Especially during Christmas, we want to remember that members of the U.S. Army willingly sacrifice time with their families. Each year, thousands of United States Military personnel are deployed to foreign countries, remote sites, and postings all over the world. Connections from home are a huge boost to the morale of the troops and military families as they serve far from home – especially over the holidays.

Holiday Programs

The Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program enables Americans to “Give Something That Means Something” during the holiday season. Beginning in 2014, there is no longer a national Holiday Mail for Heroes P.O. Box to which cards are sent. Instead, Red Cross chapters across the continental U.S. and Red Cross offices on military installations overseas will take complete control of the program. Check with your local Red Cross for times and locations of events and for opportunities to get involved.

Homefront America sponsors two different programs during the holiday season: Homefront Santa and Gifts for our Little Unsung Heroes. Homefront Santa endeavors to match sponsors to military families. Gifts for our Little Unsung Heroes provides each registered child with unwrapped toys and/or gift cards. In addition, holiday meals for families are also provided.

eMail Our Military is a charitable organization supporting our troops through morale-boosting emails, cards, letters, and care packages. Troop supporters can take part in a number of support projects ranging from emailing a service member one-on-one to general year-round support projects.

Full Circle Home gives deployed servicemen a chance to send a gift box to their wives back home. Gift boxes contain items to pamper themselves, such as lotions, bubble baths, and spa socks. They also feature a handwritten note from the serviceman.

Operation Christmas Spirit supports local military families by “adopting” over 100 families and fulfilling their Christmas wish lists with gifts for all family members and gift cards to do their own shopping; sponsor gifts and crafts at unit holiday parties; “Adopt” single Marines and Sailors, giving them gifts and gifts cards to celebrate whether near or far from their families.

Donate to Operation Holiday Joy. 100% of your donation goes to food and toys.

Operation Homefront offers many programs for military families throughout the year and on Christmas. To receive a gift, you must register for your local Operation Homefront Toy Distribution. A military family may also participate in the organization’s holiday meal events and receive all of the groceries for a Christmas dinner.

Thanks to the Marines Toys for Tots program, military and civilian children alike, have the opportunity to receive a new toy for Christmas. Donate or request a toy.

Tree for Troops delivers a Christmas Tree that was grown on an American farm on the other side of the world, just in time for Christmas. Also, they offer spouses and children the gift of a free, real Christmas Tree while their family member is away serving our country.

Military Mail

There are different ways to mail to a military member. See the APO, FPO, DPO link below for more details on how to address as well as dates to mail packages to reach your soldier in time before Christmas.

To assist people in sending gifts out on time, Military Postal Service Agency experts each year publish deadlines to get cards and packages in the mail. To ensure cards and packages arrive at their destination by Christmas, experts recommend the following guidelines.

• Packages going to military APO, FPO, and DPO addresses sent by Parcel Post must be shipped by Nov. 12.
• Space-available mail, or SAM, must be sent by Nov. 26.
• Parcel airlift mail, or PAL, must be sent by Dec. 3.
• First class letters and cards and packages sent by priority mail should be mailed by Dec. 10, except for AE 093 which must be sent by Dec. 3 to ensure on-time delivery.
• Express mail must be sent by Dec. 17, except for APO/FPO/DPO AE 093 where it is unavailable.
• SAM packages are first transported domestically by surface and then overseas by air on a space-available basis. SAM parcels must be less than 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined.

PAL service is space-available air transportation for parcels up to 30 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined.

Special note: Some Muslim countries (such as Saudi Arabia) have laws against displaying Christian symbols. Please keep that in mind when sending cards and letters to the Persian Gulf (Southwest Asia). You’ll not want to use envelopes with Christmas decorations on them as customs may refuse to allow them to enter the country.

Additional Note: Walter Reed Hospital DOES NOT accept Christmas cards addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier” and the U.S. Postal Service will not accept mail addressed to “Any Soldier,” “Any Wounded Soldier.”

The post Support for Military service personnel over the holidays appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

To raise any number of children is a miracle in itself.  Let’s face it- kids are hard.  Each phase ends, and a new one begins.  There is never a break, and it can be emotionally exhausting.  There are 3 ways that I juggle twins that save my sanity and keep me focused during the day.  Without these tools, I would be lost and completely overwhelmed.

