Tim Allen/iStock via Getty Images PlusUSE A MEAT THERMOMETER | The best way to ensure you cook your meat perfectly every time is to invest in a meat thermometer and check for the right temperature. Knowing how to utilize a meat thermometer is essential to knowing how to cook chicken, steak and other foods correctly.
Alina Demidenko/ShutterstockBACKYARD TEA PARTY | To make a regular tea party even more fun, take the teacups and fancy hats outside. You can lay out a cute spread on a table or even in the grass, bring out some cookies, pour fruit juice in plastic play teacups (or real ones if you're feeling ambitious) and have your "guests" wear something nice.
ShutterstockIn 1989, a group of Navy SEALs were just one part of the US invasion of Panama. The SEAL team had two objectives: disable the boat and plane the President of Panama might use to escape. While the SEALs had no trouble disabling the boat, they ran into serious trouble at the airfield. After coming under fire, eight SEALs were wounded. The SEALs then took out the plane with a rocket. Overall, four SEALs were killed and nine more were wounded, but the objectives were completed.
iStock.com/michaeljungIf you want to donate money to help meet the specific needs of an individual military family, check out Operation Homefront. They provide verified listings for particular needs of families such as paying rent or a medical or electric bill.
Jordon R. Beesley/U.S. Navy // Getty Images27. Standard Missile-6 | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $816 million - Number invested in: 125 - Type of weapon or program: munitions
Hurst Photo/ShutterstockFREEZE TAG | The best games are those that require nothing but humans to play them. Freeze tag is a quintessential backyard pick and something that kids don't want to stop playing.
bbernard/ShutterstockMAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH FLAME | While you do want to be careful, if your flames are too low, your food won't cook well enough or it will take a long time to do so.
MCSN Justan Williams/MCTDespite resources such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, the nation's more than 1 million military spouses face three times higher unemployment rates than the rest of the country, and one-third of them are underemployed, according to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Many military spouses relocate frequently and require child care, limiting their employment options. If you own a business or make hiring decisions, commit to hiring military spouses and working with their unique situation. You can also help military spouses make connections and network in your community or offer to proofread their resumes if they're job hunting.
Imagesines/iStock via Getty Images PlusCLEAN THE GRATES | You don't want your food to stick to the grill, so be sure to clean it after each use. Use a metal brush while the grill is still hot to scrub off any caked-on food.
Christi Tolbert/ShutterstockGIANT JENGA | If you're looking to order a new activity for the summer, how about giant Jenga? The classic family game is supersized and can stack up to over 5 feet high. As everyone takes turns to remove a block from a tower and balance it on top, the size of the unstable structure will make for lots of laughs when it comes tumbling down.
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealDINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE'S DINO JERK SAUCE | Jazz up your bottled barbecue sauce with jalapenos, thyme, habaneros, brown sugar and a few other pantry staples. Pour over wings, grilled chicken, grilled pork or shrimp. For the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Dino Jerk Sauce recipe, click here.
chee gin tan/E+ via Getty ImagesPRACTICE MAKES PERFECT | Grilling may seem like a daunting task, especially if you're not used to grilling something like a big steak or are unsure whether you can grill the perfect salmon when you usually bake it. As long as you're patient and willing to learn, as well as stick to all safety guidelines, you can definitely teach yourself and improve with practice.
Arthur Bovino/The Daily MealGRILLED CHICKEN WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE | Of all the regional barbecue styles out there, Alabama style, with its mayonnaise-based sauce, is one of the richest. For the Grilled Chicken With Alabama White Sauce recipe, click here.
Igor Emmerich/Image Source via Getty ImagesPAINTING | Painting outside in the backyard is not only more inspiring, but it also eliminates any of the mess indoors. If you don't have canvas or large sheets of paper, you can repurpose cereal boxes by cutting them out and painting on the reverse sides.
IhorL/ShutterstockLAWN TWISTER | If you have a few bottles of spray paint, you can make your own version of twister. Spray-paint four rows or different colored dots onto the grass to create your own lawn twister and use cardboard or a cereal box to make your own spinner. Pump in some music with the most popular songs from the year you were born.
grandriver/E+ via Getty ImagesGRILL MEAT AND VEGETABLES SEPARATELY | While you may be tempted to grill a skewer of meat and vegetables or cook your onions at the same time as your burgers, doing so can risk cross-contamination. Grill your meat and vegetables separately so that everything cooks evenly.
Shutterstock/Tribune Content Agency/flysnowfly/ShutterstockMilitary members and their families appreciate being recognized for their service and sacrifice, especially on designated days that many civilians take for granted, such as Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day and National Military Appreciation Month, which is the month of May. Attend or volunteer at events celebrating these occasions alongside military families.
