1. Look them in the eye and give them a firm handshake.
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No one appreciates a firm handshake more than a soldier.
2. If they prefer not to shake hands…
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…then a chest bump will do.
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Just make sure you do duckface afterward so they can laugh at you.
AP
3. Admire their medals. They were hard-earned.
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4. Always treat their families with great respect.
They have been through more than you could imagine.
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Laughter is a medicine that works 102% of the time.
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6. Sometimes it’s important that you treat a soldier the way you would treat anyone else.
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7. If you know a soldier, call them on the 4th of July.
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It will make their day!
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8. Or you can Skype them.
9. Each soldier has an amazing story.
10. Listen.
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Listening is often the best gift you can give someone.
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Soldiers love getting hugged because most of them are big softies deep down.
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12. Do a sport with them.
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Soldiers love being active.
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President Bush golfs with wounded veterans at the Warrior Open tournament.
13. Make sure you are respectful.
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14. Cook them a big-ass dinner if you can. Lots of meat.
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15. But if you only have a minute, look them square in the eye…
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And say, “Thank you.”
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We promise you they will appreciate it.
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Happy 4th of July!
Eric Draper/White House/Newsmakers / Getty Images
