and dips the works.
We also had decorations of red, white and blue streamers, trimmings, balloons, table cloth, plates every thing. Also we had stars haning from the ceiling.
Every one brought him a gift and all gifts were hidden. The balloons were in a special mesh net so when we began to sing and turn the lights on with the pull of a string, all the balloons came down all over with confetti, loads of it. There were party favors for everyone.
We all ate, danced, sang, played games, and shared many, many memories with him. Then came the gifts which were all so nice and wonderful. He was so happy and everyone enjoyed that night, by the way it started at around 7pm and finished at like 1 in the morning.
This party I will always remember. We asked a close friend of his to take him out for a ride and to bring him to the party around 7:30 to give us a chance to alll hide and do a big cheers as he came in. He didn't suspect anything at all. When he came to his home, all the lights were off except for the kitchen lights. He had asked where his wife was because she mentioned that she was going shopping and that she would be home a bit late. Where did we all hide the cars? Well everyone parked like 2 blocks away so he never suspected anything. When he came near the house, we were all out by the big patio where the carport is. His friend took him to us and as he was asking for his wife, we all turned on the decorative lights in the yard and we all began to sing to him and let the balloons and confetti down. He was so surprised and he was so touched by the fact that it was all for him with love from all his close friends and family.
2007-09-27 05:17:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is your husband boyfriend or whatnot don't throw a party. If it is your son pay for it.
A really good week or weekend away with his other. Something memorable but no stress. A nice hotel, a great dinner, etc. The big all people thing should be when he gets back. But it depends.
2007-09-27 13:29:51 · answer #4 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-Hang netting across the wall with toy weapons on it.
-Put yellow ribbons on the entry way.
-Give all of your guests pen and paper to write him notes, hang the notes on the netting also.
-Have signs leading to the 'Chow Hall' (the food).
-Have flags and patriotic music playing
-Make a cake, frost it, and then sprinkle some sand (brown sugar) on it and add some little toy soldiers.
-For party favors, prepare small zip loc bags full of sample size toothpaste, shampoo, razors, etc., and give to the guests along with his military address. They can include those in a care package to him. He'll appreciate it!
-Take photos to include in the care packages later.
Say a prayer for his safe return!!!
2007-09-27 07:38:50 · answer #5 · answered by TNGal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when my friends husband went to iraq they did a party with videos and pictures and made a story about his life with music and everything it was neat because it turned out to be a good movie they had family members talking about him on the screen and showed it to him like a movie premier everyone dressed up and had a good time you can have like a round table theme where you can order some of his favorite foods and have everyone watch the story of his life
2007-09-27 04:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by Betty R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your the "romantic" relation to the soldier, cover the livingroom in plastic and have a "fondue" party. Be good with the hot cheese, then be bad with the melted chocolate....
2007-09-27 07:35:37 · answer #7 · answered by buggerhead 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Throw him a hurry back party or theme it "a half party".... half the party now the the full montey upon his return.
2007-09-27 04:58:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steer away from anything military. He/she will have enough to deal with that later. Make the party more personal.
2007-09-27 17:12:47 · answer #9 · answered by Pat C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think some good home-cooked food, comfort food that he would like, it will be awhile before he gets to have that again. Lots of friends.
2007-09-27 04:57:06 · answer #10 · answered by Limestoner62 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