The Armed Services YMCA established Veterans and Military Families Month in 1996 and is recognized annually during November. As we know, veterans and military families make tremendous sacrifices, including separating from their families and adjusting to new communities, countries, and new family living situations.

Fort Liberty covers approximately 500 square miles with 146,000 acres dedicated to training, supporting nearly 54,000 troops and 14,000 civilians who work on post at Fort Liberty. This military installation supports about 260,000 military families, military retirees, contractors, and others.

The ASYMCA at Fort Liberty assists 62,500 active-duty soldiers, 76,486 family members, and 94,939 retired Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines stationed or living in Cumberland and surrounding counties in North Carolina.

The overall goal is to ensure that veterans' and military families' daily interactions are constant within our regional community. We hope all families feel supported and celebrated.

Some national services that are highlighted during Veterans and Military Families Month are:

• Sesame Street for Military Families Free App – This App addresses deployments, homecoming, self-expression, and injuries.
• A ‘Military Family Month’ downloadable packet from the Armed Services YMCA at www.asymca.org The information typically contains a Military Family Month Poster, a Message from the President and National Executive Director; Military Family Month Program Suggestions; and Guidelines for the annual art and essay contests.

SAMHSA has a Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center: https://www.samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center This center serves as a national resource to support states, territories, and local communities in strengthening the capacity to address the behavioral health of military and veteran family needs.