National Veterans and Military Families Month
National Veterans and Military Families Month was established to honor and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. It was officially designated in 2016 by President Barack Obama, expanding on Veterans Day (November 11) to dedicate the entire month of November to acknowledging not only veterans but also the critical support provided by their families.
The purpose of this month-long observance is to:
Honor Veterans: Recognize the service, bravery, and sacrifices made by veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Support Military Families: Highlight the role of military families, whose unwavering support and sacrifices are often less visible but are vital to the strength of the military community.
Raise Awareness: Increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families, including transitioning to civilian life, employment, health care, and mental health support.
Encourage Participation: Encourage communities, employers, and individuals to actively support veterans and military families through events, resources, and recognition efforts.
By dedicating an entire month, we are better able to reflect on the ongoing contributions of veterans and their families while fostering a culture of appreciation and support for their needs.
Also, while there are several recognized challenges military families have faced over the years, here are a few that are still prevalent in 2024:
Employment and Underemployment
While veteran unemployment rates have decreased in recent years, many veterans still face underemployment, where they are in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills and experience. Some employers may not fully recognize the transferable skills veterans bring from their military service, such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. Military spouses also face employment challenges due to frequent relocations and a lack of employer understanding about their unique situation.
Access to Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care to many veterans, but accessing timely care can still be an issue. Some veterans face long wait times for appointments, particularly in rural areas where VA facilities may be limited. Navigating the VA system and getting the necessary care—whether it’s for physical injuries, mental health issues, or other conditions—can also be confusing and frustrating for many veterans.
Housing and Homelessness
Homelessness among veterans, though reduced in recent years, remains a concern. Veterans who struggle with unemployment, mental health issues, or lack of a support network are at higher risk of becoming homeless. Affordable housing, especially in high-demand urban areas, remains a significant challenge for many veterans and their families.
Support for Military Families
Military families face frequent relocations, deployments, and extended periods of separation, which can strain relationships and disrupt children’s education and well-being. Spouses often face difficulty maintaining steady careers due to constant moves, and children of military families may struggle with adjusting to new schools and communities.
While there are other challenges to consider, those mentioned may be among the easier options for our community to support.
Recognizing and Celebrating
Employers may:
Raise Awareness: Host events or webinars that highlight the value veterans bring to the workplace and the importance of supporting military families.
Showcase Veteran Employees: Share stories of veteran employees, their achievements, and how their military experience contributes to the organization.
Evaluate Hiring Practices: Review recruitment and retention strategies to ensure they are inclusive of veterans and military spouses.
Collaborate with Veteran Organizations: Partner with local or national veteran organizations to participate in community service or offer employment resources.
Provide Support: Offer flexible work arrangements or special benefits for veterans and military families, recognizing their unique needs.
By celebrating National Veterans and Military Families Month, employers may create a more inclusive work environment that honors the service of veterans and their families while benefiting from their skills and dedication.
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