Making it in the MilLife®

On Thursday, Blue Star Families, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our nation’s military families, released the results of their 4th Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey.

Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), co-chairs of the House Congressional Military Family Caucus offered remarks at this meeting highlighting the release of new survey results on the views of military family members.

Last November, over 5000 people took part in an on-line survey of military family members to determine the major issues facing them today.

73% of respondents were spouses, and 75% were affiliated with active-duty military personnel.

The top concerns identified were: pay/benefits with specific emphasis on changes to retirements benefits, military spouse employment, effects of deployment on children, and issues surrounding military child education.

The single greatest concern this year (listed by 35% of participants) was pay and benefits. This was followed closely by changes to retirement benefits (listed by 21% of respondents.)

Asked about the employment, 68% of spouses reported being a military spouse had a negative impact on their ability to pursue a career. Of the 61% not currently employed, 52% wanted to be. There are 23% that faced challenges moving a professional license across state lines.

Among families with children living in the home during a deployment or routine separation, 30% report seeking mental health services to address the negative emotional impacts of the separation. Of those that sought services, 72% found it helpful.

Almost 50% of military parents are unaware of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and only 29% of respondent’s report their school adheres to the Compact. And 47% of respondents report being unaware of the school liaison program.

These finding are not surprising to us and most military families who live this reality daily.

This data will allow us to further emphasize the special contributions and sacrifices made by our military families over long and arduous careers and to take action to provide relief to military families with respect to these issues of concern.

It will also remind us of how important it is to address difficulties that can be corrected through clear information dissemination, sound policies and legislative action.

Are you surprised by the survey results?   What are your top concerns?  Tell us!

**To view the comprehensive report, click here.

Karen serves as a Deputy Director, Government Relations (Military Family Issues)

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

As long as there have been courageous men and women willing to protect our Union and our ideals, there have been extraordinary spouses at their side — patriots in their own right who serve and sacrifice in ways many cannot fathom. They are moms and dads who take up the work of two during deployments, shuffling their careers and packing up their lives whenever our Nation calls. They are dedicated employees at our businesses, committed volunteers in our communities, and essential caretakers for our wounded warriors. America’s military spouses are at the core of our Armed Forces, and on Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we celebrate their contributions to keeping our country safe.

Just as we are bound by a sacred obligation to care for our men and women in uniform, we are equally responsible for making sure their loved ones get the support they deserve. My Administration has taken steps to uphold that special trust, from investing in childcare and education for military families to providing mortgage assistance for military homeowners. Through First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, we have partnered with the private sector to expand hiring for military spouses and veterans.

We have also called on States to streamline credentialing and licensing procedures that hinder too many military spouses when they move from duty station to duty station. Military spouses with professional experience should not have to wait for work, and our businesses should not have to go without their skills. By simplifying the certification process, we can help ensure the financial stability of our military families, strengthen our Armed Forces, and spur growth throughout our economy. To learn more and get involved, visit www.JoiningForces.gov.

In the past few years, we have seen every part of our society come together and make a real commitment to supporting our military families — not just with words, but with deeds. Yet, we must do more to honor the profound debt of gratitude we owe our military spouses. Their strength and resolve reflects the best of the American spirit, and on this occasion, let us pledge once more to serve them as well as they serve us.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2013, as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA