Training and Education Command

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C./ERR -- After Sept. 11, being a part of a military family in our nation has taken on a special meaning. During this time of the year for giving thanks, we take time to reflect on all that military families have done for our nation and honor them for all they have sacrificed.

November is being celebrated as Military Family Appreciation Month. Prior to 2001, only one week out of the month was designated as such, in conjunction with Thanksgiving. In 2001, President George W. Bush proclaimed the entire month of November as a time for all to pay tribute to the contributions military families make.

?Many families serve our country by sacrificing personal comfort as their loved ones help us protect our nation,? said Bush. ?The men and women who serve in America?s military depend on their families for solace and strength as they defend our people and our interests around the world.?

Last year was a year to focus on family readiness and its important link to overall readiness of the force. This year, heightened awareness may not be felt quite as strongly, but support for the nation?s military is still evident throughout America?s communities. In the Tri-Command, military family units function as the backbone of the entire Beaufort community.

?Our family members are just as integral to the function of our armed forces as we are as active duty military members,? said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Beale, Headquarters Company police sergeant, husband and father of two. ?We make sacrifices by being in the military, while they make sacrifices by simply conforming to the military lifestyle. They support us by doing that.?

Family members? contributions to the nation?s defense may not be as evident to the untrained eye, but they do not go unnoticed by the military community and those who reap its benefits.

?The family members have one of the toughest jobs in America,? said Staff Sgt. Oscar Anzaldua, staff NCO in charge at Depot Community Services. ?They?re the unsung heroes of our armed forces. While we?re out putting the smack down on somebody, the spouses are in the rear with the kids taking care of the home front. They help us accomplish the mission.?