The army reserves – a proud long tradition

The Army Reserves can trace its beginning back to 1908 when the Army was authorized by Congress to establish a reserve corps of medical officers.  This was that nation’s first federal reserve and within four years, a regular Army Reserve would be authorized, as well.

The first time that the Army Reserve would be called to service was during the 1916 tensions between Mexico and the United States. The purpose of the call up was to provide additional strength in numbers. This first mobilization was a very important development and showed the potential for the Army Reserve.

The National Defense Act of 1916 would establish the Officers and Enlisted Reserve Corps, as well as the Reserve Officers Training Corps. When America entered World War I, there are over 50,000 reservists. Just one decade earlier, there had been none. By the end of the war, the reservists who served would number over 170,000. Since that time, Army Reservists have participated in every major conflict involving the United States. Only about 11,000 couldn’t serve, with some being too old or serving as Congressmen and judges.

There were many Army Reservists who would become well known for their military services. Theodore Roosevelt was the first general to land on D-Day. Ronald Regan would serve during World War II, but his fame would come later in life. By the end of the war, over half of the soldiers fighting would be from the Army Reserve.

During the Korean War, almost a quarter of a million Reservists would be called to duty. While this war was still ongoing, Congress started changing the structure of the Army Reserve. There would now be three types of Reservists – the Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve, and the Retired Reserve. The President would have the authority to call up one million Reservists – from all branches of the Armed Forces – to active duty when necessary.

Vietnam would see the smallest numbers of Reservists called up, but there were still 33 Reserve units deployed to this conflict. The next major call up would be in 1990, with the invasion of Kuwait. Over 84,000 Army Reservists were called up and supported all branches of the Armed Forces in locations around the world. Since that time, the Army Reserve has almost always been engaged somewhere around the world. Deployments have included Iraq, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Yugoslavia. Currently, there are thousands of Army Reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you or a loved one has served in the Army Reserve, then you should consider honoring that service with an Army ring. One of the best things about these rings is that they can be customized for each individual soldier. You can choose between several precious metals, semi-precious stones, insignia and emblems, and even engraving on the inside of band. It’s easy to order an Army ring online and you can have it shipped almost anywhere in the world. There is no better gift for a loved one whose service, dedication, and sacrifice have helped keep this country safe.

The History of the United States Army Band

Even before the United States Army was created in 1775, musicians have had an integral role in the military. From the drummers in the Signal Corps during the Revolutionary War to the World War II brass bands, music has always been part of the Army. The United States Army Band members fulfill a special need in today’s Army – they make music while serving their country. Some performances are for ceremonial reasons, while other performances may be to help boost the soldiers’ morale. The history of the United States Army band is long and proud.

The first military band for America was commanded by none other than Benjamin Franklin. Fife players and various other musicians marched with over 1,000 soldiers. This was the first documented appearance of musicians in the military. There were also several regiments in the Army that performed for ceremonies and other special occasions. During the Revolutionary War in 1775, the musicians created the steady, pounding rhythms that helped the new milita to drill. The colonists used military bands to play patriotic arrangements at rallies to increase support as the war intensified. Some battles, such as the Battle of Bennington, may have been successful due to the musicians playing well into enemy positions.

By 1777, drums and trumpets were used to control the movements of cavalry regiments. Many times, drum calls were used instead of verbal commands. The soldiers learned to respond to the beat of the drum. In 1781, musicians such as drummers and fifers were picked from the ranks and were then exempt from soldierly duties. During the 1830s, brass instruments were add and it really changed the overall sound and the size of the band. With a salary of only $8.00 a month for bandsmen, there was never any shortage of men signing up for this musical duty.

During the Civil War from 1861-1865, the military grew to rely more on military musicians to position troops and motivate them on to victory. They entertained troops and raised morale. In fact, some musicians actually played a form of concert while they were in the foremost position during a battle.

