Do you know someone who is serving in the military? My brother-in-law is faithfully serving overseas. The sacrifice that he, his wife, and son – along with so many others – are making for our country is something we should never forget and always be thankful for.
My husband occasionally travels for work and I can’t imagine how difficult it would be if that couple days or week long trip was a year long deployment like so many military families face.
The Art of Marriage Ops campaign helps raise awareness of the challenges that military families face. It’s tough when they’re away, yet the adjustment upon returning home can be another challenge. This campaign is a program that helps provide insight and support for military couples.
This campaign needs our help to reach those who need it. Text OPS to 80888 and donate $10.00 to help our men and women in the military strengthen their marriage by attending an event showcasing The Art of Marriage!
Check out this widget below; along with some more information about the campaign, there’s a few inspirational date ideas for all couples!
Win It!
1 lucky winner will receive a $20 gift card to Applebee’s!
Rules:
This giveaway ends on March 13, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST.
Open to the US only, ages 18+.
Click here for complete rules and disclosure.
About Erika
we always have dinner together.
Communication is key to keeping marriage strong
Always being there for one another with an open mind, listening ear and loving heart.
my cousin is in the army
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted this today
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Help support military couples with #marriageops & enter to win a $20 Applebee’s #giftcard @Erika105 Ends 3/13 #giveaway http://t.co/HKxwrXOM
My nephew is in the Army.
Twitter: shuggysmommy
says:
no, i don’t know anyone curretly serving but my husband used to be in the navy. thanks!
I am not married but might as well be. My partner and I have fights sometimes but the best advice I can give is to walk away from each other and cool off before it escalates into something that is way harder to come back from, and THEN talk about it.
My husband and I were dating for 4 1/2 yrs before we got married. We got married in our middle 30′s. We didn’t rush into it. We were friends before we got married and we are now the best of friends still. I think that is how you have to start off. It has to be more than mutual attraction (which is is on our part — that is only an aspect of it ).
We spend a lot of time together and work on our webcomic as a team.
Working together on a project helps us to stay close.
Twitter: ginahull
says:
Date night at least every other week.
It might sound obvious, but COMMUNICATION.
It still surprises me how often you think someone means one thing, and you find out it wasn’t that at all!
I have my nephew who is serving in the navy.
Thanks so much.
My best friend from childhood joined the army a few years after i did. it’s nice to have someone who i can relate to in both worlds (civilian and military)
My husband serrved in the military during Viet Nam
having a date night every week.
austma7@aol.com
When cold, turn off the heat to encourage cuddling.
having Christ in our marriage and following what the Bible says for marriages has made this marriage last for 17 years so far!
we have been married for 17 years by following the Bible’s map for marriages!
My cousin is in the military
My best tip is to pray together.
Twitter: grannyamoose
says:
Laugh often and talk a lot!!
Twitter: Battle_Cry87
says:
My husband and I are strong because we put Jesus and His word as our foundation. Our choices start with Him. We love each other so much because of the love of Christ in us.
Twitter: Dianna Thomas
says:
Thanks for asking my husband/my best friend is a disabled vet–he always makes me coffee, and he always makes me laugh everyday.
I currently have a cousin who is serving in the military
dhsauers(at)gmail.com
Myhusband is active duty Air force currently stationed in Korea. He’s been there since June and its been hard with him away from me and the kids.
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
(((HUGS)) Jessica. Thank you for your sacrifice!
Erika recently posted..Happy 9th Birthday, Nathan!
If I had a best tip mine would be better… :/ .. i dont have anyone close to me in the military, but my neighbor’s husband is in the army
Having God and the bible keeps our marriage strong. We have a nephew serving in the army.
Twitter: rjs7777
says:
Staying positive and making complements. Trying to keep things positive despite problems and much more.
