Eielson highlights service, sacrifices of military families Published Nov. 18, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Family members, in essence, serve their nation alongside their servicemember by loving, supporting and assuring them through hard times. Because of these actions, the United States military has deemed November Military Families Appreciation Month, and Eielson is doing its part in honoring them. Military Families Appreciation Month is an annual tribute to the family members of Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coastguardsmen who selflessly wait at home while their loved ones are away on duty serving their country. "Due to our reclusive location and considering that several families are away from home for the first time, it's paramount to be there for each other," said Leslie Rick, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. Mrs. Rick said that even as little as shoveling a driveway or a call to check up on a family of a deployed member goes a long way. "Being in the Air Force we are a part of a larger family than we might realize," she said. The A&FRC is hosting the following classes and events for family members of those in uniform. For more information or to sign up for any of the classes, call 377-2178. *A deployed family Thanksgiving potluck will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Community Center. *Spouses pre-reunion briefing is 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays, learn what to expect and plan for with the return of your spouse; understand the issues and concerns to make the reunion successful for you, your family and the returning member. Learn what other agencies and opportunities are available to assist with reuniting and reconnecting. *Return and reunion briefing is 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The reunion period following a deployment is a time of adjustment. Learn what you and your family can do to adjust successfully. *A parenting class will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 16 at the A&FRC. The class is based on the program developed by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. and is a look at parenting and discipline. Each year during MFA month, Armed Services YMCA launches its annual art contest, co-sponsored by GEICO, and its essay contest, co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin. For the art contest, the ASYMCA will award six U.S. Savings bonds of $500 for first-place entries, and $100 bonds for second place. Dependents in kindergarten through sixth grade of active duty military or retired are eligible to enter. The essay contest promotes reading and writing among dependents of active duty or Reserve/Guard military personnel. One $500 first place and one $100 second place bond will be awarded in each grade category 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. Students in two high school categories, 9/10 and 11/12, will be awarded $1,000 bonds for first place, and $200 bonds for second place. In addition, there are two $100 bonds for essays of honorable mention. Students are asked to write about "My Military Hero". For more information on these contests, visit www.asymca.org. Donna Miles of the American Forces Press Service and the Armed Services YMCA contributed to this article.