November is Military Family Appreciation Month

In the waning nostalgia of summer memories and anticipation of winter celebrations, our nation takes time to celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of our military families. The observance of Thanksgiving is extended to the entire month through Presidential Declaration that November be designated as Military Family Appreciation Month. One’s choice to serve in any of the five branches of service to country and principles effects the individual, his or her family, friends, home community and the communities into which they enter for assignment.

Middletown, along with its sister communities, is fortunate – blessed - to host these individuals and families for the length of their assignment. Their very presence and integration into our midst brings a depth and richness of what it means to be a “neighborhood”. As families navigate new surroundings, unpack belongings, settle their children into the school systems, and stretch to make new acquaintances, it is our responsibility to be supportive in their time of intense transition.

As the Middletown Prevention Coalition (MPC) and Islanders Committed, the MPC’s youth initiative, we recognize the pressures that come with so much in such a short time. A critical component of focus of the MPC is to create a safe, drug-free environment for families to nurture the healthy practices that lead to successful growth. Though the core mission of the Coalition is prevention and awareness of the impact of marijuana and alcohol on youth, we maintain that building the foundation of healthy families is a major component of prevention. Collaborating with many sectors of the community– schools, parents, youth, businesses– we offer programs, initiatives and events to the Middletown community. We celebrate the opportunity to include our military families.

As welcoming neighbors, we join with our extended national community to remind Middletown of the contributions and sacrifices that military personnel and their family support systems make on behalf of us all. Together, we are challenged to lift one another to the highest degree of respect, opportunity and equity. Join us in honoring these wonderful families with our respect, remembrance and committed response to being a deeply welcoming community.

Pastor Laurie Pauley
Middletown Prevention Coalition Member