Twitter: cistran
says:
Keep up with loving words and compliments to each other
Twitter: kelsweeps
says:
never get married…like me
Twitter: clc408
says:
Remember to make tome for each other no matter how busy life gets.
a friend from church is in the navy
I don’t know anyone ACTIVE in the military, but I have a great uncle, two regular uncles, three cousins, and several friends/coworkers who have served, covering every branch of the military.
I have been married now for 35 years and the best tip I can give is two actually. first never ever go to bed mad at your spouse. and second, remember that there are two people in a marriage and there are days each of you will have that are just awful. learn to kiss butt. both of you. when he’s having a bad day, be sweet, kind etc. no matter what. when your day has been the pitts, he needs to do the same.
Twitter: craftyzoo
says:
My best tip is to communicate and keep the mindset of ‘this is forever so we must work it out!’
Twitter: craftyzoo
says:
Also remember your vows were not just a promise to you and your spouse, but a vow to God.
the Zoo Keeper recently posted..Win a Flat Screen TV! #FanJamSG-Shawn Gallaway Giveaway -ends 3/15
Twitter: ClennaE
says:
Keep the communication open, each person should be their own person. Be truthful. Treat each other with love and kindness. (I’ve been married over 40 years)
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted applebee giveaway
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Help support military couples with #marriageops & enter to win a $20 Applebee’s #giftcard @Erika105 Ends 3/13 #giveaway http://t.co/HKxwrXOM
Always being able to talk
my brother is serving in the military
I don’t have any loved ones serving in the milltary.
My husband is being medically retired out of the army this month, but during his deployment we tried really hard not to sweat the small stuff. Whenever we had a chance to talk it was always about the new things our daughter learned, how me missed and loved each other, and not about things going wrong on the home front.
compromise, talking, and more compromise
Twitter: bloomerbear
says:
Best tip is talk things out….
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks
Twitter: Dianna Thomas
says:
boosted–http://www.topmommyblogs.org/blog/17529/musings-from-a-stay-at-home-mom——-voted–http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/teaching?similar=1907//You have just voted for Musings From a Stay At Home Mom!–thanks for all your hard work
Twitter: Sarafan2
says:
Nephew is serving in the army. Thanks.
Twitter: caty7d
says:
My husband and I make it a point to sit down each night and talk about our days. It’s a great way to focus on each other and just take a break from life. It keeps us communicating regularly.
Best tip is always communicate and remember to laugh together!
COMMUNICATION, always talk and say what you feel.
got to dance
Never go to bed mad and be open and communicate.
We have a candlelit dinner every night
Happi Shopr recently posted..CBS Cares and So Do We Giveaway
I don’t presently have a family member serving in the military, but both my husband and father are vets
Twitter: thelifeofrylie
says:
My aunt and my two cousins are currently serving in the military, along with several friends. I did my time too!
LeeAnn recently posted..Initials, Inc. Personalized Bags {Review & Giveaway}
Twitter: ChevSopkin
says:
It’s so important to make time for yourself & your spouse. I know everyone *knows* that, but sometimes it’s easy to let it slip away between daily responsibilities, kids, work & such. We have a date night every other Friday. We have a 2 1/2 yr old son & are finally comfortable letting him sleep over at grandma & grandpa’s house now. As well as date night, we have 1 night/wk set aside that is our “fun” night (wink, wink) & there’s no getting out of it! It gives us intimate time to look forward to & keeps the spark going,
My dad was in the Army!
My Uncle serves in the Army
jenhedger at hotmail dot com
sounds fantastic
Twitter: LIDARKSIDE
says:
We don’t have any relatives currently serving in the military.
my neighbor James is in the ARMY
Getting away once in a while without the kids is always a great idea.
It is important to make along time for the two of you–my husband is ex Navy.
My brother serves in the Army!
Twitter: blueirisheyes
says:
Communication!
My cousin served in the military
Twitter: 22Colley
says:
My husband was in the Navy for 15 years, so he’s a vet now.
thanks for the giveaway
Twitter: mahnrafjtb
says:
Laughter and communication.
