A Night of Service and Gratitude: NMFA Hosts 2025 Congressional Reception
Since 1969, the National Military Family Association has stood beside military families as a trusted source of support, advocacy, and community. That legacy was front and center at our 2025 Congressional Reception, where leaders, partners, and friends gathered to recognize the champions who continue to strengthen the lives of military families.
Support of Military Families Award
Since 1984, NMFA has presented the Support of Military Families Award to individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving the well-being of service members and their families. This year’s reception continued that proud tradition by celebrating two members of Congress who have distinguished themselves through meaningful action and steadfast leadership. Their efforts reflect a deep understanding of the challenges military families face, along with a determination to create policies that offer stability, access, and opportunity.
Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia was honored for her dedication to strengthening military family readiness and stability. Representing the Hampton Roads region, one of the largest military communities in the country, she has used her platform to advance legislation that directly improves daily life for service members and their loved ones. As the co-sponsor of the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, she has championed efforts to extend TRICARE coverage to young adult dependents up to age 26. This year, she also led a successful push to protect military pay during the threat of a government shutdown, ensuring that families would not bear the burden of political gridlock. Her service as a Navy helicopter pilot and her experience as a Navy spouse have shaped her commitment to advocating for those who continue to serve.
“She has pushed for TRICARE reforms, upgrades in housing and childcare, and improvements to programs supporting service member and family mental health,” said NMFA CEO, Besa Pinchotti. “We’re grateful for your leadership and advocacy.”
Representative Sara Jacobs of California was also recognized with the Support of Military Families Award for her bold leadership on issues that touch the most personal parts of military family life. As the sponsor of the IVF for Military Families Act, she has led the fight to extend TRICARE coverage of IVF and other fertility treatments to service members and their families. Her advocacy reflects a belief that military families deserve the same access to reproductive care that federal civilian employees receive.
“We are especially grateful for her efforts to expand TRICARE coverage of IVF and other forms of assisted reproductive technology,” said Pinchotti. “While that effort was unsuccessful this year, we look forward to continuing the fight with you in 2026.”
Congresswoman Jacobs has also been a vocal force for safe and accountable military housing and has championed policies that expand access to basic needs allowances and family nutrition programs. Representing San Diego, another community deeply shaped by military service, she has made it clear that supporting families is essential to military readiness.
Throughout the evening, guests reflected on the importance of elevating leaders who listen to families, understand their lived experiences, and work to remove the barriers that stand in the way of their well-being. Both honorees expressed gratitude to the military families they serve, noting that their stories continue to inspire bipartisan action and long-term solutions. Their remarks underscored a shared belief that caring for military families is not only a moral responsibility but a strategic imperative that strengthens the force.
The reception also provided an opportunity to recognize the dedicated members of NMFA’s Board of Governors whose terms have come to a close. Gene Migliaccio, Frank Cumberland, Gail McGinn, Tina Jonas, Ann Campbell, and Dana Richardson were honored for their years of service and leadership. Each has played a vital role in guiding NMFA’s mission, shaping our programs, and ensuring that we remain a strong and trusted voice for military families. Their contributions have left a lasting mark on the organization and on the families we serve.
As the evening concluded, guests left with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder of what can be achieved when leaders, advocates, and families work together. The 2025 Congressional Reception celebrated more than legislative accomplishments. It celebrated a community bound by service and strengthened by its commitment to protecting those who sacrifice so much. NMFA will continue to honor that promise in the years ahead, guided by the same belief we have held since 1969. When military families thrive, our nation thrives, because Together, We’re Stronger®.
