Military families are unique breed. The entire family is dedicated to service by supporting their service members.
Table of Contents
What is Considered a Military Family?
Immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption to a current member of the U.S. armed forces, including one who is deceased. The Department of Defense goes to great lengths to ensure that service members and their families are taken care of. Additionally, there are also many non-profits that help military families. Here at MilitaryFares we understand that service is a family commitment. We offer special military discounts for military families.
Organizations that Help Military Families
This year President Biden announced that November would not only honor veterans but military families as well. There are many organizations dedicated to helping military families.
Fischer House Foundation
Zachary Fisher was a builder, philanthropist, and patriot. He began working in construction at the age of 16 to help support his immigrant parents. He and his two brothers formed Fisher Brothers. Eventually, it became one of the real estate industry’s premier residential and commercial developers.
Zachary was already committed to supporting the US Armed Forces. However, one phone call changed the trajectory of his incredible legacy. In 1986, Pauline Trost, the wife of a naval officer, watched a family exit a helicopter at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda. She wondered where they would stay. Knowing the hotels in the area were costly, she knew this would be a huge burden. Especially on families facing medical crisis.
Building For Philanthropy
She mentioned it to her husband, who in turn told Zachary. “I’m a builder. That’s what I do for a living. Zach and Elizabeth Fisher dedicated more than $20 million to the construction of comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel. These homes are free of charge in support of their loved ones when they need it most.
Brick by brick, these houses were built. A foundation was created for life-changing experiences for those who walk through Fisher House doors.
One may seem like a small numbe, but Zachary Fisher is the example of how important one can be. One dollar, one supporter, one fundraiser – are all part of a legacy. This legacy has changed the lives of military, veterans, and their families.
Travis Manion Foundation
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that unites communities to strengthen America’s national character. They do this by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop and lead future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion (USMC) died in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who?” Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service. They develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.
1st Lieutenant Travis Manion
On April 29, 2007, experienced Iraq war veteran from the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Lt. Travis Manion, and his fellow Marines faced an ambushed. This occured while searching a suspected insurgent house in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. As he led the counterattack against the enemy forces, Travis was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. Although wounded he continued aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded teammates. His courageous acts allowed every member of his patrol to survive.
For his actions, Travis received the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. His legacy continues to grow through the work of TMF, inspiring people to make an impact by serving others.
Blue Star Families
The families of our all-volunteer military make unprecedented sacrifices these days to serve our country. Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower these families to thrive as they serve. Their mission is strengthening military families. Through connection with neighbors – individuals and organizations – they create vibrant communities of mutual support. Blue Star Families believe military families are all stronger when they take care of one another.
Research
Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation’s awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, they are overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families. These include: fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming. Furthermore, they provide critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.
Blue Star Families have more than 230,000 members in their network, including in chapters and communities all over the world. Blue Star has touched more than 1.5 million military families. Through their research and program partnerships, they ensure that wherever American military families go, they can always feel connected, supported and empowered to thrive – in every community, across the nation, and around the globe.
America’s Gold Star Families
America’s Gold Star Families is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving any military loss through active duty service. We include all family members representing all conflicts, all branches of service and all circumstance of death. America’s Gold Star Families honors fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces. They care for their survivors through programs and services at no cost to the survivors.
Advocacy
Many people are unaware of the significance of the Gold Star banner and its meaning. America’s Gold Star Families educates others on this important designation. How to properly respond when meeting someone who has lost a loved one in service to our country. They also advocate for their needs. America’s Gold Star Families is governed by a Board of Directors. They serve under the oversight of a Gold Star Advisory Council comprised of gold star family members and survivors. This is to insure the Board properly meets the needs of survivors adequately with appropriate protocol.
