Winter 2012 • Vol. 5 No. 1 • www.arfp.org

442nd IN REGT “Go for Broke” Honors Mother of Fallen Soldier

GETTING READY FOR 

KINDERGARTEN

DEALING WITH 

YOUR FEELINGS

WHEN YOUR SPOUSE 

IS ABOUT TO DEPLOY

Photo Illustration
Army Reserve Families get free access to this

program at www.tutor.com/military

Program funded by Department of Defense MWR Library Program and Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
IN THIS ISSUE

ARMY RESERVE COMMAND TEAM

Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz

Chief, Army Reserve

Chief Warrant Officer 5 James E. Thompson

Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army Reserve

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Schultz

Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve

FAMILY STRONG STAFF

Sonia I. Wriglesworth

Director, Army Reserve Family Programs

Lt. Col. Ignacio Perez

Chief, Command Information Branch

Melissa Russell

Editor-in-Chief, Family Strong

Schatz Publishing

Design and Layout Services

SUBMISSIONS • Family Strong invites articles, 

story ideas, photographs, and other material of 

interest to the members of the U.S. Army Reserve. 

Manuscripts and other correspondence for the 

editor should be addressed to Commander, U.S. 

Army Reserve Command, Attn: Public Affairs 

(Family Strong), 4710 Knox Street, Fort Bragg, 

NC 28310-5010. All e-mail submissions should 

go to mailcall@arfp.org. All articles must be 

submitted electronically, on disk or CD; unsolicited 

manuscripts and photographs will not be returned. 

Query by letter.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS • Do not write the 

magazine. TPU Soldiers should notify their Unit 

Administrator or Unit Clerk. Members of the IRR and 

IMA should contact their Personnel Management 

Team at U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 

ATTN: IRR/IMA Personnel Management, 1600 

Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 

40122. AGRs should contact their PMO/PMNCO. 

Special military distribution recipients may write 

the editor directly.

SUBSCRIPTIONS • Family Strong is distributed 

free of charge to members of the United States 

Army Reserve. Circulation is free and distributed 

to approximately 280,000. To subscribe, visit 

www.arfp.org.

ARMY RESERVE 

FAMILY PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE

WEBSITE: www.arfp.org

OUTREACH & SUPPORT CENTER:

866-345-8248

Winter 2012 • Vol. 5 No. 1

Contents

FEATURED

Message from the Top: Laura Stultz............................................................4

Looking Ahead: A Message from Marge Thompson ....................................5

IN THIS ISSUE

Getting Ready for Kindergarten...................................................................6

Help with Schoolwork – for Students of All Ages! .......................................8

Chaplain’s Corner: A Cord of Three Strands: 

Resiliency Through Community .................................................................9

AR CYSS Hosts Academic Success Day Camp During 

Battle Assembly Weekend in Iowa ............................................................10

442nd IN REGT “Go for Broke” Honors Mother of Fallen Soldier................12

Military OneSource Tip of the Week: Dealing with Your Feelings 

When Your Spouse is About to Deploy .....................................................13

Good News Story for Certain Surviving Spouses ......................................14

Operation Home Front: Back to School .....................................................14

BUZZWORTHY

U.S. Army Reserve Family Program Directors...........................................15

ON THE COVER 

Spc. John Freitas, with A Company, 345th 

Military Intelligence Battalion,

Military Intelligence Readiness Command, 

shares welcome-home hugs at Ft. Gordon, Ga. 

with his two daughters and five-month-old son 

after returning from a year-long deployment to 

Iraq. Photo by Maj. Annmarie Daneker. 

Photo illustration by Schatz Publishing.

These youth, led by Tyler Houck, 

enjoy the natural surroundings 

during a hike around the lake at 

Fort Des Moines County Park.10
4 Family Strong

FEATURED

Message from the Top

Laura Stultz, wife of Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz. 

Photo by Eric Minton

Laura Stultz

We have been averaging just over 2,000 demobilizations 

per month for the last couple of years. Throughout it all, 

I have been honored to witness the consistent service 

and sacrifice of both Soldiers and Families. From brightly colored, 

hand-painted welcome home signs splashed across auditoriums 

and flight lines, to the tiny flags clutched in the hands of children 

waiting impatiently for their returning heroes... moments like these 

give our Soldiers the strength to carry on in the face of adversity.

The link between Family readiness and operational success 

is evident in today’s military members, the majority of which 

are married personnel. The extended and repeated deployments 

in response to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan that placed 

tremendous demands on the military may finally be abating, but 

I believe the need to provide excellence in support of our Families 

has never been greater. 