1. Schedule, Schedule, Schedule!

My babies were immediately separated at birth due to health complications for my son.  He was in the NICU for 2 weeks at the beginning, which was the start of many more hospitalizations.  However, I knew going into having twins that I had to have a different mindset than if I were to have a singleton. Before they were born, I realized that I would never sleep if they were not on the same schedule.

Once they were both home, I immediately put them on the same schedule, even if it meant waking them up from sleep.  (The “never wake a sleeping baby” is a myth in my eyes).  I fed them at the same time, sometimes tandem breastfeeding, and sometimes one had a bottle while the other breastfed.  They went to sleep together every 3 hours after they fed.  If they both fed on demand, I would have been up 24/7.  Sleep is incredibly important as a parent.  I was sure to get what I could when I could so that I could stay alert and ready for the next move.

2. Make sure your partner is on the same page

I ensured my husband was comfortable bottle feeding from Day 1.  He knew he had as much to do with helping with the babies as I did, and we worked as a team.  We got on a sleeping schedule right away so that I was not the only one doing feeds at night.  I would take the late shifts and he would take the early morning shift so that he would just get ready for work afterward.  Even though he went to work during the day, he knew that at least once during the night, he would be getting up.  Staying at home with two babies is harder than a Full-Time job!  Try to ensure all parties involved are working together.

This includes as the kids are growing up and discipline comes into play.  If you are not on the same page, the kids will become incredibly confused.  If they do not have stability, they will act up even more and things will just get worse.

3. It’s ok to use formula during infant years

I knew right away that I would not be able to exclusively breastfeed due to the issues with my son. Even without those issues, I was never planning on it.  The first three weeks of their life were grueling.  I loathed pumping, breastfeeding hurt, and I was so overwhelmed.  I felt like all I did was feed and pump over and over.  I was ready to quit pumping and breastfeeding during those three weeks.  I used formula when I was too tired or everything hurt too badly.  Once I figured out how to tandem breastfeed, my life changed.  But, by no means, did I stop using formula when I needed it.

These things worked for my family.  I still keep my twins on the same schedule, and they are three!  I don’t regret anything I have done with them, and I truly feel the three things above are absolute wins for twins.  No matter what you decide to do, you are right because that is what is best for your family.  Twins are a different beast, always bringing more unexpected twists and turns.  Just hang in there and know that whatever you are doing is amazing!  We are all Rockstars!

The post Three Wins When You Have Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

That day, the double rainbow my parents marveled at foreshadowed my existence—only, at the time, they had no idea that 2 weeks later, they would find out they were pregnant with twins. Identical twins.

For most people, starting college, or any new beginning is a lonely endeavor.

For most of my life, I’ve never felt this type of loneliness. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been separated from my identical twin sister, Grace. It’s been nearly 2 decades since my parents marveled at that double rainbow, and I met my best friend. From the neonatal intensive care unit to now, here at Duke, we’ve been through life side-by-side, in every sense of the phrase. Our twinship dominates my identity.

So naturally, orientation week at Duke was filled with the classic phrase chain, “I just met you… Grace, right?” and then, “No way, that was your twin?” which was usually followed by, “I wish I was a twin.” Yup. The first week, month, even semester, was marked by our new peers and friends mixing us up. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to be known as Liv, instead of Liv & Grace… or, more commonly, the Haywards. And it’s not that I don’t like that, I do. It’s just that the concept of being known individually seems foreign.

Ever since we were little, we’ve been friends with the same people. As self-proclaimed “floaters” we would sometimes float to different people separately and then introduce our new friends to each other. Although I’ve always felt comfortable spending time with my friends without Grace present, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the twin-ergy we give off when we’re together. We, quite literally, feed off each other’s energy. Given we are two naturally spirited individuals, it’s almost too easy to egg each other on. As much as “double the trouble” is cliché, it is also true. When we’re together, we’re our true selves. It’s hard to explain, but I feel a sense of comfort knowing Grace is with me. In conversations, it’s common for us to seamlessly finish each other’s sentences, share glances that carry meaning without needing the words to accompany them, and usually if one of us starts laughing, it’s virtually impossible for the other to stay serious.

As hard as it is to believe, Grace and I were very close to applying early decision to separate schools. If admitted, this notion of individuality would have been a lot less foreign. But I don’t think either of us was ready to split just yet. Of course, it’s in our cards to live separate lives, but not yet. The athletic, academic, and social obstacles I’ve faced at Duke would have been far more challenging if I didn’t go through them with Grace by my side. There is something remarkably special about having a deep, authentic appreciation of exactly who we are to each other. The phrase “I wish I was a twin” that I’ve heard countless times since starting college is one that consistently reminds me of the gift that is our twinship.

