Sometimes the holidays can be a little overwhelming and you may be running short on gift ideas. The ones that can be so challenging are Secret Santa gifts, teachers’ gifts and those gift exchanges where you can’t spend more than $10. Your local commissary can be a one stop shop for all these gifts and you can get your grocery shopping done at the same time. That’s a win in my book. Here are a few gift ideas:

• Make Your Own Charcuterie. Do you know a wine lover but don’t quite have the knowledge to select the perfect wine? A Make Your Own Charcuterie Board is the perfect gift. Hit the deli section of the commissary and head to the cheese section. Pick out one or two cheeses. Usually in baskets around the deli are a variety of hard salamis so pick a couple out. On a shelf near the deli are Delallo products which are a good addition to the basket. Jars of roasted peppers, bruschetta’s, tapenades and a box of breadsticks add variety. Make sure to grab a jar of fig jam and some fancy crackers and you have a great gift.
• Pasta Basket. Again, visit the Delallo products and grab a few fancy pasta sauces and some of their authentic Italian Pasta and gnocchi. A box of breadsticks makes a good addition and splurge for a good hunk of parmesan cheese. If you can’t find what you need by the deli, hit the international food section which also has some good pasta ideas.
• International Candy Basket. The commissary has such a great selection of candy from all over the world during the holidays so stock up. My civilian friends love the alcohol filled candies as they can’t always find them. The German Ritter-Sport candy is so tasty. The commissary has that year-round and it always makes a good gift. Put selections in a basket or gift bag. Keep some on stock for last minute gifts. You can always through leftovers in Christmas stockings (not the alcoholic ones).
• Oktoberfest Basket – Visit the international section of the commissary and pick up some German products. Get some of the instant sauces in the small packets, some spätzle, potato dumplings, and potato pancakes. You can also add some of the sauces like curry ketchup and pickles. There is also usually a nice selection of German cookies.
• Beauty items – The commissary carries nice gift boxes for both men and women with things like shampoo, body wash, shaving supplies etc. It makes nice stocking stuffers.

The best time to shop at the commissary is first thing in the morning. Insider Tip: Plan to shop during the early bird shopping. Check out is limited to 15 items but if you are planning a big trip just arrive early and shop the while the store is nearly empty. By the time you are done shopping it should be open for regular hours and you will be able to check out. So next time you are suffering gift-block, visit the commissary for some great ideas.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

The Christmas Spirit is merry and bright  If you are looking for a fresh Christmas tree to get you in the holiday mood, look no further than the Trees for Troops program. Trees for Troops is the organization developed to specifically deliver holiday cheer with free fresh trees to military families. Cost is a limiting factor for some looking for a fresh tree, and the program’s goal is to give as many military members as possible a tree for the holiday season.

About Trees for Troops

Trees for Troops, a program of Christmas SPIRIT, has been about 20 years. In 2005, FedEx partnered with Christmas SPIRIT with the goal of bringing Christmas Trees specifically to military families with 277,001 trees over the last 17 years. Since that time 262, 265 farm-grown Christmas Trees have been delivered to military families across the United States and overseas! FedEx assists in delivering these trees to over 70 military bases around the world!

How to Get a Tree

All donated trees will be picked up on December 9^th and delivered to military bases over the following 2 weeks. To see if your base is getting a delivery, check this link for a map or check the list below. The local bases will announce tree pick up and eligibility criteria for each location ahead of delivery.

All branches of the Armed Forces are represented in donation sites.

