ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Military Family Appreciation Month is observed every November to recognize and honor Army families for their contributions and sacrifices. The Army recognizes that the selfless dedication and commitment of Army families directly contributes to the readiness of Soldiers and that Families are the force behind the force.
"National Military Family Appreciation Month (NMFAM) provides an opportunity for Army leaders and the community to raise awareness about the vital importance and sacrifices of our Military Families," said Janice Downey, Director of the APG Army Community Service.
Downey said that during November, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) will honor Military Families with the following specials:
Free range balls at the Ruggles Golf Course driving range,
Two free games with shoes at the APG Bowling Center. (Call 410-278-4041 to check availability of lanes to avoid league times).
Half price on rentals at Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental.
Free dessert with lunch purchase at Top of the Bay.
"These are just some of the things we can do to show our appreciation for our Soldiers and their Families," Downey said.
She suggests that anyone who'd like to show their appreciation to Military Families do one of the following:
Drop by. Sometimes, Military Families feel separated from the civilian families around them. Just stopping by to chat and to listen to what they are going through can help.
Help them out. When a Soldier gets deployed, his Family has to make do without him. Dropping off dinner, having your teenager bag their leaves, or helping with a leaky faucet helps the family bridge the gap until their loved one comes home.
Involve your kids. It can be tough being the child of a Soldier. Given that Military Families move around a lot, their children are always the "new kids" in class. Simply encouraging your child to become their friend makes a big difference. Plus, military kids are pretty cool.
Volunteer. Many military and military-related organizations need help sorting thank you letters, putting packages together or just reading books to children.
Say "thank you." Sometimes, a simple thank you is all a Military Family needs to make it through a difficult day.
For more information, visit the Army MWR website at http://www.armymwr.com/5-ways-to-show-thanks.aspx
NMFAM
National Military Family Appreciation Month was established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA. The U.S. Government has recognized the occasion every year since. Throughout November, community leaders, businesses and garrisons team up to recognize Army families through a variety of activities such as family fun nights, fun runs, discounts at Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, sporting events and special recognitions during community activities. And, active, Guard, and Reserve leaders are joined by Department of Defense organizations such as the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Defense Commissary Agency to conduct activities and events to express their appreciation and thanks to military families.
Families are a vital part of the Army's ability to remain strong. With thousands of Soldiers deployed, families have never wavered in their support and patriotism, despite the many challenges they have faced.
Military Family Appreciation Month complements the Ready and Resilient campaign which supports the efforts of programs that strengthen the resilience and readiness of Army families. The Army is fully committed to helping families remain Army strong by offering a variety of programs and services through the garrison MWR programs, Army Community Services and Child Youth and School Services. These programs keep the Army's commitment to provide Soldiers and their families a quality of life commensurate with their service resulting in families feeling important, supported and connected to the Army and the nation.
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