To help military Families cope with this unprecedented level 

of strain, the Department of Defense (DoD) has redesigned and 

augmented existing Family readiness programs and activities, in 

addition to launching new programs over the past several years. 

Increasing reliance on the reserve component in those operations 

has shed light on the need to ensure access to Family readiness 

programs to the more geographically dispersed reserve component 

Families, many of whom are less familiar with available resources 

than active duty Families.

We are committed to providing seamless support and services 

to our Soldiers and Families, providing resources closest to where 

they reside. I have gone over many of them with you before, but 

the importance of availing yourself to them cannot be overstated. 

For broad-based support, here are two of my favorites.

 My initiative, the Army Strong Community Center/

Virtual Installation, is intended to bridge the access gap 

experienced by geographically dispersed service members 

and Families. The ASCC is an element of the Virtual Installation initiative created to fill gaps in services by providing 

flexible and responsive support through trained, qualified 

and skilled staff. It combines resources to provide virtually the same level of and access to support that Soldiers 

and Families would expect from a military installation. 

 Army Reserve Fort Family/Outreach Center: Fort 

Family is providing a single gateway to responsive Family Crisis Assistance, and is available 24/7, 365 days a 

year. It provides a unit and community-based solution 

to connect people to people. By pinpointing Families 

in need and local community resources, we can quickly 

connect Families to resources, thus providing installationcommensurate services in the geographic location of the 

crisis. Fort Family has established a community-based 

capacity by engaging our Nation’s “Sea of Goodwill” to 

support Soldiers and Families closest to where they live. 

I encourage you to log on to the Army Reserve Family Programs 

website for information on programs best suited to address your 

individual concerns and issues. Army Reserve Family Programs 

provides commanders with relevant and responsive quality-of-life 

programs and services in support of Soldiers, Families and DA 

civilians. Programs and services include education and prevention, 

training, outreach, information, referral and follow-up. 

Even with deployments scaling down, many Soldiers and Families 

continue to face challenges reintegrating. A spouse may also be 

reluctant to give up some of the responsibilities he or she took over 

in the Soldier’s absence, and Soldiers may have trouble adapting 

or have some concerns about where they now fit in. Working 

hard to keep communication open among Family members helps, 

but we stand ready 

and committed to 

ensuring ongoing 

access to the many 

resources available.

For More Information

about available programs and assistance, 

please visit www.arfp.org.
www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 5

FEATURED

MESSAGE FROM: MARGE THOMPSON

Looking Ahead

Marge Thompson, wife of Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Thompson

I

might as well get right into it. Jim is retiring at the end of 

July with 40 years of service to the Army Reserve and to 

our country. Families have come a long way since then, 

but there is still a long way to go. As forces pull out of Iraq 

and – in the near future – Afghanistan, budgets will be cut 

and we will have to decide which programs benefit our Army 

Reserve Families the most. At a recent meeting, senior spouses 

and staff members looked at the existing programs with the 

goal of determining which brought the most value to Soldiers 

and Families. It’s going to be a difficult decision, if and when 

it has to be made. 

When asked to decide which five Army Reserve Family 

Programs we would like to keep the most, we all felt like we 

did not know which programs our Soldier’s Families needed 

and used the most. So I urge you to communicate with the 

senior leaders in your commands and let them know what you 

need. Don’t be shy or bashful about it. I have been to these 

meetings, trainings and conferences for the past four years and 

can say firsthand that your leaders do care about you and are 

concerned about meeting your needs. There is a list of Family 

Programs Directors printed on the inside, back cover of every 

issue of Family Strong – find out who your Director is and tell 

them what is important to you.

We hate to hear of a Soldier or Family member falling through 

the cracks and not knowing where to take problems, especially 

when we have so many resources within Army Reserve Family 

Programs to help with financial, Family, medical or remote 

care issues, or even if you just need someone who is willing 

to listen. You have a voice and I implore you to use it – for 

yourself and the betterment of your Family. 

It has been a distinct honor to play a role in speaking out 

on behalf of Army Reserve Families. I hope that in doing so 

I have made a measurable impact in conveying the amazing 

service and sacrifice Soldiers and Families make every day. Sgt. Maj. James Davis, of 

Ashburn, VA., and his Family
6 Family Strong

IN THIS ISSUE

Getting Ready for 

Kindergarten

By Travis McKinney, 335th SC (T) CYSS School Support Specialist

Photos by Jennifer Stevens, 81st RSC CYSS Community Outreach Specialist

So you think it is easy to get ready 

for kindergarten? Well, think again. 

