Military Family Month recognizes sacrifice, duty

by Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

11/18/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The U.S. Census Bureau reported, in their Oct. 3, research, there were more than 115 million households in the U.S.

With service members making up less than one percent of the population, the number of military families is barely visible when thrown in the mix of civilian household numbers; however, they stand out when discussing their sacrifice and responsibility.

"The selflessness of our military families tells a story of unfailing duty and devotion," said President Barack Obama in his 2014 Presidential Proclamation for Military Family Month. "Through long deployments, difficult separations, and moves across the country and overseas, spouses and partners put their careers on hold and children take on extra responsibilities.  With grace and resilience, families endure the absence of loved ones and shoulder the burdens of war.  And when battle ends and our service members return home, their families support their transition and recovery."

While no military family is the same, each branch of the Armed Forces offers programs that support all types of military families. The Air Force's avenue of support comes through the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

"The Airman & Family Readiness Center provides Airmen and families support and services to assist with adaptation to the challenges and demands of expeditionary operations and the military lifestyle, " said Stephanie Reyes, A&FRC chief at Barksdale AFB. "The A&FRC accomplishes this with education, information and referral services throughout the military life cycle from first term Airmen to transitioning Airmen."

Stress is something most men and women, regardless of their military career, face daily.

"Everyone has different coping skills to deal with stressful events in their lives," Reyes explained. "Therefore, military life can create an endless list of potential stress such as being married to a service member, raising military children, military moves and deployments."

The A&FRC provides support for military families through programs like Spouse Employment, Bundles for Babies and the Exceptional Family Member Program.

"Some of the anxiety of military life can be alleviated by knowledge," said Reyes. "Newly married spouses to a military member can attend Heart Link, AF 101 for Spouses, offered quarterly by the A&FRC. The A&FRC offers mandatory weekly pre and post deployment briefings for the service member, and spouses are highly encouraged to attend with or without the service member."

For every change in a military family's life, the A&FRC has an educational class.

"The better prepared an individual is for the changes, the less stressful the life event," Reyes said.

Wrapping up his proclamation, President Obama called on all Americans to, "honor military families...for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our Nation."

Whether it is a family of two or six, every military family matters, and with the many programs provided, service members can rest easy knowing their loved ones are being cared for.

For more information on support provided to Airmen and families contact your local A&FRC.