ATLANTA - Families are the heart and soul of the Army.

They take care of our Soldiers so the troops can concentrate on their mission, work beside us in paid and volunteer roles to serve our customers and provide valuable input regarding the quality of care they and their servicemembers receive.

Military Families live the phrase "home is where you hang your combat boots." Servicemembers are deployed to more than 150 countries around the world.

Despite deployments, separations, relocations, household and school disruptions, job searches, friendships and personal losses, military Families display a heroic resiliency for adapting, coping, meeting and overcoming the challenges of life they encounter as a segment of the armed forces.

And while being a member of a military Family isn't always easy, the Army is working continuously to enhance the benefits and services to its Families.

Earlier this month, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, and John M. McHugh, Army secretary, reaffirmed the Army's commitment to Families at a meeting of the Association of the United States Army.

Since the first Army Family Covenant was signed in 2007, the Army has doubled its investment in Family programs. The investment includes:

Aca,!AcEstablishing survivor outreach services to improve support for survivors of fallen Soldiers.

Aca,!AcGetting 25 states to sign the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children - a change that affects 71 percent of children of servicemembers.

Aca,!AcEnhancing respite care programs to alleviate some of the stress on Families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program.

Aca,!AcEnsuring new Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are transferable to spouses and Family members.

Last year, the Army also announced shorter deployments for Soldiers, from deployments of 15 months or more, to deployments of 12 months with a dwell time of at least a year back home.

While "Big Army" is working to enhance the quality of life for Army Families, so are we at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem. Earlier this month, Fort McPherson hosted a visit by Georgia School Superintendent Kathy Cox, who highlighted our efforts in supporting the interstate commerce act and our partnership with improving education of our children.

In addition to providing first-class services, we offer countless opportunities for Families to spend time together.

November is National Military Family Month. In celebration, a variety of activities are planned throughout the month at Fort McPherson for active duty military personnel and their Families. Activities include:

Aca,!AcFree Bowling Fun Night at the Fort McPherson Strike Zone from 4 until 8 p.m each Wednesday throughout November.

Aca,!AcFree golf outing Saturdays throughout November. The event is limited to four golfers per Family and includes one round of golf and a cart.

Aca,!AcA Thanksgiving turkey basket drawing will be held Nov. 19 at noon at Army Community Service.

Aca,!AcParent/Child reading events will be held at the Child Development Center throughout the month.

Aca,!AcThe Fort McPherson Post Library will display books on "Celebrating Military Family Month."

In addition to the Fort McPherson events:

Aca,!AcAn Armed Services YMCA writing contest titled "My Military Hero" will be held for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

For more information and to register, visit www.asymca.org.

Aca,!AcAn Armed Services YMCA Art Contest titled "My Military Family" will be held for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For more information and to register, visit www.asymca.org

Aca,!AcA two-for-one Lake Allatoona cabin rental special will be available from Sunday through Nov. 22. Soldiers and their Families can rent a cabin for one night and get the second night free.

I invite you to participate in these great events, and in other Family-oriented activities held throughout the year. Strengthen your military Families - strengthen our heart and soul.