By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
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November is Military Family Month. This November also included military appreciation days at such venues as Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., where the University of Louisville hosted military families for their football game Nov. 7, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. This month, the Kentucky National Guard aimed to honor and celebrate the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of Kentucky Guardsmen.
With the support of local communities joining forces across the commonwealth, Kentucky truly leads the way in providing care for their military families.
Families of the 1163
rd Area Medical Support Company, currently deployed to the Middle East, gathered in Louisville Nov. 7, to hear about services offered in their area.
Community leaders, veterans’ organizations, the local armory and the University of Louisville teamed up to recognize family members and even provided free admission to the Louisville Cardinals football game. As spouses and parents of deployed Service members received information on services offered, their children spent the day together decorating cookies and making new friends.
“I believe these events are beneficial not just for learning about the programs available to the military family, but also it helps to interact with others going through the same situations," said military spouse, Kim Beard. "Our kids can play and maybe feel comforted by knowing they all have a daddy that is working far away."
Many services presented their benefits and programs, including Active Heroes, Athena Sisters, Military One Source, American Red Cross, and the Enlisted Association National Guard of Kentucky.
“This event gives my family the opportunity to obtain unknown information then spend the evening together at the football game. It is a must for us to stay busy with fun things to keep the kids’ minds busy and full of things to talk about with their daddy when he calls,” Beard said.
Like Beard, many families share the same hardship and cling to their communities and each other for support, especially during the deployment cycle. It is our responsibility to ensure our families are always taken care of across Kentucky.
Please join the Kentucky National Guard this month as we honor their daily sacrifices. Contact your local Family Assistance Center if you know of a family in need or are a family member seeking information on ways your community supports you.
For a special way to give back this holiday season, please check out Operation Military Cheer at this link:
http://kentuckyguard.com/family-programs/child-youth-services/