Support Our Troops? How to Walk the Talk

Five Things You Can Do to Support a Military Spouse
on May 12, National Military Spouse Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Contact: Marna Krajeski 401-487-2584

(Wakefield, RI, May 12) Yellow “Support Our Troops” ribbons decorate our cars, from Hondas to Hummers, but what does it truly mean to support our troops? For those who want to put muscle behind the motto, military wife and former Army helicopter pilot Marna Krajeski offers 5 ways to support the troops on National Military Spouse Day.

“One of the best ways to support a soldier is by supporting that soldier’s family during a deployment. When the service member feels secure about the safety and well-being of his family, he’s less distracted and can focus on the military mission at hand,” points out Krajeski, author of Household Baggage: The Moving Life of a Soldier’s Wife (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, May 2006), a heartwarming and humorous collection of essays about Army family life.

Imagine, for a moment, having a husband off at war and two children who miss dad and depend solely on you for food, clothing, transportation, love and attention. Your own mom, dad, sisters, brothers and long time friends live hundreds of miles away from you. It might be a tad tough.

If you want to take military appreciation month seriously—and help a spouse in need— here are Krajeski’s top five tips for supporting the home team of a soldier:

1. Call and check in often. Just admiring her tulips or lamenting the lack of rain can go a long way towards easing her loneliness.
2. Tag team with another friend—while one of you hosts a play date for her children, the other can take her to a spa for a facial or to dinner and a movie.
3. Save her from a dirty kitchen or another night of chicken nuggets—bring her a covered dish for dinner.
4. Humor her—invite her over to watch a funny movie which will bring a smile to her face. Says Krajeski, “There’s a lot to be said for small diversions.”
5. Offer your concierge services. If you’re heading to the post office or grocery store, call and ask her if she needs anything.

For more tips on how to support a military spouse, visit www.householdbaggage.com.
Says Krajeski, “It’s a passion of mine to make life easier for military wives. My stories help them realize they’re not alone—other wives are going through the same challenges, even if they’re putting on a bright face.” When asked about the humorous stories in Household Baggage, Krajeski laughs, “Humor helps us transcend those challenges and keep a positive outlook. I’m glad that comes across in Household Baggage.”

The book’s appeal goes beyond military wives. One civilian reader writes, “I cried, I laughed out loud, I finished it in one sitting, and then I read the stories to my husband. ” Household Baggage can be ordered through bookstores and online outlets.

To schedule an interview with Marna Krajeski or to request a review copy of Household Baggage, please contact Marna Krajeski at 401-487-2584 or e-mail publicity@householdbaggage.com.