Every November, our country pauses to honor something truly profound: National Veterans and Military Families Month. Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to thank the brave men and women who served, but this month-long observance widens the lens. It invites us to look closely at the people whose love and commitment make that service possible – the families who carry the weight of military life right alongside their veteran.

September is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside each year to strengthen our ability to face the unexpected. Disasters – whether fire, flood, storm, or prolonged power outage – rarely announce their arrival, and their impact can be especially challenging in rural communities.