8 Gifts for Your Combat Veteran (or Yourself)
Combat veterans are a different breed of soldier. Having engaged the enemy on the field of battle, they’ve faced some challenges that most Americans only read about, or maybe see on television. Obviously, going to combat in real life is a lot different than it is on TV but to really know the difference “you had to be there”.
Clothing items make excellent gifts for Combat Veterans because they allow them to express themselves and show the world that they participated in a truly significant experience. They are usually proud (as they should be) of their accomplishments.
Those who have “been there” deserve our respect! One way to show our appreciation is with a gift that appropriately recognizes the deed.
How the Army Recognizes the Combat Veteran
The Army recognizes combat veterans under the DA Military Awards Program. The program objective is to provide tangible recognition for acts of valor, exceptional service or achievement, special skills or qualifications, and acts of heroism both during and outside of actual combat.
One category of awards that the Army uses to give tangible recognitions is through the use of badges and tabs. In the case of Army combat veterans, there are three types of badges that may be awarded. These badges are the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Medical Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.
Soldiers may be awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Medical Badge, and Combat Action Badge, for the same qualifying period provided the criteria for each badge is met. However, subsequent awards of the same badge within the same qualifying period are not authorized.
The Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat veterans authorized to be awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge are personnel who were in the grade of Colonel or below with an infantry or special forces military occupational specialty who satisfactorily performed duty while assigned as a member of an infantry/special forces unit.
The unit must have been brigade or smaller size, during any period subsequent to 6 December 1941 when the unit was engaged in active ground combat. There is specific criteria for each conflict that must also be met.
The Combat Medical Badge
Combat veterans who were medical personnel, assigned or attached by appropriate orders to an infantry unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, or to a medical unit of company or smaller size, organic to an infantry unit of brigade or smaller size, during any period the infantry unit is engaged in actual ground combat were eligible for award of the Combat Medical Badge (CMB), provided they are personally present and under fire during such ground combat. Click here for additional personnel authorized for award of the CMB.
The Combat Action Badge
The Combat Action Badge (CAB) may be awarded to any soldier who was performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay was authorized. They must have been personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, while performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
Furthermore, the soldier must not have been assigned/attached to a unit that would qualify the soldier for the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge.
Combat Veteran Gifts
1. Combat Veteran Hats
Expand your soldiers headwear collection with this fashionable dad hat. With a slightly distressed brim and crown fabric, it’ll add just the right amount of edge to their (or your) look. For a quick and easy outfit pair it with slacks, some favorite jeans, and a sports tee.
These hats feature:
- 100% pre-shrunk cotton twill
- Soft crown
- 6 sewn eyelets
- 6 stitched rows on the brim
- 6-panel unstructured cap with a low profile
- Seamed front panel without buckram
- Adjustable hook and loop closure
2. Combat Veteran T-Shirts
Having evolved from a simple undergarment to an equally simple out garment, the t-shirt is one of the most popular apparel items in the world. Slap the right design on one, and the t-shirt becomes the perfect mix of expression and comfort for everyday wear.
These T-shirts feature:
- 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
- Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
- Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
- Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
- Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
- Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
- Pre-shrunk fabric
- Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
- Side-seamed
3. Combat Veteran Long sleeve Shirts
All the comfort of a t-shirt with a little extra material for the cooler weather. Long sleeve t-shirts are great because, like a regular t-shirt, they are lightweight. They can also be worn comfortably under other garments for layered convenience.
These long sleeve shirts feature:
- 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
- Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
- Athletic Heather is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
- 32 singles
- Retail fit
- Crew neck
- Cover-stitched collar
- 2” ribbed cuffs
- Side-seamed
4. Combat Veteran All Over Print Rash Guard Shirts
Comfort meets specialized utility with these rash guard shirts. These shirts will help to prevent sunburn or bruises its smooth fabric and long-sleeves. They are slim-fitted and slightly longer than a casual tee designed to protect from the sun, wind, and other elements.