The Founder
Patti Latch is a double blue star proud Mother of two US Marines who are now veterans. Her two sons enlisted in the United States Marine Corps within six months of each other. She received a crash introduction course into the military community. The emotional roller coaster of send offs, boot camp graduations, writing letters, deployments, sending care packages, supporting other military families, homecomings—all occurred within a few short years. At one point, both sons deployed to Iraq at the same time. These life changing events altered the course of her life forever. While her sons now lead productive civilian lives, Patti serves as support advocate for Gold Star families and survivors everywhere. Along with their two sons, Patti have two daughters and several grandchildren.
Military Family Advisory Network
The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) launched in 2013. Its purpose is to connect military families with the resources they need to thrive. MFAN convenes military, reservists, and veteran spouses. Some are veterans dedicated to improving the lives of military families. MFAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building a community of military and veteran families, at home and abroad. These communities are well-informed about resources designed to serve them, equipped with tools for success. Most importantly they are connected to leaders serving the military family community, and embraced by the general public.
MFAN translates the needs of military families in a way that service providers can understand. They translates services in a way that speaks to our families. We convene leaders of the military family community. Through collaboration with outside organizations and effective communications, elevate and amplify the voice of military families everywhere.
The National Military Family Association
NMFA is the voice of military families. For 50 years, we have proven that we stand with all military families. This association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing military families. NMFA has “boots on the ground.” They understand better than anyone that “military families serve, too.” Through the support and programs they provide, and our respected voice on Capitol Hill and with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, our Association always looks out for the families who serve.
Founders
A handful of military wives found the association in 1969. They wanted to support thier widowed friends. Two short years later, the Survivor Benefit Plan became law, and the Association has been hard at work ever since. A small, but determined, group of spouses around a kitchen table has expanded. Today it is a strong force of military families representing all ranks and Services.
Operation Purple Program
At Operation Purple Camp we embrace being “purple” and bring together military kids. From all ranks and services, including National Guard and Reserve components, to a unique and memorable summer camp experience.
Operation Purple Family Retreats provide military families with the opportunity to reconnect as a family. We are bringing families to beautiful outdoor locations. They provide fun family-oriented activities and the ability to spend quality time together.
We’ve tailored a special retreat program designed to support wounded service members and their families. The Operation Purple Healing Adventures program celebrates rediscovering family-fun and togetherness after an injury.
MilitaryOne Source
Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information. They answer and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Learn about some of the ways we serve you.
Dependable Resources
Each person we serve is on a journey through the military life cycle. We’re here to help, with robust online information and resources vetted by the Department of Defense. In addition, Military OneSource connects you to programs, services and products developed for military life. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more.
You may request a copy of your Military OneSource records through the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff at FOIA.gov. For additional information, contact the OSD/JS FOIA Requester Service Center at 866-574-4970.
Available to All
Service members, their families, survivors and the entire military community have access to Military OneSource resources . They can access anywhere in the world, at no cost. We’re ready to assist by phone and online, around the clock.
We serve active-duty service members, National Guard and reserves, recently separated service members, military families and survivors. Learn more about Military OneSource eligibility.
Connect with Military OneSource at 800-342-9647, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the world.
Uniformed Services Organization
Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side.
Today’s USO continuously adapts to the needs of our men and women in uniform and their families, so they can focus on their very important mission. We operate USO centers at or near military installations across the United States and throughout the world, including in combat zones, and even un-staffed USO service sites in places too dangerous for anyone but combat troops to occupy.
Global Support
USO airport centers throughout the country offer around-the clock hospitality for traveling service members and their families. Our trademark USO tours brings America and its celebrities to service members who are assigned far from home. They entertain them and convey the support of the nation. The many specialized programs offer a continuum of support to service members. Throughout their journey of service, from the first time they don the uniform until the last time they take it off.
The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. It is powered by a family of volunteers. They live to accomplish our mission of connection.
History
Just prior to the onset of America’s involvement in World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations into one organization. This was to lift the morale of our military and nourish support on the home front. Those entities – the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services – became the United Service Organizations or, the USO.
Today, the USO has continued to support our nation’s military and their families. It has supported for over seven decades as they defend our country and its freedoms. By providing support to our servicemen and women as they perform their most challenging duties around the world. Their credo is to be always by their side.
