Fort Campbell celebrates Families

By Fort Campbell CourierNovember 8, 2010

November is officially the Month of the Military Family and all across Fort Campbell, Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities are paying tribute to Fort Campbell Families through discounts and events across post.

Military Family month was originally established by the Armed Forces YMCA, but it became a nationally celebrated event by presidential proclamation in 2009. The goal of Military Family Month is to recognize the strength and services of military Families and to show appreciation for their tremendous contributions.

This year's theme is "Army Families, we honor your faith, commitment, strength and resilience."

"Never before in the history of our Army have we asked so much of our Families," said Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Chief of Staff of the Army, recently. "They are serving side-by-side with our Soldiers, enduring their hardships, providing the unconditional love and support that truly makes our Army strong."

The celebration kicked off November6 with the USAA Month of the Military Family Game Day at Cole Park Commons, with board games, inflatables and face painting for children.

Hooper Bowling Center is offering games for $1.50 and shoe rentals for $1 every Sunday of November from noon until 9 p.m. There is a three game limit on days with waiting list, but Families are welcome to sign up for the waiting list after they've bowled their three games.

Cole Park Golf Club is offering free play to children 7-17 years old when they play with an adult anytime Monday through Friday and after noon Saturday and Sundays.

The Family Resource Center is hosting a Family Movie Night Nov. 19 from 5 until 9 p.m.

Families can enjoy popcorn, drinks and other snacks while they watch either "How to Train your Dragon" or "Beauty and the Beast." Each child will receive a goody bag before they leave and will be able to work on crafts throughout the evening.

Army Community Services will host the "Celebrate You" event at Cole Park Commons, Nov. 19, from 5 until 9 p.m. "Celebrate You" is a free event for spouses to enjoy a night of socializing, entertainment, good food and more. Tickets will be available from Monday until Nov. 12 in the Army Family Team Building office at the Family Resource Center.

Gear-To-Go will have an open house, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They will have out several of their inflatables, tents, campers and boats for Families to see as well as free popcorn and cotton candy. They will also be offering a 10 percent discount all month.

ESTEP will also have an open house, Nov. 17. Family members will be eligible to win one free Micro-fit assessment, a free personal training session, or three free Zumba classes.

"We just wanted to show ... our gratitude for the sacrifice that the Soldiers and the Families make on a daily basis," explained Lisa Taylor, Fort Campbell MWR marketing coordinator. "There's just so many various activities that we offer, we just felt that offering so many from all our different activities we were sure to reach all of our demographics and find something that everyone can enjoy - either as an individual or as a Family. We just wanted to find a way to show our appreciation and celebrate it every day of November."

The month will wrap up with Leisure Travel Services drawing for four free tickets to the Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game on Nov. 30. Families must sign up at the Leisure Travel Services office to be in the drawing.

"In order to be effective, we have to make sure we are taking care of those things that the Soldier truly cares about," said Secretary of the Army John McHugh at the recent meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army. "One of the first things every Soldier brings up [when I visit deployed Soldiers] is how much they care about, how concerned they are for the welfare of those loved ones they left behind. The last thing we want Soldiers to be worried about ... is whether or not their Families are being taken care of."

For additional information and a complete list of specials on the Month of the Military Family, please contact the Family and MWR Public Relations Office at (270) 798-7535 or visit www.fortcambellmwr.com. For more information on how to register for the Titan tickets, please contact Leisure Travel Services at (270) 798-0509 or (270) 798-7436.