It’s easy to compare twins, especially when they’re identical.

Read that again and tell me that isn’t the most ironic statement. We are as identical as it gets and yet, constantly compared. It sounds wack but I kind of get it. Because we are so alike, there is this desire to find a difference. We’ve heard the phrases “who’s faster, who’s taller, who’s smarter, who’s more outgoing, who’s funnier.” We’ve even been victims to arguably the worst of them all, “who’s prettier.” While we usually let these comments pass, it would be unfair to say they don’t affect our relationship. I sometimes ponder the answers myself. I wonder if the people who ask these questions also answer them with their friends behind closed doors?

What other people say, I’m certain will never cut too deep though. Because in my heart I know that we aren’t competitors fighting to be the “faster, taller, smarter, funnier, prettier, more outgoing” twin. We’re sisters who make each other better and build each other up despite what other people say. And our closest friends will admit, if you spend enough time with us, we’re different people with unique personalities who just happen to look strikingly similar.

The post Double Rainbows – Twinning in College appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Our first scholarship was established as a ‘one time’ award at Aiken Technical College in Aiken, South Carolina. I decided to name it: “Steward Twin Scholarship” on behalf of my twin/co-sponsor. It was an awesome feeling being able to help other twins although that was not the end of our assignment. God continued to nudge at me another five or six years later. I wanted to do more on a larger scale, yet I did not know how, so I started researching. My research journey became very frustrating to the point I wanted to give up until I received encouragement from my aunt, Tonya. She has always been a positive influence. She sent me an inspirational video, shared by Tyler Perry, that led me to believe we have what we need to get started towards our dreams; we just need the faith to take the first step. I believe God always gives us what we need at the right time. 

My family was blessed to have two sets of fraternal twins through my brother’s children. They are two years apart in age and were three and five, at the time. This seemed like the perfect time to establish the next set of scholarships for them to be co-sponsors.

In 2014, two scholarships were established at Claflin University and The University of South Carolina in Aiken. The significance behind these schools was that my twin and I attended Claflin for a summer math and science program while in 10th grade and USC Aiken was our alma mater. This was our way of giving back. Between the beginning of these two scholarships, God gave us an angel. One of the baby twins Blair died from a rare disease. In the midst of our mourning, I felt the best way to honor him as a co-sponsor, would be to rename the scholarships in his memory.  

I contemplated establishing one more scholarship at a specific school where my twin and I attended a summer pre-mate program during our high school senior year. My decision was clearly confirmed when I met my cousin, Leonard, at a family reunion a few months later and learned that his twin sister, Amber, had recently passed away. She had attended the school of my choice which was another confirmation that the final scholarship should be established at Benedict College in Columbia, SC, in the name of “Steward and Coaxum Twin Scholarship” in their memory. My cousin also became a co-sponsor.

This challenging journey continues to be a blessing. The three scholarships are active and receive funds. As of now, eight students have been awarded scholarships.

We appreciate the contributions, prayers, encouragement, and donations from family, friends, community, and everyone with a heart to give. Without the financial contributions, these scholarships cannot exist. If you have questions about the scholarships or want to make a donation, please contact the schools directly.  We thank you in advance for your love and support.

Check out the Steward Twinz on Instagram.

The post A Twins Success Story: The Steward Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Nov. 15, 2021) – Pvts. Broughton and Brendan Beggs are the youngest of nine siblings in their family from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The fraternal twins decided to join the Army National Guard and ended up in 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery for Basic Combat Training (BCT).

However, they are training in different batteries: Broughton is in D Battery, while Brendan is in A Battery. They are scheduled to graduate within a week of each other.

“I was definitely hoping to have him by my side in the same battery,” said Broughton, “but we swore in about a week and a half away from each other.”

Brendan added their timing was upset while he recovered from a snowboarding accident a couple of years ago.

Although training separately was hard at first, they have mixed emotions about it now. They have always done everything together and supported each other. They are each other’s best comrades and best competitors at the same time. However, they agree that it was for the better: Being apart let them grow independently and stand out in their own way within their platoons.

“I still can see him at the chapel on Sundays to keep up with everything,” said Broughton.

Initially it was Broughton’s idea to join, though he later convinced his three-minute younger brother to also enlist. They chose 12N Horizontal Construction Engineer, partly because their recruiter was 12N and knew how to sell it and, partly because the brothers have been working in construction for the past two years.

