Associated Press
Give Thanks: Support Our Military Family
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive … to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
President Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1865
When soldiers are deployed overseas, families are left behind and often face financial and emotional hardship. With thousands of charities devoted to supporting our military family, it’s not easy to know which ones are the most worthy of your support.
The Military Family Support Web Guide lists our top charities for supporting military families and troops. Use it to connect with the families and service members who have sacrificed so much for America by sending letters and supplies, volunteering, helping heal wounded soldiers or giving much-needed donations.
Make the United States the country you want it to be: a place where citizens support our military family and honor their principles through even the most challenging of times. Learn how to support the families whose loved ones are currently serving, how to support the troops overseas and those who have returned home, and find Web sites that military families can visit to seek help.
View a Spanish-language version of the Military Family Support Web Guide.
President Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1865
When soldiers are deployed overseas, families are left behind and often face financial and emotional hardship. With thousands of charities devoted to supporting our military family, it’s not easy to know which ones are the most worthy of your support.
The Military Family Support Web Guide lists our top charities for supporting military families and troops. Use it to connect with the families and service members who have sacrificed so much for America by sending letters and supplies, volunteering, helping heal wounded soldiers or giving much-needed donations.
Make the United States the country you want it to be: a place where citizens support our military family and honor their principles through even the most challenging of times. Learn how to support the families whose loved ones are currently serving, how to support the troops overseas and those who have returned home, and find Web sites that military families can visit to seek help.
View a Spanish-language version of the Military Family Support Web Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsProviding Military Family Support
If you want to strengthen the American community on a local level, one great way is to reach out to ... read more »
Sending a Military Care Package
Sending a military care package is a time-honored way to give our troops items ... read more »
Support Our Troops
Like anyone who is in an unfamiliar place, soldiers love to receive correspondence from the home ... read more »
Help Wounded Soldiers
Although there are many soldiers fighting who deserve attention, there are also a great many that ... read more »
Military Family Services
Although there are many organizations dedicated to providing military family services, not all are of equal caliber. In fact, the vulnerability of many military families creates an opportunity for individuals with bad intentions to take advantage of families when they are most susceptible. We’ve vetted and selected the most honorable and effective organizations to help you and your family find the help you deserve.
Insights for Military Family Services
- Most of the organizations included here work with families in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces but each branch has its own programs and benefits as well. Scroll down for our recommendations on specialized organizations; branches are listed alphabetically.
- If you’re a member of a military family, make sure to read the “Providing Military Family Support” section of this guide. You might be eligible for assistance from the organizations featured there.
Top Sites for Military Family Services
For general military family resources …
The Armed Forces Foundation
is dedicated to supporting members of the armed forces and their families. Visit “AFF Programs” to see how the organization can offer financial assistance and support to families of fallen or wounded soldiers.
MilitaryHomefront
is an official Department of Defense Web site dedicated to ensuring quality of life for America’s military families. Use this site if you’re looking for assistance, or to be in touch with the military community at large.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
specifically addresses suicide prevention for military members and their families. For immediate counseling, call the organization at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).
USA Cares
provides assistance to military families in all branches of service. Visit the "Assistance" section to apply for help in the organization's three main areas: Housing/Mortgage Assistance, Quality of Life and Combat Injured.
MilitaryAvenue.com
supports military families as they move, relocate or travel due to military commitments. The site is divided into sections for each branch of the military. Select the branch that pertains to you to find local services for your state that include information on your new community, installation tips, maps and military discounts.
CinCHouse.com
is derived from “Commander in Chief of the House,” and was established in 1999 by a military wife as a community site to enable military wives to support one another. After 9/11, its mission expanded to become a full-fledged community Web site for military wives and women in uniform.
Military family services within each branch of the military …
Air Force Crossroads
helps members of the U.S. Air Force community find resources for support, employment and education. The organization aims to keep families emotionally and physically healthy and stable through deployment and relocation.
Army Emergency Relief
provides funds to soldiers and their families. Find allotment information, donation resources, scholarship programs and AER locations. The emphasis is on financial support, however, and not on emotional or psychological assistance.
Marine Corps Community Services
assists Marines and their families through resources that cover essential, everyday needs in addition to financial and emotional assistance. Go to “Family Life” for programs that help support the family unit, such as “Children, Youth and Teen Programs” or “Marine Corps Family Team Building.”
Navy Personnel Command
provides a section for families and retirees on its official Web site. Look for information on spouse support, casualty assistance, retirement activities, the Navy’s alcohol and drug abuse program, and a retirement calculator.
For military families of wounded or fallen veterans …
Fisher House
supports wounded vets by donating “comfort homes” at major military bases and hospitals so that family members can be together during a soldier's hospitalization. Many interesting opportunities for donating or volunteering are available. Go to “Programs” to find out how to be involved, or help build the newest Fisher House, or search for existing houses, under “The Houses” tab.
For military families with legal needs …
American Bar Association
provides legal assistance and advice for military personnel through free, downloadable PDF files. Download PDF discussions of service members’ legal rights, or download the “Legal Readiness Checklist” to make sure that you’re fully prepared for any legal issues that may arise. The best way to find specific legal information on the site is to use the search function.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
