United States Department of Defense

Military Family Appreciation Month - November 2011

Just as our troops embody the courage and character that make America's military the finest in the world, their family members embody the resilience and generosity that make our communities strong. They serve with heroism in their homes and neighborhoods while they are without the comfort of having loved ones nearby.”

President Barack Obama, Nov. 1, 2011
Proclamation

Marine Corps Capt. Lucas Frokjer reunites with his family on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Sept. 17, 2011, after returning from a seven-month deployment. Frokjer is the flightline officer assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Barber HI-RES

Yongsan Reaffirms Army Family Covenant

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea, Dec 2, 2011 - The re-signing ceremony of the Army Family Covenant was held at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan's South Post Chapel in order to reconfirm the Army's commitment to improving the quality of life for members of the Yongsan Community, Dec. 2, 2011. Story

'Commando' Couple Embraces Family Values

FORT DRUM, N.Y., Dec 1, 2011 - Balancing work and personal responsibilities is a challenge for many families, but dual-military Families face a different set of challenges when dealing with long duty days, deployments and other separations. Story

First Lady Kicks Off Holiday
Season With Military Families

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 - In a gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice, First Lady Michelle Obama invited military families – including families of the military fallen - to be among the first to see the White House decked out for the holiday season. Story | Photo Essay

Caregiver Confronts Husband’s
Combat-related Rage

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 30, 2011 - Catrina Tomsich shut down her business, packed up her house and son, and moved her family to care for her wounded warrior husband - but not without fear for what post-traumatic stress had done to him. Story | Photo Essay

'All Inclusive' Super Park Opens
To Camp Humphreys Community

Children from the Camp Humphreys Child Development Center's Strong Beginnings classes help cut the ribbon to officially open Super Park. Nov. 30, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Steven Hoover CAMP HUMPHREYS, Nov. 30, 2011 - A children's play area, which has been dubbed "Super Park," and features equipment that allows children of all abilities to use the play place, was officially opened here Nov. 30. Story

Sending Their Love Through Pictures

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala., Nov. 28, 2011 - Jacqueline Broadenax, 3, knows how to take pictures. The budding photographer likes to run around with a little pink digital camera to snap pictures of her mom, grandmother and baby sister. Story

Blue Star Mothers Help Those in Need

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Nov. 23, 2011 - For Ann Provencher and Barb Linn, members of the Blue Star Mothers organization in Oklahoma, helping service members and their families during times of need is more than a passion; it’s a way of life. Story

Families Enjoy 'Night Under Stars'

FORT RUCKER, Ala., Nov. 23, 2011 - Though rain threatened to ruin an otherwise pleasant November night, dozens of Fort Rucker Families enjoyed a night on the shore of Lake Tholocco, even if it was a little wet, complete with storytelling and s'mores, at the Night Under the Stars and Tell Me a Story event Nov. 19. Story

‘Extreme Makeover’ Seeks Military
Families for Holiday Episode

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2011 - The cast of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” would like to brighten the holidays for a deserving military family this year. The reality show is seeking nominations for military families in desperate need of a home makeover. The selected family will be featured in an upcoming holiday episode. Story

Mom Devotes Life to Triple Amputee Son

Saralee Trimble talks about her injured 19-year-old son, Army Pfc. Kevin Trimble, at the Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio, Nov. 10, 2011. SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 17, 2011 - I tapped the woman on the shoulder and asked about her craft, which led to a conversation that lasted for more than an hour. She told me that she’s in San Antonio to care for her 19-year-old soldier son - a triple amputee. Story

Send Troops, Families Holiday Cards

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011 - As evidenced by the host of Christmas decorations springing up in stores across the nation, the holiday season is nearly at hand. While a time of celebration and festivity, it’s also an opportunity to honor service members and their families serving far from home. Story

White House Invites Military
Kids to Submit Holiday Cards

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 - First Lady Michelle Obama would like to add a military flourish to the White House’s holiday decorations this year. She’s asking military children from throughout the world to create holiday cards honoring their service member parent. Story