Twitter: rypm25
says:
my best tip for keeping a relationship strong is to have open communication and not be afraid to discuss anything.
rypm25@aol.com
Twitter: JalapenoMama
says:
You hear it often and it’s so true.
Keep the communication lines open!
Be tactful and open.
Thank you.
set time aside for a date night
Communication!
Twitter: smilekisses
says:
I have a good friend in the army now.
Make sure to always put a little time aside for just the two of you
show appreciation to each other every day!
Twitter: mverno
says:
actually listen to what your mate is saying and don’t always try to be the center of attraction
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted this cash giveaway today
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Help support military couples with #marriageops & enter to win a $20 Applebee’s #giftcard @Erika105 Ends 3/13 #giveaway http://t.co/HKxwrXOM
Twitter: clconley27
says:
#1 thing to a good marriage is COMMUNICATION. Without that, everything seems to just fall apart.
Twitter: sparkedcat
says:
I have a friend in the navy.
We have set aside Thursday nights to do a date night at home.
We make time for each other every night.
Twitter: Mir11Mir
says:
I have several family members and friends who have served or are serving in the military (including my father, uncle, aunt and cousin).
Twitter: ssmc99
says:
I don’t know anyone who served in the mility.
My brother in law and my father are active military
My cousin is in the Military.
Thanks!
Jenn from Making Hair Bows
learnquilling@gmail.com
Twitter: mome25sar
says:
My Brother in Law is in the Army.
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted applebees gigt carda giveaway
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Help support military couples with #marriageops & enter to win a $20 Applebee’s #giftcard @Erika105 Ends 3/13 #giveaway http://t.co/HKxwrXOM
Twitter: thriftymaven
says:
My son is in the Army.
catherine copeland recently posted..Redbox FREE Movie Night Rental Code on Facebook March 8th Only!
Ours is a military family, but right at the moment, the numbers are somewhat smaller than usual–a nephew, sons of a couple of cousins , and several close friends. But my husband, myself, my brother, about a dozen cousins, etc are all veterans.
We make sure we spend time together, without the kids. We also make we are always honest with each other…no matter what. bekki1820cb at gmail dot com
I have a friend serving in the military.
My secret for a good marriage is open lines of communication! Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Twitter: Cezovski9
says:
My husband is retired from the USNavy
Trust, understanding, love OF COURSE, compromise and responsibility.
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashleymorrissey90(at)yahoo(dot)com
Twitter: TheLuckyLadybug
says:
Pretty much my whole extended family has or does serve in all walks of military service including myself ヅ *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Communicate and really listen to each other!
My tip is to be best friends with your spouse. Talk and laugh daily!
My brother just got out of the Navy and my hubby was in the Navy for 8 years (all of which we were together). I think this is a great program…
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted this cpuples giveaway
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Help support military couples with #marriageops & enter to win a $20 Applebee’s #giftcard @Erika105 Ends 3/13 #giveaway http://t.co/HKxwrXOM
Twitter: johnverse68
says:
compromise within reason and disaregard all selfish nature because that doesnt work
Twitter: fmstill
says:
We get a babysitter and go out every now and then.
My husband and I have been together for almost 13 years and we keep our marriage strong by communicating well, appreciating each other, and most of all laughing together.
Twitter: kimct77
says:
My hubby served in the Navy! I have a nephew that’s in the Army as well. It’s a hard, but rewarding life!
My husband and I read the bible together every night before we go to sleep it really helps us stay connected! Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
we have a date night out every week together
pkeintz@gmail.com
Trust and respect must have both
Get grandma and grandpa to watch the kids so you can have some quality alone time, and take time to hold hands.
We have a good friend who serves in the military.
Twitter: roarkatheart
says:
There are so many things that keep my marriage strong it’s hard to pinpoint just one. I guess I would have to say communication is the key. Neither of us is afraid to discuss anything with the other and do so every day. We have a period of time at night while laying in bed right before we go to sleep where we talk with no interruptions which is really nice. It always helps when you marry your best friend as well.
my cousin serves in the Marines.
