JJ Arends is the first actress to play the role of a Soldier coming home from deployment (Christmas in the Heartland - Roy's Wife) while still actively serving in the Armed Forces.
The duffel bag JJ carried in Christmas in the Heartland, was actually her duffel bag she packed to take with her to Kuwait 2 weeks later.
Musical: JJ plays Trombone, Ukulele, Cello and Jaw Harp.