The National Security program maintains and promotes a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military service members and their families.

 

January is National Security month.

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Special dates to remember under this program:

• September 11 - National Patriot's Day - plan a remembrance service in the Community

• September 16 - POW/MIA recognition day (3rd Friday in September). Commemorate and honor this Nation's Prisoners of War and those who are Missing in Action as well as their families. Continue to urge and demand the fullest accounting of All POW/MIA'S from all wars.

 

Remember Everyone Deployed (R.E.D.) Wear red on Friday to help bring awareness to your community. Red Friday shirts can be ordered online and at Flag & Emblem Catalog.

 

Gold Star Families have experienced the loss of a loved one - an immediate family member- who died because of active-duty military service. Those who die in service to their country leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children and extended families. The title is meant to honor the service members' ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family's loss, grief & continued healing. The term Gold Star family is a modem reference that comes from the Service Flag.

 

These flags/banners were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the United States were engaged. In the event of a death, that blue star is replaced with a gold variant - the highest honor.

 

The ALA through National Security calls upon our members to maintain strong communities at home. Part of that includes being prepared for natural and man-made emergencies that might occur. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a program to prepare citizens for emergency responses.

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FEMA' S Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates community members on disaster preparedness in their local communities. Training is offered on four topics: fire safety, light search and rescue, team organizations and disaster medical operations. Once trained CERT members can assist their community in preparing for and responding to emergencies.

 

Training is a great way for an individual ALA member to fulfill her/his service obligation independently. It is also a great opportunity for an ALA Unit to organize a group of ALA members to train together.

 

Go to www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams. Click on "Find Nearby CERT Programs”. You will be redirected to a page where you can input your ZIP Code. This page will produce a list of CERT programs near you.

 

The Armed Forces Service Center has been located at the MSP Airport since November of 1970. They offer complimentary refreshments, sleeping bunk rooms for men and women, a nice lounge, playroom, dining room, luggage room, PC, CAC reader, shower and three bathrooms during the daily hours of operation. The lobby area is available 24/7.

 

The Armed Forces Service Center is open 8:00 am to 10:45 pm every day. It is located on Level 2 of Concourse A. The Center would not be able to be open without the many dedicated volunteers that work there every day. Donations are always welcomed for this very important center. Many military members use this center for some down time while waiting at the airport. Those eligible to use the facility are Active Duty, National Guard, reserves, Purple Hear, Moh, former POW, Retirees, Dependents, DoD and 100% DAV (with a DOD ID card).

 

The AFSC is a 501 ©(3) Non-Profit Organization.

 

The Department of Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary donates money each year. Please continue to do so as they are very appreciative of all donations.