The government is shut down. But military service never stops.
November 10, 2025
This article was written by Ben Keiser and featured in the Houston Chronicle
This was supposed to be the first time that Fleet Week came to Houston. Fleet Week is a U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard tradition in which active-duty military show off their ships, and this year’s celebration, the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, would have been extra special. But because of the government shutdown, it’s been postponed until next year.
For service members, that’s a disappointment. But it’s hardly the only stress that military families are facing because of the shutdown. Though active-duty personnel have been paid so far, reservists and National Guard members are missing paychecks. After Nov. 15, even active-duty members may not be paid.
Right now in Greater Houston, the veteran and military family service organization Combined Arms reports a 49% increase in requests for food assistance and a 23% increase in rent and mortgage assistance from the military community in the past month. If SNAP benefits lapse in the coming days, this demand will likely grow.
Our national organization, We the Veterans and Military Families, exists for moments exactly like this. When circumstances change, we don’t cancel. We adapt our plans and adjust our impact.
That’s why, shutdown or no shutdown, we’re pressing forward with our Continued Impact Summit on November 10, right here in Houston. Civilians are invited to join us and be part of our mission: empowering veterans and military families to strengthen America.
The date isn’t coincidental. November 10 is the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday — a milestone not just for my fellow Marines, but for all Americans who believe in service, leadership and community.
Two hundred and fifty years of Marine Corps service isn’t just military history. It’s a legacy of sacrifice and fidelity that continues every day in communities across America. From state and local governments to classrooms, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, Marine Corps veterans — and all veterans — carry forward the same commitment to country that guided them in uniform. That legacy doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It evolves.
Read the full article here!