National Day of the Deployed

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: American Appreciation Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 26
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

National Day of the Deployed arrives every October 26, recognizing the profound sacrifices of military personnel serving overseas and their families. This day offers a crucial opportunity to express gratitude for their service, resilience, and commitment to protecting our nation. Take time to send a care package, write a letter, or support a military family.

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Expected National Day of the Deployed Deals

For National Day of the Deployed, the focus shifts from commercial deals to profound appreciation and support for service members and their families. Organizations like USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Operation Homefront often highlight donation drives and volunteer opportunities. Many retailers, including Lowe’s and The Home Depot, offer year-round military discounts that are especially promoted around this time. Brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ may offer special promotions or free items for active duty or veteran personnel. We will update this page with confirmed live support initiatives as October 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Day of the Deployed

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #DayOfTheDeployed. Share stories of deployed heroes or resources for military families.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDayOfTheDeployed. Join discussions in military support groups and share appreciative messages.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MilitaryAppreciation. Highlight companies with strong veteran hiring initiatives or support programs.

National Day of the Deployed Hero

General Raymond T. Odierno

General Raymond T. Odierno was a highly decorated four-star general who served as the 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He was instrumental in establishing the National Day of the Deployed in 2011, inspired by his own experiences and the sacrifices of service members and their families during his multiple deployments, including extensive time in Iraq.

History of National Day of the Deployed

National Day of the Deployed dates back to 2006 when Shelle Michaels Aberle approached then North Dakota Governor John Hoeven to support a proclamation for a day to honor those men and women actively serving in the military outside the U.S. Hoeven was the first governor in the United States to recognize deployed troops through a formal proclamation. October 26 was chosen as the annual date of observance because it was the birthday of Aberle’s cousin, U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Hosna, actively serving in Iraq at the time.

In 2011, Hoeven, then a U.S. senator, sponsored a resolution designating October 26 as National Day of the Deployed, which passed unanimously. Since then, all 50 states have officially observed the holiday.

Deployments can last anywhere from 90 days to 15 months. Having a loved one actively serving a deployment brings numerous challenges. Extended periods of time away from home and not knowing where your loved one may be are just a couple of the stressors. Today, take a moment to remember, honor and thank the dedication our deployed military displays for our country.

National Day of the Deployed timeline

1845

Mexican-American War

Over a boundary dispute, President Polk deployed US troops to Mexico resulting in the U.S. taking sovereignty over present-day Texas and other territories.

1953

Korean War

During the last year of America’s active combat with North Korea, we had over 300,000 soldiers deployed.

2007

American-led Intervention in Iraq

The number of US soldiers in Iraq peaks at 170,000.

2020

Around the World Today

Today, around 170,000 servicemen and women, or 12% of our total active-duty military, are deployed outside the U.S.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Day of the Deployed

Local businesses can honor National Day of the Deployed by offering special discounts or complimentary services to military families and active deployed personnel (where applicable). Consider partnering with a local military support organization for a donation drive or a ‘send-off’ event for families with members deploying soon. Displaying patriotic decorations or a ‘thank you’ message to deployed troops can also show solidarity and appreciation within the community.

National Day of the Deployed FAQs

When is National Day of the Deployed?

National Day of the Deployed in 2026 falls on Monday, October 26. It’s a dedicated day to acknowledge the immense sacrifices of our military members serving overseas and their families back home.

How many U.S. military personnel are deployed?

The number of U.S. military personnel deployed globally fluctuates constantly due to mission requirements and troop rotations. As of recent reports, tens of thousands of service members are typically deployed across various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

What is the history of National Day of the Deployed?

National Day of the Deployed was established in 2011 by then-Governor John Hoeven of North Dakota, inspired by General Raymond T. Odierno, whose daughter was deployed at the time. It quickly gained national recognition as a day to honor service members and their families.

How can I support deployed service members?

Supporting deployed service members can involve sending care packages, writing letters of encouragement, or donating to reputable military support organizations like the USO or Any Soldier Inc. Many local groups also organize events to assist military families.

How to Observe National Day of the Deployed

Send a care package
Servicemen and women enjoy receiving care packages. The United States Postal Service offers tips on how to best pack and ship them, particularly if shipping to another country, so be sure to check out their website. Plan to send items such as playing cards, baseball caps, magazines, toiletries, and snacks such as gum and beef jerky. You can also donate money to organizations that will purchase, pack, and ship the care packages for you.
Help the families of our deployed military
If you know someone who has a loved one currently deployed, you can do several things to support them. Are you handy? Offer to help with repairs around the house or yard work. Offering to cook a meal or babysit also takes the load of a little.
Display a yellow ribbon
Yellow ribbons are a sign you are remembering someone serving far away from home and looking forward to their safe return. Tie one around a tree or mailbox or display it on your front porch.

5 Intriguing Stats About The US Active Duty Military

By Branch
As of the end of 2018, our active duty service members totaled over 1.3 million with 36% serving in the Army, 25% Navy, 25% Air Force, and 14% Marine Corps.
By Gender
Women make up 16.5% of our active-duty military.
By Location
Of the total population deployed outside the US, only 0.2% are within the Western Hemisphere; all others are on the other side of the world.
By Age
Over 45% are under the age of 25 with around 8% being 41 years of age or older.
By Marriage
Slightly over half (51.5%) are married with 6.7% in dual-military marriages.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED

It allows us to say “Thanks” real-time
Today, you can encourage someone actively fighting for your freedom. There’s no time like the present to say thank you and this holiday sparks our opportunity to do just that.
It allows us to support in the moment
Americans love to come together to support those in need and we too often forget about the families of those serving in the military in far-off locations. National Day of the Deployed reminds us of these special people and the need for us to surround them with love and support in the middle of an active-duty deployment.
It brings us together
When you read about and consider what our deployed military and their families go through during the cycle of deployment, you realize “it takes a village”. National Day of the Deployed brings us together to, in an indirect way, serve our country through serving those on the front lines.