Military Appreciation Month: What It Means to Me as a Veteran and Business Owner By Donnetta Brown | Dee & Dee Brown LLC
Every May, the United States recognizes Military Appreciation Month—a time to honor those who have served, those who are currently serving, and the families who carry that weight alongside them.
But for me, this month isn’t just about recognition.
It’s personal.
It’s lived.
And it’s still shaping how I show up today—as a veteran, a mother, a student, and a business owner.
What Is Military Appreciation Month?
Military Appreciation Month was officially designated by the U.S. Congress in 1999. It includes several important observances like:
Loyalty Day (May 1)
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day
Each one highlights a different part of the military experience—but together, they tell a bigger story.
A story of sacrifice, discipline, resilience, and service.
My Military Story Didn’t End When I Took Off the Uniform
I served in the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist in Air Cargo Handling.
I completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base—a place that didn’t just train me physically, but mentally.
That’s where I learned structure.
Accountability.
How to push through, even when it’s hard.
And the truth is… those lessons didn’t stay in the military.
They followed me into every season of my life.
Military Appreciation Month Hits Different When You’ve Lived It
People often say “thank you for your service.”
And I appreciate that.
But what this month really means to me goes deeper than words.
It reminds me of:
The discipline it took to keep going when no one was watching
The responsibility of carrying something bigger than myself
The strength it took to come home and keep rebuilding
Because leaving the military doesn’t mean the journey is over.
In many ways, that’s when the real work begins.
How My Military Experience Shaped Dee & Dee Brown LLC
When Dominique and I built Dee & Dee Brown LLC, we didn’t just build a business.
We built it on systems.
That didn’t happen by accident.
That came directly from my military training.
In the military, you don’t rely on motivation—you rely on structure.
That same mindset is what we teach other resellers today:
Build systems, not chaos
Stay consistent, even when it’s slow
Execute, even when it’s not perfect
That’s what “Learning. Applying. Building.” really means.
Military Appreciation Month as a Veteran-Owned Business
Being a veteran-owned business isn’t just a label for us.
It’s part of our foundation.
It means:
We understand discipline and follow-through
We know how to operate under pressure
We build with long-term vision, not shortcuts
And it also means we carry a responsibility—to show up, to lead, and to create opportunities not just for ourselves, but for others.
The Reality Most People Don’t Talk About
Military service changes you.
But so does what comes after.
I’ve faced health challenges.
I’ve had moments where everything slowed down.
And I’ve had to rebuild—more than once.
But if there’s one thing the military taught me, it’s this:
You don’t quit. You adjust. You keep moving.
That mindset is the reason Dee & Dee still exists today.
What Military Appreciation Month Means to Me Now
Today, Military Appreciation Month is a reminder.
Not just of where I’ve been—but of what I’m still building.
It reminds me that:
My story didn’t end when I left the military
My service still shows up in how I lead and build
My legacy is still being written—every day
And now, I get to build that legacy with my daughter.
That means everything.
How You Can Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
If you’re reading this and wondering how to support during Military Appreciation Month, here’s the truth:
It’s not complicated.
Support veteran-owned businesses
Share their stories
Invest in what they’re building
Because behind every business is a story like mine.
And those stories deserve to be seen.
Still Showing Up
Military Appreciation Month is about honoring the past.
But for me, it’s also about recognizing the present.
I’m still showing up.
Still building.
Still applying everything I learned in uniform to the life I’m creating now.
And if you’re in a season where you’re rebuilding too—just know this:
You’re not starting over. You’re building from experience.
Ready to Start Building Your Own System?
If you’re a reseller or entrepreneur trying to create structure in your business, start here:
A Personal Moment
These photos was taken during a local event with the American Legion.
It represents more than a moment—it represents a mindset.
Even after service, I’m still showing up.
Still building.
Still applying everything I learned.
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