Jack Frog/ShutterstockGRILL FAR AWAY FROM FLAMMABLE ITEMS | When grilling, it's important to make sure you're not too close to any items that are flammable if they get too hot or come in contact with a spark. Grill far away from any flammable clothing, cars or tents, especially if you're grilling in a beautiful spot at the park.
Koldunov Alexey/ShutterstockAVOID REMOVING THE LID TOO OFTEN | Every time you lift the lid of your grill, you're letting out the hot air needed for your food to cook and it can take some time for the temperature to get back to where you want it after you close the lid again.
U.S. Defense Imagery // Wikimedia Commons30. VH-92 Presidential Helicopters | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $739 million - Number invested in: 5 - Type of weapon or program: aircraft
RINGO CHIU // Getty Images25. THAAD Ballistic Missile Defense | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $916 million - Number invested in: data not available - Type of weapon or program: missile defeat and defense
Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Stewart F. HouseGive a soldier a hero's welcome by volunteering to greet them at the airport. Groups from Maine's Bangor Airport to Dallas' DFW organize welcome parties with banners, photographers, refreshments, and of course, hugs and cheering. Coordinating your own group to accompany a local military family is a great way to support the family and show your appreciation.
Catharine Hamm/Los Angeles Times/MCTOftentimes servicemen or servicewomen and their families at your local base aren't able to travel back home for the holidays. If you have extra room at the table, welcoming them into your home and providing company and a home-cooked meal can mean the world to them.
Nick David/Photodisc via Getty ImagesBUBBLES | This is good clean fun. Instead of going to the park, Kids can spend a couple hours just basking in the sun, blowing bubbles and trying to catch the round shiny blobs of soap in their hands.
USAF // Getty ImagesYear over year, the U.S. spends significantly more of its budget on military operations than any other country. Hundreds of millions of dollars go into helicopters, missiles and digital security. Keep reading to see which missile defense systems, space programs, submarines and other weapons the military plans to invest in next year.
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock6. Cyberspace – Operations | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $3.8 billion - Number invested in: data not available - Type of weapon or program: cyberspace
Evgeny Karandaev/ShutterstockBACON-INFUSED BURGER | What truly makes the best burger blend ever, you ask? Adding bacon into the ground beef. For the Bacon-Infused Burger recipe, click here.
Mila Atkovska/ShutterstockAVOID PRESSING DOWN ON YOUR BURGER PATTIES | When attempting to make some next-level burgers, don't press down on the burgers, this technique drains your patties of their juices. Keep your burgers juicy by not pressing down on them while they cook.
10'000 Hours/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesLET YOUR MEAT REST | One of the best cooking tips we learned from our parents is to always let your meat rest after cooking, and this applies to all grilled meat as well. Resting your meat for about five to 15 minutes will allow the juices that were drawn to the surface when cooking time to be redistributed.
tomczykbartek/iStock via Getty Images PlusPRACTICE TIME MANAGEMENT | As any experienced cook will tell you, time management is key when cooking or grilling anything. Keep track of time so that you don't overcook or burn anything, and make sure to stay prepared so that you and your fellow diners aren't left hungry for too long.
William McDill/ShutterstockAVOID SPREADING THE COALS TOO SOON | On a coal grill, spreading the coals too soon will cause your food to cook unevenly. Wait until the coals are coated in gray ash so you can be sure that all of them have been ignited.
arinahabich/iStock via Getty Images PlusTRY USING A CAST-IRON SKILLET ON THE GRILL | There are plenty of instances where you should avoid using a cast-iron pan, but putting it on the grill isn't one of them. Use it to roast vegetables or cook more delicate meats so that they don't stick.
Maria Sbytova/ShutterstockFLOOR IS LAVA, BACKYARD EDITION | The basic premise of the floor is lava is this: Pretend that the floor is lava and then use any other surface to get from point A to point B. Touch the ground and you lose. Though this is typically a living room game, kids can use outdoor items like skateboards, jumbo balls, wagons, a swing set and more to play this game in the backyard.
SUKJAI PHOTO/ShutterstockGARDENING WITH KIDS | If you have some seeds to plant, get your kids involved and hand them a shovel. You can also give them their own small pots and a few seeds to plant their own flowers or vegetables.
David Byron Keener/ShutterstockBIRDWATCHING | A nice quiet activity out in the yard is birdwatching. Kids can spend the afternoon waiting for common birds like sparrows, robins, doves and, if they're lucky, a bright blue jay or a goldfinch.
