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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Military families across the country are celebrated annually in November as part of Military Family Appreciation Month.
"The strength of our Soldiers and Airmen comes from their families," said Maj. Gen. Max Haston, adjutant general, Tennessee National Guard.
Military Family Month was created by the Armed Services YMCA and began as Military Family Week in 1996. Later, in 2003, it became an entire month dedicated to military families. It has been recognized every year since by the president signing a proclamation.
"Military Family Month is a monthlong celebration of our military families in which we honor the commitment and sacrifices of that who serve," said Lt. Col. Jim Reed, director, J9 Tennessee Military and Family Readiness Operations. "With Tennessee being the fourth largest National Guard state in deployments since 2001, our families know this too well."
There are many services provided during this time to show appreciation to military families.
"Sesame Street" created a free app for military families to address topics such as deployments, homecoming, self-expression and injuries. It is available in both English and Spanish. It includes videos, storybooks and more to help support pre-school and elementary aged children manage transitions that many military families experience.
Additionally, Operation Kid Comfort helps military children find comfort with a free custom made photo transfer quilt or pillow through their program for children of deployed service members. Volunteers at the Armed Services YMCA create custom-made photo transfer quilts and pillows. Each child receives a quilt or pillow; children 7 and under receive a quilt, 8 and older receive a pillow. The quilts and pillows are personally handcrafted to help children cope with the emotional stress during a parent’s deployment.
MyMilitaryLife is an app created by the National Military Family Association to help military spouses navigate the many adventures of military life. This app assists military members and their families with issues such as moving, deployment, parenthood, spouse education and employment, and even transitioning out of the military. Users can also share tips with other military spouses.
The Armed Services YMCA also provides free or low-cost youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs for junior enlisted military and their families to make military life easier. For more information, please visit http://www.asymca.org/.
The J9 Tennessee Military and Family Readiness Operations Directorate also has several events and opportunities to help celebrate military families during November.
"Our families serve too, and when we take time to recognize their commitment and service during one of the many events in November, it is a gentle reminder or our gratitude for their commitment, sacrifice and support," said Reed.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 6 - Conclusion of Christmas ornament contest. The winner's ornament will be on display at the White House, hanging from the National Guard family-themed tree there. Two runners up will be presented to the governor of Tennessee for display in the state. All others will be prominently displayed on the Christmas tree located in the Tennessee National Guard Joint Force Headquarters lobby.
Nov. 7 - MTSU Military Salute to Veterans Day football game. Events will start at 10:30 a.m. and the game starts at 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 - Nashville Zoo military appreciation day - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 24 - UT Basketball military appreciation game, UT vs. Army. Tickets are free but limited, and you must pre-register to attend. bigorangegivesthanks15.eventbrite.com
Nov. 28 - UT Football military appreciation game, UT vs. Vanderbilt. Tickets are free but limited, and you must pre-register to attend. http://www.jotform.us/form/52166755321151
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2015 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 180871 |
| Location: | NASHVILLE, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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