Honoring Families That Serve Too

Military Family Appreciation Month was founded by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) in 1993 and has since been formally recognized each November by the U.S. Government with a presidential proclamation of gratitude. Though less than one percent of Americans serve in the Armed Forces, military families carry on the mission at home.

While our nation’s heroes serve in uniform, their families form the backbone of the military, making sacrifices to support their loved ones and keep life going. Military Family Appreciation Month draws attention to the sacrifices made by military families and highlights the importance of military support. The everyday stories of military spouses, caregivers, and children — our “Voices of Valor” — reveal what it truly means to serve from behind the scenes.

The Many Faces of Military Family Life

Military families face unique stressors: frequent moves, deployments, unpredictable schedules, and heightened financial strain. Rebuilding a household kitchen, dealing with lost spousal employment, or disrupted education due to constant relocation can be profoundly frustrating and emotionally exhausting.

During deployments, unexpected stressors arise — car repairs, illnesses, or solo parenting milestones like childbirth. The emotional toll of separation and the reality of raising children in a high-stress environment test every fiber of resilience. Still, military support systems and strong community networks help families persevere.

Voices of Valor: Lillie

Military spouse Lillie Chisolm recalled how her service member deployed just nine days after their child’s birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsure if he’d be present, she reached out to her Family Readiness Group for help — a simple request that sparked a lasting friendship. Her mother’s visit provided much-needed support during recovery.

Voices of Valor: Emma

Six-year-old military child Emma shared, “Daddy doesn’t stay home; he’s gone a lot to work,” and “he wears cool outfits.” She told her mother, “I like to spend time with both of you together, not just you.” Though sad about leaving friends behind, she enjoys exploring different states and new adventures after each move.

Voices of Valor: Kate

Kate, a 19-year military spouse, views her family’s journey as an opportunity. Through volunteer roles and military resources, such as scholarships, she built a career she loves and now supports other military families through her work. However, her spouse’s promotions brought less time at home, presenting new challenges.

Reconnection Through Community: Our ASYMCA Story

During the pandemic, our family lived near an ASYMCA food distribution site in California. With a 400% spike in food insecurity, the long lines were a clear reminder of the need. ASYMCA community events, such as the Father-Daughter Dance and Fall Festival, helped us reconnect post-deployment and reminded us of the strength within the military community.

The Father-Daughter Dance was a fantastic way for our daughter to bond with her dad, as he had recently returned from deployment, and she was still tiny, with him being gone for most of her life at that point. The Fall Festival at the Horse of the Sun Ranch was our favorite, though — it was invaluable as we were in the reintegration phase.

Essential Military Resources That Make A Difference

The ASYMCA’s year-round presence ensures military families receive tangible, dignified support — from food and childcare to education and holiday travel. These efforts honor the strength of the families behind our nation’s heroes:

• Food Assistance – More than 25% of military families are estimated to require food assistance. ASYMCA food distributions provide critical military support to families in need throughout the country.
• Operation Hero – This after-school program is designed for military kiddos in grades 2-5 who may be struggling academically, socially, or at home.
• Operation Little Learners – An interactive parent-child educational experience for littles ages 18 months – 5 years. Highly recommended from personal experience!
• Operation Camp – Quality, affordable summer and day camps for military families.
• Children’s Waiting Room – This program provides childcare for medical appointments, enabling junior enlisted service members and their families to prioritize their health by making and keeping medical appointments.
• Childcare & Preschool – High-quality, low-cost childcare and certified child development centers offer military support.
• Gym Memberships for Military Personnel – The Military Outreach Initiative offers complimentary gym memberships and respite childcare to eligible individuals nationwide.
• Operation Ride Home – Subsidizes tickets up to $500 for military families to travel home for the holidays.
• Operation Kid Comfort – Volunteers create custom, handmade photo-transfer quilts, pillow cases, and lovies for the children of deployed service members.

The ASYMCA makes a difference in the lives of military families — and so can you.

A Call to Celebrate Our Nation’s Heroes at Home

This Military Family Appreciation Month, honor and uplift military families throughout November. Here are some ideas to support the military community:

• Check In – Whether during a PCS move or deployment, a quick message can mean the world to a lonely or overwhelmed parent.
• Actively Listen – Sometimes, what a spouse needs most is space to vent. Avoid dismissive phrases and offer compassion for the invisible load they carry.
• Lend a Hand – From moving furniture to dropping off meals, every small gesture matters — especially when family is far away.
• Celebrate Publicly – Attend local appreciation events, organize thank-you efforts, or encourage youth groups to write notes of gratitude.
• Support Policy Change – Raise awareness and advocate for policies that strengthen and protect military families.
• Volunteer or Donate – Organizations like the ASYMCA depend on community generosity to offer vital military resources all year long.

The ASYMCA bridges the gap between strength and stability, offering military families access to quality, nutritious food, affordable childcare, educational support, and more. As a result, military families are better able to focus on mission readiness.

Their Strength Is Our Inspiration

Military families serve with love, loyalty, resilience, and adaptability. As the backbone of mission readiness, they deserve ongoing recognition and support — not just in November, but year-round.

The Armed Services YMCA provides vital military resources — from nutritious food and affordable childcare to education programs and travel assistance — all thanks to the generosity of others. When you donate or volunteer with ASYMCA, you’re standing behind our nation’s heroes and their families in meaningful, lasting ways.

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