Hinterhaus Productions/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesYOU DON'T NEED AN EXPENSIVE GRILL | Don't buy an expensive grill right off the bat. As a rookie griller, save yourself some money and start out with something cheap and see how often you actually do some grilling before you go all-in on a grill with all the bells and whistles.
wundervisuals/E+ via Getty ImagesKEEP YOUR GRILLING OPTIONS OPEN | Don't limit yourself to just burgers, steaks and hot dogs. Not only can you grill all kinds of vegetables, but you can also grill any kind of meat, as well as different types of cheese with a high melting point, such as halloumi.
John J. Kim / baiduhai/baiduhai/TNSMusic Box Theatre general manager Ryan Oestreich stands at the theatre's bar Friday, July 3, 2020, in Chicago.
Zero Creatives/Image Source via Getty ImagesPREP INGREDIENTS AHEAD OF TIME | One of the most important restaurant secrets every home cook should know is that you should always have your mise en place. Chopping vegetables, marinating meat and having everything in place before you start cooking means you will have more time to focus on what's happening on the grill once you fire it up.
kali9/E+ via Getty ImagesBACKYARD PICNIC | Any number of games can pass the hours, but one thing that both adults and kids can get behind is a good old backyard picnic. The whole family can make their favorite foods and easy recipes and spend the entire afternoon lounging around, maybe even slipping into an outdoor nap under the tree. And when you're all set with the outdoors, take a look at the best indoor activities for kids stuck at home.
Sergey Novikov/ShutterstockRELAY RACES | You don't have to run around a local park to get your kids moving. Just like field day, you can set up relay races in the backyard. And as an added bonus, the kids might fall asleep right after.
Moyo Studio/E+ via Getty ImagesWASH YOUR HANDS AFTER TOUCHING RAW MEAT | Make sure to properly wash your hands after touching raw meat, especially before touching any cooked meat, to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Polarpx/ShutterstockBOCCE | If you dig into the garage, you might find an old bocce set waiting to be reopened. The relaxed but strategic game is a great way to spend hours outside with some snacks and juice boxes on hand.
Jane Bruce/The Daily MealGRILLED BISON SKIRT STEAK | Bison has a naturally rich flavor that is perfect for the grill. It's also leaner than beef and other meats, making it a healthy dinner option. For the Grilled Bison Skirt Steak recipe, click here.
Suzanne Jenkins/U.S. Air Force // Getty Images14. F-15EX (tie) | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $1.6 billion - Number invested in: 12 - Type of weapon or program: aircraft
Aviv Dibon/IDF // Getty Images22. Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) (tie) | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $1.2 billion - Number invested in: 7,360 - Type of weapon or program: munitions
Louisa Chu / baiduhaiMeatless vegan hot dogs cooking on a charcoal grill on May 27, 2021
Jag_cz/ShutterstockPREHEAT THE GRILL AHEAD OF TIME | It's not exactly a steakhouse secret, but many people forget to preheat their gas grills, leading to food that doesn't cook evenly and sticks to the grates. After starting up the grill, leave the lid on for about 10 minutes before you start cooking to make sure the grates are very hot.
Lauren Gordon/The Daily MealGRILLED VEGGIE PIZZA | Grilled vegetables go on top of grilled pizza dough for a double dose of char in this healthy yet irresistible grilled veggie pizza recipe. For the Grilled Veggie Pizza recipe, click here.
S and S Imaging / Shutterstock.comThe Taliban kidnapped an American doctor and two Afghan men in 2012 while they were traveling to a rural clinic in Afghanistan. They were taken into the mountains, where the kidnappers demanded ransom. The Afghan men were released but the kidnappers kept Dr. Joseph. Convinced the doctor was in danger, DEVGRU was sent in to rescue him. The operation ended with six deaths, including a member of the SEAL team, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque. Two Taliban leaders were also arrested. Dr. Dilip Joseph was successfully rescued.
LauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesDRY MEAT BEFORE GRILLING | When cooking skin-on chicken or any meat that hasn't been left in any kind of delicious meat marinade, you want to make sure the meat is dry before you grill it. If you'd been brining your meat or if it's simply a bit damp, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before adding spices.
LauriPatterson/iStock via Getty Images PlusWRAP VEGETABLES IN FOIL BEFORE GRILLING | If you're looking to grill up some seasonal vegetables alongside your meat options, you want to be careful, since they can burn easily. Wrapping your veggies in aluminum foil will allow them to be heated on the grill without the risk of being burnt to a crisp.
mixetto/E+ via Getty ImagesAVOID STARTING WITH COLD INGREDIENTS | Making sure your ingredients are at the right temperature is a basic rule for cooking, grilling and even baking. Going straight from the fridge to the grill will cause uneven cooking, not to mention a longer cooking time that could cause your meat to dry out. Set your ingredients on the counter for about 15 minutes before seasoning so that they have time to come to room temperature.
