Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)
Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)
November is Military Family Month – a special time to recognize and celebrate our military families. First designated by the Armed Services YMCA in 1993, Military Family Month was soon recognized by the White House, and it has been observed ever since. During this month, we call on all Americans to honor military families through both private action and public service to thank them for their incredible contributions in support of our nation.
With hundreds of thousands of service members currently deployed overseas, recognizing our military families is more important than ever. We must honor their incredible strength and resilience. We must acknowledge and value their service and the important role they play in protecting our nation. Each time we call on our military, we ask our families to sacrifice as well, from our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers, to our husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and many others. Our families dutifully serve knowing they will be separated from a loved one for months at a time.
They dutifully serve knowing they will be asked to relocate every few years, leaving behind friends and homes they have worked hard to establish. They dutifully serve knowing they are putting the needs of others – neighbors, friends, and strangers – ahead of their own. It’s hard to imagine this level of commitment and service, yet our military families do it time and time again with both honor and grace. They understand the selfless work required of the military family, and they do it with pride.
Growing up in a military family, I can say with certainty that the sacrifices we make are a critical component to readiness. I was a military child who moved to different parts of the world during my father’s Army career. When it was my turn to put on the Army uniform, I fully understood and appreciated as a husband and father the sacrifices of my wife and children throughout my own career. Simply put: their strength and unwavering support made me a better soldier.
One of the best ways we at Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) can honor military families is to ensure our family programs meet the needs of our families and empower them to remain resilient and strong. I believe we are doing just that. For example, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program already has close to 100 partner companies, has over 74,000 jobs on www.msepjobs.com, and has connected over 5,600 spouses to meaningful jobs and careers. The Interstate Compact is helping us make it easier for our military children to transition between schools from state to state. Through the Dept of Defense Education Review, we have examined curriculum standards and school facilities on military installations nationwide and are determining the way ahead to ensure military students receive a quality, 21st century education. Of course, there is more to do, but rest assured that we at the Pentagon are being tenacious in ensuring that our families have access to only the most effective services and programs.
Throughout November, be sure to tap into some of the special events designed to honor military families. If you have children, be sure to check out the ASYMCA student art and essay contest. In addition, please join our discussion. Share your appreciation for military families, or what others have done for you, and what activities and festivities you plan to enjoy this month.
I want to thank you, our military families, for your daily sacrifices and steadfast support of your service member. Your continued service is crucial for an effective military and a strong nation. Until next time, be well!
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