Active Relationships Center

03/21/2026

𝑆𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒.

Denise Bush began crocheting scarves for military moms to keep herself busy after her son deployed with the Navy. She’s now completed about 500 of these personal mementos.

“They’re very simple stitches,” Denise said. “But somehow, I think it’s magic – when it gets to the mom, and the mom puts it on – I think it’s beautiful to me too. And the moms are so happy … it makes me feel connected to the military moms. I know they miss their kids too.”

Introverted, Denise’s skills have allowed her to find a supportive, thankful community.

“We’re a whole village,” one recipient said. “Wearing this just reminds me every day that no matter how hard my day is, there are so many other moms going through the same thing.”

The handiwork creates a connection between fellow military moms and those moms and their service member children.

“To be able to walk around my hometown and have this with me – it’s like taking my babies with me everywhere I go,” said Dori Matthews, another scarf recipient.

ARC supports our service members and their families with the tools and training to excel during their missions and keep their families close by building strong, healthy and resilient relationships. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training for more details on our programs for the military community.

Denise Bush, a Fort Worth woman seeking solace through crocheting, has crafted over 500 scarves for fellow military moms, forging a supportive community.

03/17/2026

Team USA will take the field tonight to play for the championship of the World Baseball Classic. Two teammates – Griffin Jax and Paul Skenes – have strong Air Force ties and invited the Falcons baseball team to their matchup against Mexico last week. A captain in the Air Force Reserves, Jax of the Tampa Bay Rays is the first graduate of the Air Force Academy to pitch in the Majors.

"Every guy in that room is proud to represent the United States of America,” Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “But the conversations with them were a little bit different, as far as wanting to represent every serviceman and woman who protects our freedom on a nightly basis. They're thinking a little bit different."

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community proudly with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

HOUSTON -- Paul Skenes has dominated on the mound in an Air Force uniform. In an LSU uniform. In a Bradenton Marauders and Altoona Curve and Indianapolis Indians uniform. And of course in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. But the one he's wearing right now is different.

03/13/2026

Josh Sweeney, who scored the goal that won the sled hockey team the gold medal 12 years ago, shares a little bit about his journey to becoming a Paralympian.

“Finding a new unit to be with and really just contributing to something greater than myself really came back into play,” he said.

Sled hockey allowed him to rediscover himself. Sports can help military veterans build confidence and resilience. At the 2026 Paralympics, Josh is competing in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

“The first thing I say is just go try things,” he continued. “Once you try it – stick with it for a little bit, figure out if it’s something you will enjoy, if you will enjoy the process of training or competing or whatever it may be.”

To learn how 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬’ military programs also empower service members and veterans, visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training.

03/06/2026

More than 650 athletes will gather in Milano-Cortina as the 2026 Winter Paralympics open today. Team USA features 72 athletes including nine with military ties. Here’s a rundown of who to look for during the 50th anniversary of the competition and 14th Winter Paralympiad, which continues through March 15. 🇺🇸

Like the Paralympics, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬' military programs build resilience and readiness. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more about our curricula for service members and veterans.

The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games begin with Friday’s opening ceremony, with competition March 7-15.  As with the Winter Olympics, NBC, Peacock and USA Network will carry coverage of the Paralympic Games.

03/02/2026

"𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠."

A Florida fourth-grader struggling at school came back to her desk to find a “noteworthy” pick-me-up from her entire class.

“Words are very powerful and something as simple as some positive words on a sticky note have caused such a positive reaction. Kindness spreads kindness.”

Small acts demonstrate appreciation, care and connection and can strengthen all your relationships. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs empower people of all ages to lead happier, more rewarding lives. To learn more, visit activerelationships.com.

A Florida fourth grader was feeling down about her reading skills, so one of her classmates came up with a way to brighten her day. Students wrote inspiring messages on sticky notes, covering her desk and chair with positive messages to inspire confidence. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports.

02/26/2026

Natasha Norie Standard didn’t stop looking for ways to serve others after she retired from the military.

