Logistics Specialist 1 Charles Seidel, his wife, Bobbie, and their son Charles R. Seidel, who are being honored by the National Military Family Association as the 2010 Navy Family of the Year, met today with Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) who thanked them for their commitment to the nation.

    Stationed at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck Township, Monmouth County, NJ in Smith’s district, LS1 Seidel and his family have been selected as this year’s choice to represent the Association and Navy families in the U.S. and abroad. Bobbie Siedel works at the former Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station in Ocean County, also in Smith’s district, and now part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

    The Association’s Family Award Program recognizes strong military families who embrace their service to the nation, are role models in their community, and understand that together they are stronger.

    “The Seidels are a perfect example of how civic-minded military members and their families can take the lead and work to expand and enhance humanitarian programs both here and abroad,” Smith said. “The Seidel have gone above and beyond the call of duty and championed causes that are making a real difference in the lives of others.”

    The Seidel family is being honored for their valued leadership and exemplary service to the local communities around their duty stations. In addition to volunteering with food banks, clothing drives and school reading programs, the family has worked with:

• the Navy League, a non-profit organization whose mission includes providing support, education and outreach for sea service members and their families;
• the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization which primary mission is to advocate for wounded warriors of the United States Armed Forces and their families, and;
• Operation Christmas Child, a project run by Samaritan's Purse, where individuals can create personalized gift-filled boxes of toys, school supplies and other items online that are then sent to a child in need.

    LS1 Seidel has also volunteered with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Fleet and Family Support Center, and Familyline Mentor, among other organizations.

    On Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, the National Military Family Association will hold their annual Leadership Luncheon to announce which of the seven services’ families will be named Military Family of the Year. Families of active duty, Reserve Component, and retirees from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and several other federal agencies are eligible for the award.

    “The Seidels are role models for the military community,” Smith said. “The sacrifices that military families make in defense of our nation can be tremendously difficult at times. However, the Seidels have shown that through strong leadership, they can not only handle any challenges that come with service to our country, but can continue to give back to those less fortunate.”