Month: July 2020

Navy Sailors to Remember Today

Send Your Navy Hero a Snack Box to Say Thank You

October 13, 1775 marks the birth date of the United States Navy, when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy. When the Revolutionary War ended, the Continental Navy disbanded. But, under President George Washington, the Naval Act of 1794 created the permanent branch of the armed forces that we know today.

Through the years, many American heroes served in the U.S. Navy, on elite SEAL teams, as pilots, and as sailors. Although we couldn’t possibly list every member of the Navy who deserves recognition, we have compiled a list of a few here.

Admiral Eric T. Olson

Olson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973 and earned the role of SEAL officer just a year later. The first Navy SEAL appointed to three-star and four-star flag rank, and the first naval officer to be the U.S. Special Operations Command combatant commander, Eric Olson served more than 38 years in the United States Navy. Olson has commanded at every level and served in an Underwater Demolition team, Special Boat Squadron, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, SEAL team, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle team. 

Master Chief Petty Officer Rudy Boesch

You might recognize Rudy Boesch from his time as a contestant on the reality TV series Survivor. But what you may not know is that he was on the very first Navy SEALs who served for 45 years before retiring in 1990. His SEAL results were set as physical and operational standards for SEAL Team Two. In Vietnam, Boesch earned a Bronze Star. During that war, he was part of 45 combat missions.

Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle

Perhaps one of the most well-known Navy SEALs because of the American Sniper, the blockbuster biographical movie of his life, Chris Kyle was the most lethal sniper in all U.S. military history during his four tours of Iraq. For his heroism and service in combat, Kyle earned the Silver Star Medal, four Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous other awards. Kyle and a friend were murdered at a shooting range in Texas in 2013.

Captain John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones is known as the father of the U.S. Navy and was the first to hoist the flag over a U.S. naval vessel. During the Revolutionary War, he is credited with defeating the British during battles and for taking over their 50-gun ship, the HMS Serapis. The British accused him of piracy, but you may know him from your history books for his memorable quote, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

Lieutenant Michael “Murph” P. Murphy

A graduate of Penn State, Lt. Murphy chose to join the Navy instead of pursuing law school. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2005, just three years after joining the military. Murph was awarded the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest decoration, for his actions during his time in Afghanistan, the first member of the Navy to receive the award since Vietnam. He also was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, and a Purple Heart. In his honor, a U.S. Navy ship and several military and civilian buildings have been named for him.

Do you have your own personal hero in the Navy — or any military branch — today? For a unique and fun way to thank them for their service, send a special military snack box from My Hero Crate. Our American-sourced snack boxes are shipped straight to their address, even APO/FPO/DPO addresses for free and overseas, and we donate a portion of our proceeds to a veteran-centered non-profit organization. A military snack box is a great choice for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Learn more and order your first care package today.

Top Five Reasons a Military Snack Box Makes a Great Gift

Care Packages to APO/DPO/FPO Addresses Ship for Free

Not a day goes by that you don’t think of your loved one in the military. Whether they’re stationed overseas or on a domestic military base, being far apart can be heart-wrenching. You probably remember the emotions you felt when they first left for basic combat training, and you wrote them letters almost every day. The worry and the pride never fades, and you probably feel compelled to show your love in new ways, ways you didn’t have to consider before because your loved one is nearby.

A thoughtful way you can express your love for your military member and personal hero is by sending them a military snack box from My Hero Crate. Here are five reasons why our armed forces care packages make such great gifts.

1. Active people have strong appetites.

With your loved one taking part in physical activities every day, sometimes all day long, they are sure to get hungry. The contents of our snack boxes are military-approved, so the treats we’ll send to your soldier will be able to be appreciated and consumed. Hearty treats like nuts and beef jerky satisfy appetites until the next meal time.

2. American soldiers deserve all-American gifts.

Our armed services troops are fighting to defend our country, so it only makes sense that our snacks come from American suppliers and are fulfilled by an American company. (That’s us! We’re based in Ohio!). While we’re sure your hero would enjoy any gift you send them, there’s just something special about receiving a patriotic care package!

