foundations

National Guard Soldier & Family May/June 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

CSM & Mrs. John D. 

Gipe, Command 

Sergeant Major, 

Army National 

Guard

A Note from Above and

Beyon

Minnesota First Lady 

Mary Pawlenty

Walk 

this Way

Steps to a 

Healthier Future

final 

salute

Military Funeral 

Honors

Model For 

Success

Advice on How to Be a 

Happy and Successful 

Guard Family
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FNDS_MA09_Edu.indd 2 5/5/09 
It is with great appreciation and 

admiration that the nation honors,

remembers and recognizes the service

and sacrifice made by the Armed 

Forces of the United States of America

– the most prominent presence in the 

world today. The inspiring strength and

dedication demonstrated by the over 

90 million servicemen and women and 

their families, both past and present, is 

deserving of the nation’s gratitude. 

May has been designated by Congress

as National Military Appreciation Month 

(NMAM). This is a time for the nation 

to express their thanks, encourage

patriotism and educate others on the

historical impact of the Armed Forces;

a time to pay tribute to our Soldiers

and their families for the selfless

commitment they exemplify each 

and every day.

May 2009

1 May – Loyalty Day

8 May – VE Day

8 May – Military Spouse Appreciation Day

16 May – Armed Forces Day

25 May – Memorial Day

R ESPECT s2 EMEMBER s2 ECOGNIZE

A PPRECIATE s# ELEBRATE s% DUCATE

FNDS_MA09_Appreciation.indd 3 5/5/09 
Models for Success

Military Families Share Their Secrets

4 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

FOUNDATIONS

May/June 2009

feature

table of contents

“I found with other Guard spouses, and in my Guard job, that 

the Guard really is a Family.” —Angela Spina

32

FNDS_MayJun09_toc.indd 4 5/5/09 
6 Editor’s Letter

7 Thank You Notes

Thanks for all you give and all you do, from Command 

Sergeant Major and Mrs. John D. Gipe.

8 We’ve Got Mail

What three things helped you get through deployment?

9 Lighten Up

Chocolate for breakfast, or how not to feed your kids.

10 In the Know

The Hawkeye State Focuses on Reintegration: The Iowa 

National Guard helps Soldiers readjust to new roles; 

Find out what’s happening in your state.

15 Real Life

Simple tools and ideas for making your life easier and 

better: Are you ready for retirement?

18 Family Room

Caring for the Homefront—Operation Purple Camp for 

Kids; Married to the Guard; Employer-Employee 

connection; and other support for the Family.

28 Take Care

A Guide to Healthy Living—Walking for fi tness, Sexual 

Assault Prevention and Response and more.

36 Support

Resources for Soldiers and Their Families—Tweens and 

Teens, Military Funeral Honors and supporting your 

Soldier during BCT.

46 Kids’ Corner

The fun adds up. Color by Numbers game for children!

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 5

departments

NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER AND FAMILY FOUNDATIONS is published bi-monthly by lostudio, LLC, 565 Marriott Dr. Ste 700, Nashville, TN 37214-

5040. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Nashville, TN, and at additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER: 

Send address changes to: NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER AND FAMILY FOUNDATIONS, 565 Marriott Dr. Ste 700, Nashville, TN 37214-5040. 

10

17

28

20

40

family room

in the

know

real

life

take

care

support

FNDS_MayJun09_toc.indd 5 5/5/09 
editor’s letter

6 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

f

“I Forgot 

to be Afraid”

MISSION STATEMENT: To serve and support Army 

National Guard Soldiers and their Families by providing 

information and resources to improve their quality 

of life. To provide opportunities for all Soldiers and 

Families to benefi t from the services available to them 

through the National Guard by presenting timely and 

relevant knowledge.