Starting kindergarten is a major 

transition and “rite of passage” for young 

children. Children and parents struggle 

with separation anxiety, staying awake 

in the afternoon, sharing and working in 

groups . . . have you ever heard the words, 

“Mine! Mine!” in a kindergarten class or 

heard a parent say, “But he’s not ready.” 

(Translation: I am not ready.)

In an effort to help pre-kindergarteners 

prepare for the rigors of kindergarten, 

Army Reserve Child, Youth & School Services (AR CYSS), in collaboration with the 

Midlands Boys and Girls Club (Columbia, 

SC), conducted a “Kinder-Ready Camp,” 6 

August 2011 for 25 Army Reserve children 

ages 3 to 6 years old. Certified teachers 

simulated a typical day in kindergarten 

that included standard lessons and activities, snack time, bathroom breaks and nap 

time. Other skills needed for kindergarten, 

like learning to transition from one activity to the next in lines and participating in 

group instruction, were a part of the day’s 

activities as well. Additionally, there was an 

interactive school bus safety demonstration 

in which all participants were given guidance on how to behave during normal and 

emergency bus operations. 

Lessons included recitation and learning 

of the alphabet, counting accurately to 10 

and higher, the days of the week and recognizing colors and shapes such as cones and 

spheres. The Kinder-Ready Camp placed 

high emphasis on kindergarten curriculum 

fundamentals as well as physical education 

and physical movement. 

Children participating in the Kinder-Ready 

Camp moved within mini-group lessons 

conducted on the carpet followed by individual work at learning centers. The children 

socialized very well with their peers, learned 

about sharing, caring, being good friends and 

having respect for people and things.

Preparing for 

Kindergarten  Start talking about kindergarten 

early, before school starts. Talk 

to your child about the exciting and 

positive aspects of kindergarten. 

Listen to the emotions — confusion, fear, anxiety. Respond to 

the emotions and questions and 

provide reassurance and comfort.

 Go for a visit. Find the kindergarten 

class your child will attend and see 

if there is an orientation or visiting 

day. This will allow an opportunity 

to meet the teacher, some of the 

other children in the class and 

find out about the daily routine.

 Get to know other kindergarteners. Organize a play date with 

other children in the child’s class.

 Get into a routine. Establish a 

school day routine. Put the child to 

bed, wake up, get ready (washed 

up, dressed and breakfast) as if 

it were a school day. Purchase 

containers for snack/lunches and 

make sure the backpack is a good 

fit and easy to get on and off.

 Practice everyday activities – 

toileting by his/her self, taking 

off and putting on shoes and 

coat. Ask and practice what the 

child will be expected to know 

how to do in kindergarten.

 Give it time. Leave plenty of time 

to get to school on the first day. 

Say goodbye; do not sneak off. 

This only makes the transition more 

difficult. Expect ups and downs 

the first week (for both of you).

Source: reprint One Tough Job Campaign, 

copyright, Children’s Trust Fund of Massachusetts 2007. All rights reserved. (onetoughjob.

org: an online resource for real-live parents)

“Keep those little bodies moving,” Ms. Mary Robbins 

leads the Music and Movement Module using Zumba.
www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 7

IN THIS ISSUE

Quotes from Parents 

and Guardians:

"This was an excellent opportunity to prepare our upcoming 

kindergarten students on what to expect for the school year. The 

drive from Atlanta (Ga) to Columbia (SC) was definitely worthwhile!" 

Major Gabriella McKinney, FORSCOM PAO (Ft. McPherson, Ga.)

"This was a great experience for my Family as a whole. My 

favorite part was the school bus safety because it gave a true 

sense of what Miyon (child) should expect when riding a bus for 

the first time. Miyon was very excited about his first day at school 

and I credit the Kinder-Ready School Break Camp for this; I really 

appreciate the staff for everything they did."

SFC Alesia Adams, Columbia Recruiting Battalion (Columbia, SC)

Sarah Galloway 

admires her artwork 

in the “Free to Be Me” 

art project.

"It's amazing how many programs the Army Reserve and your program [Child, 

Youth & School Services] have for children. These programs are especially helpful 

for smaller children who are just beginning to learn about the military culture and 

what they have to look forward to in this life." 

SFC Ronald R. Martin, US Army Retired

"I didn't realize camps like this one even existed! What a great learning opportunity, not only for my child, but for so many others who share the same walk of 

life. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to send my child to a quality camp 

that enhanced her ability to socialize and grasp several concepts of learning. 

