November is Military Family Appreciation Month, an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions that military families make while serving our country. Military life imposes unique and challenging demands on families, and during difficult times, families exhibit exceptional sacrifice, resiliency, and courage. thread is grateful for all Alaska’s military families!
Here are a few ideas on how you can show gratitude in the month of November to Alaska’s 22,000 active-duty members and their families:
- Reach out and ask how they are doing and if you can help make their day easier in any way
- 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 so they can do something they enjoy independently
- Cook a meal or put together a care package for a military family
- Donate air miles for wounded service members and their families so they can travel to see one another
- 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
What are ways you show military families appreciation? Do you know a military family with a story to share? Share your story with thread.
Resources for Military Families
- Moving to Alaska: Military communities, relocation information, resources and more in the state of Alaska.
- Armed Services YMCA Branches – JBER: Helping you navigate military life and strengthen military families.
- Veteran.com: Local and national services provided to show appreciation.
- 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.