Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Every November, the United States recognizes the contributions of military families. Most individuals are aware of Veterans Day, held on November 11, but we also honor military families during the month. Throughout 2020, military members from Wisconsin have supported efforts to deal with COVID-19, supported cyber security related to elections, and helped in battling the wildfires in the Western United States. Anyone who has been to one of the public COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state was likely tested by a military member.
There are 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 the United States Public Health Service all working on behalf of the defense of the United States.
According to the United States Department of Defense (n.d.), there are more than 2 million active service members with 2.6 million family members. Families of Military members often sacrifice a great deal as individuals are called 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 (MIC3) which ensures educational barriers are removed for children of military families. There is legislation in place to ensure Equal Opportunities for Military Children.
There are several organizations that exist to support military families, providing excellent resources for families, educators, and community members. You are invited to help celebrate and recognize the families of Military Members throughout November. If you would like additional information, please contact Wisconsin Commissioner for the Education of Military Children, Shelley Joan Weiss at shelleyjoan.weiss1@gmail.com.
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
Subscriber Submission: Shelley Joan Weiss, Wisconsin commissioner for the education of military children
References
United States Department of Defense. n.d. “Spotlight: Military Family Support.” Accessed November 5, 2020. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Military-Family-Support/