Guest blog post by National Security Committee Chair Michele DeGennaro
 
November is a time of hustle and bustle as we prepare for the holidays — a time spent planning to share with family and friends — but not for some families. With mothers, fathers, and spouses deployed, military families need our help more than ever during this time of year. What better time to show our appreciation for their commitment and sacrifices than in November — National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Every day, we can show our appreciation for all of the sacrifices these families are going through just by saying “Thank you” and taking the time to ask how they are doing. But this month, let us ensure these military families have the best quality of life, whether their spouses are at home or deployed.  

As American Legion Auxiliary members, there are so many ways to show how we care to these families. We are an Auxiliary of many talents, and here are just a few suggestions on how we can help:

• Invite military families to your local American Legion post home for a special family day event in their honor. Set up a welcome table with membership applications and names of local business that support veterans and military families. Provide a list of services your American Legion Family can help with. Let them know we are here to support and assist them.
• Host a movie day for kids so their parents/guardians can have a little time alone for themselves. Even just two hours allows these parents/guardians to accomplish some well-deserved free time. Order a pizza or some groceries and have them delivered to their home. Baked goods are always a welcomed treat in any household. 
• Being a single parent for months on end while a spouse is deployed is not only emotionally draining, but also physically demanding when taking on all the household chores. Offering to help around the house or yard can mean the world to these military families. Mowing lawns, fixing a fence, or maybe they are new to the neighborhood, and you can recommend a reliable service contractor. 
• They say many hands make light work, so if you are an Auxiliary member and want to help or you belong to a smaller unit that doesn’t have a lot of helpers, join forces with other organizations like Blue Star Families and ASYMCA. 

You can find military families in your area by visiting your local National Guard armory, a local recruiting station, contacting your neighborhood schools, or placing a sign on your American Legion post home marquee welcoming all military families. There are always ways for us to volunteer and assist our veterans, military, and their families.
I think author Leo Buscaglia said it best:

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Remember: Any small act of kindness shows we care about our military families, and we want to thank them for their sacrifices.