From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By Christine Benedict, New York

October 26 marks the National Day of the Deployed.  This day honors all service members who have been deployed in service of our country. The day also acknowledges the sacrifices that military families make during deployment.

The first National Day of the Deployed was observed in 2006, when North Dakota announced a proclamation for the day, thanks to Shelle Michaeles Aberle, who petitioned Governor John Hoevento with the idea. October 26 was chosen for the date in honor of Shelle's cousin, LTC David Hosna, who had been deployed to Iraq (the day was Hosna's birthday).

By 2012, every state in the US was observing this day. If you're honoring those who have been deployed, it is recommended to post to social media including the hashtag #DayOfTheDeployed.

This day honors all service members who have been deployed in service of our country. The day also acknowledges the sacrifices that military families make during deployment. For most people, daily life is pretty mundane. We get up, we go to work, we come home to our families and have dinner together or settle in to watch some TV. It’s easy to go through life only thinking about your work and family responsibilities and looking forward to time off on the weekend. But for our service members who are deployed, daily life is anything but mundane. They face the unknown almost daily serving their mission, missing holidays and family and friends, risking their lives, and going without the simple pleasures of a night on the couch or that favorite dessert from that place down the street. There are no luxuries overseas. 

If you're looking to support service members on this day of recognition, check with local veteran’s service organizations, or, if you live near a military base, contact the base’s Family Resource Center.