We offer to you our collection of blogs available at M:M Traditions and Protocol , linked below from newest to oldest. Our team has worked hard to bring these to you for your delight and enrichment. A little fun, a little humor, and lots of history of the rich and unique traditions exclusive to the U.S. military, we hope you enjoy these carefully crafted blogs.

With love, Ginger Perkins, Ann Crossley, Michelle Hodge and Lynda Smith. 

2023:

Welcomes and Farewells — It’s a Spouse Thing! The finer points of recognizing the unit’s command team spouses!

Military Funerals and Memorials Ceremonies honoring our military leaders, soldiers, and heroic warriors. 

Recollections of a 1950s Army Brat– Ann Crossley’s overseas adventures as a teenager growing up in the army.  

Changing Times …A Link with the Past– Ann’s adolescent army adventures living in 1940s Japan.

Attire, Name Tags, Unit Pins, and Gifts. The “when, where, and what” of clothing, gifts, and name tags. 

Protocol, Customs and Traditions Trivia Game: Part Three Place settings, hostess gifts, introductions, Medal of Honor recipient.

Protocol, Customs and Traditions Trivia Game: Part Two Flag etiquette, campaign streamers, Gold Star lapel pin, Silver Star service banner, POW/MIA/Fallen Comrade Table. 

Protocol, Customs and Traditions Trivia Game:  Part One R.s.v.p., Hail & Farewells, coffees, teas, receiving lines. 

Modern Guidance for Receiving Lines, Invitations and Place Cards.  Updates for modern inclusivity. 

Customs and Courtesies for Traveling Abroad & Avoiding a Faux Pas! International assignment or vacation? Research etiquette and courtesies first. 

Celebrating and Hosting in 2023! Suggestions and encouragement to feel more confident when hosting!

2022: 

Protocol Team’s “Twelve Days of Christmas”   Spotlight on wonderful holiday traditions this military adventure has brought us!

Historically Army!   Meaningful experiences are within every army tradition creating our army culture and making our life rich!

Army Spouse Songs   Joining people together through music, these melodies create esprit de corps!  

 A “Coffee Group” Without Coffee    Sharing camaraderie, knowledge, and friendship.

Hail and Farewells- It’s a Unit Thing!  A time to meet new unit leaders and say “thank you” to those leaving.

Event Planning Checklist    An easy guide for any event

Cavalry Spur Ride: But Where are the Horses?   Spurs, strength, and the spirit army spouses bring to the fight.

The Tale of The Traveling TASH  Like the “magical traveling pants,” The Army Spouse Handbook  has something for everyone. 

Etiquette Suggestions for Military Teens  and Etiquette Suggestions for Military Children. The importance of manners for kids and teens!

Life Lessons Learned at a Coffee  Military protocol, social life, and sage advice. 

Modern Protocol and Evolving Traditions   NEW Army protocol updates!!  

2021:

In the Spirit of Giving.  Army traditions supporting our families and soldiers during the holidays. 

Army Spouse Grog Ceremony  A celebration of our history. 

The Gloves Were Us    A throwback to glove etiquette! 

Q&A with the Protocol and Etiquette Team   The “when, what and how” of reciprocating invitations, building your spouse “toolbox”, and making introductions.

The Joys of Entertaining.   Hosting… “how-to”! 

Military Weddings: I Do!   Wedding bells and fancy veils– the military family welcomes you! 

Need to Know: Military Balls and Formals  Simple tips to feel more comfortable at fancy soirees.

Honor and Remember    Never forget those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

Army Teas are Steeped in Tradition   A vintage story to help set the stage for future events.

Coffees, Pins, and Camaraderie. Dating back to Martha Washington, unit coffees and celebrating our spouses’ legacy in the army.

Who Goes First? That is the Question:  Reception line and receiving line updates.

Cheers to New Year’s Receptions.    One of the oldest military traditions explained! 

2020:

Knives, Forks, and Spoons. Be prepared to set and “dress” the table!

You’re Invited: Q & A with the Protocol & Etiquette Team  Children at military events? Alcohol etiquette? If I can’t attend, do I still pay?  Spouse reference books. 

National Flag Etiquette: Memorial Day and Veterans Day/  Memorial Day / Veteran’s Day – differences and meanings.

Thank-You Notes and Beyond. Tips for writing meaningful thoughts, gratitude, compliments, and “Warm Regards”!

Dress for the Occasion   Casual events to formal balls, a guide for what to wear.

You’re Invited: Military Protocol and Traditions Explained.   Introductory blog about life with the Army!

Editor’s Note: The M:M Command team is grateful for the T & P Team! The information, history, and tradition is essential to honoring the service and those who have answered the call. Keeping our traditions is important and we want to thank Ginger, Michelle, Ann, and Lynda for sharing their expertise with us over the years. What a great page to refer back to when we need guidance- HOOAH!