Military Family Advisory Network

Happy Halloween, ! 🎃

It was such a treat to be invited to The White House for “Hallo-READ!” MFAN enjoyed Halloween treats, had a blast seeing the spooky decorations and celebrated the thrills of reading. Thank you President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and Joining Forces for an amazing event!

We know that collaboration and transparency are critical when it comes to creating systems of support for military and veteran families. Our Solutions Summit is a prime example of diverse stakeholders turning data into action. You can be a part of these solutions too! Check out our newly released Solutions Summit Summary Report, in collaboration with CVS Health, filled with insights and recommendations for our community from private and public leaders and military family members.

2024 Solutions Summit: Where Data Becomes Action Discover key learnings, opportunities, and recommendations for public and private stakeholders to support military family well-being.

Military caregivers provide care and assistance to ill, wounded, injured, or otherwise impaired service members and veterans. Caregiver responsibilities are critical to helping those they care for live better lives and enhancing their recovery and rehabilitation. How can we ensure that caregivers receive the support they need to thrive in their role? https://bit.ly/3WBtjey

Join Tennessee Justice Center on Thursday, October 24 for the Military Families & Nutrition Safety Net Programs webinar! Dr. Shanna Smith will share MFAN’s research and discuss the importance of programs like SNAP and WIC for military-connected families. Register today: https://www.tnjustice.org/event-details/military-families-and-nutrition-safety-net-programs

Have plans on October 24th?

Join us at 1:00PM CST to discuss how programs like SNAP and WIC can help military families, veterans, and their loved ones! We will be joined by guest speaker Dr. Shanna A. Smith.

As an applied mixed-methods researcher, Dr. Shanna A. Smith currently serves as the associate director of research for the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). During her time with the organization, she has also shared her background and expertise on MFAN’s external relations and programs teams. Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Walden University, a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hardin-Simmons University. For Dr. Smith, the needs and well-being of military and veteran families is personal – she is a military child, sister, and spouse.

🔗 Register now at tnjustice.org/events!

A weekend full of growth, learning, and collaboration all in the name of supporting military families. 💙💛

Throughout each advisor's tenure, MFAN and CVS Health strive to create a holistic experience of personal development and opportunities for growth and giving back.

This weekend, advisors gathered in Alexandria, VA to participate in an Inclusive Leadership workshop and discussions on how to turn research into action for military and veteran families. We were fortunate enough to spend time with Mrs. Christine Grady, spouse of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and member of MFAN's Board of Directors, where we shared experiences navigating military life. Thank you, Mrs. Grady, for welcoming us into your home and to our advisors for their steadfast dedication to this special community.

A primary concern for all parents is access to child care, and the issue’s complexity deepens for military families. What types of care do you most need for your child? What obstacles have you faced in finding affordable and reliable care? What resources or programs have helped you? Share them below to help out fellow !

If you are currently in need of child care assistance, check out https://bit.ly/4eRvQJF

Hey, , when did you last update your information in TRICARE's Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System?

It’s critical to keep your DEERS information up to date so you and your family can use TRICARE. Log into your account whenever you have a change, need to update contact information, or add/remove family members. https://www.tricare.mil/deers

These are the stories of many military families. Extended time between visits, missing family milestones, affordability of travel, and other dynamics shape the well-being of the entire family unit. https://bit.ly/3WBtjey

MFAN believes that no family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. That's why we have focused on understanding the complexities of military food insecurity through research and providing direct support through programs like the MFANetwork.

This , we recognize that there's always more to be done and invite you to join us. Visit mfan.org/thenetwork today to find local resources, informational webinars, show your support, and more.

Welcome to the MFANetwork MFAN is connecting military families to the support they need and getting at the root of issues in our community.

MFAN was honored to celebrate International Day of the Girl at The White House last week. This inspiring event, "Girls Leading Change," honored the contributions of young leaders who spearhead positive change within their local communities.

Thank you, Joining Forces and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, for the invitation!

