Hospital: Host a “Branch Birthday Party”

Host a “Branch Birthday Party”

In my previous blog, I shared information and resources about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is this month (September). The month is not yet over; keep up the great work and bring awareness to your community on what to look for and how to reach out to someone who may be in emotional pain and might need help. Learn more here: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/mental-wellness

September begins three months in a row of birthday celebrations for the following branches of the U.S. military:

• Air Force (September 18)
• Navy (October 13)
• Marine Corps (November 10)

Your Auxiliary could host a “Branch Birthday Party” each month, honoring the branch and those who served in that branch of the U.S. military. It’s a variation on the monthly birthday parties many VA hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities host for veterans.

Ideas for a “Branch Birthday Party” include:

• A trivia or jeopardy-type game. Sample questions include:
  • What date was the Air Force (Navy, Marine Corps, etc.) founded?
  • Who are famous people that served in the Air Force (Navy, Marine Corps, etc.)
  • What is the slogan of the Air Force (Navy, Marine Corps, etc.)
    • You can find lots of material to develop questions from on each branch’s Wikipedia page:
      • Air Force: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force
      • Navy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy
      • Marine Corps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps
      • Coast Guard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard (founded January 28)
      • Army: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army (founded June 3)
    • Encourage veterans of each branch of service to talk about the types of aircraft, boats, weaponry, etc. they used versus what is used by today’s service members.
    • Encourage veterans to share the funniest thing they remember about their service.
    • What would a party be without food?
      • Visit the VFW Auxiliary’s Patriotic Food Pinterest Page for red, white and blue food ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/patriotic-food/
      • Visit the VFW Auxiliary’s Yummy Eats & Tasty Treats Pinterest Page for other delicious ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/yummy-eats-tasty-treats/
      • Be sure to remember those who residents that are diabetic. It’s always a good idea to ask the staff for suggestions, too!

Though not in the fall, you are encouraged to celebrate the Coast Guard (January 28) and Army (June 3) birthdays with a “Branch Birthday Party,” too!

Halloween is on the horizon and in my next blog I’ll share some ways to celebrate this spooky holiday.