Be Part of the Joining Forces Community Challenge

I’m writing today about a very special project, the Joining Forces Community Challenge.

In that past few years, the First Lady and I have seen incredible examples of people and organizations reaching out to our military families in creative and meaningful ways.  Individuals and groups are coming together in communities all across this country to make a difference in the lives of our service members by hosting baby showers, providing free accounting help during tax season, or recognizing military families during community events.  As an Army mom, I am especially grateful for this outreach.

To recognize and celebrate these individuals and organizations, the First Lady and I launched the Joining Forces Community Challenge earlier this summer.  The challenge will award several national prizes later this year that recognize citizens and organizations for their efforts in support of military families.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden greet people while visiting the Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio, Texas, April 13, 2011. The First Lady and Dr. Biden met with service members and their families during their visit to the facility, which helps care for family members of Wounded Warriors whose recovery is expected to last a long period of time. The center was built with private donations and is run by volunteers from the surrounding community. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Since announcing the challenge, we’ve received many submissions and nominations that show the creative and meaningful work being done by groups large and small around the country.  We’ve heard about programs that are helping expectant wives of deployed Marines, groups that are serving holiday meals annually for military families in Southern Illinois, and even a heavy metal band that plays free concerts around the country for our military families – just to name a few.

The First Lady and I encourage you to sign up for the challenge at JoiningForces.Challenge.gov.  Tell us about the ways you’re helping and honoring these brave families – or nominate someone in your community who is doing great work.

We can all make a difference in the life of a military family.  We want to thank those of you that are doing extraordinary work for our extraordinary heroes!

Dr. Jill Biden is the Second Lady of the United States.