Gretchen McKay/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNSIf baking rather than prose is your strong suit, you can use that skill to send homemade cookies, brownies, cakes and other sweet treats to deployed troops. The Angel Bakers team through Soldiers Angels can coordinate sending sweets, especially to soldiers living in particularly trying conditions or those the most in need or a morale boost. You can also sign up to send birthday cakes.
Pro-stock-Studio/iStock via Getty Images PlusAVOID FLIPPING THE MEAT TOO OFTEN | You don't want to flip your meat over too often, especially when cooking yourself the perfect steak. Leaving your meat alone in the grill will allow it to develop a nice crust and sear.
Eliyahu Yosef Parypa // Shutterstock10. B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $2.8 billion - Number invested in: data not available - Type of weapon or program: nuclear modernization
Abel Uribe / baiduhaiMatt Jakob and his daughter Riley Jakob, 2, step inside the "Hallow" an oversized sculpture by South African artist Daniel Popper installed in the grounds of Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. The sculpture is one of five sculptures in the public garden. Abel Uribe/baiduhai
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealDINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE'S SPICE RUB | A good rub is the key to perfect grilled ribs, and this one comes straight out of the kitchen from New York's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. For Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Spice Rub recipe, click here.
Hello Africa/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesUSE THE RIGHT TOOLS | You don't need much, but having a few essential grilling tools will keep you safe from unwanted burns and your food from landing on the ground. Invest in a grilling apron with pockets, long-handled metal tongs, a long-handled spatula and some oven mittens or kitchen towels to protect your hands when dealing with the lid and vents.
iStock.com/SDI ProductionsIf you have airline frequent flyer miles collecting dust, consider donating them to a military air travel assistance organization. They provide airfare to enlisted service members so that they can fly home to see their families when they otherwise can't afford a ticket. Some, such as Operation Ride Home, will sponsor service members and their dependents to travel from their base back home for the holidays. Fisher House Foundation also has a program called Hero Miles, in which you can donate frequent flyer miles to allow family members to fly to the medical facilities where injured service members are recovering.
Robin Craig/ShutterstockPAINTING ROCKS | And to get more creative, kids can collect rocks and paint them with small pictures or any symbols they enjoy drawing. Once the rocks dry, you can use them as outdoor decoration.
vgajic/E+ via Getty ImagesAVOID DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL WHILE GRILLING | Having a nice beer while grilling in your backyard is a favored pastime of many, but you want to take care not to drink too much alcohol while at the grill. Safety is of the utmost importance when grilling, and you want to be alert.
Kristie Collado/The Daily MealSHRIMP WITH CILANTRO-CHILI SAUCE | Shrimp cooks on the grill in a matter of minutes, making for a quick yet healthy and delicious dinner. The cilantro-chili sauce adds the perfect kick. For the Shrimp With Cilantro-Chili Sauce recipe, click here.
ShutterstockIn the mid-'90s, a conflict between Bosnia and Herzegovina prompted NATO to intervene. NATO launched airstrikes to curb the offenses, which almost led to a cease-fire. However, hostilities resumed in 1995, which led to more NATO airstrikes and troops on the ground. Some of these troops were DEVGRU, who carried out "snatching" jobs of war criminals. These covert operations were done in cooperation with NATO units, and the captured war criminals eventually stood trial.
Jacqui Wedewer/The Daily MealMORANDI'S GRILLED PIZZA-STYLE FOCACCIA | This simple grilled pizza recipe uses prosciutto and arugula, but you can top it however you choose. For Morandi's Grilled Pizza-Style Focaccia recipe, click here.
Peter R Foster IDMA / Shutterstock.comWidely known as the operation that brought about the death of Osama Bin Laden, technically Neptune Spear was a CIA operation which happened to feature DEVGRU. To practice for the raid, a full-size replica of the compound was reportedly constructed in North Carolina, which the team used extensively. DEVGRU, along with members of the US Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, were inserted by helicopter in Bilal, Pakistan. After a brief firefight, Osama Bin Laden and several other occupants of the compound were killed. Overall, the entire operation lasted around 40 minutes.
mansong suttakarn/ShutterstockOBSTACLE COURSE | Create an obstacle course that'll keep your kids running and competing for hours. Parents can get involved too and embark on the course with the kids. You can make the obstacle course using ropes, Hula-Hoops, jump ropes, nets and anything else on hand.
CHRIS POOK / Shutterstock.comAt the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the coalition forces needed places to build Forward Operating Bases. So, Navy SEALs were sent on a reconnaissance mission to an abandoned airstrip in the Registan Desert. After they were inserted, the SEALs watched the airstrip for days until a Marine unit came in and secured the area. The base became known as Camp Rhino.