The following Air Force Bases will be receiving donations:

• Edwards AFB – AZ
• Luke AFB – AZ
• Travis ARB – CA
• MacDill AFB – FL
• 165^th Airlight Wing – Savannah ANG- FA
• Dobbings ARB – GA
• McConnel AFB – KS
• Columbus AFB – MS
• Kirtland AFB – NM
• 174^th ATKW-Hancock Field ANGB – NY
• 910^th Airlift Wing -Youngstown ARS – OH
• Wright-Patterson AFB – OH
• JB Charleston – SC
• Ellsworth AFB – SD
• JBSA Lackland- TX
• Hill AFB – UT
• Fairchild AFB – WA

The following Army Bases will be receiving donations:

• Fort Novosel – AL
• Fort Huachuca – AZ
• Fort Hunter Liggett – CA
• Fort Irwin – CA
• Fort Carson – CO
• Fort Eisenhower- GA
• Fort Moore – GA
• Fort Stewart – GA
• Hunter Army Air Field – GA
• Fort Riley – KS
• Fort Campbell – KY
• Fort Knox – KY
• Fort Johnson – LA
• Fort Leonard Wood – MO
• Fort Liberty – NC
• Fort Drum – NY
• Fort Hamilton – NY
• West Point – NY
• Fort Sill – OK
• Fort Jackson -SC
• Fort Bliss – TX
• Fort Cavazos – TX
• Fort Belvoir – VA
• Fort Gregg-Adams – VA

1. JB Lewis-McChord – WA

The following Marine Corps Bases will be receiving donations:

• MCAS YUMA – AZ
• Camp Pendleton – CA
• MCAGCC Twentynine Palms – CA
• MCAS Miramar – CA
• MCLB – Barstow – CA
• MCRD San Diego – CA
• MCLB – Albany – GA
• Camp Lejeune – New River – NC
• MCAS Cherry Point – NC
• MCAS Beaufort & MCRD Parris Island – SC
• MCB Quantico – VA

The following Navy Bases will be receiving donations:

• Naval Base Coronado- CA
• Naval Air Facility El Centro – CA
• Naval Base Point Loma – CA
• Naval Base Ventura County – CA
• NWS Seal Beach – CA
• Naval Submarine Base New London – CT
• NSA Washington- DC
• NAS Jacksonville – FL
• NAS Key West – FL
• NAS Pensacola – FL
• NAS Whiting Field – FL
• NOTU Cape Canaveral – FL
• NS Mayport – FL
• NSA Panama City – FL
• NSB Kings Bay – GA
• Naval Station Great Lakes – IL
• NAS JRB New Orleans – LA
• NSA Annapolis – MD
• NSF Dahlgren – MD
• NSF Indian Head – MD
• NCBC Gulfport – MS
• Naval Weapons Station Earle – NJ
• NAS Fallon – NV
• NSA Mid-South – TN
• NAS Corpus Christie – TX
• NASJRB Fort Worth – TX
• NAS Kingsville – TX
• JEB Little Creek – Fort Story – VA
• NAS Patuxent River – VA
• NWS Yorktown – VA
• Bremerton – WA
• NB Kitsap-Bangor – WA

The following Coast Guard Bases will be receiving donations:

• Air Station/Base North Bend- OR
• Base L.A. – Long Beach – CA
• TRACEN Petaluma- CA
• Base Boston – MA
• Base Cape Cod – MA
• Base Elizabeth City – NC
• Base Portsmouth – VA

This year, the National Guard location with tree donations is the Military Family Support Branch, J-1 at HAA-GA.

How to Support

Public contributions play a vital role in the success of this program. Community members can:

1. Donate trees at participating tree farms or retail lots by December 9 to ensure delivery.
2. Write messages of support that will accompany the trees to their recipients.

For more details about the program and ways to contribute, visit the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation’s website.

This initiative offers a heartwarming way to support the military community and ensure they feel valued and celebrated during the holidays.

TRICARE Open Season is almost here! It offers service members, military families, and retirees the opportunity to enroll in or change their health plans for the upcoming year. If 2024 was a year when you wanted medical care changes, now is the time to look ahead for 2025. This year, the enrollment window runs from November 11 to December 10, 2024. Any changes made during this period will take effect starting January 1, 2025. If beneficiaries do not act during this window, they can only adjust their coverage later if they experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as marriage or a move. You can change your plan within the 90 period from a QLE.

