Even though it has been over 20 years since Paul’s military service I can still remember how difficult it was to be apart from him when he was in the Navy, especially when he was deployed. Back then we didn’t have tablets or smartphones, so if I wasn’t home when he called I had to painfully listen to a message on our answering machine as my heart ached until the next time he would have an opportunity to try again. It could literally be days or weeks in between phone calls and even though we wrote letters to each other regularly, nothing could compare to hearing his voice. Those days, weeks and months were truly agonizing. Fast forward twenty years to a time when we all carry smartphones and other devices right in the palm of our hands and it is often much easier for members of the military and their loved ones to stay connected even when they are thousands of miles apart. I’m a teensy bit jealous, but also very pleased with how far we have come because not only can military families talk to each other, but they can also see each other depending on which apps they use to communicate while apart.
Military Appreciation Month
Did you know that May is Military Appreciation Month? Certainly we should appreciate our military every month of the year, but I love that the month of May is dedicated to showing them how much we appreciate their hard work and sacrifice. Thanks to the power of technology there are several ways to show them how much we care about them and express how grateful we are for their service with just a few taps of a screen.
- Tango – If a loved one is stationed overseas this app allows users to communicate without fees or charges. If the military member doesn’t have a smartphone or has limited access to mobile devices, the app can be downloaded and used on a computer. It’s great for video chatting, texting or calling to catch up with family or friends free of charge. The app even stores your conversations and enables you to send eCards.
- Postagram. Service men and women stationed overseas, defending our freedom, miss out on a lot of moments back home. This app enables users to easily create personalized postcards with photos of loved ones. A set number of postcards can be printed and shipped for free by Postagram. Users have the option to pay if they want to send additional cards.
- Joining Forces website. The White House has created a website for citizens to join forces and support our military service members. Visit the Joining Forces website to write and send a letter of gratitude to military families, to begin a volunteer project or enter your zip code to search for volunteer opportunities in your area.
Seriously, I’m in awe of how far technology has come since my husband and I were members of the military family and to show how excited I am about that and to show my appreciation for all the sacrifices made by current military families I’m partnering with U.S. Cellular to give away an iPhone 5s! Are you already a U.S. Cellular customer or maybe considering a switch from your current carrier? If so, this is the giveaway for you because the iPhone 5s is specifically made for U.S. Cellular’s super fast 4G LGE Network and would be perfect for connecting with loved ones near and far. Check out this handy locator map to see if you are within U.S. Cellular’s network and then come right back to enter for your chance to win a snazzy new mobile device!
I’m a compensated member of U.S. Cellular’s Blogger Brigade, but as always thoughts and opinions are my own. Giveaway device will be shipped directly from U.S. Cellular. Please note: This iPhone 5s will only work on U.S. Cellular’s network.
i like to video chat/skype with loved ones that are far away. SahmReviews.com says ‘Hello Better.’
I admit that I’m a connect-by-email kinda gal; phone calls are okay but definitely a second choice, because I always feel like it’s an emergency or bad news when the phone rings.
I like to Skype with long distance loved ones,
We live far away from all of our family. For those with Apple products I love using FaceTime. We also use Zgoogle Hangouts on Google Plus and Skype. It’s been awesome to be able to show off our baby girl to family and feel close to them.
We chat on Facebook.
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Connecting by Skype right now and occasional phone calls
We use Skype with our relatives in other states/countries.
I call by lan line or email; i have no cell phone or tablet
We like to use facetime
We use skype to connect with relatives far away!
Skype or Facebook messenger.
I like to connect on facebook.
we love to text or to skype!
We use Skype or just talking on the phone.
I love FaceTime! Best way to connect with family elsewhere.
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I like to Skype with loved ones overseas
I like texting and messaging on facebook or msn
I think using Skype is great to connect to a long distance loved one. I use it all the time to see my mom and let her see the grandkids!
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We love to Skype
I love using facebook
Skype works really well to keep in touch with everyone!
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Chatting, video-chatting vi Skype or other video-chatting apps
My favorite way to connect is by phone or Facebook
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I like to skype to keep in touch with friends and family.
What’s app is a cross mobile app that allows my family to connect to each other from long distances. That’s our way of stating connected.
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My favorite way to connect is with weekly phone calls. After that, there is a lot of facebook.
I live in New Hampshire and my parents live in Florida They are in their 70’s and they are now memebers of the technology world. They have ipads and we Skype. They get to see their grandkids I have also taken my ipad to the kids games and let them watch part of it.
I love being able to connect with my family by cell phone or on Skype.
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We love to Skype to family members
My favorite way to connect with long distance loved ones is by using Skype. I love being able to see them when i talk to them.
I like using either Skype or Facetime.
My favorite way to connect with loved ones is on Skype or by traditional letter.
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Usually social media like Facebook is the way we keep in touch with long distance friends and relatives.
Facebook is amazing for connecting with almost everyone.
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We skype, but finding times is the hard part! I like facebook and old fashioned letters too :o)
We skype with far away loved ones!
We usually keep in touch via text!
My favorite way other than the phone I keeping in touch through facebook.
i like to skype or facetime with my family
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I went to college across the state and I loved using Skype and Facebook to connect with my family and friends. Thanks!
I like to connect on facebook and phone calls.
Thanks for the chance!
i like skype! it is the closest thing to actually being with your loved ones.
I like using Skype or Facebook messenger.
I connect with all of my family on Facebook and Instagram!
I love using Facetime
I love SKYPE to connect or Facetime
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