November is Military Family Appreciation Month. For the past 28 years, recognizing and celebrating military families has become an ingrained tradition in both American culture and the Armed Service.. It is important to give thanks and show our military family appreciation because they are the backbone of our servicemen and servicewomen’s strength. Military families serve in numerous ways and it’s essential to recognize the families behind the service members, for their constant support, love, dedication, courage, and bravery. This month and always, we honor the bravery and resilience of our military families who stand behind our great servicemen and great servicewomen every day.

Recognizing the Strength of Military Families

Celebrating military families and honoring their commitment, contributions, and daily sacrifices is commendable and should be acknowledged because military families matter, too. They have feelings, goals, dreams, and aspirations just like anyone else. Many military families commit to a life they may not have planned for, constantly moving and gathering their belongings each time their spouse is reassigned to a new duty station — leaving behind close relatives, friends, careers, and a life they built or were comfortable with.

Daily, they get up and support their service members, standing by during long deployments and training. They raise their children alone, awaiting the return of their service members, all while facing uncertainty. Many military families are challenged to keep their families together after a service member has given the best years of their life to our amazing country. No matter the scenario, these dedicated military families emotionally support and nurture their service members, standing strong for our soldiers. Whether service members are working on the ground or overseas, celebrating military families and recognizing Military Family Appreciation Month is an opportunity to acknowledge their purpose and contributions in many ways.

How ASYMCA Supports Military Families

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is a light at the end of the tunnel for military families. ASYMCA plays a crucial role in fostering resilience in several military families’ lives. Their programs and services have been a lifesaver for many soldiers and their military families. There are numerous ways that ASYMCA strengthens military families. Here are some highlights of ASYMCA’s programs and services:

• Operation Holiday Joy is an annual program aimed at supporting junior enlisted military families. It provides over 25,000 meal baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas to veterans and their families. Thanks to ASYMCA’s sponsors and donors, over 320,000 toys were distributed to military children for the holiday season. ASYMCA offers holiday travel assistance annually for members in need.
• Child Care for Medical Appointments: ASYMCA provides child care waiting room assistance during doctor’s appointments for service members and their families. This drop-in hospital care is a valuable service, ensuring military families can keep their scheduled appointments and prioritize their health and well-being.
• Operation Kid Comfort is a beautifully crafted program honoring military children. Though small, these children experience sacrifices too, and they are the greatest pride and joy of their service member parents. Operation Kid Comfort handcrafts custom quilts for military children featuring their deployed parents, helping them cope with separation.
• Pop-Up Programs offer annual events that help military families build resilience and connect with like-minded military families. During Military Family Appreciation Month, this program is offering a college tour scholarship for high school juniors and seniors. Be sure to apply quickly, as this opportunity is open during the first two weeks of November.

Stories of Appreciation

“As a military spouse, It feels good to receive support sometimes. I have gained a deep appreciation for the many ways organizations and families across the U.S. come together to help service members and their families, knowing when to show up and provide support when we are still standing strong for our families and our service members.” – Leah, Military Spouse

ASYMCA continually steps up for military families, especially in times of crisis. During the pandemic, the ASYMCA San Diego food banks saw a 400% increase in demand, underscoring the critical need for support. Nationwide, ASYMCA has responded by providing over 2 million pounds of food to military families, impacting millions of lives and addressing essential needs.

Military Family Appreciation Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the strength of military families and the difference organizations like ASYMCA make daily.

Ways to Get Involved During Military Family Appreciation Month

Let’s make recognizing a military family “the norm,” building a culture of appreciating their strength and showing gratitude. You never know what a military family is silently battling, displaying appreciative actions uplifts their hearts and minds and fosters long-lasting memories and meaningful connections.

Find Your Local Community

Decide how you can contribute through acts of service, volunteer work, and raising awareness. Recognize and celebrate a military family in your neighborhood or local area by using social media and hashtags like #Military Family Appreciation Month.

Lend your ear, listen to a military family, and recognize their needs. Offer your time and service to help them. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference, whether it’s delivering a wellness package, offering to mow their yard, or becoming a supportive friend.

Support Local Businesses or Organizations

If you’re a small business owner, figure out how your services can support military families during Military Family Appreciation Month. You can also partner with ASYMCA or other organizations dedicated to supporting military families. Celebrating military families doesn’t have to be extravagant — it can be as simple as a small donation to a non-profit like ASYMCA.

ASYMCA Celebrates Military Families All Year Long

Military Family Appreciation Month is one of the most important times of the year because it’s why military families shine the brightest, and their sacrifices are recognized. It’s crucial for all of us to stand tall and proudly lend a hand in strengthening military families because, together, we can reach out and make an impact in their lives.

ASYMCA’s services and programs strengthen military families year-round, providing emergency assistance, food pantries, childcare, and youth programs since 1861. Help us continue our mission during Military Family Appreciation Month. Donate to ASYMCA and provide hope for military families and our nation’s future.

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