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Nov. 07, 2004  War on Terror   Transformation   News Products   Press Resources   Images   Websites   Contact Us 
Pencil sketch of young boy saluting with American flag in hand.
The Armed Services YMCA has designated November as Military Family Month. This annual observance, endorsed by the President of the United States, provides an opportunity to honor the extraordinary contributions of our nation's military families.
PHOTO ESSAY
Signs posted by volunteers and family members await the Oct. 30, 2004, arrival of soldiers and Marines in the international flight arrival terminal at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The troops were due in from Iraq via Kuwait City for two weeks of rest and relaxation leave. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Chlosta, 4th Public Affairs Detachment

REST AND RELAXATION – Signs posted by volunteers and family members await the Oct. 30, 2004, arrival of soldiers and Marines in the international flight arrival terminal at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The troops were due in from Iraq via Kuwait City for two weeks of rest and relaxation leave. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Chlosta, 4th Public Affairs Detachment 8 More Photos 
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For Armed Services YMCA, November All About Family
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2004 – The family is a big part of the military, and the health of those families is a big part of the readiness of the military, according to retired Rear Adm. Frank Gallo, director of the Armed Services YMCA.
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Military Family Month 2004 Poster
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Listed below are just a few of the DoD resources and services featured on The Military Assistance Program - Family Center Internet site — provided by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense for Personnel Support, Families and Education.
DeploymentLINK, the official DoD site addressing issues related to deployments, including medical readiness.
Coming Home (Service Members). A guide for personnel returning from mobilization/deployment.
Coming Home (Spouses). A guide for spouses of service members returning from mobilization/deployment.
Coming Home (Family & Friends). A guide for parents, extended family members or friends of service members returning from mobilization/deployment.
Changing Tickets Without Penalties explains how military personnel can avoid paying service fees and penalties when orders, reassignments and deployments force changes in personal travel plans.
The Intrepid/Anheuser-Busch Fallen Heroes Fund will provide scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military and coalition personnel killed during the war in Iraq.
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As we continue to fight the global war on terrorism, our soldiers can spend long periods of time away from their families. We are an Army at war, supporting a nation at war. Our young men and women serve willingly to preserve the freedoms for all Americans. Our Army has a tough mission and they need the support of husbands and wives, children and parents, brothers and sisters. Our families and communities are what make our Army and this country strong. Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston Excerpt from Military Family Month Army Letter.