Publisher

Mitch Powers

Editor-in-Chief 

Keith Kawasaki

Design Director

Andrew Nixon

Managing Editor

Marcia Beene Dickerson

Deputy Editor

Fred McGhee II

Contributing Editor

Christian Anderson

Contributing Editor

Camille Breland

News Editor 

Lynne York

Field Reporter 

Clint Wood

Senior Copy Editor

Julie Zeitlin

Contributing Writers

Adrienne Dickey, Judith S. Harris, MAJ Zoilo J. 

Lopez, SSG James Norton, Jamie Roberts, 

Megan Pacella and Bill Hudgins

Contributing Editors

Nadine Moore, Jamie Roberts, 

Megan Pacella and Bill Hudgins

Art Director

Kerri Davis

Designers

Lynne Boyer, Ben Stewart 

and Patrick Burns

Contributing Illustrator

Chris Whetzel

Editorial Inquiry and Submissions: 

Editor@GuardFoundations.com

National Guard Soldier & Family Foundations is 

brought to you by the National Guard Bureau’s 

Soldier Family Support Services Division (NGBSFSS). Copyright 2009 NGB-SFSS. Unless 

otherwise indicated, material may be reprinted 

provided credit is given to National Guard Soldier 

& Family Foundations and the author.

No endorsement of any service or product is 

intended by NGB-SFSS or any government agency 

and none should be inferred. 

FOUNDATIONS

National Guard Soldier & Family

I

was single when I deployed in 2003 for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi 

Freedom. Although I was “alone” in a military world geared toward couples, I 

never felt like I was on my own. What was the key to making it through my 

deployment? Support.

My greatest support came from my mom, dad and my sisters. They were very 

brave when I received my deployment orders and told me how proud they were of 

me. Additionally, once I hit the desert, I received all kinds of material support with 

the likes of cards, books, DVDs, CDs and food (especially bread—for peanut butter 

sandwiches). When I called home, my parents and sisters were always upbeat and 

shared the latest “Family gossip.”

The next level of support I received was from my friends. They constantly sent 

notes with photos, checked on my parents and kept me up-to-date on their lives. 

My employer, the university where I was a graduate teaching assistant, supported 

me by holding my place in the program and letting me pick up my studies and my 

job where I left off after my return. 

All of these people sent care packages with things tailored for me—especially 

food (do you see a pattern here?). 

Another support network was my fellow National Guard members who were 

deployed with me. We were “in it together,” and it was great to know that someone 

else understood what I was going through. We supported each other by becoming 

“Family”—looking out for one another, sharing our things (yes, even food) and 

sometimes just listening. 

Even though I was 9,000 miles away from home, I knew my support network was 

in place. This left me free to concentrate on my job and the mission, and as Lady Bird 

Johnson once said, I “became so wrapped up in something that I forgot to be afraid.”

Marcia Beene Dickerson

Managing Editor

(Marcia serves as a staff sergeant in the Tennessee National Guard.)

By Marcia Beene Dickerson

FOUNDATIONS OUNDAT National Guard Soldier & Family May/June 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 3

CSM & Mrs. John D. 

Gipe, Command 

Sergeant Major, 

Army National Guard

A Note from ABOVE AND BEYOND Minnesota First Lady 

Mary Pawlenty

WALK THIS WAY Steps to a Healthier Future

FINAL SALUTE Military Funeral 

Honors

Model For 

Success

Advice on How to Be a 

Happy and Successful 

Guard Family

Models For Success: 

Military Families share 

secrets for staying 

together and fi nding 

happiness.

PHOTO BY DAN CAMPBELL

EditorsLtr.indd 6 5/5/09 
Dear Soldiers, Families and 

Friends of the Army 

National Guard, 

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 7

thank you notes

Asthe wife of a Soldier who travels frequently, I’ve learned a lot about keeping the 

homefront running. This issue of Foundations is fi lled with programs and tips for 

helping Families of deployed Soldiers do the same.

