November is Military Family Appreciation Month

November is Military Family Appreciation Month

Every November we recognize the contributions of military families.  Most individuals are aware of Veterans Day which is held on November 11, but we also honor military families during November.  Less than one half of one percent of men and women 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.

We have family members of active duty, Guard, and Reserve military members in every community in Wisconsin.  Additionally, we have families of Coast Guard members, civilian personnel in the Department of Defense, members of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and United States Public Health Service, all working on behalf of the defense of the United States.

Behind the over 1,300,00 Military members, over 1,300,00 Department of Defense personnel, and the 41,000 plus Coast Guard members there are families supporting 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 https://mic3.net which ensures educational barriers are removed for the children of military families.  We have legislation in place to ensure Equal Opportunities for Military Children https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/115/VIII/. 

There are several organizations that exist to support military families.  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.  If you would like additional information, please contact Wisconsin Commissioner for the Education of Military Children, and the Sun Prairie Area School District liaison, Shelley Joan Weiss at sjweiss@sunprairieschools.org 

Sun Prairie Area School District Resources for Military Families

Educational Opportunities for Military Children https://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-counseling/connections/military-children 

National Military Family Association - https://www.militaryfamily.org

Military Child Education Coalition - https://www.militarychild.org 

Military.Com - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month

Four Ways to Recognize Military Families - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month/4-ways-to-recognize-military-family-appreciation-month.htm