Celebrating Father’s Day While Deployed

Jun 21, 2020

The team at Pioneer Military Credit wants to wish a happy Father’s Day to all dads and those who are father figures in our lives. This includes dads who are serving our country, dads who are taking care of the Homefront, as their partner serves, and dads who support their children who are in military service.

We know that this day may come with extra challenges for military families, especially if you, your spouse, or a dad in your life is deployed. Here are some ideas for celebrating, even when you can’t be together.

Plan ahead for a video call

You likely already have video calls with your family if you or your service member is deployed, but Father’s Day is an especially good time to prioritize a call. Services like FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom offer free options and all you need is an internet connection. If it’s not an option to connect on the actual day, celebrate another time. Honoring the day in even a small way like an extra call is a way to help dad feel appreciated.

Send a care package (even if it gets there a little late)

While the whole family is at home, it’s easy to make dinner for dad or pick out a fun gift, but there’s no need to miss out on a gift-giving opportunity just because he’s deployed. It takes a little bit of advance planning, but even if you’re running late, getting a care package at any time is always a nice surprise. Send some of the kids’ drawings, his favorite snacks, or family photos. USPS offers free shipping supplies for military care packages.

Spend time with friends or family at home.

For those at home while dad is deployed, it can be an especially hard time. Spend time with others in your life that you care about and see your own dad or your spouse’s dad if possible. Having support from others can make the ache hurt a little less sometimes.

Thank you to all the military fathers serving our country. We honor and value your service and sacrifice, and wish you a happy Father’s Day, no matter how you’re celebrating this year.