She is more prepared for kindergarten now, and for me, that is very reassuring." 

SGT Carmelita Young, USAR Retired (81st RSC, Columbia, SC)

Paris Young, selecting healthy eating items.

Ms. Tasha Martin, CYSS Community Outreach Specialist working with Savannah 

Bannister, Wynter Taylor, Taylor Hopkins and Paris Young on the Instant Learning 

module, “Home-style Dining.”
8 Family Strong

IN THIS ISSUE

For More Information

visit www.tutor.com/military or 

call (703) 571-3180.

Army Reserve and National Guard 

Soldiers and their Families can 

now receive online tutoring and 

homework assistance at no charge.

Tutor.com, the free online tutoring assistance previously available only to active duty 

and mobilized service members has now 

expanded to include hundreds of thousands 

of Reserve component service members and 

their Families, regardless of duty status. 

According to Acting Assistant Secretary 

of Defense David McGinnis, prior to the 

program's enhancement, Reserve component 

Soldiers and Families could only access the 

service while on Title 10 duty. 

The availability of is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department 

of Defense (DoD) Yellow Ribbon Program 

HELP WITH SCHOOLWORK –

for Students of All Ages!

By Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and Tutor.com for Military Families

and DoD’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation 

Library Program.

The program allows students of all ages 

— kindergarten through high school, as 

well as adults — the opportunity to interact 

with a live tutor online anytime for help 

with homework, exam preparation, and 

other academic assistance.

“It’s great that I can use the program 

anytime. It’s always accessible. I’m usually 

on between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., but 

I’ve also had a few 1:00 a.m. sessions,” 

says Kennedy, an 11th grader whose dad 

is in the Army. “My favorite part about 

using the service is that I don’t have to fall 

behind or wait until the next day to ask the 

teacher for help. I’m much better prepared 

for my classes.” 

Students using Tutor.com are matched 

with an expert in their respective field. 

These experts include certified teachers, 

college professors, graduate students and 

other professionals.

Student and tutors interact in a secure 

online classroom, where they can chat, 

draw on a shared whiteboard, upload files 

and browse the internet together. Every 

session is anonymous and no personal 

information is shared between the tutor 

and student.

Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and 

their Families can now receive free online tutoring 

and homework assistance at any time at www.

tutor.com/military. Photo by Edward N. Johnson
www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 9

IN THIS ISSUE

We had 14 people in our home 

for Thanksgiving dinner this 

past holiday season, including 

two single adults. One commented that she 

almost stayed at home, but was very glad 

she had come. During the winter months, 

as most of us experience longer periods 

of darkness and colder weather, we can 

find ourselves more isolated from friends 

and neighbors. Therefore, it is especially 

important this time of year to be intentional 

about investing in important relationships. 

The opening quote from the book of 

Ecclesiastes has some lessons for us on the 

importance of close, personal relationships.

More productive work. They “have a 

good return for their labor,” says the writer 

of Ecclesiastes. When we work with friends 

and family, or we have good relationship 

with co-workers, together we achieve more. 

The bucket-brigade and assembly line are 

examples of more productive and efficient 

work done in a group.

Mutual support. “One can help the 

other up.” Often we make the mistake of 

thinking, “I don’t need help,” when we 

neglect our relationships. You may be right, 

but the other person may need your help. 

Resiliency in relationships is one of mutual 

support, everyone in the group there for 

one another when the need arises. We don’t 

know when we might fall, so it is important 

to be the friend standing by to lend a hand 

when that other person stumbles.

Close relationship. “How can one keep 

warm alone?” One of my favorite childhood memories is that of crawling into 

my parents’ bed and snuggling between 

them on a cool morning. A relationship to 

enhance resiliency must be one of a high 

level of intimacy and openness. It can take 

time for a relationship to build to this point, 

so it is important to get started 

on making it close.

Common interests. “Two can 

defend themselves.” While this 

may be another way of talking 

about mutual support, those 

involved in a relationship for 

resiliency share common interests. In the case of the writer 

of Ecclesiastes, the common 

interest was mutual defense. 

Other common interests may 

be a hobby, or Family needs, 

or simply walking for exercise. 

But these common interests serve as a 

foundation for the relationship, a glue that 

holds several people together.

