Military Family Appreciation Month begins today, marking the 20th anniversary of the month that honors our nation's military families.
President Barack Obama signed a proclamation that urged communities around the United States to recognize these families at special events such as family fun nights, community dinners, discounts at local businesses and sporting events, and other community activities.
"Just as our troops embody the courage and character that make America's military the finest in the world, their family members embody the resilience and generosity that make our communities strong," President Obama stated in the proclamation. "As Americans, we are at our best when we honor and uphold our obligations to one another and to those who have given so much to our country."
In the Greater Lafayette area, the Tippecanoe County Area Military Resource Network is holding a Military and Veteran Appreciation Week from Nov. 4-11. More than 100 businesses have teamed up to offer special discounts on goods and services for military members and their families.
The week also includes a number of military-related events within the region. More than 400 behavioral health specialists and human service providers will participate in Battlemind to Home IV Symposium in Indianapolis.The two-day event, presented by Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, aims to increase community awareness of the challenges military families face when service members return home, and educate attendees about the mental health concerns, legal options and supports available to veterans in the community.
Purdue has declared its Nov. 9 game against the University of Iowa as its Military Appreciation Day game. Also on Nov. 9, the City of Lafayette community partners will hold a Stand Down to provide services and resources for at-risk veterans.