I can’t stress strongly enough the value of support from extended Family, Friends, 

and communities nationwide—both military and civilian. From lending a sympathetic ear to suggesting 

practical solutions, they can help you in ways you might not even imagine. 

Remember, your deployed Soldier needs support, too. Use modern communication means to stay in 

touch! Get involved with your unit’s Family Readiness Group, even virtually, and attend the Yellow Ribbon 

events before, during and after your Soldier’s deployment so you can stay informed of the support and 

resources available to your Soldier and your Family.

I’m deeply proud to be part of this outstanding organization. We are making a difference.

I

am honored to contribute to Foundations. I 

enjoyed the fi rst two issues and am proud to be a 

part of the third.

I spend most of my time visiting our Guard 

Soldiers. I listen to their stories, watch them in 

action and keep abreast of what they are going 

through. My goal is to help create new and 

better ways to improve life for every member of the 

military Family. Foundations magazine is one of those avenues.

As we all gear up for summertime celebrations, let’s remember the many Soldiers who made the 

ultimate sacrifi ce to protect our freedom. Without their heroism, we wouldn’t have reason, or more 

pointedly, even the means, to celebrate. Let’s also remember our Brothers and Sisters currently deployed, 

whose sacrifi ces, and those of their Families, continue to make a real difference in this world.

I want to thank each of you for your integrity, courage, resilience and patriotism. It’s because of you that 

the Army National Guard continues to be the greatest military force in the world. 

d

a

nues.

member the many Soldiers who made the

heroism we wouldn’t have reason or more

COURTESY OF NGB-SFSS

Mrs. Tony Gipe

John D. Gipe, Command Sergeant Major, 

8th CSM of the Army National Guard

EditorsLtr.indd 7 5/5/09 
we’vegotmail

8 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

We want to hear from you! Your answer to the question below could appear in the next issue of Foundations. 

What National Guard support programs have had the most impact on your Family 

throughout your deployment? Email us your answers at Editor@GuardFoundations.com. 

SGT Travis 

W. Snider 

serves 

in the 

National 

Guard 

Airfi eld 

Operations 

Battalion in 

Smyrna, TN.

What three things 

helped you get 

through deployment?

My fi rst deployment was in 2003. 

I was 19 at the time. Receiving 

packages and letters from home—

and from complete strangers 

(sometimes it really didn’t matter 

who it was from)—helped out a 

lot. Also, being able to call home 

and talk to friends and Family 

helped get my mind off of things. 

The other thing that really helped 

me was my fellow Soldiers keeping 

each other going because we were 

all in it together. The last thing 

that really got me through my 

deployment was that whenever 

we had some downtime, I did 

something constructive. For me, 

it was going to the gym or doing 

some physical training. 

—SGT Travis W. Snider TNARNG 1-107th AOB, 

Smyrna, TN

Friendships, both old and new. Family 

waiting at home. And the daily mission 

and workload keeping me busy enough 

not to dwell on being away.

—1LT Matthew D. Parrino, C Co. 1/133rd Infantry 

Battalion, IAARNG

Knowing that my wife was home 

waiting for me; a close relationship with 

the chaplain and others in the battalion; 

and lots of emails and cookies from 

home.

—SSG Chris A. Durney, 875th Engineer Battalion, 

ARARNG

The fi rst thing that really helped me was a 

personal computer. It gave me something to 

do when I wasn’t working. My laptop was my 

connection to home. Internet connections 

allow you to use your laptop as a telephone, 

have video chats with Family, and send and 

receive email. Second was the team I work 

with, the friends I made and the relationships 

that resulted from living with fellow Soldiers. 

Being able to share my days with them helped 

get me through a long deployment. The last 

thing was the enjoyment of the job. As a 

squad leader, I loved working for and with the 

Soldiers that I had. Staying busy and working 

hard takes your mind away from missing 

home and gives you something to look 

forward to the next day.