The story is told of a poor farmer about 

to pull a wagon heavily loaded with grain 

for market. He had one blind horse named 

Arthur in front. He called out, “Alright, 

Max. Get ready to pull, Nadine. Henry, 

now pay attention. Let’s go, Arthur!” When 

asked to whom he was addressing these additional words, the farmer replied, “Arthur 

pulls harder when he thinks other horses are 

pulling with him.” Let’s not be blind horses, 

being deceived about relationships. Let’s 

open our eyes to our need, and the need 

of others, for relationships that strengthen 

and provide resiliency, like a cord of three 

strands, not easily broken. Who do you 

lean on for strength? What are you doing 

to develop and support others? Who are the 

other “strands” in your life?

Two are better than one, 

 because they have a good return for their labor: 

If either of them falls down, 

 one can help the other up. 

But pity anyone who falls 

 and has no one to help them up. 

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. 

 But how can one keep warm alone? 

Though one may be overpowered, 

 two can defend themselves. 

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 

- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

By Col. Charles Lynde, Deputy Command Chaplain

A Cord of Three Strands:

RESILIENCY THROUGH COMMUNITY
10 Family Strong

IN THIS ISSUE

AR CYSS Hosts Academic Success Day Camp 

During Battle Assembly Weekend in Iowa

By Jason Follett and Carly Konecny, 103rd ESC CYSS Staff 

Twenty-seven Army Reserve youth 

between the ages of 6 to 14 years 

old participated in one or both days 

of the School Break Camp (SBC) on 6–7 

August, 2011, hosted by Army Reserve 

Child, Youth & School Services (AR CYSS) 

in partnership with the YMCA. Camp 

Discovery: The “Scientific Formula” for 

Academic Success, was from 6:30 a.m. to 

5:30 p.m. at the South Suburban YMCA in 

Des Moines, Iowa. The location, next door to 

the Fort Des Moines Army Reserve Center 

complex, made it convenient for Soldiers 

attending Battle Assembly over the weekend.

“With the 103rd ESC returning to their 

normal Battle Assembly schedule in August 

2011 after serving in Iraq, it was an ideal 

time to offer this SBC,” said Jason Follett, 

AR CYSS School Support Specialist. “In 

addition, when looking at what camp activities the YMCA could offer, it was perfect to 

focus on ones that relate to back to school, 

what it means to be an AR youth and to ‘Join 

Forces’ with First Lady Michelle Obama 

to include segments on healthy living,” 

commented Follett. 

For this event, the term “science” was 

taken broadly to include not just the hard 

During the School Break Camp, Army 

Reserve youth were encouraged to 

exemplify the YMCA core values (respect, 

responsibility, caring and honesty) during 

the camp through their interactions with 

peers, staff and the environment. 

Above: Making new friends was a major outcome of this School Break 

Camp in conjunction with the 103rd Battle Assembly. New friends 

Bayley Borah and Madyline Taylor share a moment for the camera.

sciences, but also the social sciences, health 

and kinesiology.

The first day of camp saw AR youth learn 

about health, nutrition and physical fitness. 

Activities included a discussion, game and 

healthy snack demonstration facilitated by 

a HyVee dietician, Anne Cundiff; relay 

races, large-group games, arts and crafts; 

rock climbing, flag football, teambuilding 

initiatives and a discussion with the 103rd 

ESC Alcohol & Drug Control Officer, Mike 

Borah, regarding drug and alcohol awareness.

“My daughter, Clem, was not too sure 

she wanted to participate in this SBC, but 

Right: Youth prepare for their hike to Fort Des Moines County Park 

on day two of Camp Discovery: The ‘Scientific Formula’ for Academic 

Success at the South Suburban YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa.
www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 11

IN THIS ISSUE

after the first day, she was excited from what 

she had learned and the new AR-connected 

friends she made,” said CPT Christopher 

Wysong of the 103rd ESC. “This SBC also 

provided my wife with valuable down time 

and an opportunity to have some quality 

one-on-one time with our young son,” 

shared CPT Wysong.

The primary focuses for the morning of 

day two were science and physical fitness. 

AR youth started the day with a short 

hike to the Fort Des Moines County Park 

where they played a camp-wide capture 

the flag game, hiked around the lake, and 

performed a science experiment of Diet 

Coke and Mentos using the scientific 

method: question, research, hypothesis, 

test, and analyze. Additional activities for 

the day included leaf rubbings, taste tests, 

and creating a personal thank you postcard 

for their AR Soldier.

