Goodfellow salutes military families

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Leanne Hedgepeth
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Each year the President of the United States signs a proclamation declaring November as Month of the Military Family.

"With every step we take on American soil, we tread on ground made safer for us through the invaluable sacrifices of our service members and their families. During Military
Family Month, we celebrate the exceptional service, strength, and sacrifice of our military families, whose commitment to our Nation goes above and beyond the call of duty," said President Barack Obama.

With the help of the Integrated Delivery Agencies, the Defense Commissary Agency and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Mr. David Sullins, 17th Training Wing community support coordinator, is working to make November truly special for military families.

"This annual month-long celebration of the military family honors the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of service members. It is important because it provides an opportunity to recognize the support these individuals provide to our service members, and to say thanks for all they do," said Sullins.

"Our military family members often are the ones 'saluting smartly' and don't say much about the long hours, deployments and sometimes miss household special events like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries," he added.

"The benefit to recognizing the contributions of the family members supporting those in uniform helps stabilize the military member's off -duty time and reduces stress," Sullins explained.

To kick-off the month, a cake cutting ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 1 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the base commissary.

A culminating event is scheduled for Dec. 1. Families with the most hole punches on their card will receive special recognition. Activities are projected to include family bingo, movie, hula hoop competition, face painting, cake walk, plinko, bouncy house, IDS agency mini-booths, fire truck exhibit and Security Forces K-9 demonstrations.