—SSG Jeffrey J Frisby, 39th Brigade, S-3, Operations 

NCO, ARARNG

S

W

se

in

Na

Gu

Ai

Op

Ba

Sm

FNDS_MJ09_MailB.indd 8 5/5/09 
lightenup

May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 9

I know how to cook, and I can cook quite 

well when I want. During my husband’s deployment, my 

thinking about food and its nutritional value may have 

become a little skewed. If you are a nutritionist, please quit 

reading, otherwise you may suffer from a heart attack or 

small stroke. To those parents who wonder how certain 

feeding habits during deployment affect their children, all I 

can say is that my boys are still alive.

When Don, my husband, fi rst deployed, my three rowdy 

boys were ages 11, 9 and 7. Besides mothering I worked 

full-time as a Family Assistance Coordinator for the Kansas 

National Guard and was on call 24/7. The pride and joys 

were involved in wrestling and soccer, and my job kept me 

on the road a lot.

With that being said, I also lost the ability to cook 

at times. I could not fi gure out how to portion Don’s 

intake out of the meal preparation. This meant leftover 

meals were abundant and usually thrown out when they 

reached a certain ripening 

(read: moldy) stage.

During this time, it was just 

easier to have something quick 

and simple, or pick up a meal. I 

now have the uncanny ability to 

tell you what healthy alternatives to french fries each chain 

establishment provides. I can 

also order by number only and 

get exactly what the kids want 

without ever having to ask them, all the while justifying 

that this meal-in-a-bag is healthy.

For instance, there was one weekend when I was recouping from an extremely bad week and could not drag my 

heavy-leaded rear end out of bed. This is when I justifi ed 

my children eating leftover chocolate hearts for breakfast 

as actually being nutritious. 

“Milk chocolate is made out of nuts, which is a protein,” I 

rationalized. “It has the word milk in it, so calcium must be 

provided in some way.”

I continued further into my delusions ... “It has to be 

better than that cookie cereal. Really, protein and milk, 

compared to cookies and milk.”

Yes, thank you: I am a genius.

But I also taught my children to cook. Granted, this 

involved a microwave and toaster, but it was cooking. The 

boys were not allowed to use the stove. So, I purchased 

those lovely microwavable cups 

of macaroni and cheese. The boys 

thought this was awesome: They 

could cook tasty mac and cheese 

at any time. 

They learned to put bread 

in the toaster, place a piece of 

cheese in the middle, pop it in the 

microwave for 20 seconds, and 

voila! You have now made grilled 

cheese. Add a piece of ham, and 

you have ham and cheese. The options were endless.

You may be shaking your head, but think of the ages of 

the boys then—this is all my mind could safely allow.

Of course, the boys are older now, and their cooking 

abilities have progressed to boiling water and using the 

stove. But I encourage parents to start with the basics. 

Know which fast-food places have healthier options, and 

teach older children how to use the microwave. 

My Family survived, but dang it, why did they change the 

value meal numbers? 

“To those parents who 

wonder how the feeding 

habits during deployment 

affect their children, all I 

can say is that my boys are still alive.”

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS WETZEL

By ADRIENNE DICKEY 

chocolate 

for breakfast

***

FNDS_MJ09_lightupC.indd 9 5/5/09 
intheknow

For more than 170 years, generations of Iowans have 

mustered throughout our communities, serving through the Civil War, 

domestic emergencies and disasters, world wars and ideological struggles. 

Today, these Global Minutemen, like those who came before them, carry on 

this proud legacy, serving their state and answering our nation’s call to duty.

As important as Iowa National Guard (IA NG) Soldiers and Airmen are to the 

success of today’s mission, it is our Families who are our most valuable asset. 

In order for Citizen-Soldiers to be ready, we must ensure that their Families, 

friends and communities are ready as well. 

And those Families, friends and communities anxiously await their 

return home.

