A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
Behind every American service member is a strong and supportive family. That’s why every November, we celebrate Military Families Month to recognize the sacrifice, resilience and daily contributions of military families.
Established in 1993 by the Armed Forces YMCA, it began as a practical way for the public to show their appreciation for military families. Shortly after, the federal government moved quickly to establish Military Families Month as a national month of recognition, with the president signing an annual proclamation in its honor.
Just like our soldiers, military families know what it means to serve. When someone serves in the military, their family has to adapt to the fast-paced lifestyle. Military members move often, meaning families have to become accustomed to moving to a new state or even another country. Data shows that military families move every two to three years and their children change schools an average of six to nine times before graduating. Because of frequent relocation, military spouses have an unemployment rate nearly four times higher than civilian spouses.
Unfortunately, many military families face these challenges without much support or recognition from the public. Military Families Month is working to change this. Across our state and our country, communities come together to host family fun nights, give out discounts for military families and promote awareness of the numerous resources available to them.
This month, there are several practical ways we can celebrate and support our military families. One way is to donate to organizations that help provide resources for military households. There are countless amazing nonprofits that help provide housing, financial aid and care packages for service families. You can also donate your time at a local charity or organization providing assistance for our military families. Even writing a letter or making a phone call to a friend or loved one who is a part of a military family can go a long way.
No matter how we show our support, everyone can do something to recognize the sacrifice and courage of our service member families this month. To all of our military family members in the 98th Assembly District and across New York state, thank you for everything you do to support our men and women in uniform, and I will continue to support you both in Albany and here at home to ensure you and your family have the tools and resources you need to thrive.
Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
