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Thursday Three is Here!

July 16, 2020

As we get closer and closer to the November election, we want to reiterate something we’ve asserted since our incorporation as a nonprofit. MFAN is, has been, and always will be a non-partisan organization. We are passionate about educating ALL military families about the issues that impact them and the importance of voting, but we do not endorse any party or candidate. Having said that, what are the rules for military family members who choose to get involved in politics? You can learn more about it here.

Should November seem a million years away in this seemingly endless loop of every-day-is-Monday, perhaps you’re more interested now in fun things to do in your area. If you live in or near Colorado Springs, you’re in luck! Don’t miss Fun Things to Do at Your Duty Station: Colorado Springs on the MFAN Blog. (For the rest of you, stay tuned for more info on a military installation near you soon!)

Here’s what we’re hearing about this week:

MFAN and Wounded Warrior Project Partner to Develop Joint Research Report

We are excited to announce that MFAN is one of 22 best-in-class military-and veteran-connected service organizations to receive funding from the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to support our country’s wounded warriors and their families. WWP reports that a total of $4.4 million is being invested in “these best-in-class organizations for their demonstrated abilities to supplement WWP’s programs and services.”

MFAN is so grateful for the continued support of WWP and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve the quality of life for our injured/ill warriors and their loved ones. We’d like to congratulate our peers in the space who have also been recognized – many of whom we’re proud to already call partners!

Military Hit Harder by COVID-19

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Genesis Miranda.

DoD reports 4,100+ coronavirus positive service members from July 1st.- 10th. This represents a 33% increase in the last 10 days and is twice the national rate of growth (16%) during this window of time. The assistant defense secretary for health affairs indicates that this rise is in large part likely due to increased testing of service members, including those who have been asymptomatic.

This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the military’s infection rate (0.8 percent) approximates that of the general public (0.9 percent across the nation).

Okinawa has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic recently.

Due to 100 cases of COVID-19 on Marine bases, military personnel are on virtual lockdown. Off-base movement is banned unless a lieutenant colonel or higher approves it. Just last week US Navy admirals had shared the great lengths they’d gone to in order to ensure military readiness amidst a pandemic.

As of July 11th, a combined 16,637 positive COVID-19 tests have been reported across the services, with three deaths resulting, and another 2,212 cases have been reported among military dependents, with five deaths resulting.

Did You Want Fries with That?

Eating poorly can easily undo any fitness gains, according to Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston. While there has been a lot of emphasis on fitness and service members being able to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which will replace the Army Physical Fitness Test on October 1, this focus on fitness can quickly unravel once service members return to their normal eating habits.

Grinston’s initiative, the Army Commitment to Overall Nutrition (ACTION), emphasizes holistic health, exercise, and healthy foods. His aim is not to rid the world (or the post at least) of fast food places. Instead, he encourages healthy choices and says that leadership has an important role to play in service members making those kinds of choices.

And, yes, air fryers may replace the deep fryers in chow halls. You can read more about it here.

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We hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!