By the 1920s, the Army had implemented a band training program in an attempt to rival the military bands of Great Britain and France. General John J. Pershing believed that this training program was essential to helping create an Army Band that would keep morale high. In fact, one of the most prestigious Army bands to day is called “Pershing’s Own.” The training was designed by the New York Symphony conductor at the time. General Pershing’s most significant change in the United States Army band was the increase in members from 28 to 48, which gave the band a full instrumentation that still exists today.

Through next sixty years, the Army bands would go through even more changes. These bands would accompany combat units during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During Desert Strom and Desert Shield, the bands performed many ceremonies and concerts, but also helped guard the perimeters. Today, the Army Bands perform for both soldiers and civilians alike.

One of the best ways to recognize a member of this elite group of musical soldiers is with an Army Band ring. You can create a personalized Army Band ring that any Army musician would be proud to wear. You can order an Army Band ring online and have it delivered anywhere in the world.

The Long, Proud History of the Army Ranger

The term “Ranger” was first used in what would become the United States back in the 17^th century. The first Ranger Companyofficially began in 1676. Rangers fought in many different wars, including the American Revolution, The War of 1812, and every war the United States was involved in afterwards. What most people consider to be “today’s” Army Rangers were authorized in 1942 by General Marshall. There are currently six Ranger battalions and they have played an important role in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They were also vital to the successes of other conflicts like Grenada and Panama.

The long and proud history of the United States Army Rangers officially began when George Washington ordered Thomas Knowlton, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, to personally select men for reconnaissance missions. This unit was called Knowlton’s Rangers, but it actually was more centered on gathering intelligence than for combat. This group of Rangers became the Military Intelligence Branch.

During the Civil War, two units of Rangers, one for the Confederate Army and one for the Union Army would become somewhat famous. Mosby’s Rangers often raided deep within Union territory, capturing high-ranking officers and disrupting supply lines. The Union’s Mean’s Rangers were best known for capturing a Confederate ammunition train. Eventually, Mean’s Rangers captured part of Mosby’s Rangers after a long, hard fought battle.

The next century would see two World Wars and multiple conflicts which would put the Army Rangers to the test. From the beach at Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, there have been a number of different Ranger Battalions. During Vietnam and Korea, the Ranger units were organized as companies and were part of larger units. These were considered special operations units. During the Korean War, the Rangers patrolled, scouted, and attacked the North Korean enemy. During the Vietnam War, the Rangers were tasked with the same duties, but were paramount in the success of reconnaissance behind enemy lines. They planned and directed air strikes, conducted ambushes, assessed the damage from frequent bombing in enemy territory, and provided snipers where needed.

By the end of the Vietnam War, it was evident that the United States Army needed an elite, rapid response light infantry. The 1^st and 2^nd Ranger Battalions were created. This combination of elite airborne infantry and special operations is highly trained, very flexible, and can be deployed anywhere in the world within a matter of hours. Today, the Army Rangers are deployed on the War on Terror, with units in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 75^th Ranger Regiment is one of only a handful of units that has had members continuously deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.

There is no doubt the Army Rangers are an important part of the United States Armed Forces. One of the best ways to say thank you for their service, dedication, and sacrifice is with one of the many styles of Army Ranger rings. These rings are a beautiful visual reminder of what it means to be an Army Ranger.

Military Gifts Support the Members of the United States Armed Forces

The United States military currently has more members stationed abroad than any time since the Vietnam War.
Many of our soldiers, sailors and airmen face danger daily, deployed in active combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Others are stationed in other global hot spots, and their lives are also endangered.
Even the military personnel that are stationed at home could be sent into battle on short notice.

The people in our military face difficult and dangerous challenges daily.
Naturally, combat is dangerous, but training can be as well.
Military gifts provide a perfect way for families, friends and loved ones to support our troops.

Members of the armed forces also look for military gifts themselves.
They give them to their unit buddies or keep for themselves as mementos of their experiences.
For them, military gifts are a way of showing their pride.

