Showing appreciation for Michigan’s military families
The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are protected and defended by the men and women in the military. They go above and beyond to secure our nation and protect the liberties we enjoy in our day-to-day lives.
While it is important to remember to honor and thank those who answer our nation’s call, we must also remember that many of our service members have families at home who can use extra support while their family members are away. These family members deserve our gratitude as well. They often spend months away from their loved ones, are affected by frequent moves and other things that most of us take for granted.
Military Family Appreciation Month is celebrated each year as a time to thank the families who stand beside those in uniform, as well as acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions that service members’ families have made and continue to make. As we continue toward the holiday season, we should be grateful for the ability to spend time with those we care about and offer an extra blessing for the many military families who do not have that same luxury.
It is important that we show our support to our nation’s heroes and their families who remain strong at home so our soldiers can remain focused on their mission. While we can never truly repay the debts we owe those who served, our veterans and their families deserve the best opportunities we can provide.
We have made significant strides over the past decade to help connect veterans and their families with the benefits they have earned. Recently, I supported legislation to assist veterans and their families that would expand license reciprocity for military family members and support organizations serving veterans — whether it’s reducing barriers to education or health care or helping veterans and their families find careers or access other helpful resources.
Additionally, my office has put together a report called Honoring All Who Served, which provides a number of resources Michigan’s veterans may find useful or helpful for them and their families. The report includes legislative news, issues of interest to veterans and their families and contact information for federal, state and local agencies. A digital version can be found on my website at www.StateSenatorKimLaSata.com under the “Publications” tab.
Also available on my website is a publication entitled Veterans Benefits & Services, which includes topics ranging from acquiring a home mortgage, education, employment and insurance to medical treatment and death benefits, as well as contact information for VA medical facilities in Michigan and veterans service organizations.
I hope you find these publications useful and encourage sharing them with other veterans.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families and also has a great deal of information and resources available. It can be reached at 800-MICH-VET or MichiganVeterans.com.
Our veterans and their families have given so much on our behalf and it is important to honor them and to let them know how much they mean to us. Please join me and others across the state in saying “thank you” and offer a helping hand when able.
Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Coloma, represents the 21st state Senate District, which includes all of Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Showing appreciation for Michigan’s military families
