Families United November Newsletter
November 11, 2009

Veterans Day

On Wednesday, our country honors our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day. It is a day to remember and honor those men and women who have courageously served our country. Veterans come from all walks of life to answer the call when their nation needs them most. These men and women represent the best America has to offer, and they serve their country with pride, with honor, with courage and with dignity.

On this important day, we all must take a moment to remember those who have given their all for this country. With every brave man and woman in uniform, there is a family that supports them and is willing to serve and sacrifice alongside. To America’s current and future veterans, and their families, Families United offers a sincere…
‘Thank You.’

Message on Fort Hood Shooting

Families United is deeply saddened by last week’s tragic shooting and loss of life at Fort Hood, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen soldiers, the Fort Hood community, and all military families during this difficult time. We know the strength of the military community, and that those in the Fort Hood area and all military communities will unite to help assist those whose loved one was killed or wounded. We ask that you keep the families of the wounded - many of whom are still in the hospital - in your thoughts as well.

Families United will continue to follow the developments of this tragedy and work to ensure that the needs of our troops in the Fort Hood community as well as their families are being met. If you would like to support the families of the fallen and wounded at Fort Hood please click here. 100%of your donations will go towards helping families affected by this tragedy. Please include in your donation a reference to Fort Hood in the Comments/Questions section.

Northern California Gold Star Family Dinner

Families United is proud to announce the first Gold Star Dinner of 2010. Sponsored by Families United, the dinner will be held in Sacramento on Saturday, January 16, 2010. This event is free to Gold Star Families in the Northern California region, but you must RSVP by January 12, 2010. To RSVP, please send the full names of the family members who will be attending, along with the name, rank and Date of Death of your fallen Hero to Brandi Kolmer at Brandi@FamiliesUnitedMission.com.

Congress Extends Residency Benefits to Spouses

Last week, Congress passed the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. The bill allows a military spouse to claim residency in the same state as their husbands or wives. This legislation eases the burden and simplifies the many bureaucratic hurdles military spouses must en dure every time they move. As many of you know, each change of station means mountains of paperwork and hours spent trying to determining the difference in state tax laws and voting requirements. Additionally, spouses are often subjected to unnecessary and expensive charges in connection with changing their residency because of the variety of laws and regulations from state to state.

The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act is expected to be signed into law in the coming days. Families United would like to thank Congressman John Carter (R-TX) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) for sponsoring this legislation and championing the cause of military spouses.

November is Military Family Month

On October 30, 2009, President Obama designated November as Military Family Month. Although this is the first time that Military Family Month has been officially designated by the government, it is the 14th year that the Armed Services YMCA has recognized military families in November. This tribute to America’s military families recognizes the service and the sacrifice of the spouses, parents, and children of the couragesous men and women in uniform who defend our country.

To read President Obama's proclamation recognizing November as Military Family Month, click here

Help Families United Raise Money For Toys For Tots

With the holidays around the corner, Families United is once again raising money for Toys For Tots. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children around the nation. Last year, Families United joined this important program and asked you to donate funds to help us make the holidays special for less-fortunate children.
We are asking for your help once again to make this Christmas special for needy children. As we did last year, we will take the funds you donate and arrange a shopping spree where military children get to shop for toys to donate to those in need through Toys for Tots. To donate to Toys For Tots, please click here. With your financial help, we will make Christmas morning joyful for less-fortunate children throughout the country.