During the SBC, AR youth were encouraged to exemplify the YMCA core values 

(respect, responsibility, caring and honesty) 

during the camp through their interactions 

with peers, staff and the environment. In 

addition, a Military Family Life Consultant 

(MFLC) Youth and Family Counselor was 

available both days for the AR youth who 

desired to have confidential conversation(s).

“It was great to see the YMCA partner 

with AR CYSS for this SBC,” commented 

MAJ Nathan Hays of the 103rd ESC. “My 

little ones had a great time and this means 

to me that the camp was a success.” 

Alex King, Clementine De Joode and 

Alex Hays build their own healthy snack 

of whole grain Goldfish, marshmallows, 

raisins, and mini chocolate chips after 

a presentation and activities by HyVee 

dietician Anne Cundiff. 

There are many different 

reactions from the AR youth 

during the Diet Coke and 

Mentos experiment during 

day two of Camp Discovery: 

The ‘Scientific Formula’ for 

Academic Success. Austin 

Gleave, son of SFC Jeremy 

Brown of the 1st BN, 383rd 

REGT, scoots back in order to 

not be covered in Diet Coke.

Bubbles rule for AR 

youth Alex King. 

Hunter Stanek, son of CPT Christl Kroeten of 

the 103rd ESC, shows his scientific knowledge 

and architectural skills with his pyramid made of 

marshmallows and tooth picks.

Bayley Borah shows off her rock climbing and 

future modeling skills.

This sign outside the South Suburban YMCA in Des 

Moines, Iowa, set the tone for AR youth attending 

Camp Discovery: The ‘Scientific Formula’ for 

Academic Success. 
12 Family Strong

IN THIS ISSUE

442nd IN REGT "Go for Broke" Honors Mother of Fallen Soldier

Story and Photo By Russell K. Dodson

Members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, gathered with Anita Dixon at the 

SGT. Evan S. Parker Memorial Pavilion, 

named after her son, Oct. 26, 2011, on Ft. 

Shafter, Hawaii.

The pavilion was dedicated two years 

earlier to Parker, who died October 2006 

from an improvised explosive device while 

serving with the 442nd IN REGT in Iraq.

Col. Colbert Low, Commander, 4960th 

Multifunction Training Brigade hosted 

Anita and King Dixon at the pavilion and 

later escorted them to the Survivor Outreach 

Services (SOS) Center. 

Low served as the Commander, 100th 

Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment in Iraq 

and was Parker's commander.

Low presented the Dixons a shadow box 

with Parker's decorations and also pointed 

out the plaque dedicating the pavilion in 

Parker’s honor.

Anita took time to address the members 

in attendance at the pavilion.

"Every day is an opportunity to move 

forward. It's a great opportunity for me to 

be here," said Anita. She explained how she 

is active as a Gold Star Mother. Gold Star 

Mothers are mothers whose son or daughters 

made the supreme sacrifice while in service 

of the U.S. Armed Forces. She also thanked 

everyone for his service to the United States.

Upon finishing her comments, Anita had 

one final request for those that stood in 

formation. She asked to hear the 442nd IN 

REGT song, "Go for Broke." She said her 

son used to sing "Go for Broke." 

Low introduced Anita to each member 

of the formation where she was told stories 

from the Soldiers who served with Parker.

"We are all here as part of the 100th 

Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment 

and wear the patch on our shoulder and it 

doesn't matter when you served; we all share 

a common bond with Evan S. Parker. He was 

100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment. 

He was part of us, he shares our blood, and 

shares our spirit," said Low.

Parker was part of Operation Heather 

designed to counter the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat in that area. Since 

the 100th Battalion started the operation, 

the number of IEDs went down from 23 to 

two in a certain time period. One of those 

two IEDs resulted in Parker's death. The 

operation was so successful that it ended 

in mid-November 2006, Low said. 

Low finished his comments by having 

those in formation sing "Go for Broke." 

Once finished, the formation took a group 

photo with Mrs. Dixon.

Low escorted the Dixon Family to the 

SOS Center at Fort Shafter where they met 

program specialist, Jennifer Koranyi.

Koranyi gave the Dixon Family a tour of 

the SOS facility and discussed their programs.

Anita thanked Koranyi for the work of 

the SOS and noted how important these 

programs are to the Families.

The SOS visit finished with Anita ceremoniously re-hanging a picture of her son on 

the wall honoring fallen service members.

Anita Dixon takes a group photo with Soldiers at the pavilion named after her son, SGT. Evan S. Parker Memorial Pavilion. 