Antonio Perez / baiduhaiBoats make their way under the raised Michigan Ave. bridge in Chicago, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, following the on again off again rain.
Darko Zeljkovic/ShutterstockMAKE-BELIEVE JUNGLE SAFARI | Similar to the floor is lava, if your kids are animal lovers, allow them to transform the backyard into a jungle safari with their imagination and some stuffed animals scattered throughout the yard. Be sure to wash the stuffed animals after though.
Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesAVOID PLACING COOKED MEAT WHERE RAW MEAT WAS | Whether flipping meat over or transferring it to another plate or tray, don't place meat that you've cooked down on a spot that raw meat had previously been touching. Doing so can cause your meat to be contaminated with bacteria and make people sick.
Dash_med/iStock via Getty Images PlusCOOK YOUR MEATS SEPARATELY |Not everything cooks at the same temperature, and cross-contamination can make you sick, so it's best practice to cook your chicken, burgers and hot dogs at different times.
StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock.comIf you've seen "Black Hawk Down," you'll be familiar with the basic story behind this operation. Originally, U.S. forces were in Somalia to suppress forces loyal to Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a Somali faction leader in the Somali Civil War during the early 1990s. The task force was led by Army Rangers and consisted of many infantry units, including DEVGRU. But during an operation in Mogadishu called "Gothic Serpent" that aimed capture Aidid's leaders, a Black Hawk helicopter was shot down with RPGs. The subsequent rescue mission became a battle for survival as the troops were overrun. By the time the fighting ended and the troops reached safety, 18 Rangers were killed and 84 were wounded. 500 Somalis were killed, and 700 more were wounded.
mphillips007/E+ via Getty ImagesADD THE SAUCE AT THE RIGHT TIME | When trying out some new, easy grilling recipes, the sugars in your favorite barbecue sauce will burn if you add it to your meat too early. In the last five minutes of cooking spread a thin layer of sauce on for optimal results.
urbazon/E+ via Getty ImagesAVOID COOKING EVERY TYPE AND CUT OF MEAT THE SAME WAY | Not only should every type of meat be treated and cooked differently, but different cuts of meat require being grilled in different ways, especially when grilling chicken. For example, cuts of meat that have bone or skin will require more time to cook, and cooking chicken over a high heat increases the risk of serving undercooked chicken.
Laurie Sparham/TNSEmma Stone as Cruella in Disney's live-action "Cruella."
Hill Street Studios/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesBACKYARD FIELD DAY | Remember field day in elementary school? Your kids can have their own in the backyard with activities like balancing an egg on a spoon, a water balloon toss, a jump rope contest, Hula-Hoops and more.
rez-art/iStock/Getty Images PlusGRILLED CHICKEN FAJITAS | If you're looking for a superb Mexican recipe, it doesn't get much simpler or much tastier than a classic grilled chicken fajita. For the Grilled Chicken Fajita recipe, click here.
PHIL SEARS/TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT/MCTCamp C.O.P.E., Operation Xtreme and the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple camp are just a few of the places across the nation that offer summer camps specifically for children of military families free of charge. These camps run on donations, so you can sponsor a child so they can not only have a summer camp experience but also meet fellow military kids and work with staff who can help them understand how deployment affects their lives.
Kristin Goode/MCTAiden Morel, 6, left, shares his drink with his dad Army Spc. Brian Morel as his sister Sophia, 7 months, reaches for the glass, March 24, 2008, in Phillip's Famous Seafood inside Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in South Carolina. Morel had flown into the airport for an 18-day leave from his deployment in Iraq. It was the first time in 7 months that he had seen his family and the very first time he had met his daughter. (Kristin Goode/The Island Packet/MCT)
iStock.com/ajr_imagesIt's a time and financial commitment to be an active-duty military member's support system. Their spouses and children work hard to send them letters, packages and funds to use, but they could use your help too. You can "adopt" a deployed soldier through organizations like Soldiers Angels and commit to supporting them and providing for them by sending weekly or monthly items. It will warm the hearts of their families to know that someone else is looking out for their soldier.
Imgorthand/E+ via Getty ImagesBOTTLE BOWLING | Bowling with plastic bottles is a fantastic way to be more sustainable and have fun. You can recycle old water bottles or soda bottles by painting them white (or whatever colors your kids like) and finding either a nerf ball or a plastic one to use as a "bowling ball." Once the bottles dry, arrange them as you would bowling pins and start playing.