Almost everyone knows someone connected to the armed forces.
This person might a man or woman on active duty, a National Guard or Reserve member, an honorably discharged veteran, or a retired service member.
He or she might be a spouse, child, parent or other relative, or a neighbor or friend.
Military gifts are the perfect way to show support and thank them, no matter what the relationship is.

Holidays and special occasions like birthdays are an ideal reason to give military gifts.
But some of the most cherished military gifts are given for no particular reason at all.
There’s nothing better than the reaction of a deployed soldier, sailor or airman who receives a surprise care package stuffed full of goodies or scarce toiletries.

Military gifts are perfect for armed forces members.
They can be presented in person if the recipient is stationed nearby, but they can also be shipped directly to wherever the individual is stationed.
Simply put, military gifts are a superb way to support our troops.

A few of the choices for military gifts include military care packages for troops stationed away from home, military jewelry and accessories
such as:

• rings
• watches
• lapel pins and earrings

military collectibles
such as:

• cigarette lighters
• commemorative knives or coins
• military-themed windshield decals
• bumper stickers
• license plate holders for the car

military clothing
such as:

• jackets
• caps
• ties

Most military gifts can feature designs appropriate for any branch of the armed forces, and many can be personalized with the service member’s name, dates of service or initials.

As you can see, there are hundreds of choices for military gifts.
But frankly, the perfect military gift for any service member is whatever military gift he or she receives.
The thoughtfulness and support they show for our troops goes a long way with our military.

Military gifts show the members of our armed forces that they have not been forgotten, even though they might be serving away from home.

Military Gifts Support the Members of the United States Armed Forces

The United States military currently has more members stationed abroad than any time since the Vietnam War.
Many of our soldiers, sailors and airmen face danger daily, deployed in active combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Others are stationed in other global hot spots, and their lives are also endangered.  Even the military personnel that are stationed at home could be sent into battle on short notice.

The people in our military face difficult and dangerous challenges daily.
Naturally, combat is dangerous, but training can be as well.
Military gifts provide a perfect way for families, friends and loved ones to support our troops.

Members of the armed forces also look for military gifts themselves.
They give them to their unit buddies or keep for themselves as mementos of their experiences.
For them, military gifts are a way of showing their pride.

Almost everyone knows someone connected to the armed forces.
This person might a man or woman on active duty, a National Guard or Reserve member, an honorably discharged veteran, or a retired service member.
He or she might be a spouse, child, parent or other relative, or a neighbor or friend.
Military gifts are the perfect way to show support and thank them, no matter what the relationship is.

Holidays and special occasions like birthdays are an ideal reason to give military gifts.
But some of the most cherished military gifts are given for no particular reason at all.
There’s nothing better than the reaction of a deployed soldier, sailor or airman who receives a surprise care package stuffed full of goodies or scarce toiletries.

Military gifts are perfect for armed forces members.
They can be presented in person if the recipient is stationed nearby, but they can also be shipped directly to wherever the individual is stationed.
Simply put, military gifts are a superb way to support our troops.

A few of the choices for military gifts include military care packages for troops stationed away from home, military jewelry and accessories such as rings, watches, lapel pins and earrings, military collectibles such as cigarette lighters and commemorative knives or coins, military-themed windshield decals, bumper stickers and license plate holders for the car, and military clothing such as jackets, caps and ties.
Most military gifts can feature designs appropriate for any branch of the armed forces, and many can be personalized with the service member’s name, dates of service or initials.

As you can see, there are hundreds of choices for military gifts.  But frankly, the perfect military gift for any service member is whatever military gift he or she receives.
The thoughtfulness and support they show for our troops goes a long way with our military.

Military gifts show the members of our armed forces that they have not been forgotten, even though they might be serving away from home.