Members from the Army National Guard, Army Reserve and Active Component made up the formation.
www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 13

IN THIS ISSUE

Military OneSource Tip of the Week:

Dealing with Your Feelings When 

Your Spouse is About to Deploy

By Sonia I. Wriglesworth, Director, Army Reserve Family Programs

As the time of departure comes closer, some spouses begin to feel 

detached or withdrawn as their service members invest more time 

and emotional commitment to the mission. Common reactions to 

an impending deployment include feelings of hopelessness and impatience. 

Some couples may feel a decrease in emotional or physical closeness. If 

you experience any of these emotions during the pre-deployment period, 

remember that it's important to:

 Keep the lines of communication open. Be sure to talk about your 

own feelings and listen when your service member shares his or her 

feelings. It's also helpful to discuss what you expect from each other 

during the deployment, including how you will communicate. 

 Create opportunities for lasting memories during the separation. It may not be easy to set aside the "honey-do" lists, the 

pre-deployment preparations or your mixed feelings about 

getting too close before the separation, but building in some 

quality time together in a relaxed atmosphere will provide 

warm memories to sustain you during the deployment. 

 Get to know other military spouses who are going through the 

same experience. By participating in Family Readiness activities and other unit or installation events, you can find comfort in 

sharing your experiences and begin building a 

network of support during the deployment. 

 Learn more from the Military OneSource 

article “Managing the Emotional Cycle of Deployment When Your Spouse is Deployed,” 

available at the Military OneSource website.

Your Family Programs Office can give you information and 

support on many issues that affect service members and their 

Families. Military OneSource, a free 24/7 service from DoD, 

available to all active-duty, Guard and Reserve members and 

their Families, provides information and referrals plus face-toface counseling. Call 1-800-342-9647 or access the Military 

OneSource website at www.militaryonesource.com.

A Soldier embraces his Family a final time 

before falling into formation to deploy to 

Kuwait. Photo by Spc. Matthew Vogler, 260th 

Quartermaster Bn. Public Affairs
14 Family Strong

IN THIS ISSUE

Good News for Certain 

Surviving Spouses

Effective September 30, 2011, the U.S. Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) issued final regulations to eliminate the 

two-year eligibility limitation for noncompetitive appointment 

for spouses of certain deceased or 100 percent disabled veterans. 

OPM is removing this restriction to provide spouses of certain 

deceased or 100 percent disabled veterans with unlimited eligibility 

for noncompetitive appointment. The intended effect of this change 

is to further facilitate the entry of these military spouses into the 

Federal civil service. Certain spouses of service members who were 

killed or who became 100 percent disabled while on active duty 

had been unable to make use of the noncompetitive hiring authority within the two-year eligibility period due to their bereavement, 

convalescent care responsibilities, dependent care responsibilities 

or their need to undergo education or training. This change attests 

to the fact that Army leadership listens when Family members of 

our Fallen voice their concerns.

For more information about Survivor Outreach Services, please 

contact Barbara Giddens at 910-570-8370 or barbara.j.giddens@

usar.army.mil.

This was the second year the Army Reserve units in Seagoville, TX, area participated in the Operation Homefront back-to-school program. Local Dollar Tree stores were 

collection points for donated school supplies and Seagoville, TX, 

units signed up to be the recipient of donations from five Dallas/

Fort Worth area stores. The donations were picked up and sorted 

by local service members and Family Programs staff.

The units received enough materials locally to assist 26 elementary 

school-age Army Reserve and National Guard children.

These supplies are basic starter items such 

as paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, 

rulers, etc.

The Seagoville, TX, Army Reserve Retention 

Staff graciously offered to supply the Army 

logo backpacks to put the supplies in, and the 

items were delivered to the service members 

that reported needs by 15 August 11, so the 

supplies were in the hands of the children 

before school began.

Operation Home Front: 

Back to School

For More Information

POC: Dianna Hudson

Family Readiness Support Assistant

701 W. Simonds Road

Seagoville, TX 75159

Toll Free: 800-428-2378 ext 0369

Office: 972-287-0369

Fax: 972-287-0372 

Email: dianna.hudson@usar.army.mil
108th Training Command

Christina Daily

1330 Westover St.

Charlotte, N.C. 28205-5122

704.342.4237

christina.I.daily@usar.army.mil

11th Theater Aviation Command

Brenda Andreotti

1160 Brandenburg Station Rd., Bldg. 237 

Fort Knox, Ky. 40121-5000

502.626.5741

brenda.andreotti@usar.army.mil

1st Mission Support Command

Elsa Cortes

218 Brook St., Bldg. 1021

Fort Buchanan, P.R. 00934-4602

787.707.4082

elsa.f.cortes@usar.army.mil

200th Military Police Command

Patricia Williamson

1250 Annapolis Rd.

Fort Meade, Md. 20755-5610

301.677.1221

pat.a.williamson@usar.army.mil

335th Signal Command (Theater)

