Thursday, November 21, 2024
Every November we recognize the contributions of military families. Most folks are aware of and celebrate Veterans Day which is held on November 11, but we also want more people to know about how we can honor military families during November.
Less than one half of one percent of people in the US serve in the military, but their service is essential to many parts of our lives. Throughout the year we have seen the contributions of military members from Wisconsin to the ongoing efforts to support cyber security related to elections, continue to deal with COVID 19, and help in battling the wildfires in Wisconsin and throughout the Western United States. We also have members involved in supporting recent events related to storms in the South. Additionally, we have military members serving throughout the world to protect our freedom.
Family members of active duty, Guard, and Reserve military members live in many communities across Wisconsin. We also are home to families of Coast Guard members, civilian personnel in the Department of Defense, members of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Public Health Service, all working on behalf of the defense of the United States.
Behind the Military members, Department of Defense personnel, and Coast Guard members are families who support them. Families of Military members often sacrifice a great deal as individuals are called on to serve in dangerous situations in locations throughout the world, often for extended periods of time. Families, including children, deal with the stress of numerous moves, lengthy separations, high risk deployments, and assignments.
Wisconsin is part of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Coalition or MIC3 which ensures educational barriers are removed for the children of military families. We have legislation in place to ensure Equal Opportunities for Military Children.
The following organizations provide excellent resources for families, educators, and community members. We invite you to join us in celebrating and recognizing the families of Military Members throughout November by making contact with these organizations or including these resources in your schools. If you would like additional information, please contact Wisconsin Commissioner for the Education of Military Children, Shelley Joan Weiss.