WIC supports military families every day. That’s why we want to hear from service members about why matters to you! Tell us your story and spread the word today: https://bit.ly/47qXU3m

Happy Birthday to the Navy! 🎉

Today, we salute the brave men and women who have served in our nation's Navy. Your dedication and service have been pivotal in maintaining peace and security. Thank you!

Hey, ! Looking for a free resource to help you navigate deployments and military separations? Join PILLAR live on October 18-20 for insightful panels, amazing giveaways, new connections, and more.

Head to bit.ly/pillar24 to get your free ticket today.

Today, MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin was invited to participate in an MSO/VSO Roundtable, during the meeting she posed the following question, “We applaud the major steps the Taking Care of Our People initiative has taken to strengthen economic security. Has the Department been able to quantify the potential economic impact of the changes made, what additional changes do you anticipate, and how can the MSOs/VSOs present support your efforts?”

The work done has been significant, BAH increases, pay increases, temporary lodging allowance expansion, FSAs, and more. While we recognize there is always room for growth, there is also much to celebrate. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your leadership and investment in military families!

How does your work support positive mental health?

This , we're joining the World Health Organization (WHO) to share the link between work and mental health. A supportive work environment fosters mental health, providing purpose and stability. But inversely, poor working conditions can harm mental well-being, reducing both job satisfaction and productivity.

World Mental Health Day 2024 Find out about this year's World Mental Health Day campaign (10 October) and how you can get involved.

Please join us in welcoming the newest additions to our leadership team! Cameron Brien, Christine Grady, Tim Grailer, Mike Nitka, and Major General (Ret). Michael Place, MD each bring extensive experience and fresh perspectives to our already talented Board of Directors. We thrilled for the opportunity to learn from each new member and grow together in support of our military-connected community.

MFAN Adds to Board of Directors, Sharpens Focus on Serving Military-Connected Families Cam Brien, Christine Grady, Tim Grailer, Michael Nitka, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Place, MD join Board of Directors.

MFAN is thrilled to share the Learnings Report from our PCS Pantry Restock Box pilot at Fort Cavazos, Texas. This program and the outcomes it has created reinforce the need for data-informed, collaborative solutions. It shows that with the right planning, 1+1 does equal 3, and that the demand for growth of programs of its kind is significant. Thank you to all our partners who made this work possible. We can't wait to share more about what's coming next.

MFANetwork Learnings Report: PCS Pantry Restock Box Fort Cavazos - Military Family Advisory Network The PCS Pantry Restock Box program is offsetting moving costs, providing essentials, and connecting families to local resources.

FLORIDA: Hurricane is an extremely dangerous, life-threatening storm. LEAVE NOW if you are in an evacuation zone. Find evacuation orders and get help evacuating at the link below.

Florida Division of Emergency Management

Hurricane Milton This call center runs 24/7 and can answer any Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene related questions in English, Spanish, and Creole. 

Throughout October, we’ll share key findings from the Healthy Families pillar, which examines whole family wellness through family relationships, children and child care, and caregiving. What topic are you most interested in learning about? https://bit.ly/3WBtjey

Have you ever wished grandparents, loved ones, and family members could help you through a move? Imagine, having someone you know and trust to watch your kiddos while you take care of household good shipments, school registrations, doctor appointments, and looking for a job. Well, the Department of Defense has exciting news to share. In the new pilot program, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will reimburse families on PCS orders for transportation costs of child care providers.

MFAN research shows the ripple effect a PCS can cause, that is why we are committed to supporting military families through moves as an upstream solution to challenges like food insecurity. This pilot has the potential to not only support the family’s finances, but also help prevent loneliness at a time when families are most vulnerable. This is the type of innovation that can make real change. Thank you, DoD and thank you to the families who continue to share their experiences with us.

Pilot Program to Cover Certain Child Care Costs After Permanent Change of Station Move The Defense Department is launching a three-year pilot program meant to reimburse service members up to $1,500 for travel-related expenses incurred for a temporary child care provider following a

Today, we join our country to honor those who were faced with unimaginable loss. On this Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, we remember your loved ones' bravery and service, and we stand with you. 🌟🇺🇸