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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 10, 2008

A&FRC celebrates Month of Military Family Nov. 25

By Airman and Family Readiness Center

The Airman and Family Readiness Center will host a free open house Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in honor of November's "Month of the Military Family." 

Children can play on the bouncy castle outdoors, visit with "Sparky" and a fire truck, listen to music and get balloons and door prizes. Families, single members and retirees are welcome to free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cookies. 

Celebrating the military family began more than two decades ago as part of the "Great American Family Project." 

In 1996, the Armed Services YMCA expanded the November "Military Family Week," into "Month of the Military Family." 

The month-long celebration has been growing in numbers and force ever since. 

Currently, 70 percent of servicemembers are married, many with children. This makes family a big part of the military; and, in turn, those families are a big part of military readiness. 

This month puts a little extra focus on supporting families, especially since the beginning of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. 

Military family members may see proclamations from the president and U.S. Air Force senior advisors as well as posters around base. The posters are the product of an art contest directly tied to the military family month. 

The annual contest kicks off in November and ends in February. Military family members in grades kindergarten through sixth from each service are eligible. The poster's annual theme is "My Military Family" and the winner's artwork is featured on that year's poster. 

To sign up for the open house, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 652-5321.