ShutterstockWhen four female aid workers were kidnapped in Afghanistan, a joint SAS (British Special Forces) and DEVGRU task force initiated an operation to recover them. Intelligence sources used satellites to watch the kidnappers' compound while SAS and DEVGRU forces set up a forward-operating base within striking distance. After negotiations with the kidnappers deteriorated, a two-pronged assault was greenlit. The SAS and DEVGRU teams would each rescue two targets. The operation took place right after sunset, and the soldiers used silenced weapons to kill the kidnappers. All four women were rescued successfully.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images
Jolypics/ShutterstockNATURE SCAVENGER HUNT | With parents spending more time at home with their children, they can use some of that time on this fun activity. To prepare, go outside and list 15 or so things in the backyard. Scavenger hunt items can include specific flowers like a tulip, a kind of leaf, a spiderweb, a bug, a uniquely shaped rock or even a hidden toy.
urbazon/E+ via Getty ImagesOUTDOOR SPORTS | Kids love a good sports day and most games like soccer, kickball and baseball only require a few players and can also be played without teams. Adults can set up "bases" using rocks or other backyard objects and establish some field boundaries.
ShutterstockDuring the invasion of Iraq, Coalition forces became worried that the retreating Iraqi forces would destroy a hydroelectric dam to slow the advance of U.S. troops. The worst-case scenario was that the dam would be destroyed and not only cut off the surrounding area from badly needed power but also cause massive flooding that would lead to countless deaths. So, a joint mission between the SEALs and GROM (Polish Special Forces) was greenlit to take the dam. After a helicopter insertion, the strike force secured the dam with no casualties.
RyanJLane/E+ via Getty ImagesBUG CATCHING | Another activity geared toward nature is catching bugs using jars. Kids can go out into the backyard for a springtime adventure to search for bugs as if they were nature explorers. If they spot a caterpillar, you can gently scoop it into a clear glass jar and ask the kids to collect some leaves to drop inside. After the kids observe the bugs, they can set them free.
ERIC SEALS/DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCTA tried and true way to show your support to deployed troops is to write them a letter. Plenty of organizations have programs for sending letters, greeting cards and Christmas cards overseas, but what about the military families back home? You can encourage the support systems of service members by sending cards to their wives, husbands and children through groups such as Support Military Spouses.
Sirle Kabanen/ShutterstockWATER BALLOON CATCH | This game of catch is best played on a hot summer day. Instead of using a regular ball, toss around a filled water balloon and see who pops it first. Have a whole bucket of these ready so the game keeps going.
noBorders - Brayden Howie/ShutterstockRED LIGHT, YELLOW LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT | This is a simple game for even the littlest of the bunch. One person controls the "traffic lights." Red light means freeze, yellow light means walk and green light means run. The goal is to reach the traffic light first and whoever does becomes the new traffic light person. And if anyone gets caught moving during a red light, they have to go all the way back to the start.
mooremedia/ShutterstockCHECK THE PROPANE LEVELS BEFOREHAND | If using a gas grill, make sure you have enough propane left in your propane tank before grilling. You can do this by using a gauge, weighing your propane tank or by turning off the valve and disconnecting the tank from your grill before pouring warm water over the side of the tank. The part of the tank that has propane in it will feel cooler, while the part that doesn't will feel warmer.
OLAF KRAAK // Getty Images21. Landing Platform Dock Ship (LPD) (tie) | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $1.2 billion - Number invested in: 1 - Type of weapon or program: maritime
thall/iStock via Getty Images PlusAVOID USING LIGHTER FLUID | Instead of using lighter fluid or match-light coals, which can lead to gasoline-scented steak, try a chimney starter. Stuff the bottom with old newspaper, fill the top with charcoal briquettes and just light the newspaper, letting the chimney starter do its thing.
Louisa Chu / baiduhaiChicago-style hot dog condiments blended all in one, Duck Inn Dogs Chicago dog Super Condiment, on May 27, 2021
Sergei Telenkov/ShutterstockDON'T CLEAN THE GRILL TOO OFTEN | While you may be tempted to give your grill a good scrub down whenever you can, doing so can mess up the grates. Instead, give your grill a deep clean only every few months.
a katz / Shutterstock.comA cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, was captured by Somali pirates in 2009. The pirates eventually fled the ship in a lifeboat with Captain Richard Phillips as a hostage. Naval ships arrived on the scene, and a stand-off started between the pirates and a group of warships led by the USS Bainbridge. DEVGRU operators were flown in and parachuted into the water before being picked up by the Bainbridge. After a five-day stand-off, the DEVGRU operators killed three of the pirates with sniper shots. Captain Phillips was rescued, and the story inspired a movie starring Tom Hanks.
