R 202017Z NOV 12

ALCOAST 492/12
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: MILITARY FAMILY MONTH
1. The President has proclaimed November as Military Family Month,
calling on all Americans to honor military families through private
actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make
in the support of our service members and our nation.  Please visit
http://wh.gov/0smU to review the complete Proclamation.
2. In the Coast Guard, we celebrate the exceptional service,
strength, and sacrifice of our military families, whose commitment to
our nation goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Our active duty
and reserve members are successful at meeting mission requirements
thanks in large part to the strong support they receive from their
families.  Without that family support at home, morale and mission
execution would be negatively impacted.
3. Regardless of the occasion, including birthdays, anniversaries,
and holidays, our military members must frequently deploy away from
home to execute the mission.  Our wives, husbands, sons and daughters
understand, and are proud, but we must never forget the sacrifice
they make so that we can serve.
4. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge are strongly encouraged
to take time during November to thank unit members and their families
for their unwavering devotion to duty.  One way to convey our
gratitude is to create a culture of support, by ensuring that they
are made aware of, and are encouraged to use, the myriad of
individual and family support programs that are available to them,
including chaplains, morale, well-being and recreation, mutual
assistance, housing, and Health, Safety and Work-Life programs.
5. I thank each of you for your faithful service to your families,
your communities, the Coast Guard, and the nation.  I also thank your
families for their selfless sacrifice and support.  Together we
ensure that the Coast Guard is "Semper Paratus."
6. For additional information, please contact the Office of Work-Life
Family Support Services Specialist, Ms. Mitchia (Shay) D. Tull-Cook,
at HQS-SMB-FamilySupportServices(AT)USCG.MIL.  Alternatively, you may
contact CDR Jerry Mahlau-Heinert at the Health, Safety and Work-Life
Service Center by calling 757-628-4795.
7. RADM Maura K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety and Work-Life,
sends.
8. Internet release authorized.