3. Our memories are tied to food.

Especially in the United States, we tend to tie our most-loved memories to food. Think about it. What memorable family reunion doesn’t include a potluck meal of beloved family recipes? What snacks did you enjoy when you attended a sporting event together? Our military snack boxes contain a variety of treats that are sure to remind your hero of your special times together.

4. We make care package shipping easy.

Of course, you could put together your own care package to send it to your soldier, but you have to worry about finding a suitable package, then visiting the post office to pay for postage. My Hero Crate takes care of all of it for you, which saves you time — time you could spend writing your loved one a letter or accepting their phone calls. And, you don’t need to know any special shipping guidelines, either.

5. Military snack boxes are appropriate for every occasion.

While most military bases are well-stocked with civilian snacks that your loved one can purchase, it’s way more special to receive a big box of treats because it means someone was thinking of you! Our snack boxes are a great gift for every occasion: birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or celebrating a big achievement. Or, you can send one just because; that’s why we offer our snack box subscription service! 

We created My Hero Crate because we care, and because we know you do, too. To show your military loved one that you’re thinking of them, visit our website and pick out the perfect snack box to send to them, no matter where they’re stationed. 

Army Soldiers Who Did Great Things

Say “Thanks!” to Your Modern-Day Hero with a Military Care Package

A true soldier possesses certain character traits that make them truly special. These characteristics are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Over the years, members of the Army have displayed these traits and achieved amazing things while serving our country. Do you know the story of these important Army soldiers?

Maj. Gen. John Lincoln Clem

Clem changed his middle name from Joseph to Lincoln before attempting to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War when he was just nine years old. After being rejected initially, he made it into the 22nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry and killed a Confederate officer who demanded his surrender. Clem was promoted to sergeant before being discharged in 1864. He made his return to the army in 1871 and rose to major general before his retirement in 1915. We don’t know many nine-year-olds are prepared for war today, but we’re thankful for Maj. Gen. Clem’s dedication to this country.

Sgt. Henry Johnson

A “Harlem Hellfigher” during World War I, Johnson found himself in a fight in the Argonne Forest. A dozen German soldiers attacked him and his buddy. Sgt. Johnson was able to hold them off with grenades and rifle fire. When he ran out of ammo, he finished off his attackers with a knife and saved the rest of his unit. President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson a Congressional Medal of Honor; President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded him a Purple Heart. In 2003, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award, was presented to his son, Herman A. Johnson, a Tuskegee Airman, on behalf of his father. The French government also awarded Johnson the Croix de guerre; he was the first American to receive the award.

Gen. George S. Patton

A West Point graduate, General Patton commanded the army in World War II in the Mediterranean and in France and Germany after D-Day. Although his public statements and motivational speeches to his soldiers were somewhat controversial, today, he is regarded as an American folk hero. During his time in the Army, Gen. Patton earned a Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Legion of Merit. Patton is the subject of several full-length motion pictures that celebrate his achievements and his big personality.

Lt. Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy is considered the greatest combat soldier in the history of the United States. Although he passed away at only 46 years old, his legend lives on today in his Hollywood movie roles. At just 5’5” tall and 110 pounds, Murphy was refused enlistment in both the Marines and paratroopers during World War II. That was their loss, and the Army gladly accepted him. His first assignment was to the 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division, where he fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He earned a battlefield commission for his courage and leadership, as well as every possible medal for valor that the United States awarded. He also earned three French medals and a Belgian medal, making him the most decorated soldier in American history. 

First Lt. Eddie Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker was the most successful American fighter ace in the Army during World War I, with 26 aerial victories. During his time in the Army, he earned the Junior Military Aviator Badge, Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Medal for Merit, World War I Victory Medal, Legion of Honor from France, and the Croix de guerre from France. Rickenbacker also is famous for his careers as a race car driver, automotive designer, and the long-time leader of Eastern Air Lines.