Innovative programs

“Enduring Families” was developed to help ease Iowa Soldiers and Airmen 

from their active duty lifestyle back to civilian life, and to assist our Families in 

readjusting to each other and their new roles once they’ve progressed through 

the “honeymoon” period following a deployment.

This innovative “no-rank” program features a team approach from an 

organized volunteer force of experienced war Veterans, Family counselors, 

By MSG BOB REEDY 

Iowa Army National Guard 

The Guard Family news line

Iowa Homecoming Hawkeye State Focuses on Reintegration

10 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Say Cheese

Kids at the 2008 

Youth symposium 

were all smiles. 

The event was 

sponsored by 

the Iowa Army 

National Guard.

MA09_InTheknowIO.indd 10 5/5/09 
Family advocacy workers, social 

workers and chaplains. 

“Our returning Service Members, 

and their Families and communities 

have changed as a result of these 

deployments,” said MAJ Kevin Kruse, 

State Family Program director. “We’ve 

found the best way to overcome the 

challenge of reintegration is through 

communication and knowledge. 

“Our support program enables our 

members and Families to have realistic 

deployment expectations and to 

assist them through all phases of the 

deployment cycle—pre-deployment, 

deployment and, fi nally, reintegration.”

First and foremost, the program 

offers the best of all possible worlds for 

reunited Iowans—Service Members can discuss their 

reintegration challenges with their peers, while spouses 

and signifi cant others can share stories with those in 

similar circumstances.

Another invaluable step was integrating the Services 

Branch within the Iowa National Guard’s Directorate 

of Personnel. This branch is designed to provide unity 

in presenting services and support resources. As the 

nation continues to implement the Yellow Ribbon 

Reintegration Program, our core concepts, which 

initiated our Enduring Families program, 

remain as our foundation. 

Another helpful asset was the IA NG 

Family Training Conference and Youth 

Symposium April 3–5, 2009, in Des 

Moines. This annual event improves 

personal and Family preparedness, which 

enhances overall readiness. 

The breakout sessions include time for 

fun and laughter with peers, empowering all 

with self-esteem and readiness skills.

Military kids are people, too

The Youth Symposium, scheduled 

concurrently, is for ages 6–teens. “Color 

Your World,” the 2009 theme, focuses on 

teambuilding, leadership development and 

identifying resources. The program also 

deals with peer pressure. 

Through these unique, forward-thinking programs, Iowa 

is dedicating its assets to ensuring our Service Members, 

Families and communities realize they are not alone. We 

are indeed “a ready, responsive Joint Force committed to 

excellence, for Iowa and the nation, today and tomorrow.” 

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 11

in the know

Family First

Members of the 

Iowa National 

Guard pose for a 

group shot at the 

2008 State Family 

Conference.

For more information on Iowa’s Soldiers and Family Services 

Support program, call (515) 252-4416.

Our support 

program 

enables our 

members and 

Families to 

have realistic 

deployment 

expectations and to 

assist them 

through all 

phases of the 

deployment cycle.”

— MAJ Kevin Kruse, Iowa’s 

State Family Program director

MA09_InTheknowIO.indd 11 5/5/09 
Attention, Soldiers and Families!

Below is information regarding programs and services available in your state. 

Please check each issue for updates.

12 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Alaska

(907) 428-6680

June 1–5 Operation Military Kids Day Camps, 

Nome 

June 13–14 Seven Habits of Highly Successful 

Military Families, Fairbanks 

June 26 Friday Film Night National Guard 

Armory Drill Hall, Fort Richardson 

July 13–17 Guard Youth Camp, Wasilla 

July 31 Friday Film Night National Guard Armory 

Drill Hall, Fort Richardson

California

www.CalGuard.ca.gov/readyFamilies

(916) 361-4955

June 27–28 Family Readiness Course, Fresno

June 27–28 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Sacramento

July 18–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop, 

San Diego

Colorado

www.ColoradoGuard.army.mil/Family.html

(720) 250-1190

Life Skills Groups (Adult/Children/Youth)

