Marine Corps Community, Marine Corps Spouse and Family Resources - Marine Corps Times

Associations provide help for families

We know how it is. You are HH6, the head of the household, the one in charge. Have you ever wondered whether there was anything or anyone out there who could give you some help? Provide some relief while you provide the sustaining power behind your airman’s career? Well, how about relief — by association?

We have long believed that there’s a huge gap between the wonderful resources that military associations provide and the families that need them. As a result, we thought a few informal introductions were in order. You may be surprised at what you’re missing.

Networking, idea exchange, and personal, professional development

At this year’s annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army, more than 25,000 active-duty and Guard soldiers, Department of Army civilians and, yes, family members learned about AUSA’s myriad initiatives for national and local communities. There were Military Family Forums, networking events and a host of authors to meet. Topics ranged from “Support to Families and Soldiers” to “Parents’ Stories” about the experiences of having a child at war.

AUSA’s headquarters is in Arlington, Va., but it has 125 chapters worldwide, so events such as these are not limited to the national realm. You may have a chapter near you whose mission also is to support soldiers and families through scholarships, recreational opportunities, and meetings and conferences. To find out more, visit http://www.ausa.org. There also is an Air Force Association, Marine Corps Association, National Guard Association and many others.

Resources for your everyday life

When you’re talking military families, the National Military Family Association, is perhaps the most recognizable association. The original (and ultimate) readiness, support group and volunteer network, NMFA was organized in 1969. Like AUSA and others, NMFA has a two-front mission: representing military families and championing legislation on Capitol Hill that enhances and improves our quality of life. It also supports us in our local communities.

Case in point: Peruse NMFA’s online store and you will find its Education Resource Guide, which is specifically targeting military spouses. Now in its second edition, this groundbreaking guide is comprehensive and informative. It is a one-stop education guide applicable to spouses from all service branches. NMFA also offers several free publications, including some on relocation, adoption and choosing child care. And if you become a member, you can take advantage of discounts from businesses such as Meineke, as well as this newspaper and its Web sites.

Another of our favorites is the Armed Services YMCA. Funded by donations from caring Americans, this group operates at 16 branch locations and nine affiliated community YMCAs, as well as six Defense Department/Homeland Security Department affiliates worldwide.

According to its Web site, ASYMCA offers essential programs such as child care, hospital assistance, spouse support services, food services, computer training classes, health and wellness services, and holiday meals, among many others. Specific examples of children’s programs include Operation Kid Comfort, through which ASYMCA makes photo-transfer quilts for children whose parents are deployed, and Operation Hero for children who need a little extra help with schoolwork

We’ve learned that the only way to get along in this military life is to associate, associate, associate. The best part: Whether you are a service member, spouse, active duty, or Guard or reserve, there is room, and relief, for everyone.

DISCUSS: Networking and family resources