Army Jewelry Honors Dedicated Soldiers, Past and Present

The U.S. Army is the world’s strongest military force, bar none.
Hundreds of thousands of men and women currently serve in this powerful branch of the military.

Lets not forget U.S. Army

Although many soldiers are stationed within the U.S., many others are currently deployed in dangerous combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The lives of these soldiers are on the line every day.
And even the active-duty soldiers, members of the National Guard and Reservists that are stationed within the United States could be sent into battle on very short notice, putting them at risk, too.

Let’s not forget about the men and women who served in the U.S. Army in the past, either.
When their time in the service was up, these Army veterans and retirees received honorable discharges for good reason, having serving honorably and with distinction in war and peace.

Army jewelry lets us honor our soldiers

Army jewelry lets us honor our soldiers, and many want to wear something more attractive to connect them to the Army than just the standard-issue dog tags that identify them.
Army men and women love wearing Army jewelry because it lets them show their pride in themselves, their buddies and their units.
But they love it even more when their family and friends give them Army jewelry, because these gifts show that their service is honored by the people they care for.

All of our soldiers are well trained and dedicated to protecting our freedom at home and abroad.
They have a unique combination of physical strength, mental toughness and superb equipment.
And above all, they have a sense of purpose.
When called upon, they consistently respond with the speed, courage and discipline we associate with the U.S. Army.  Army jewelry, with its beautiful but powerful appearance, perfectly captures the spirit of our soldiers.

No matter when or where a soldier has served, Army rings, tie tacks, lapel pins, necklaces, pendants, watches, cuff links and other pieces of Army jewelry can commemorate his or her service.
Many types of Army jewelry can be personalized with a soldier’s name, initials, dates of service or other details.

Army jewelry can incorporate a wide assortment of Army:

• emblems
• logos
• insignia
• slogans.

The design of Army jewelry can reflect a man or woman’s service in the Army in a general way, or it can show membership in a specific battalion, regiment, division or other Army unit.  Army jewelry can also indicate a man or woman’s service in a specific war or armed conflict, including deployment in Iran, Afghanistan, Vietnam and other combat theaters.

Some pieces of Army jewelry, especially Army rings, tie tacks, lapel pins, cuff links, pendants, and necklaces, are made of gold or sterling silver.
Many include precious or semi-precious gems in their designs, while others are brightly colored with gorgeous enamels.
But no matter what Army jewelry is made of or how it is designed, Army jewelry is a powerful symbol of a soldier’s service.

Army Gifts Lift Our Soldiers’ Spirits

A few years ago, the slogan of the U.S. Army was “The Army of One,” meaning one for all and all for one.
The slogan was both easy to remember and appropriate.
It signified a band of soldiers united against the enemy.

The Army’s current slogan is “Army Strong,” and that slogan might be even more appropriate.
The United States Army is the world’s strongest military force, consisting of more than 650,000 of the most respected, dedicated and best-trained soldiers in the world.
These soldiers combine strength, superior weapons technology and a sense of resolve to serve the United States with honor wherever they are stationed.

Army gifts let us honor the men and women of the United States Army and their courage.
Any soldier, whether on active duty, retired, or a home-based member of the U.S. National Guard or Army Reserve, would appreciate Army gifts that celebrate his or her service.

Every one of those 650,000 soldiers, even Reservists and National Guard members, can be called into battle on very short notice.
Many are currently serving in active combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and others are training for deployment.

Our soldiers are a fighting force that always responds to danger with courage and discipline.
They completely alter their lives when they sign up for the Army, and they are prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to protect America’s freedom abroad as well as at home.
Many soldiers live with the constant threat of grave danger, and sometimes their spirits could use a lift.

Army gifts give us a way to boost the spirits of any soldier.  In fact, Army gifts are the ultimate way to thank and honor soldiers for their dedication and personal sacrifice.
Army gifts are a distinctive, attractive and memorable way to honor the members of the U.S. Army, no matter when or where they have served.