June 2 Red Cross, Grand Junction

June 3 Hampton Inn, Montrose

June 10 City Hall, Las Animas

June 11 Pikes Peak Red Cross, Colorado Springs

June 18 Red Cross, Denver

June 24 American Military Life Facility, 

Longmont

July 7 Red Cross, Grand Junction

July 8 Hampton Inn, Montrose

July 15 City Hall, Las Animas

July 16 Pikes Peak Red Cross, Colorado Springs

July 23 Red Cross, Denver

July 29 American Military Life Facility, 

Longmont

Florida

(904) 823-0360

Operation Military Kids Summer Camps

June 22–26 4H Camp Ocala, 

Ocala National Forest

July 13–17 4H Camp Timpoochee, Niceville

July 20–24 4H Camp Cherry Lake, Madison

July 27–31 4H Camp Ocala, Ocala National 

Forest

Guam

(671) 735-0402

June 6–7 Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment Event, 

Fort Juan Muna

June 22–26 Youth Camp Freedom, 

Fort Juan Muna

June 30–July 3 Youth Camp Freedom, 

Fort Juan Muna

Hawaii

(808) 672-1442

June 6 Yellow Ribbon 30-Day Reintegration 

Post-Deployment Event, Oahu

June 7 Yellow Ribbon 30-Day Reintegration 

Post-Deployment Event, Kauai

June 26–28 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Maui

July 11 Yellow Ribbon 60-Day Reintegration 

Post-Deployment Event, Oahu

July 11–12 Youth Junior Leadership Council 

Symposium/Workshop, Oahu 

July 12 Yellow Ribbon 60-Day Reintegration 

Post Deployment Event, Kauai

July 17–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop, 

Oahu

Idaho

(208) 272-4361

June 6 Gowen Field Day/Regional Family Days, 

Statewide

June 10-14 Idaho Military Youth Summer Camp, 

Donnelly

June 13 Idaho Military Youth Fishing Day, Boise

June 27 Veterans Affairs Welcome Home, Boise

July 1 Inter-Service Family Assistance 

Committee Meeting, Boise

July 6 Joint Family Support Assistance Program 

Meeting, Boise 

July 23–24 Employer Support to the Guard and 

Reserve Boss Lift, Boise

July 24–26 Operation Military Kids Family Camp, 

Ketchum

Illinois

www.Il.ngb.army.mil/Familyreadiness

(217) 761-3514

June 12–13 Central Regional, Springfi eld

July 19–24 Operation Purple Camp, Waterloo

Indiana

www.InArng.org/Family2008/indexfp2008.htm 

(317) 247-3192

June 12–14 Strong Bonds for the Family 

Workshop, Indianapolis

June 21–27 Kids’ Annual Training, 

Camp Atterbury

July 10–12 Strong Bonds for the Family 

Workshop, Indianapolis

July 31–Aug. 2 Annual Conference, University 

Place at Indiana University Purdue University 

at Indianapolis

Iowa

www.IowaNationalGuard.com/Family/default.htm

(515) 252-4416

Jun 27–28 Family Readiness Group Volunteer 

Training, Burlington

July 11–12 Family Readiness Group Volunteer 

Training, Waterloo

July 18–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop

Dubuque

July 25–26 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Okoboji

July 25–26 Strong Bonds for the Family 

Workshop (Seven Habits of Highly Effective 

Military Families), Okoboji

Kentucky

www.Dma.ky.gov/ng/Family

(502) 607-1555

June 21–27 Youth Development Week, Wendell 

H. Ford Regional Training Center, Greenville

Louisiana

(318) 641-5428

June 13–15 Youth Leadership Training, 

Camp Beauregard

June 16–19 Kids’ Annual Training, Camp 

Beauregard

in the know

MA09_InTheknowIO.indd 12 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 13

