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Immediate Release

DOD Celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month.

The Defense Department recognizes the significant role military families and transitioning veterans have in supporting a stronger force.

“To the nearly 5.2 million service members and families, we celebrate and thank you for the support you give to our nation each day. November is a time to honor our families, but it is also critical to acknowledge the everyday challenges you face,” said Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. 

“The DOD has made it a top priority to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. The recently announced Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families initiative will further strengthen our support for military families. This initiative will address securing affordable basic needs, making moves easier, supplying added support to families, and expanding spousal employment. We will continue to offer access to resources that help you navigate and create healthy relationships and connections throughout different MilLife experiences and transitional moments,” said Barron. The department is highlighting a wide range of resources and support available to military and transitioning veterans from across the DOD, the federal government and other organizations. Visit Military OneSource to explore resources, podcasts and special offerings available throughout November. 

“A strong military relies not only on training and education to ensure readiness; it relies on strong families supporting our fight for freedom. From basic training to separation, we ensure our people are prepared for any given task, including transition.  Not only do we create the best warfighters in the world, we create productive members of society,” said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López. “That is our duty, and we take it seriously.”

Military OneSource connects service members and families to information, resources and support provided by the Defense Department. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to speak with a Military OneSource consultant, or start a live chat. Military OneSource provides helpful information and guidance on topics, such as: 

  • Relationship support, parenting, and caregiving
  • PCS or deployment assistance
  • Spouse employment opportunities 
  • Child care options
  • Financial and tax consultation support


About Military Community and Family Policy 

Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing and overseeing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our service members, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These DOD services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.