The former paratrooper knew that, during her service, her military-issued combat boots didn’t fit correctly and that the uniform sizing caused discomfort for her and many of her female colleagues in arms.

With a drive to find a better way, after earning a master’s degree in fashion, Natasha studied shoe design in Milan before founding her female-focused shoe company, Eqwal Footing, in 2019. Now sending out about 15,000 boots a quarter, Natasha beams with pride.

“It’s not going to be easy, but once you reach your goals, it builds up a callous saying that you can do this,” she said.

A woman-owned business, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

Natasha Norie Standard founded Eqwal Footing and developed the first military-grade combat boot designed specifically for women.SUBSCRIBE to GMA: https://you...

02/22/2026

Moms and dads are heroes, role models and memory-makers for their sons and daughters. There are nine moms representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and all three men’s dual moguls medalists are fathers of young kids.

ARC’s 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 program builds life and relationship skills through races, art, games, stories and positive experiences for stronger connections. Visit activerelationships.com/training-programs-curricula to learn more!

American moms Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries celebrated with their kids after winning medals in monobob. They are two of nine moms competing for Team USA at the Olympics. Meyers Taylor told NBC News’ Molly Hunter that motherhood is more challenging than winning an Olympic medal.

02/20/2026

A motor transport operator, PFC Spencer Howe hopes to eventually become a military chaplain. The first figure skater in the World Class Athlete Program, he and his partner, Emily Chan, finished seventh in the pairs event.

ARC works with chaplains and readiness personnel to serve military members and families. Our goal is to help service members keep their families close through building strong, healthy and resilient relationships.

Like the Olympics, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬' military programs build resilience and readiness. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more about our curricula for service members and veterans.

02/17/2026

Today, February 17, is National Random of Kindness Day!

Little choices we make throughout the day in our interactions with others such as offering a compliment, being a listening ear or simply smiling and being present create micro connections and give us a mental health boost.

“It just feels good to make somebody else feel good sometimes,” said Matina Fabian, Hegira Health Director of Adults Outpatient Services. “So, it’s really good for our mental health to get that little boost.”

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs empower people to lead happier, more rewarding lives. To learn more, visit activerelationships.com.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week by spreading positivity and learning how kindness benefits your well-being.

02/14/2026

𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮’𝓼 𝓓𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓐𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹𝓼! Today isn’t just for couples – it’s a day to nurture all relationships.

Celebrate everyone you love! Whether it’s with frozen yogurt, a hike, a family dinner, a game night or just the two of you, doing fun things together can help everyone feel closer and more connected.

Learn more about our programs for families, teens, singles and couples at activerelationships.com.

02/12/2026

With the Paralympics coming to the world stage next month, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently held a hearing on the impact of adaptive sports – not just for elite-level competitors but also for those looking for more opportunities around their communities.

Adaptive sports are known to improve eye-hand coordination as well as overall strength. Gabriel George, a retired Navy corpsman and disabled veteran, now works as a director at a nonprofit, Military Adaptive Court Sports.

“I am here because adaptive court sports are not recreation,” said George, whose right arm is amputated. “They are neuro-motor physical and social rehabilitation disguised as sport.”

To learn how 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬’ military programs also empower service members and veterans, visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training.

Senators examined legislation that supports disabled veterans in adaptive sports, including elite athletes who advance to global competition.

02/08/2026

After 26 years in the U.S. Navy, Gary Schacher is being honored with a trip to the . A longtime member of the American Legion, he worked to form the Patriot Highlander Challenge obstacle course for New York veterans.

“Because you’re so involved with your team, whether it’s military or athletics, the camaraderie is just unbelievable, and it’s part of why I joined The American Legion after I got out of the military was to keep that camaraderie,” Schacher said.

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, along with sponsors, presented the lifelong Jets fan with tickets. Schacher will also have the chance to meet Dart and several other players during his experience.

“Coming from a military family myself, it’s important for me to honor those who served because we wouldn’t have the chance to do what we love on Sundays without the sacrifices made by heroes like Gary,” Dart said.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

‘It’ll be a memory that will never be forgotten,’ GMC Gary Schacher said of his Super Bowl trip