Twitter: L_A_Frances
says:
I am actually single and don’t really know someone in the military personally, except a cousin who used to be in the military.
Twitter: gopilates
says:
being open and honest about everything
My husband is in the military.
Twitter: crazylicious85
says:
My sister’s boyfriend is in Afghanistan right now.
My brother-in-law is retired Air Force and my nephew is currently in the Air Force. My Dad was in the Navy for WWII
We always have dinner together
My brother-in-law is in the military.
We try to go out on a date once a month, so we can have some time alone
Respect, compromise and love!
We have shared interests and like to spend time together.
I currently have a nephew serving in the military…. and the best
way to build a strong marriage is to take time to listen… and plan
date nights at least every few weeks.
Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com
trust during tough times keeps a marriage strong!
Twitter: rhonjerm
says:
My husband in a Military Disabled Vet., great daddy and husband!!
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
HONESTY! One thing that keeps my husband and I’s marriage strong is being able to talk, and being honest with eachother. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
Jammie recently posted..More Coming Soon
my father was in the military, now retired
Never go to bed angry!
Tam S.
Date night w/o the kids!
Twitter: BusyTennMom
says:
I think communication is vital in a marriage./
Pam Sims recently posted..Remember to Enter Our Giveaway on March 1st
I make sure my husband and I talk every day – even if it’s a quick touch-base as to what is happening at home.
good communication and alot of romance!
It is always respect.
Twitter: janbenn07
says:
My husband is ex-military, and three of my brothers-in-law have been in the military. Two are now disabled vets, and the other (thank goodness) is safe and sound stationed domestically.
Remember to keep your priorities straight!
I love Applebee’s.
Richie Cooper recently posted..Let’s recycle our plastic bottles
I have a niece in the Air Force.
My husband is active duty Navy
bakergurl02 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Be truthful and honest with each other.
Twitter: amy16323
says:
yes i have a loved one in the military
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
I have a friend currently serving
brich22 at earthlink dot net
boost 3/13 r hicks
brich22 at earthlink dot net
Twitter: myspotme
says:
twitted gift card giveaway
dan williams recently posted..myspotme: Bargain Network’s Show Me the Money! Cash Giveaway March – http://t.co/7OVXbFm0 via @Shareaholic
I have noboy currently serving but my cousin was in the marines
Twitter: hussagain
says:
make time for each other especially if you both work and/or have children. And I have two loved ones serving—A dear friend of mine from college and my niece’s boyfriend are both deployed. LOVE ALL WHO ARE SERVING AND WHO HAVE AND WHO WILL!!
Our marrage is strong because we listen to each other!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
Twitter: CarrieAn13
says:
My brother’s best friend is serving in the Marines & headed out for his 3rd tour overseas. He was recently married & has a little one on the way….
Twitter: LesJohnson8
says:
My husband is in the military and date nights are VERY important to keeping a relationship strong.
My best tip for marriage is to listen, agree, and live for peace.
We keep our marriage strong by staying ourselves, by still being the people we were before we got married.
Never go to bed angry!!
Always make sure to get time alone from the kids!
date nights
Communication is key – and honesty, of course!
spend some a lone time once in awhile,makes a world of difference
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: rcksy
says:
being honest and communicating with each other !
We take time to just talk about our day. We lost that for awhile and have been rebuilding our communication
Thanks for the great contest!
bahjeep@aol.com
honesty
marygardner49 at aol dot com
My husband’s in the Navy on a sub.
Twitter: pricelessteam
says:
Communication and honesty are key to making a marriage work.
Yona recently posted..International Delight Creamer – Cold Stone Creamery Sweet Cream
Twitter: dvice1
says:
My best tip is open communication
Twitter: Yupbucket
says:
I have a nephew who recently got out of the army.
My tip is to keep the lines of communication open.