Have You Talked to Your Member of Congress Lately?

Here at the National Military Family Association, we are in the process of sharing issues and concerns of importance to military families with the platform committees of each of the major parties. We are also sending letters citing the importance of military family issues to those incumbent members of the House and Senate who are running for re-election as well as their opponents and new candidates. As you know, our Association is non-partisan and we see this as an educational process, reinforcing the role of support that military families have sustained in this past decade of war, and reminding candidates that our families are still being called on to serve and sacrifice alongside their service members. Every member of Congress has military families in their states and districts!

While we represent military families, we are one voice of many that the candidates will hear in this busy election season. You can reinforce this message by reaching out to your own member of Congress – incumbent or candidate, House or Senate. Members will be visiting their local offices during the summer months. There are sure to be many town hall meetings and other election venues. Make your voice heard. We will share talking points on national issues. You can share what’s happening with your installation, your community, your unit, and families. Remember to talk about what’s working and where changes can be made. Distinguish between those issues that need to be solved at the local level and what concerns need national attention.

Don’t forget your incumbents and candidates for local and statewide office. More and more issues affecting military families are being decided at the state level – think Interstate Compact, changes to licensing and credentialing requirements, special programs, or tax waivers for veterans. You can contact us for more details on certain issues or visit the Defense State Liaison Office website to see what state issues are being promoted by their regional representatives.

Together we have good information about military families to share. Everyone needs it to carry on the conversation about sustaining support for military families. Be a conversation starter in your community!