How to Thank Army Soldiers with a Military Care Package

Although we cannot thank these Army legends in person, we can continue to honor their legacy and dedication by remembering them on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. Today’s soldiers are also deserving of our acknowledgement, which is why My Hero Crate was born into existence.

My Hero Crate makes it easy to say “thank you” to any member of the American armed forces. Simply purchase a military care package on our website, and we’ll ship it directly to your favorite soldier, no matter where in the world they’re stationed. Each military care package contains a variety of snacks suitable for any dietary need, and all contents are military-approved. 

Place your order today to thank your personal hero.

Five Important Marines You Should Know

Recognize Your Favorite Marine with a Military Care Package

The Marine Corps were founded as the Continental Marines in November 1775, during the Revolutionary War, for ship-to-shop fighting, assisting in landing forces, providing shipboard security, and enforcing discipline. Since then, the few and the proud have been protecting the United States. Here are a few famous Marines we think are worth knowing. 

Be sure to add your Marine Corps hero to our list, too, and send them a military care package from My Hero Crate.

Marine Sergeant Major Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson

One of the first African Americans to join the Marine Corps, Johnson served as a drill instructor before being promoted to sergeant major. Johnson requested permission to conduct combat patrols and led 25 of them in Guam during World War II.

Previously, he served in both the Army and Navy for a combined 15 years before joining the Marines. At basic training, he was nicknamed “Hashmark” because he had more service stripes than his instructors. Sgt. Maj. Johnson dedicated his life to serving his country in the armed forces and is definitely deserving of our salute.

Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller”

Most every enlisted Marine is familiar with Chesty Puller and the role he played in the Corps. Lt. Gen. Puller served for 30 years and rose to one of the highest ranks while becoming the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps. 

He earned five Navy Crosses, the nation’s second-highest military honor; no one else has ever achieved the same. He is famous for saying, “All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us. They can’t get away this time,” when his unit was surrounded by the enemy during the Korean War. He also served in World War II and in Nicaragua and Haiti.

Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly

Known as “the fightinest Marine,” Sgt. Maj. Daly earned his fame by leading a counter attack at the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I, despite being outnumbered and outgunned. Although this was an incredible act of bravery, he didn’t earn a Medal of Honor for it.

Instead, he received two Medals of Honor for single-handedly holding a wall in China as snipers tried to kill him and for resisting an ambush in Haiti before leading a counterattack against Caco rebels there.

Colonel John Glenn — Yes, THAT John Glenn

You probably know Col. John Glenn for being the first American to orbit the Earth, but he was an incredibly decorated Marine first. Glenn earned six Distinguished Flying Crosses, 18 Air Medals, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

During World War II and the Korean War, he flew 122 combat missions with three air-to-air kills. He once protected his wingman who was experiencing engine trouble as enemy planes attacked. Glenn drove them off to give his partner time to return to base, ultimately taking down one enemy jet in the process.

Private Minnie Spotted-Wolf

Minnie Spotted-Wolf was the first Native American woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1943. A member of the Blackfoot tribe, Spotted-World described Marine boot camp as “hard, but not too hard.” She served on military bases in California and Hawaii, where she was a heavy equipment operator and driver for general officers.

After serving for five years, she was discharged and became a teacher, a career she enjoyed for 29 years. In 2019, a section of U.S. Highway 89 was dedicated as the “Minnie Spotted-Wolf Memorial Highway.”

Say Thanks to Your Marine Corps Hero

If your loved one is continuing the legacy of excellence of the United States Marine Corps, we think they deserve a very special armed forces snack box from My Hero Crate

Each of our military snack gift baskets contains an assortment of military-approved, American-sourced nuts, chips, candy, and other treats and ships for free, including overseas and to APO, FPO, and DPO addresses. You can send a single snack box, or subscribe so your favorite soldier receives an armed forces care package every month.

Place your order today!

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