DenisProduction.com/ShutterstockAccording to some military spouses, sometimes helping them is as simple as thinking before speaking. Avoid asking thoughtless or prying questions such as, "Has your spouse seen any action?" or "Have they killed anyone?" that remind them of the danger and combat their loved one faces. Don't make light of their partner's deployment by joking that it's nice to have a break from them because military spouses would much rather have them home and safe.
Zurijeta/ShutterstockSLIP 'N' SLIDE AND INFLATABLE POOLS | Since water parks are currently off-limits, you can create a "backyard water park" right at home. Bust out that inflatable pool, turn on the sprinklers and surf down the slip 'n' slide.
GMVozd/E+ via Getty ImagesSTORE THE MEAT PROPERLY | Make sure you know how to store all your groceries properly, especially meat. Storing meat in the freezer before defrosting it is the easiest way to avoid getting stomachaches.
Keni // Shutterstock16. Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) (tie) | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $1.5 billion - Number invested in: data not available - Type of weapon or program: nuclear modernization
AVN Photo Lab/ShutterstockDISPOSE OF THE COALS PROPERLY | When you're done grilling, you don't want to just throw out hot coals, as it's another fire hazard. Instead, close your grill's lid and vents, leaving it for 48 hours until all the ash has cooled down and then wrap the coals and ash in foil before throwing it in a non-combustible garbage bin. If you've used wood charcoal without any additives, you can even repurpose it for your garden as fertilizer.
marco mayer/ShutterstockLEMON-CAPER GRILLED CHICKEN RECIPE | When life gives you lemons, make this lemon-caper grilled chicken recipe for dinner, which can be prepped in a grill pan on the stove or on the grill itself. For the Lemon-Caper Grilled Chicken recipe, click here.
Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesOIL THE GRILL | Don't forget to oil up the grates of your grill to prevent your food from sticking to it. Once the grill is hot, bunch up a paper towel and dip it into a high-heat cooking oil such as olive or canola. Make sure to use enough to cover the grates but not so much that it's dripping off the paper towel and you risk a flare-up. Using an oven mitt and tongs, wipe the grates down with the paper towel.
ShutterstockIn 1983, the United States invaded Grenada to protect the U.S. citizens within its borders. At first, the SEAL team assigned to the action did recon for a force of Marines coming ashore, but were later reassigned to two missions: the extraction of Grenada's Governor-General and the capture of the country's only radio tower. A lack of intelligence and an insertion during a storm severely hindered the SEALs, resulting in four SEALs being lost off the island's coast. The remaining SEALs split off into two teams, one to extract the Governor-General and the other to capture the radio tower. The first team made it to the Governor-General's mansion, but realized they forgot their communication equipment on the helicopter. When they were surrounded by hostile forces, they used the mansion's phone to call in an AC-130 airstrike to cover their successful escape. The second team was pinned down at the radio station and ended up destroying it. They swam out to open sea and were picked up hours later.
grandriver/E+ via Getty ImagesUSE THE RIGHT HEAT METHOD | When grilling, there are two types of heating methods: direct and indirect. Direct grilling is used quickly and over high heat and it's suited for smaller or thinner pieces of food, such as steaks, chicken breasts, fish fillets and vegetables. Indirect grilling is when food is placed next to the fire instead of directly over it and the lid is closed to hold the heat in, cooking for longer over a low to moderate temperature.
Will Budiaman/The Daily MealGRILLED EGGPLANT WITH FETA AND CUCUMBER | One of the best vegetarian recipes around can be made on the grill. This simple grilled eggplant salad is great as a main course or a side. For the Grilled Eggplant With Feta and Cucumber recipe, click here.
Annnna_11/ShutterstockRED ROVER | Red rover is a classic playground game in which two teams line up opposite each other with some space in between. You can flip a coin to see who goes first. The first team calls one player from the opposite team, and says, "Red rover, red rover, send (player's name) on over!" The person picked runs to the other line and attempts to break the linked-hands chain.
U.S. Naval Systems Command Image // Wikimedia Commons5. COLUMBIA Class Ballistic Missile Submarine | 2021 Department of Defense budget investment: $4.4 billion - Number invested in: 1 - Type of weapon or program: nuclear modernization, maritime
iStock.com/LightFieldStudiosMany military spouses become de facto single parents during deployment, and 74 percent of military spouses have children 18 and younger at home, according to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Offering to babysit so a military spouse can run errands or just relax can be a life-saver. You can also watch the kids one night when their husband or wife is back home so they can have a much-deserved date night.
Nadasaki/iStock via Getty Images PlusDON'T LEAVE THE GRILL UNATTENDED | For obvious reasons, leaving a fire blazing in your backyard unattended is certainly a fire hazard, but food also burns quickly under such intense heat, so stick around to keep an eye on it.