Rejoice Bolware

2323 Dauphine St.

East Point, Ga. 30344-2503

404.559.3790

rejoice.bolware@usar.army.mil

377th Theater Sustainment Command

Fay Ferran

400 Russell Ave., Bldg. 492

Belle Chase, La. 70143-5077

504.552.5833

fay.ferran@usar.army.mil

3d Medical Deployment 

Support Command

Patricia Jordan

5015 N. 34th St., Bldg. 900

Forest Park, Ga. 30297-5122

404.469.4119

patricia.a.jordan@usar.army.mil

412th Theater Engineer Command

Brenda McWilliams

1265 Porters Chapel Rd.

Vicksburg, Miss. 39180-5790

601.631.6160

brenda.sue.mcwilliams@usar.army.mil

416th Theater Engineer Command

Tamra DeBenedetto

10 S. 100 South Frontage Rd.

Darien, Ill. 60561-1780

630.910.3213, ext. 303

tamra.debenedetto@usar.army.mil

75th Battle Command Staff 

Training Division

Sandra Landry

14555 Scholl St.

Houston, Tx. 77034-5617

832.380.7000, ext. 3072

sandra.landry@usar.army.mil

7th Civil Support Command

James Mandley

Unit 23152

APO AE 09227

DSN 314.483.4750

james.mandley@eur.army.mil

807th Medical Deployment 

Support Command

Kathryn Stetson

SADAFRC, Bldg. 106

Salt Lake City, Utah 84113-5007

801.656.4046

kathryn.stetson@usar.army.mil

80th Training Command

Joseph Deboer

6700 Strathmore Rd.

Richmond, Va. 23237-1100

804.377.6428

joseph.deboer@usar.army.mil

84th Training Command 

Vacant

230 Brandenburg Station Rd.

Fort Knox, Ky. 40121-4132

9th Mission Support Command

Kevin Gilbert

1557 Pass St.

Honolulu, Hawaii 96819-2135

808.438.1600, ext. 3191

kevin.gilbert5@us.army.mil

U.S. Army Reserve Family Program Directors

We’re available 

24 hours a day, 

7 days a week! 

Army Reserve Joint & Special Troops 

Support Command

Vacant

SADAFRC, Bldg. 103

Salt Lake City, Utah 84113-5007

Army Reserve Medical Command

Bernard Goss

2801 Grand Ave.

Pinellas Park, Fla. 33782-6140

727.563.3798

bernard.goss@usar.army.mil

Military Intelligence 

Readiness Command

Anette Ellis

8831 John J. Kingman Rd.

Fort Belvoir, Va. 22060-6208

703.806.6934

anette.ellis@usar.army.mil

U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological 

Operations Command (Airborne)

Dorothy Seabrook

2929 Desert Storm Dr.

Fort Bragg, N.C. 28310-5200

910.643.3927

dorothy.a.seabrook@ar-usacapoc.soc.mil

63d Regional Support Command

W.K. Jones

153 Dailey Rd.

Moffett Field, Calif. 94035-1000

650.625.9623

william.k.jones@usar.army.mil

81st Regional Support Command

Christa Burns

1525 Marion Ave.

Fort Jackson, S.C. 29207-6070

803.751.9914

christa.burns1@usar.army.mil

88th Regional Support Command

Rochelle Wheeler

60 S. O St.

Fort McCoy, Wis. 54656-5137

608.388.0447

rochelle.wheeler1@usar.army.mil

99th Regional Support Command

Cheryl Davis

5522 Nashville St.

Fort Dix, N.J. 08640-5730

609.562.7507

cheryl.e.davis@usar.army.mil

Our Army Reserve Family 

Programs Outreach and 

Support Office is available to 

Soldiers, civilian employees 

and their Families...

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 866-345-8248

www.arfp.org | Winter 2012 15
Office of the Chief, Army Reserve

ATTN: Family Programs Directorate

6075 Goethals Road

Building 1901, Office 100-32

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5231

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PAID

EFFINGHAM, IL

PERMIT 714

Family Strong is published quarterly. The contents are informative and not regulatory or directive. Viewpoints expressed are those of the authors and 

do not necessarily reflect the policy of the Army Reserve.

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