The reach of the USO’s more than 250 centers extends to countries on every continent. Operated by thousands of staff and volunteers whose goals are to match our service members’ vigilance. Furthermore they aim to provide best-in-class service to those who sacrifice so much for America.
USO and Congress
In 2003, the USO Congressional Caucus was formed. Its purpose is to enhance the outreach efforts of the American people to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, providing a critical link between military service members and their elected representatives. The bipartisan and bicameral caucus brings together members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who share an interest in supporting and improving the lives of our nation’s military service members and their families. The USO Congressional Caucus unites leaders in Congress to strengthen the bridge. Through this it bolsters America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country.
The USO Congressional Caucus is led by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House Armed Services Committees. Co-Chairs include Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) and Representative Mike D. Rogers (R-AL).
Charities That Provide Support
Combined Federal Campaign
employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. With almost 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season. They will support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. The Director of OPM has designated responsibility for day-to-day management of the program and to its CFC office.
This website will be of interest to anyone interested in workplace giving. It is tailored to meet the particular needs of the Federal donor, CFC Campaigns, and charities participating in or considering participation in the CFC. If you have comments or questions, please contact the Office of CFC at cfc@opm.gov.
Fundraising for charitable organizations in the Federal workplace can be traced to the late-1940’s. However, it was not until 1961 that formal authority to permit fundraising in the Federal workplace was was established. In signing Executive Order 10927, President John F. Kennedy authorized the U.S. Civil Service Commission to develop guidelines and regulate fundraising in the Federal service.
History
As far back as 1948, the then existing Federal Personnel Council (composed of agency personnel directors) attempted to add uniformity and stability to the fundraising effort through the issuance of guidance to departments and agencies. However, the Council had no enforcement authority and the departments and agencies continued generally to follow their own inclinations in the conduct of on-the-job solicitations.
As the solicitations proliferated and with continued dissatisfaction with a lack of uniform policy in workplace fundraising, Philip Young, the President’s Advisor on Personnel Management, who also acted as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), initiated a study of the problem. This 2-year effort (1954-56) involved extensive discussions with leaders of charitable organizations and managers throughout the federal establishment.
In June 1956, President Eisenhower formally charged the President’s Advisor on Personnel Management with responsibility for the development and administration of a uniform policy and program for fundraising within the federal service. In that year, Fund Raising Bulletins 1 and 2 were issued. These bulletins identified the charitable organizations recognized for on-the-job solicitations and designating the times of the year during which their solicitations could take place. The Eligibility Standards Committee was established with general guidelines for the conduct of campaigns. The Committee’s eligibility criteria formed the basis for identifying charitable organizations recognized for solicitation during 1958 and later years.
The first participating charitable organizations were:
- The American Red Cross,
- Local Community Chests, United Funds, or Federated Groups,
- The National Health Agencies (an ad hoc group of nine health-related voluntary organizations, now known as Community Health Charities), and
- International Voluntary Agencies (an ad-hoc group, later known as International Service Agencies, of two voluntary agencies primarily interested in overseas assistance programs).
American Red Cross
Every day, the American Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and support. Concurrently in military and veteran health care facilities across the country and around the world. The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service.
Referrals
The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all veterans and their families. They connect them with local, state and national resources. They use a robust network of chapters in communities across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide.
Local Red Cross offices develop and maintain relationships with key community partners. Veterans and their families rely on the Red Cross to help them identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate resources. Moreover, vital services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g., financial, legal, jobs, mental health), information on veterans cemeteries and burial benefits, and other resources that meet the unique needs of local veterans and their families.
Veteran Services
The Red Cross assists veterans and their families in preparing, developing, and obtaining sufficient evidence to support applicants’ claims for veterans’ benefits. Accordingly, we also assist claimants seeking to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The Red Cross staff does the work with BVA. The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits a network of State Work-Share Representatives to work on behalf of the Red Cross.