A soldier’s family members,loved ones and friends have an almost endless assortment of Army gifts to choose from when they want to lift their soldier’s spirits or simply thank him or her.Army jewelry such as cuff links, rings, lapel pins, watches ortie tacks, belt buckles, commemorative coins, unit flags, commemorative knives, embroidered throw blankets or pillows, license plates or windshield decals for the car, coasters, Army clothing such as jackets, caps or ties, and display cases for Army citations, medals, ribbons and insignia all make appropriate Army gifts, but many other Army gifts are also available.

Many Army gifts can be personalized with a soldier’s name, initials, dates of service or other details, and this makes them especially beloved.
No matter which type of Army gift is given, however, they are a way to salute our soldiers.And if their spirits are starting to flag, Army gifts will quickly boost them back up.

All 650,000 members of the U.S. Army, along with almost countless veterans and retired soldiers, would be thrilled to receive Army gifts.

Military Plaques

Military Plaques for the Marine Corps

Plaques can vary in sizes and shapes and can be made of all types of woods
and other materials but in my opinion it’s always best to use a hardwood
as they are long lasting and when lacquered look fantastic. Marine plaques just like
any other military plaques offer the purchaser a excellent range in
terms of images and design.

A very popular on is the marine plaque in the shape of a heart
with the marine sword carefully place in the shape of an x behind it.

Military Plaques for Navy

The Navy plaque can be designed to reveal the name of a carrier you sailed in,
what rank you achieved throughout your career, whether you were a Navy
Officer or a Seabee the choices are endless. Details of your deployments can be engraved on the plaque also.

Military Plaques for Army

The Army which boasts of the largest department in the armed forces have probable also the largest selection of images to choose from. The unit, brigade and the battalion crests are very common on military plaques as is the Department of the Army insignia. Couple any of these with a campaign crest like Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom and you can create a plaque that will surely double as a treasured family heirloom. Imagine the pride that an item like this will instil in the heart of a young man or woman.

Military Plaques for Air Force

Flying high in the fastest aircraft on the planet having to make split second decision requires tremendous training and skill. Couple any unit crest with a campaign crest or a family coat of arms and you will have something that will take pride of place in any room in your home. Take the desert storm insignia with the name rank and the dates of deployment engraved underneath it on a Walnut plaque and you can design a masterpiece.

Military Plaques for Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard protects our shores and waterways from the perils of the undesirables twenty four hours a day throughout the year. For this we thank them and have designed a plaque in recognition of their bravery and unselfish attitude that we have observed since the day they were formed. The military plaques that we refer to in this posting are mostly the ones where you can engrave the details of the service member.

We also carry the embroideries which can have the family “Coat of Arms” embroidered in gold or silver thread and then framed in a frame of your choice.

Deployment Plaques for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

These are two deployments that most of us are familiar with, and I will not hesitate to say that they are extremely important in shaping the history of the modern world. These were brought about by the terrrible events of 911 when terrorists brough down the iconic building called the twin towers in Ney York and murdered thousands of innocent victims.

Soldiers Gifts

The life of any soldier is full of the unexpected especially if you’re deployed and faraway from home and friends. There is never much time to dwell on the mundane or trivial aspects that many others with a less active existence seem to have time for. No a soldier must be alert at all times and be ready when called upon to act in the best interest of himself, colleagues and country.

But like the rest of us they have their special occasions through out the year like birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and promotions that they like to be remembered for and marked.

Soldiers Gifts – Swords

As all military personnel throughout the world seem to have a fascination with medieval times and what soldiers of the armed forces did in past centuries, it seems fitting that we designed a military sword that can be engraved with the soldiers name, rank and other detail that would commemorate a deployment or conflict that they have been involved with.

The swords that we promote as being the ideal soldiers gifts can range from the Claymore, the Patriot and the Excalibur some of these swords have been made famous and a household name after been used in some of the classic movies.