Plan Options Available During TRICARE Open Season

Beneficiaries can enroll in or switch between the following TRICARE health plans during the open season:

• TRICARE Prime (including US Family Health Plan and Prime Remote)
• TRICARE Prime Overseas
• TRICARE Select (including Select Overseas)
• TRICARE Reserve Select (for qualified National Guard and Reserve members)

Using TRICARE’s online tools—like the Plan Finder and Cost Comparison tools—can help families compare available coverage and determine which plan best meets their needs for the upcoming year.

FEDVIP: Additional Dental and Vision Options

At the same time as TRICARE’s enrollment period, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) holds its Open Season from November 11 to December 10, 2024. This allows eligible retirees, reservists, and military families to enroll in or modify their dental and vision plans. FEDVIP offers 12 dental and 5 vision plan carriers, with both standard and high-coverage options, depending on individual needs and geographic location. These are different and additional plans from the TRICARE vision coverage and dental coverage offered by United Concordia.

Families who need only dental or vision coverage can enroll in these programs through the BENEFEDS portal, even if they don’t make changes to their primary TRICARE health plan.

Next Steps

If you’re satisfied with your current plan, you do not need to take any action—your coverage will continue as is. However, it’s recommended to review your current benefits, as plan costs and coverage options may change in the upcoming year.

Other TRICARE options

The following healthcare plans can be enrolled in outside of open enrollment period if eligibility criteria are met per the links provided below.

TRICARE For Life – TRICARE eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare A and B.

TRICARE Reserve Select –  Qualified Selected Reserve members and their families are eligible for this healthcare plan.

TRICARE Retired Reserves – Retired Reserve members are eligible to purchase this healthcare plan.

TRICARE Young Adult – This premium-based insurance is available for adult children through age 25.

By planning ahead and reviewing these options carefully during open season, families can ensure their healthcare needs are met for 2025. For more details on specific plans and eligibility, visit the TRICARE website or the BENEFEDS portal to explore FEDVIP options.

This is your only chance this year to make changes outside of a QLE, so mark the dates and choose wisely!

The holidays can be a difficult time for single service members stationed far from home. Many don’t have the opportunity to take leave or visit family, and may be their first time being so far away from their home leaving them feeling isolated during a season meant for togetherness. Hosting a service member for the holidays is a meaningful way to show appreciation, create community, and offer a sense of belonging. Here’s a guide to help you welcome a service member into your home and make the experience memorable for everyone involved.

1. Coordinate with Local Military Programs

Many installations run programs that match single service members with local families during the holidays. Programs like “Adopt-a-Service Member” or Operation Homefront help facilitate connections between community members and military personnel. Start by contacting the base’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office, Community Services, Force Support Squadron (FSS) or the USO to express your interest. These programs ensure both hosts and guests feel comfortable and safe.

2. Get to Know Your Guest in Advance

Before the big day, try to learn about the service member’s interests, dietary needs, and background. You can ask:

• Do they have any food allergies or dietary restrictions?
• Are there any cultural or religious practices to keep in mind?
• What holiday traditions do they enjoy?

This will help you plan the event in a way that makes them feel at home. Additionally, knowing whether they prefer quiet time or social interaction can guide the type of activities you prepare.

3. Plan Inclusive Activities

Not all service members celebrate the same holidays, so consider planning a range of inclusive activities. Here are some ideas:

• Board games or card games to break the ice.
• Outdoor activities, like a walk through a holiday light display.
• Holiday movie marathons featuring classics or new releases.
• If the service member has family traditions they enjoy, invite them to share or incorporate those traditions into your celebrations.

These activities will provide opportunities for conversation and connection, ensuring the day feels welcoming and fun.

4. Create a Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere

Simple touches can go a long way in making a service member feel included:

• Set a place at the table specifically for your guest and introduce them as part of the gathering.
• Share stories and memories to make them feel like part of the family, rather than just a visitor.
• Gift small tokens of appreciation, like baked goods or a care package, to show gratitude for their service.

If the service member is feeling homesick, offering time for a video call with their loved ones can mean a lot.

