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Mission: Honor

A guide to help our nation’s youth understand the service

and sacrifice made by those who serve in the

United States Military

Adult Guide An Earn-a-Patch Program Created by Operation Not Alone

This activity booklet belongs to:

___________[NAME]_____________

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Welcome! We’re so glad you joined us to

spread honor and gratitude to those who

have served our country in the United

States military!

Your mission:

Discover facts and inform ation about

the military

Connect and reflect on your discover-

ies with your peers, and perhaps with some-

one who has real-life experience in the mili-

tary

Take Action to help those in uniform

and our veterans feel appreciated and sup-

ported

Patriotically,

The ONA Girl Squad

Adult Guide

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Adult Guide Discover facts and information about the US Military.

How many branches?

What do they do?

Can you find any facts about them?

Army

The United States Army is the land warfare service branch of the United States Armed

Forces. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.

Facts: Founded in 1775; The largest m ilitary branch; 3 com ponents:

Regular Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve; 1.018+ million personnel; Motto:

This We’ll Defend

Navy

The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed

Forces.

Facts: Founded in 1775; 336,000+ active duty personnel; Motto: Sem per

Fortis, which means, “Always Courageous”

Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States

Armed Forces.

Facts: Initially form ed as a part of the United States Army in 1907, then

established as a separate branch in 1947, making it the youngest branch of the US

military; 328,000+ active duty personal; Motto: “Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win”

Marines

The United States Marine Corps, also referred to as the United States Marines, is a

branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary

and amphibious operations with the United States Navy as well as the Army and Air

Force.

Facts: Founded in 1775; 186,000+ active duty personnel; Motto: Sem per

Fidelis, which means, “Always Loyal”

Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime

law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces

Facts: Founded by Alexander Ham ilton in 1790; 40,000+ active duty

personnel; Motto: Semper Paratus, which means, “Always Ready”

*More information can be found by searching each branch on Google and on their respective

government websites.

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Adult Guide

*An online version of this map can be found here: https://www.military.com/base-guide/browse-by-location

1. Place a dot on the map where you find military bases.

2. Color in your home state.

How many military bases are in your home state?

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1. Identify 5 different countries where US troops are stationed.

Locate them and color in the country on the map!

Adult Guide

*An online version of this map can be found: https://www.military.com/base-guide/browse-by-location

Incomplete List Afghanistan

Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK)

Aruba (Netherlands)

Ascension (UK)

Australia

Bahamas

Bahrain

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory (United Kingdom)

Bulgaria

Cuba

Cameroon

Curaçao (Netherlands)

Djibouti

Ecuador

Egypt

Estonia

Germany

Greece

Greenland (Denmark)

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Iraq

Israel

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kenya

Kuwait

Netherlands

Niger

Norway

Oman

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Singapore

South Korea

Spain

Syria

Thailand

Tunisia

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

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Adult Guide

Do you know the difference?

Active Duty: A service m em ber currently serving in the

military; someone who currently serves in the US Armed Forces in

the United States or overseas in a different country

Veteran: A retired or form er m em ber of the US m ilitary;

someone who has served in the US Armed Forces in the United

States or overseas

Do you know how to identify an active duty service member or a veteran in

person? Write down or draw your thoughts below:

Now that you know how to identify them, take time to thank an active duty service

member or veteran in-person – whether it’s a family member, a friend, a neighbor,

or a member of your community.

Remember! Some soldiers and veterans aren’t as easily recognized as others. You

may walk past a veteran in the grocery store and not even know!

Those who currently serve or have served in the US Military may wear

or have any of the following:

Hat denoting their military branch or war served in

Military branch or veteran coat/item of clothing

Military uniform

Military backpack

Military Veteran pin

Military Veteran car sticker or specialty license plate

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Connect and reflect on

your discoveries on

pages 3-5 with your

peers, and perhaps

with someone who has

real-life experience in

the military

I talked to:

_________________________________

_________________________________

We talked about:

_________________________________

_________________________________

I learned:

_________________________________

_________________________________

Adult Guide

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Adult Guide What Does it Mean to be Patriotic?

Draw a picture, write a story, or write a song about what patriotism

means to you.

What Patriotism Means to Me

Patriotism:

pa·tri·ot·ism

Noun

the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for

one's country.

What is a patriotic person?

Noun. A person who loves, supports, and defends his or her

country and its interests with devotion. A person who regards

themselves as a defender, especially of individual rights, against

presumed interference by the federal government.

What is an example of patriotism?

In times of crisis, patriotism unites us. We put our differences

aside to help our countrymen in need. After Hurricane Katrina,

millions of Americans made charitable donations and many went to

the Gulf coast to help rebuild communities. Perhaps the

greatest example of patriotism was September 11, 2001.

Example of Symbols:

Liberty Bell

American Flag

Bald Eagle

Statue of Liberty

Uncle Sam

The White House

Colors: Red, White, and Blue

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Take action to help our

US Military service

members and our

veterans feel

appreciated and

supported. What can

you do to help?

How can I help soldiers and veterans feel appreciated and supported?

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________

The words “thank you for your service”

can go a long way! It is important for

us to show appreciation for those who

made many sacrifices so we can enjoy

the freedoms we have today in the

United States!

Adult Guide

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Adult Guide

Stickers

Construction paper

Drawings

Flags

Stars

Ribbon

Washi tape

Gems

Foam

Markers

Crayons

Colored pencils

Here are some ideas from the ONA Girl Squad!

Your handmade “thank

you” card

Coffee

Tea

Non-perishable snacks

Q-tips

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Hand/foot warmers

Deodorant

Lip balm

Baby wipes

Tall socks

Movies

Earbuds

Puzzles

Make a “Thank You” card using the following materials:

Gather supplies and assemble a care package

to send to a service member overseas

A typical deployment can last for many months, far away from home, families, favorite

foods, and more. Show your appreciation and spread kindness to military personnel

overseas by gathering supplies to send them in a care package!

Supplies Suggestions:

BONUS! You can make a signature ONA tie blanket! Infor-

mation and instructions can be found on our website:

https://operationnotalone.net/services/care-packages/

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You did it! You’ve completed Mission: Honor by

discovering more about the US mili-

tary and veterans, connecting and re-

flecting with your peers, and taking

action to show your gratitude to

those who have served our country.

For your hard work and dedication,

you have earned a special patch!

Well done, Girl Scout!

Adult Guide

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Adult Guide

Final Instructions

We are thrilled that you chose to complete Mission: Honor with your troop!

When the girls have completed the program, please send the following infor-

mation:

#1 Via email to mekenzie@operationnotalone.net:

Your name

Council name

Troop number

Number of girls that completed the program

Any photos you took during the program, and if we are able to share

them on our social media and website

Mailing Address (for patches)

#2 Via mail to PO Box 314 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235:

Copies of the girls’ completed packets

When we receive all of the above information,

we will send your patches in the mail.

If you have any questions, please contact: mekenzie@operationnotalone.net