November is Military Family Appreciation Month, an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions that military families have made – and continue to make.
Military life imposes unique demands on families, and during these difficult times, they have exhibited exceptional sacrifice, resiliency and courage.
Here are a few ideas on how you can show your thanks this month to Alaska’s 22,000 active-duty members and their families:
- Ask a military family how they are doing and if you can help
- Mail a “Thank You” card to a military family, acknowledging what they’ve sacrificed
- Host a virtual game night
- Offer to babysit, or pet sit
- Cook a meal, or put together a care package
- Donate miles for wounded service members and their families.
- Participate in upcoming civilian/military events at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, or Fort Wainwright and Eielson Airforce Base in Fairbanks
- Thank them publicly on social media
- Support organizations like Operation Homefront who work with military families on long-term stability
- Tell thread Your Story: What are ways you show military families that you appreciate them?
Resources for Military Families
- Sesame Street for Military Families: Tools to help military families build the skills they need to be resilient.
- Child Care Aware® of America: List of respite care programs for every branch of military families.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: A list of resources for military children and families, educators, and civilian and non-civilian mental health providers.