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1980-1989

The 1980s is the decade belonging to the “Me! Me! Me!” Generation. Hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts, and mega-mergers spawn a new breed of billionaire. If you've got it, flaunt it and You can have it all! are the mottos of the 80’s. Binge buying and credit become a way of life and “Shop ’til you drop!” is the battle cry. Video games, aerobics, minivans, camcorders, and talk shows become part of our lives. The decade begins with double-digit inflation. President Reagan declares a war on drugs, hospital costs rise, many young men are dying of a mysterious disease called AIDS, and unemployment rises. Mount Saint Helens erupts, making it the worst volcanic disaster in American history. On the bright side, the United States Constitution celebrates its 200th birthday, ET phones home, Ted Turner establishes CNN, and in 1989, Americans give $115,000,000,000 to charity. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial opens in Washington, DC. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album is released and the PG-13 movie rating is created. At the very end of the decade the Berlin Wall is torn down, paving the way for positive change for the decade to come! 

• Association testifies in favor of suitable division of military retirement pay in divorce settlements - two years later the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act passes
• In 1981, the Association recruits new Volunteers to visit more than 150 legislators in the new Congress to “re-educate the Members of Congress on the needs of the military family.”
• In 1982, the Association’s first comprehensive survey, “Final Report, Military Spouse and Family Issues, Europe 1982” leads to creation of DoD Office of Family Policy
• National Military Wives Association changes name to National Military Family Association
• First Chapter established at Fort Bragg, NC and the Representative Program begins, by 1985 the Association has 20 Representatives in military communities in the states, the Canal Zone, Japan, and West Germany.
• The Military Coalition is formed with the Association as a founding member.
• The Association becomes first organization to testify before a Senate subcommittee on the critical issue of health care for military families - a year later Congress establishes Dependent Dental Plan

• Association secures Supplemental Security Income benefits extension to military families stationed overseas 

1969-1979 

1990-1999  

2000- Present