“It seems like a perfect avenue to add another skill that will work in civilian life and the military,” said Brendan.

Their family was really supportive regarding the choice to connect their lives with the military. They are not the first ones to serve. Their father was in the Navy Reserve, one of their older brothers just finished an eight-year contract with the Navy, and the oldest brother recently joined the Air National Guard.

“We decided to stay on the ground,” both brothers said laughing.

BCT had its challenges, but the twins enjoyed a lot of things there, mostly because of the unique experiences it brought.

“There is something about every event that you do not like, but there is always a benefit of experiencing something you never thought you would and the majority of people will never experience the same,” said Brendan. “I feel it is a privilege (to serve).”

Broughton said he told himself before his arrival that he would do his best to enjoy basic training.

“After all it is only 10 weeks – just a fraction of my whole life that will never repeat itself,” he said.

He enjoyed all the field exercises and shooting while Brendan was excited about hand grenades.

One of the easiest things for them in BCT was all the physical training and activities due to their active lifestyle at home. The twins compiled high Army Combat Fitness Test scores, with Broughton’s 562 total slightly higher than Brendan’s 538. Broughton said he didn’t miss the opportunity to tease his brother about it.

Another fun fact about their training experience is they both earned nicknames. Broughton’s platoon members called him Terminator, while Brendan was known as Robot.

Also, surprisingly, they are not the only twins in the family: there is one more set of twin brothers almost exactly 10 years older than them, while Broughton and Brendan, at age 21, are the babies of the family.

Unfortunately, because the brothers are graduating on different days, their families will not be able to come visit them, but they are excited to see everyone during Holiday Block Leave in December. The two will be assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for Advanced Individual Training and hope they will end up in the same class.

After AIT they will drill in Grangeville, Idaho, with the 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion.

The appearance of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

The post Twins to graduate from Basic Combat Training Battalion at Fort Sill appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

About Park Street:

Park Street offers an affordable, experience-based education to help students learn, socialize and develop while earning a reputable education. We offer a structured remote-learning environment with a curriculum that has been designed to engage students while also allowing them to experience the world they want to live in. For parents, it provides the educational certainty and confidence that comes from an integrated learning environment that allows their children to reach their full potential. Visit parkstreetedu.com to find out more.

I’ve lost count of the minutes I’ve spent sat in front of my laptop trying to convey, with authenticity, my complete adoration of Amanda Gorman’s poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ for the purpose of this article.

22-year-old Amanda Gorman made history as the country’s youngest inaugural poet and it is very clear that she is not going anywhere; she will continue to be a figure that will punctuate the world’s future tapestry. After staying up late on January 20th 2021 to put together a resource for the students at Park Street and teaching it multiple times to multiple age groups since then, I am still thinking about the impact of this poem and the ways in which it can be used in a classroom setting, discussed over the dinner table at home and even be used in the context of a workplace to inspire meaningful discussion.

Yes, the poem is linked, inextricably, to America, but the poem’s themes transcend geographical boundaries. The poem is about the struggle towards triumph over adversity, the weight of history, the power of unity and collective effort – the list is endless. Consequently, I believe that it will be incorporated into curricula all over the globe and it is exciting that today’s children will be the first of generations to hear, read and study this poem. As well as including a full lesson on this poem which you are more than welcome to download and use. You can find it here.

When reading this poem, here are some suggestions as to how you can discuss it at home with your children:

1. Write ‘The Hill We Climb’ in the middle of a piece of paper. Ask your child what they think this means. Explain that it is a metaphor. Ask them to think of any hills that they have to climb.
2. Print off a copy of the poem.
3. Ask your child to read the poem without listening to it and highlight words and phrases that stand out to them. Then, play the recording of Amanda Gorman’s delivery.

• Did anything different stand out to them this time?
• Zoom in on one or two phrases they have selected.
• Ask them why the poet chose these lines.
• Have your child select their favorite part of the poem and create a piece of artwork that either incorporates the language of the poem or the ideas behind their chosen quotation.

‘The Hill We Climb’ by Amanda Gorman

Kimothy Joy (an incredible artist on Instagram: @kimothy.joy) illustrated the poem’s lines:

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Park Street would also like to extend an invite for you and your child to join a complimentary live-virtual lesson on this poem. Please contact Giuliana at info@parkstreetedu.com to reserve your spot.

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