Tatiana Gordievskaia/ShutterstockCHALK ART | Whether you have cement in a portion of the backyard or sidewalk in the front, chalk art never gets old.
Kristie Collado/The Daily MealSTEAK TACOS | Or if grilled steak is more your style, have taco Tuesday any night of the week with these simple grilled steak tacos. For the Grilled Steak Tacos recipe, click here.
ShutterstockIn 2009, a daylight operation took place in Somalia against Saleh Ali Aleh Nabhan, a terrorist the US government believed had ties to the 2002 attacks in Mombasa, Kenya, and two 1998 embassy bombings. The initial attack on Nabhan's convoy was conducted by gunships operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. After that, helicopters deposited soldiers speculated to be Navy SEALs, who exfiltrated the bodies, one of which was Nabhan's. Overall, a textbook operation.
Mohamed Abdihakim ismail / Shutterstock.comWhen Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted were kidnapped by Somali bandits in 2012, DEVGRU was called in to rescue them. Originally, the American woman and Danish man were in Somalia on an aid mission to remove landmines, but were taken hostage. The rescue operation had been in planning for weeks, but when Buchanan's health started to decline, they accelerated their plans. DEVGRU parachuted in at night two miles away from the hostile encampment and proceeded the rest of the way on foot. While DEVGRU tried to capture the kidnappers, the engagement ended with all the hostiles dead. The hostages were extracted with no injuries.
Johnny Crawford/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCTServicemen and servicewomen and their families who are pet owners can face unfortunate circumstances if they are sent to trainings, deployments or re-assignments where their pets cannot come along. Organizations such as Dogs on Deployment and PACT's Military Foster Program can connect you with military pets in need of a temporary home. Offering to pet-sit for a spouse while they're traveling can save them stress and the coast of kenneling or boarding their furry friend.
Willie B. Thomas/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesAVOID TOO MUCH FLAME | When grilling, try to avoid having a huge and high flame. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can also overcook or burn your food.
Korneeva Kristina/ShutterstockDEFROST THE MEAT PROPERLY | It's also very important to know how to thaw meat properly before cooking it. You want to make sure you're not defrosting your meat in a way that leaves it susceptible to unhealthy bacteria.
Hinterhaus Productions/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesBE GENEROUS WITH SEASONINGS | Salt and spices help enhance the natural flavors of meat, making even cheap steaks taste utterly delicious. Salting your meat and leaving it out for 30 minutes can draw out the moisture, helping form a flavorful crust.
stockcreations/ShutterstockUSE THE VENTS TO MONITOR THE FLAME | A grill's vents control the oxygen flow and, therefore, the fire. Using the vents is the best way to monitor and control the flame while cooking. When using indirect heat, keep the top and bottom vents closed so you can trap the smoke and keep the heat low.
Halfpoint/ShutterstockMAKE A BIRDHOUSE | There are lots of creative ways to make a birdhouse with things you have laying around like shoe boxes, plastic bottles, extra pieces of wood and more.
istetiana/ShutterstockSOAK WOOD SKEWERS IN WATER FIRST | Grilling is a great way to recreate some of your favorite iconic street foods such as kebabs. But make sure you soak skewers in warm water for 30 minutes to one hour before threading any food onto them. This will make sure the skewers don't burn.
Syda Productions/ShutterstockCAPTURE THE FLAG | This one takes you right back to your childhood. Capture the flag can be played with any even number of people. With at least two players per team, it's a great family game. The gist is trying to take the other team's flag and returning it across the center line without being tagged. And if a player is tagged while on their opponent's side, they have to go to the holding zone.
ST5 Photography/ShutterstockBEAN BAG TOSS | You don't need much to toss bean bags in the backyard, just some paper plates or bowls and plush toys or bags to toss inside. You can write out each point on the paper plates (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) and arrange them vertically with the highest score farthest away. Kids can toss their bags and see how they score.
Valentina_G/ShutterstockGRILLED CORN | Grilled corn is one of those classic barbecue sides. It's so simple that you'll want to make it every night of the week once corn is in season. For the Grilled Corn recipe, click here.
LauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesSAUSAGE AND PEPPER HEROES | No summer is complete without at least a few sausage sandwiches reminiscent of a baseball game. This simple grilled sausage and peppers dish will help you recreate the ballpark in your own backyard. For the Sausage and Pepper Heroes recipe, click here.
Tim Allen/iStock via Getty Images Plus
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USE A MEAT THERMOMETER | The best way to ensure you cook your meat perfectly every time is to <a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/cook/how-to-cook-meat-thermometer">invest in a meat thermometer and check for the right temperature</a>. Knowing how to utilize a meat thermometer is essential to knowing how to cook chicken, steak and other foods correctly.
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