How Can I Participate in Military Family Month?

If you had to describe the backbone of the U.S. military, how would you do that?

Many might say the military backbone is the families of those who are serving in the U.S. and in foreign lands.

Military.com describes it best when referring to the families of those who serve.

“You are the quiet but steady fuel that keeps the fire burning. You keep track of military benefits and news because you know they make a daily difference in your life.

“And when your time as an actively serving family comes to an end, you support your veteran. Serving is what you do.”

They Know What It’s Like to Serve

As declared recently by President Donald Trump in an official proclamation, November is Military Family Month.

During November, military families are honored and recognized for their commitment and contributions in support of our military and nation.

Families of military members may not be dodging roadside bombs and bullets. But they understand what it is to serve.

They support their service member and stand by during long trainings and deployments. They understand the risks. But they accept this life of service and do everything possible to support the family member in the armed forces.

4 Ways to Show Your Appreciation

You may or may not have a currently active military member in your family. But either way, you can show your appreciation to military families this month.

Here are four suggestions on how to do that from Military.com:

Volunteer your time

Do you know a man or woman who has their hands full taking care of the kids while their spouse is deployed? Volunteer to sit with the children while they do their errands. Or better yet, arrange a play date so they can take a longer break and maybe even go to a spa.

Share their passion

Many military spouses volunteer their time with organizations or programs important to them. Do you know a military spouse who does this? If so, offer to go with them and volunteer your time as well. Might be a great way to get to know them better while supporting a good cause.

Drop off an anonymous care package

Depending on the interests of the military spouse, you could provide them with a basket that could make their day… or night. They probably look forward to quiet time after the kids go to bed. So, you might want to give a movie night in a basket. Complete with a DVD, popcorn and a candy bar.

Listen

Sometimes this can be the most appreciated of all. Some military spouses just need a friendly ear to allow them to share and maybe vent. It will help you discover what they really need most as they cope with being a single parent temporarily. You may learn you have more in common with them than you thought.

In each of these cases, the military spouse will know you were thinking of them during this challenging time. And that will go a long way toward cementing your friendship with them.

And who knows? Maybe someday they’ll be in a position to return the favor when you need it most.

Donation Recipients

As many of you already know, we do more at 4Patriots than merely voice our support of veterans. Thanks to you, we donate a percentage of what we make to a variety of military-related organizations. They include:

• Fisher House Foundation. They assist military families across the nation whose loved ones have been injured while serving their country. They’ve helped approximately 335,000 families over about 30 years by donating houses in the U.S., United Kingdom and Germany.
• Operation Homefront. They aid military families during difficult times by providing food, auto and home repair, and vision care. Plus travel and transportation, moving assistance, and essential home items.
• A Soldier’s Child Foundation. They provide meaningful birthdays to the children of fallen U.S. military members. And they provide help through mentorship programs and college scholarships.

Thanks for Making It Possible

We are able to give to these worthy organizations for one reason: you. Without you, none of what we do would ever be possible. So thank you for helping us help them.