by Andrew Moran

Created on: March 04, 2011   Last Updated: March 06, 2011

There has been extensive criticism of the United States government by military families.  One of the most interesting cases occurred in 2008.  A Marine Corps wife, who has an autistic child, presented her case in Washington arguing that the Pentagon’s healthcare system is continuing to fail active-duty military families.

In January, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill Biden, unveiled a new government initiative to provide more support to help American service members and their families during times of war, including when the men and women return home from battle, according to the

Politico.

The new effort, which includes nearly 50 federal public agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department, will be put forth in order to give the military families “the support they deserve.”

Since entering the White House more than two years ago, the First Lady and Biden have delivered speeches on military bases and hosted dinners for active service men and women.  The First Lady even appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show urging Americans to help those serving and defending the nation.

Michelle Obama called the initiative a “wake up call” for America.  “They never ask for help,” said the First Lady.  “You get it done when you’re in the military. That’s what you’re trained to do, that’s what you’re taught.”

Late last month, according to the Associated Press, Dr. Jill Biden and Michelle Obama launched an official formal campaign where they will raise awareness of military families and travel across the country.

“In the coming weeks, we are going to be launching a formal campaign,” said the Vice-President’s wife in an interview with the U.S. Air Force.  “We're going to reach out to all Americans," she said. "Michelle and I are going to go on a tour around the country to create this mass-media awareness, so that the 99 percent of Americans who are not serving can now serve the one percent who are.”

According to the official White House blog, speaking at a meeting of the National Governors’ Association at the White House about the campaign, the President’s wife asked for the governors’ help, support and encouragement “to make this a reality.”

How can the average American help those who risk their lives in the battlefield?  The First Lady noted that it doesn’t have to be something grandiose or large-scale, but the smallest acts of compassion and kindness can go a long way, reports the U.S. Department of Defense.

People can assist in shovelling the snow or mow the lawn.  Local businesses and professionals can offer military families a discount on products and/or services.  “However folks choose to help, the idea here is very simple,” said Obama.

In the end, though, the First Lady said that this program is all about “gratitude to that very small group of Americans who make such a tremendous contribution and sacrifice to this country.”

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