SIDNEY – Since 1993, YMCAs have celebrated Military Family Month, providing Americans the opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of military personnel and their families. The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA supports military families this November and throughout the year with programs and initiatives that improve their well-being and provide opportunities to connect with other families waiting at home.
“Military families have many needs when a loved one is away from home,” said David O’Leary, operations firector, Sidney-Shelby County YMCA. “Whether it’s providing a place where kids can make friends and have a sense of belonging or providing a place for adults to meet health goals, the Y has a number of options to help.”
The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA offers Y memberships through the Military Outreach Initiative. Since 2008, the Military Outreach Initiative has provided more than 75,000 Y memberships to military members and their families.
This Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA is offering a free guest pass to any military personnel (active or retired) with a valid military ID. If military personnel choose to join the Y on Veterans Day, the New Member Fee will be waived.
“This is just one small way that we can thank those that have served and continue to serve our country,” said O’Leary.
First established by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and recognized by first lady Nancy Reagan in 1993, Military Family Month recognizes the dedication and service of military personnel and their families. On Oct. 30, 2009, President Barack Obama continued this important initiative by proclaiming November as Military Family Month, calling on “all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.”
To learn more about the Y and programming that supports military families, contact Membership Coordinator Stephanie Lobsinger at 937-492-9134 or [email protected].
