[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2656-E2657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEDICATION AND SUPPORT OF OUR MILITARY FAMILIES

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I 
rise today to recognize the dedication and support of our military 
families, servicemembers, and the veterans who went before them.
   When a servicemember joins the military, it is not a just a job; it 
is a family commitment to our country. As our country continues to 
deploy overseas, we see the impact it has on family members at home. 
The month of November is designated as Military Family Month. This 
observance provides an excellent opportunity to show support for our 
servicemembers and families as we pause and reflect on the 
contributions, support and patriotism they exhibit each day.
   Military families continuously undergo tremendous challenges and it 
only begins when they find their loved ones deployed for long periods 
of time. During frequent moves, they effortlessly relocate their 
belongings, find new schools for their children, navigate the complex 
options for medical care, and solve myriad other challenges. They are 
truly resilient and strong.
   It is an honor for me to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the 
service and support of some particular events in Northwest Florida in 
the coming weeks that will honor our veterans and educate our children 
about their heroism and sacrifice. On November 4, Blue Angels 
Elementary School will partner with the History Channel's Take a 
Veteran to School Day to

[[Page E2657]]

honor our veterans. The following week, both Blue Angels Elementary 
School and Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola will hold their 
annual Armed Forces Foundation national education initiative, 
``Operation Caring Classroom''. During this event, the schools will be 
engaged in classroom activity the week of Veterans Day to learn about 
this holiday and reach out to military children nationwide. This year, 
50 civilian elementary schools and 50 military elementary schools will 
participate in various activities during the week of Veterans Day to 
raise awareness and appreciation for our military families. The 
outpouring of support for these special events makes me proud to call 
Northwest Florida home.
   Some of the events will help raise money to continue supporting our 
World WarII Veterans. Both schools are raising money to sponsor 
multiple ``Honor Flights''. We just completed our fifth ``Honor 
Flight'' from the Emerald Coast on 21 October. We greeted 103 of our 
WWII Veterans as they stepped off the plane and watched many of them 
see their WWII Memorial for the first time. The charity pays for them 
to fly to Washington, DC and it's wonderful to see support for future 
trips.
   Our veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so 
much for our nation and deserve the highest level of respect. This 
nation owes you a debt of gratitude. Here on Capitol Hill, many of us 
felt it was time to organize a caucus with a focus on Military 
Families. On November 4, the Congressional Military Family Caucus will 
feature its inaugural event. The caucus will foster the interest of 
family members of the uniformed services by educating Congressional 
Members and staff on resources the military provides as well as discuss 
the barriers that a military family faces. The goal of the caucus is to 
address issues such as education, childcare, healthcare, spouse 
employment, and the effects of multiple deployments.
   We all play an important part in recognizing military families, 
servicemembers, and veterans. I am humbled by the remarkable role each 
and every one of them play in the future of this Nation. The events 
held at Blue Angels Elementary School and Navy Point Elementary School 
in Pensacola serve as a model for the entire country. In the 1st 
Congressional District of Florida, a district that has more veterans 
than any other in the nation, the events also serve as a reminder of 
our gratitude and respect.

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