Soldiers Gifts – Military Jewelry

Wherever you travel around the world you’re sure to meet an old veteran of a past conflict who will engage you with stories that would make the hair stand on the back of your head. The next time you’re talking with one of these brave old warriors take a look at his hand and especially his ring finger. You will probably notice one of his treasured possessions which will be a custom military ring with such details as his name, rank and images engraved on the sides that will bear testament to the story he’s relating to you.

I have lived amongst the troops in Iraq and Kuwait and have had the pleasure of designing many a ring for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve and I will put the experience among my treasured memories. Bless them all.

Soldiers Gifts – Coats of Arms

It’s rather intriguing as to where we originated from and what the hell did our ancestors get up to that delivered us into the position that we live in today. Were they good descent folk or on the other hand were they the folks who fought with tyrants so we and others could live in peace and harmony.

Should you wish to find out more about you family origins then you should visit www.societygifts.com and have a research done on you family name and order a family “Coat of Arms” which ranks as one of the most popular soldiers gifts.

Soldiers Gifts – Military Care Packages

Imagine far away from home today there is a young member of the armed forces sitting in some desert location like Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan thinking what the hell am I doing here. His or her friends are possible making plans to firing up a barbeque at the weekend or going to the beach while they’re thinking how long more have I to endure being away and I pray to God I will survive.

If that’s your friend or family member send them something out of the blue, don’t wait for the birthday or any other special occasion surprise them with a letter, a book a simple little piece of military jewelry like a military ring all these items are treasured soldiers gifts.

Army Gifts

Throughout the coming year there will be many events that will require the
purchase of a gift for a loved one whether they are at home or deployed.

Birthdays are probably the most common as they occur every year but also
occasions like promotions, retirements, anniversaries, deployments and weddings.
In the modern world most people prefer to shop online for their gifts rather than
go to overcrowded and expensive stores, as shopping online offers you the
distinct advantage of viewing a vast selection of gifts in one place.

Enter army gifts as a search phrase in to your browser and I think you will
be presented with a selection of gifts that you certainly will not get in any one place in your city.

Below we shall give you some ideas on the selection of gifts that are easy to order
and indeed very easy to ship, as this is extremely important if you
intend to ship overseas in terms of shipping costs.

Army Rings the Perfect Gift

Having been in Iraq and Kuwait amongst many other places working with our troops I have a pretty good idea what many of our soldiers and other members of the armed forces like. One of the most sought after army gifts for deployed soldiers is the army ring, not just any army ring; the most popular one is the deployment ring which allows the purchaser to be able to customize it with details of their deployment and also some personal details. The dates of deployments can be placed on your army ring just above the selected image and can be engraved like this OIF 08-09 this will indicate that the soldier took part in the “Operation Iraqi Freedom” during the period from 2008 to 2009. This is only an example and the same can be customized for any campaign from the vast range of carefully selected images that are available to you in our shop.

Army Pendant a thoughtful Gift.

This is a very popular choice for all genders for a few very simple reasons. It is easy to customize for a particular campaign or to reflect the department that you or someone else serves in or retired from. The choice of metal for your army gifts will determine the cost and of course the level of customization. Silver is very is extremely popular as its suits most skin types and it’s not as expensive as the other metals. For formal occasions and especially when wearing the dress uniform it’s nice to wear gold which is available in white and yellow gold.

A word of caution, when purchasing gold the white version tends to be a little bit more expensive than yellow and the higher the carat the softer the gold. Jewellers will say that it’s better to engrave on 10 carat gold rather than 14 carat as it won’t wear away especially if it’s a piece of jewelry that you’re going to wear every day

Books make a great Gift.

You really have got to know someone very well to start selecting reading material for them, but they are so treasured by soldiers on deployment as they have a tendency to transport an individual to another place for moments in time. I observed when I was overseas that one book that is carried by a high percentage of soldiers and is suitable for a gift at any time is the Bible.