FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Jennifer Clayton enjoyed her night off from cooking the family meal.
"My husband is deployed and E.D. (Rucker) invited us," she said.
Clayton said Rucker insisted she attend the Nov. 2 Southeast Family Armed Services YMCA Military First Dinner, but she was glad he did.
"Our mission is to enhance the lives of military members," said Rucker, military outreach coordinator. "That's what this is."
Rucker helped organize the event as part of Military Family Month, which honors and recognizes servicemembers and their loved ones.
Volunteers from the YMCA as well as representatives from Fort Carson attended the event, serving barbecue, coleslaw and dessert.
"Colorado Springs is one of the most generous places I have served," said Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Steven O. Green, who served up helpings of cornbread. "This is just a great opportunity to come out and be part of a community that does so much for Soldiers and Families."
Rucker estimated 130 Family members attended the event, which also featured face painting and a balloon artist.
"This was something to get us out of the house," said Natalie Bailei, who attended the event with her daughter, Cecilia, and friends.
Taleah Fairgood said she enjoyed her coleslaw.
"Dinner is good," said Taleah, 4.
According to the Armed Services YMCA website, Military Family Month began in 1993 with government officials "recognizing the occasion every year since."
President Barack Obama signed a proclamation Nov. 1, stating, "When a young woman signs up to defend our nation, her parents are enlisted as well. When a father deploys to a combat zone, his children are called to serve on the homefront. And when the men and women of our military serve far from home, their Families feel the strain of their absence. In that absence, let us stand together as one American family.
Let us honor the brave patriots who keep our country safe, and let us forever hold close the memories of those who have perished in the line of duty. This month, we reaffirm that we will always lift up our military Families -- not just when their loved ones are away, but also long after the welcome home ceremonies are over."
The Military First Dinner was the first of four events the Armed Services YMCA hosts for military Families. The organization hosts a Military Veteran's Appreciation Day Nov. 16, Military Movie Nite Nov. 20 and a "Friends of the Y," event Nov. 30.
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts numerous events for Military Family Appreciation Week Monday-Nov. 16, including free fitness classes at Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center, a dodge ball tournament, cosmic bowling, paintball and movies at Rewind Theater in the Freedom Performing Arts Center.
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