Until this year, the Marine Corps has been the only service to consistently make its recruiting goals. According to Cohen, the services were able to meet these goals in part due to recent pay raises, pay-table reform, and changes to military retirement. He also credited this year's success to having more available recruiters, new advertising, and higher enlistment bonuses. Providers must apply to become authorized. Use of non-authorized providers may result in beneficiaries being responsible for their entire medical bill.
Beneficiaries are responsible for any additional charges.
A thank-you note inside each package identifies the individual or organization sending the package. Although the program delivers cookies year-round, Kathleen McKinnon, cofounder of TFA, says it is more popular in December. Holiday time seems to make everyone more aware of those who are far from home.