5. Be Flexible and Respect Boundaries

Keep in mind that some service members might need to leave early or have additional duties. Be flexible with your schedule, and don’t pressure them to stay longer than they are comfortable. Respecting their time and obligations will help make the experience positive.

6. Follow Up After the Holidays

Stay connected after the holidays. Send a follow-up message thanking them for spending time with your family, and let them know they’re welcome back anytime. This gesture reinforces the sense of community that many service members miss when away from home.

Hosting a single service member for the holidays is not just about providing a meal or place to stay—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. Your hospitality can make a significant difference, giving them warmth and connection during what can be a lonely time. By reaching out through programs like MWR or USO, planning inclusive activities, and fostering a welcoming environment, you’ll ensure that both your family and your guest share a meaningful and memorable holiday season.

United Through Reading (UTR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between service members and their families through the power of storytelling when service members are separated from their families. The program allows service members to record themselves reading books to their children, which helps maintain strong emotional connections during deployments, long separations, or training assignments. This initiative offers military families a unique way to nurture relationships, reduce anxiety, and promote literacy, ensuring that distance doesn’t erode the bonds between loved ones.

How the Program Works

The heart of United Through Reading’s program lies in recorded story sessions. Service members can choose from a collection of children’s books provided by UTR, record themselves reading aloud, and send the video back home. Family members can play the recording as often as they like, giving children the comforting experience of hearing their parent’s voice, even from thousands of miles away. UTR offers several ways to participate:

• At Military Installations and Events: UTR stations are present at USO centers, military libraries, and other key locations where service members can make recordings.
• Virtual Participation: Service members who cannot access a physical recording location can record videos from their own devices using the UTR app and send them digitally.
• Books for Every Age: The program provides age-appropriate book selections for children of all reading levels, encouraging engagement for families with kids of all ages.

This flexible approach makes it easier for families to stay connected, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Using the UTR App

1. Download the App

The UTR app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Look for “United Through Reading” and install it on your smartphone or tablet.

2. Create an Account

After installation, you’ll need to create an account. Simply provide your name, military affiliation, and email address. You can also log in through a partner organization’s portal if applicable (such as the USO). The account allows you to securely store and share your recordings with family members.

3. Choose a Book to Read

UTR offers access to a digital library of children’s books within the app. You can either select a book from this library or use a physical copy that you have on hand. The library includes books for a wide range of reading levels, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children.

If you’re using your own book, simply position it so that it’s visible in the recording for children to follow along.

4. Make the Recording

Once you’ve chosen a book, follow these tips to record your video:

• Find a quiet space: Minimize background noise to ensure clear audio.
• Position your phone or tablet: Prop your device at an angle that captures your face and the book (if using a physical copy).
• Read naturally: Engage with the story as you would if reading at home—use different voices, pause for effect, and have fun with it!
• Keep it short: Aim for 5-10 minutes to maintain children’s attention, especially for younger audiences.

If needed, you can pause and resume the recording to make adjustments.

5. Save and Share the Recording

After recording, review your video to ensure the sound and visuals are clear. When satisfied:

• Save the video within the app or upload it to the UTR secure platform.
• Enter the recipient’s details (like the child’s name and caregiver’s email).
• The app allows you to send the recording directly or download it to share through email or messaging platforms.

You can also choose to store multiple recordings to send later or re-watch when needed.

6. Track The Story

The app offers an option to track how often your videos are viewed, giving you insight into how your child is engaging with the stories. This feature provides a great way to feel connected even when you’re not physically present.

Using the United Through Reading app is a powerful way for service members to stay connected with their children, especially during extended absences. It offers the convenience of recording from anywhere, with the added security of private sharing. In 2023 alone, UTR facilitated more than 7,000 recordings, with nearly 80,000 books provided to military families. Whether you’re reading your child’s favorite story or exploring a new book together, these recordings create cherished moments and memories that last well beyond the deployment.

For more details or to get started, visit United Through Reading.