Like many of you, I was glad to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday. Last month was the month of the military child; this month is National Military Appreciation Month; one week ago was military spouse appreciation day; and Memorial Day and Armed Forces Week are quickly approaching.

I don’t think it’s just a coincidence that Mother’s Day is on the calendar so close to those other events.  Mother’s Day gives us a great opportunity to reflect upon the larger context of our families.

Families are important. CNO and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy believe that and I believe that.

In fact, MCPON recently said that “We recruit Sailors, but we retain families.” He’s right, and the reason is twofold.

First, families add to our readiness and mission accomplishment. Their support is crucial to what we do as a service. Vice Adm. Conway recently wrote that military spouses meet the challenges that come with the military through frequent moves, long deployments, and wartime fears. We are a nation at war, but spouses and families help make our success in the Global War on Terrorism possible.  Why?  Families add stability and continuity.

Second, the Navy isn’t just Sailors. Our Navy includes our Sailors’ families.  Many decisions we make directly affect Navy families.  The reverse is also true.  Policies, programs, and decisions that affect Sailors also impact their families.

By remembering that Sailors and their families don’t exist independently, we forge a common commitment to take care of each other. That’s our challenge.  During a time of scarce resources and high pace of operations, there’s a temptation to focus only on the mission. The mission is important, but we can’t lose sight of the family.

This is an important message for all of us. Each of us has an impact on the other. Sailors lead and serve each other. Family members support their Sailors and support each other. Region staff, civil service employees and contractors provide countless, vital services to Fleet units and families alike. No matter where you serve, what you do is important and its impact is measurable. We’re all interconnected and interdependent.

As we look forward to Memorial Day, I ask you to remember and honor the commitment of family members. I salute you for your contribution to the mission, and for your unwavering support and dedication.