Hail our heroes - Paul Stanley

The Kiss guitarist had an unexpected wish: "What I'd like for Christmas is for all the men and women who serve this country to be given the care, respect ... that they are long overdue and deserve in ways we couldn't possibly repay."

Show your patriotism in style, with Ralph Lauren's wool flag sweater; $295, at the Ralph Lauren store, Americana Manhasset, or ralphlauren.com.

"Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle" is a heartwarming story for young readers written by Major Brian Dennis, a Marine who discovered an abused dog in Iraq and came to love him; $10.79, at amazon.com.

Operation Helmet, run by a retired Navy captain, offers free helmet upgrade kits (shock-absorbing foam, strap-suspension system); $34, pays for one kit at operationhelmet.com.

Handmade Swarovski crystal encrusted iPhone cases come in many patterns including this star spangled beauty; prices start at $500, at Mayfair Jewelers, Woodbury.

Music pioneer Kenny Gamble has released "I Am an American--the Making of an Anthem," featuring Patti Labelle and the Temple University symphony and choir; $12.95, at iamanamerican.us, with a portion of the proceeds going to help homeless veterans.

Marine Corp (Coast Guard also available) throw can be personalized with name, rank and years of sevice, $49.99, at montgomeryward.com.

All the proceeds from this pewter ornament go to Trees for Troops, which provides members of the military and their families with fresh Christmas trees; $30 (two for $50), at homestorecollection.com.

According to Orvis, branches of the armed forces each have their own tartan, which they've used to create twill shirts (Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force); $79, at orvis.com.

Ring for America--18k white gold, sapphire and ruby ring by Garavelli offers a patriotic message; $8,400, at Mayfair Jewelers, Woodbury.