Celebrating National Military Family Appreciation Month
November is National Military Family Appreciation Month, a time for recognizing and honoring the sacrifices and contributions of military families.
Introduction
Military families serve alongside their service members, enduring long periods of separation, frequent moves, and the countless other challenges that come with being a military family.
They show love and support for their service members while taking care of their families, and their unwavering dedication is deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Why Support This Community
Military spouses are the unsung heroes of the military community. They hold down the fort while their service members are deployed and singlehandedly cover the everyday responsibilities that come with being an adult and/or parent. Additionally, they manage their own careers and often face frequent moves, making it difficult to establish roots in a community and deepening their loneliness. They sacrifice their own personal and professional goals to support their service member's mission.
Military children are often described as resilient—and for a good reason. They grow up watching a parent leave for extended periods, and they must adjust to new schools and homes more often than their peers. Their birthdays, holidays, and other important milestones are often missing someone. Despite these challenges, military children show determination, maturity, and courage beyond their years.
Military parents, siblings, and extended family members are not often recognized for their service, but they too make significant sacrifices. Parents watch their children leave, uncertain of their safety but proud of their service. Siblings and extended family members miss their loved ones but continue to show unwavering support and love as well.
Show Your Support
Soldiers’ Angels volunteers and staff prepare to feed food insecure military and veteran families in Atlanta, GA. (Source: Soldiers’ Angels YouTube)
It's important to recognize the service and dedication of military families, not just in November but all year. Simple gestures, like saying thank you for your service or offering to lend a helping hand, can go a long way.
You can show your support this month by donating to Soldiers' Angels or volunteering your time. This includes programs like Adopt-a-Family, Baby Brigade, and more.
As we celebrate National Military Family Appreciation Month, let's take a moment to thank and recognize the service of military spouses, children, parents, and extended family members.
Their sacrifices and commitment are integral to the success of service members.