The purpose of the Council meeting is to review the military family programs which will be the focus for the Council for next year, and address selected concerns of military family organizations.

The meeting is open to the public, subject to the availability of space. Persons desiring to attend may contact Melody McDonald at 571-372-0880 or email FamilyReadinessCouncil@osd.mil no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 to arrange for parking and escort into the conference room inside the Pentagon. Escorts will be provided from the Pentagon Metro entrance.

Interested persons may submit a written statement for consideration by the Council. Persons desiring to submit a written statement to the Council must notify Melody McDonald or Betsy Graham, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Military Community & Family Policy), 4800 Mark Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22350-2300, Room 3G15. Telephones (571) 372-0880; (571) 372-0881 and/or email: FamilyReadinessCouncil@osd.mil no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 13.

This meeting is different than the DoD Advisory Panel on Special Needs that happens Sept. 13 in Alexandria, Va. The Readiness Council looks at all military family issues.

Thanks to the Military Officer Association of America for pushing to make this event happen. MOAA will be one of the organizations attending the meeting and wants your feedback, whether enlisted or officer. You can leave a note on MOAA’s blog letting DoD know what your top three priorities are for military families.