Celebrating Excellence: NMFA’s 2024 Support of Military Families Award Recipients
For more than half a century, the National Military Family Association (NMFA) has stood as a steadfast advocate for the men and women who serve our nation, and the families who support them. Since 1984, NMFA has honored individuals and organizations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being of military families with the Support of Military Families Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes those whose work or leadership has positively impacted the lives of service members and their loved ones across the globe.
In 2024, NMFA is proud to bestow this honor upon two remarkable recipients: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Quality of Life Panel. Their efforts have solidified the standards for championing the quality of life for military families, creating meaningful change that echoes across the Department of Defense and Capitol Hill.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III: A Champion for Quality of Life
Under the leadership of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, the Department of Defense has prioritized the well-being and readiness of military families. Recognizing that the stability of service members is deeply intertwined with the quality of life for their loved ones, Secretary Austin has spearheaded critical initiatives to address the needs of today’s military families.
Over the past three years, his leadership has catalyzed action on pivotal issues, from spousal employment to the affordability of basic needs and improved processes for permanent change of station (PCS) moves. Secretary Austin’s Taking Care of People priority has culminated in the implementation of seven new quality-of-life initiatives aimed at easing the pressures faced by military families.
Among the transformative measures are:
- Dependent care and healthcare flexible savings accounts for service members.
- Universal pre-K education at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.
- Expanded My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program to offer greater educational and career support for military spouses.
- Enhanced Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) and Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to reduce financial burdens during PCS moves.
These actions, rooted in service members’ experiences and feedback, ensure that military families receive the support they need to thrive, enabling service members to focus on their mission.
In recognition of his steadfast leadership and dedication to enhancing the lives of military families, NMFA is proud to present the Support of Military Families Award to Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.
House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel: Elevating Military Families’ Voices
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Quality of Life Panel, established in 2023, has brought unprecedented focus to the legislative and policy needs of military families. Over the past year, the panel worked closely with military families, NMFA, and other military service organizations to identify barriers to well-being and develop actionable recommendations to improve quality of life.
On April 11, 2024, NMFA joined the HASC Quality of Life Panel and nonprofit partners on Capitol Hill to release these groundbreaking recommendations. The panel’s report included proposals to improve access to childcare, enhance housing conditions, and provide greater financial stability for military families.
Although the recommendations were incorporated into the House version of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), NMFA and its partners continue to advocate for their inclusion in the final bill. The panel’s efforts mark a significant step forward in amplifying military families’ voices within the legislative process, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.
For their commitment to improving the lives of military families, NMFA is honored to present the Support of Military Families Award to the HASC Quality of Life Panel.
A Future Strengthened by Advocacy
The recipients of the 2024 Support of Military Families Award embody the principles of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Secretary Austin’s decisive actions within the Department of Defense and the HASC Quality of Life Panel’s legislative efforts represent two sides of the same mission: creating a brighter, more stable future for military families.
Their work underscores an essential truth: when military families are supported, our nation’s defense is stronger. NMFA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the voices of military families are heard, celebrated, and acted upon. Together with these extraordinary leaders, we will continue to strive for a world where every military family has the resources and stability they need to thrive.
As we honor this year’s awardees, we also look ahead with hope and determination—because when military families are stronger, the possibilities are limitless.
By: MJ Boice, Digital Audience Manager
