5 Ways to Support Military Families

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor not only those who serve but also the families who stand beside them. While we often recognize the sacrifices of service members, the spouses, parents and children who support them face their own unique challenges that deserve our attention and support.

Military families experience frequent relocations, extended deployments and the daily uncertainty that comes with military life. Research shows that 1 in 4 active-duty families experienced food insecurity in 2023, and many family members serve as caregivers to veterans dealing with physical or mental health issues. These realities remind us that military service impacts the entire family unit, not just the individual in uniform.

Whether you're a civilian student, faculty member or part of the Herzing community, there are meaningful ways you can support military families around you. Here are five practical approaches that go beyond a simple "thank you."

Offer Your Time and Presence

One of the most valuable gifts you can give a military family is your time, especially during deployment. Isolation and stress are common challenges, and simple gestures can make a significant difference. Invite a military spouse and their children over for dinner, offer to babysit so the at-home parent can attend an appointment or run errands, or organize a regular get-together so they feel connected to the community.

Consider setting up a meal train so the family doesn't have to worry about cooking every night. Help with yard work, dog walking or other household chores that might feel overwhelming when managing a household alone. These practical acts of service provide relief and show that someone cares about their daily struggles.

Ask Questions and Seek to Understand

Every military family's experience is different. Rather than making assumptions, take time to learn about their specific situation and challenges. Ask thoughtful questions about what they need most right now or what aspects of military life they find most difficult.

Understanding the broader context helps, too. Military families typically relocate every 2-4 years, which disrupts careers, education and friendships. Deployments remain challenging, no matter how many times a family has been through one. When you engage with curiosity and empathy, you create space for authentic connection and targeted support.

Support Military Spouses' Career and Education Goals

Military spouses face significant career disruption due to frequent relocations and deployment responsibilities. Many struggle to maintain professional momentum as they move from state to state, often sacrificing their own career advancement to support their service member.

At Herzing, we can support our fellow military-connected students by understanding their unique scheduling needs and offering encouragement as they pursue their educational goals.

Get Involved with Organizations and Initiatives

Many national and local organizations exist specifically to support military families, and they need volunteers and donors to sustain their work. Consider volunteering at a local military family center, supporting events that bring military families together or donating to organizations that provide food assistance, mental health services and emergency travel support. Even small financial contributions help sustain programs that address real gaps in care.

Raise Awareness in Your Community

Many civilians simply don't understand the realities of military family life. You can help bridge this military-civilian divide by raising awareness about the challenges these families face.

If you're involved in student organizations, consider hosting events during National Veterans and Military Families Month that educate others about military family experiences. Invite military-connected students to share their perspectives. The more people understand about deployment stress, caregiver burnout, spouse employment challenges and food insecurity, the more likely they are to offer meaningful support.

Moving Beyond "Thank You"

Gratitude is important, but military families need more than words. They need tangible support, emotional connection and communities that understand their unique sacrifices. This November and throughout the year, look for opportunities to engage with military families in your life and show them that their service matters too.

Whether you're supporting a fellow Herzing student who serves in the military, reaching out to a neighbor whose spouse is deployed or volunteering with an organization that serves military families, your efforts make a real difference. Military families have given so much in service to our country. The least we can do is ensure they don't face their challenges alone.