These all over print rash guard shirts feature:
- 82% polyester, 18% spandex
- 38-40 UPF
- Fitted design
- Very soft four-way stretch fabric that stretches and recovers on the cross and lengthwise grains
- Comfortable longer body and sleeves
- Flat seam and cover stitch
- Printed, cut, and hand-sewn by our expert team
5. Combat Veteran Champion Sweatshirts
As the weather begins to cool, something thicker than a t-shirt might be in order. A sweatshirt is the perfect solution to allow a soldier to move comfortably, express themselves in style, and regulate the body temperature as needed. Printed sweatshirts come with the same design as the t-shirt.
These sweatshirts feature:
- 82% cotton, 18% polyester
- Crew neck
- 1×1 ribbed knit cuffs and bottom band
- 1×1 rib inserts at underarm and sides for extra mobility
- Embroidered “C” logo on left sleeve
6. Combat Veteran Beanies
In keeping with the cooler weather, a beanie does the same thing for the head that the sweatshirt does for the body. The design for these beanies is similar to that of the shirts and sweatshirts making it the perfect accessory. Buy it separately or combine it with a top garment to make a matching set.
These beanies feature:
- 100% Turbo Acrylic
- 12″ in length
- Hypoallergenic
- Unisex style
7. Combat Veteran Hoodies
These hoodies feature:
- 90% cotton, 10% polyester (light steel is 85% cotton, 15% polyester)
- 100% cotton shell
- Two-ply hood with a colored lining (black hoodies have a light steel lining in the hood, navy – oxford grey lining, light steel – navy lining)
- V-notch rib detail at neck, and half-moon insert at the back of the neck
- Tone-matching drawstrings
- Front pouch pocket
- 2×1 ribbed spandex enhanced cuffs and bottom band
- Embroidered “C” logo on left sleeve
8. Combat Veteran Mugs
Soldiers are people too and sometimes they want to just sit back and relax with a hot cup of coffee (or some other beverage). There isn’t a reason why they can’t express their accomplishments at the same time. Imagine the symbolism of a job well done and the reward of an enjoyable hot cup of relaxation.
These mugs feature:
- Ceramic
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- White and glossy
The Effects of War
When it comes to our combat veterans, the fighting doesn’t stop when the battle is over. It doesn’t even stop when they come home. In fact, it never stops. There are many challenges that the combat veteran must continue to face after the war is over. Some of these challenges include sleep disturbances, disturbing thoughts, self medication, and flashbacks.
Sleep disturbances – many of our veterans complain of dealing with insomnia and similar sleep problems. On the outside, they may appear perfectly healthy. Or, you may notice signs of sleep deprivation. Whether they served on active duty, in the reserve, or in the National Guard, the inability to sleep may be a sign that they need mental help services.
Disturbing thoughts – some combat veterans experience disturbing thoughts or feelings for which they can’t really identify the source. These thoughts or feelings might last 30 days or longer. That is an indication of a bigger problem that needs to be investigated. Sometimes these these thoughts are so severe that the veteran might have trouble managing their life.
Self-medication – often, our combat veterans may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their feelings. Obviously, this isn’t healthy, not by a long shot. It is literally one of the easiest ways to cope with some of the things that they may have seen because all it takes is a quick trip to the corner store. No prescription or explanation is needed. It may help in the short term but it can definitely lead to more problems.
Flashbacks – combat veterans are notorious for experiencing flashbacks. They can often relive traumatic experiences as if they are back at that moment in time. Dreams or nightmares about horrific events are commonplace and good indicators of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Living through it once was enough, imagine going through it over and over again.
The Value of Appreciation
Showing appreciation to our combat veterans for what they have done, faced, and lived through is typically not something that people normally think about. When we’re busy, our daily lives consume us and we tend to focus on the things that we need to get done. Life can really become a blur. It’s usually not until we see something out of the ordinary that our train of thought is disrupted and we become more aware of what and who is around us. Oddly enough, we may forego acknowledging the efforts of our combat veterans not because we don’t care but rather because we might not even know who they are.
When we fail to appreciate our combat veterans for the effort and time (and maybe more) that they have sacrificed, we forget what actually went into the accomplishment of their mission. The war effort can be thought of as a compilation of decisions, activities, and actions that allow our military to navigate through issues in order to get the job done. When someone protects our freedom, we say thanks, take pics, and enjoy life, without considering what they’ve gone through to protect that freedom.
Maintaining excellent physical conditioning. Practicing mental fortitude. Training daily and preparing to fight. Maintaining equipment in tip top condition so it is ready to go. Leaving our loved ones behind while we get to work in another part of the world. It takes a ton of time, preparation, and sacrifice to when the war for freedom. But for the average American, all they think about is “What am I going to do today?”
Which leads us to a really important point – people who complain.
Aside from right and wrong, an unfortunate thing we learn as kids, is how to bitch and moan. When something goes wrong, we might sit there and cry, or complain, or even sulk. We might become spoiled brats and go through life assuming that we should have access to everything or that the world owes us something. If we take this habit into adulthood, we become…jerks.
The common jerk is that individual who thinks of his or her self first, puts his or her self in front of others, and considers his or her self better and more important than others. They never appreciate anyone but themselves. They ask for help but never seem to offer any. The jerk will always assume that others should do things for them, and that they have every right to complain when things don’t go their way. Unfortunately, the United States of America is a breeding ground for the jerk.
There are many Americans that constantly complain about things that other people do. It doesn’t matter if you were just trying to help. When a soldier goes off to defend freedom, the jerk will complain about tax dollars being spent on the military, even though he never served a day for his country. The jerk will complain that you kill or destroy the enemy, even though he would be afraid to defend his own home should that enemy step foot on American soil. If people would take the time to appreciate what our soldiers go through, instead of looking to point fingers, this country would be better off along with the rest of the world.
The most valuable aspect of appreciation, in the end, lies in the relationships between human beings. We have to work with each others. We have to live with each other. And, we have to talk to each other. When we do, understanding what others have gone through to protect our freedoms, will help us empathize with what happens when soldiers go above and beyond to protect you. When you realize that soldiers who serve do so even though they don’t have to, your thoughts should be those of appreciation, not criticism or complaint.
Express Your Appreciation with a Gift
The idea behind gift giving originates from the natural desire that we have to express to someone that we care about them and to show that they’re important to us. But, it is important to remember that the best gifts that we can give aren’t necessarily the ones we spend the most money on. There are a slew of ways in which we can increase the value that a gift has to the person we give it to. One example, giving a gift that acknowledges a major experience or accomplishment is often well received.
People aren’t always very explicit about the things they like. A good rule of thumb is that if there is a wish list, go with it. A wish list might take away the surprise but at least you’ll know you got it right. Without a list, you’ll need to put on your thinking cap. You probably shouldn’t give cash for reasons we won’t go into here. Ultimately, without specifics, try to buy a gift that reflects something important to the recipient or your relationship with them. It truly is the thought that counts!
For the serious giver: Keep in mind that a gift that is nicely wrapped with a bow can put you over the top.
Combat Veteran Apparel
Clothing is an excellent vehicle for expression. With that in mind, apparel that allows a soldier who has served in combat to show their identify themselves as such and express their pride is a no-brainer. With a broad selection of items including; hats, t-shirts- long sleeve t-shirts, rash guard shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, beanies, and even mugs, there is bound to be something that we’ve listed about that hits the mark regardless of the weather. A gift for any season for a soldier who has given much.
If you have one of these soldiers in your life, appreciate them. Be sure to thank them for their service. Make sure that they know that you know that they have sacrificed a lot for this country. And, that the sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. If you don’t have one in your life but know someone who does, share this post with them. They will appreciate it.
