The Borough of Highlands, in partnership with the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), has issued an invitation to all local military families, veterans, service members, and the community in general to attend the first Operation Reach Out Open House Saturday, November 14,at the Robert D. Wilson Memorial Community Center, 22 Snug Harbor Avenue. No reservations are necessary and a light breakfast will be served.
The borough was the first in the nation to participate in Operation Reach Out, a new community-based initiative focused on bringing military families together in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. The program is designed to help military-connected families meet one another, develop friendships, share experiences, and build a stronger local support network.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon, who introduced the program to the borough after meeting with Lieutenant Commander Steven Rogers USN (ret) the executive director of Operation Reach Out, said the free event m which begins at 10 a.m. will introduce residents to the association and Operation Reach Out and provide an opportunity for military families to meet one another in a relaxed setting. A complimentary light breakfast will be served.
The event is also open to residents who simply want to learn how they can support local military families. Community organizations, businesses, veterans, volunteers, and civic groups are encouraged to attend and learn how they can become part of the growing network of support.
The Highlands Council approved a resolution supporting and endorsing the Association’s Reach Out program earlier this year, after Rogers met with Broullon and spoke at the borough’s joint ceremony with the Knights of Columbus at the Twin Lights. That ceremony recognized the date and place when the Pledge of Allegiance was said publicly for the first time. Council members showed their support for all military personnel and their families by endorsing the Association’s innovative program to offer the opportunity for friendship and understanding of how military families face unusual challenges in their lives as neighbors in small communities.
“This is a great program and we’re happy to be the first to adopt it and help bring military families closer together,” Broullon said, in issuing the invitation to the community to attend the November event.
The Association of the US Navy, also known as AUSN is an organization dedicated to supporting U S Navy and Coast Guard personnel, veterans, and their families through advocacy, education, outreach, and community engagement.
Persons wanting more information on AUSN can visit their webpage at www.AUSN.org.
