Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is celebrating Military Family Appreciation Month throughout the month of November to recognize the families who support their service members stationed in this remote overseas location. Many of the military families coming to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay pick up their lives, their children, their pets on short notice. Many have never been stationed overseas and have no idea what to expect. Many find themselves packing up their homes months in advance of their permanent change of station (PCS) move with little idea of when they might see the things that make their house a home again. Between overseas duty screenings for each member of their family, gathering important documents, ensuring school registrations are complete, spouse employment searches and all of the other possible stressors that come with a major move, many would question why they do it. Military families already know why - to support their service member. Because the stress of moving with them is far less than the stress of moving on with life without the military member in it. Because, in so many cases, this isn't the first move, and it won't be the last. Military families are resilient and have learned to stay flexible. Military Family Appreciation Month is observed to set aside a time to recognize the military family who knows just what it means to serve. Every day, they get up and support their service member, standing by during long trainings and longer deployments. They know the risks, but accept this life of service anyway. They were there for the absences, and they are here for the overseas tour. Military families are the backbone of our military. Without that unquestioning and unfailing support, many military careers would perish. Traditionally, each November, the President signs a proclamation recognizing that service and declaring November as Military Family Appreciation Month. Over the month, military families are honored and recognized for their commitment and contributions in support of our military and nation through many events occurring on every military base around the world. Here in Guantanamo Bay, two main events will celebrate that spirit of service and sacrifice. A Military Family Appreciation Luncheon was held, November 11, at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library. On November 24, the entire community is invited to participate in the Selfie Tour Challenge being hosted by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). The event consists of a scavenger hunt with clues provided by FFSC. Participants will use the clues to scout out various locations around the base and submit "selfies" to show proof of completion of the challenge.

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