Maine

www.Me.ngb.army.mil/Family

(207) 626-4410

June 12–14 Family Readiness Group Training, 

Augusta 

June 27–29 Teen Whitewater Rafting/Teen 

Leadership Training, Bog Brook, Gilead 

July 12–25 10th Annual Youth Camp, 

Bog Brook, Gilead

Massachusetts

www.Mass.gov/guard/Family_program/Family

support_ma/index.htm

(508) 233-7222

July 26–31 Operation Military Kids YMCA 

Overnight Camps, Camp Lyndon, Sandwich 

Michigan

www.Mi.ngb.army.mil/Family

(517) 481-8361

June 13 Regional Family Readiness Group 

Training, Northern Michigan

June 27 Strong Bonds for the Single Soldier 

Workshop, Boyne Highlands

July 5–10 Youth Leadership Camp, Alpena 

July 27–29 National Volunteer Workshop and 

Youth Symposium, Dearborn

Minnesota

www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org/Families

(651) 268-8200

June 14–19 Operation: Military Kids Camp, 

Camp St. Croix

June 26–28 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Minneapolis-St. Paul

June 29–July 3 Operation Purple Camp, Camp 

St. Croix

July 10–12 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Minneapolis-St. Paul

Mississippi

www.Arng.army.mil/Familyresources.aspx

(601) 313-6379

June 6–7 Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment 

Event, Columbus

June 20 Family Readiness Group Volunteer 

Training, Tupelo

June 21–27 Mississippi National Guard Summer 

Youth Camp (KIDS AT), Camp Shelby

July 11 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment Event, 

Greenwood

July 11 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment Event, 

Gulfport

July 18 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

Event, Hattiesburg

July 18 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

Event, Batesville

Missouri

www.MoGuard.com/Familyreadiness

(573) 638-9827

June 5 Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment Event, 

Kansas City

June 5–7 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment 

Event, Kansas City

June 6 Operation READY, Springfi eld

June 12–14 Post-Deployment Yellow Ribbon 

Event, St. Louis

June 16–19 Youth Camp, Jefferson Barracks

July 10–12 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment 

Event, Kansas City

July 11 Operation READY, Cape Girardeau

July 17–19 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment 

Event, St. Louis

July 17–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop, 

Lake of the Ozarks

Montana

www.MontanaGuardFamily.org

(406) 324-3239

June 12–14 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Big Sky

July 17–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop, 

Quinn’s Hot Springs, Paradise

Nebraska

www.Neguard.com/Familyassistance

(402) 309-7331

June 27 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

Event (Reunion Training), Lincoln

June Commissary Case Lot Sale, Statewide, all 

month long

New Jersey

www.Nj.gov/military/Familysupport/home.html 

(609) 530-6869

July 19–25 Youth Camp, Sea Girt

New Mexico

www.Nm.ngb.army.mil/frg/index.html

(505) 853-5668

June 5–7 Raton Youth Camp, National Guard 

Armory, Raton

June 10–11 Family Assistance Center Meeting 

Prep, Kirtland Air Force Base

June 12–14 State Family Programs Workshop, 

Isleta

June 12–14 State Youth Workshop, Isleta

July 9–11 State Youth Camp, Santa Fe

July 31 Springer Youth Day Camp, Springer 

Armory, Springer

New York

www.Dmna.state.ny.us/Family/famredi.php

(518) 786-4525

June 6 Pre-Deployment Family Briefi ng, 

New York City

June 13–14 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment 

Reintegration Seminar, Long Island Marriott, 

Uniondale

June 20 New York National Guard Family 

Readiness Council Inc. Second Annual 5K 

Run and Walk, Loudonville

June 27–28 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Rochester

June 30 Galaxy Camp 105th Air Wing, 

Newburgh

July 17–19 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment 

Reintegration Seminar, Westchester Marriott, 

Tarrytown

July 19 Galaxy Camp 107th Air Wing, 

Niagara Falls

North Dakota

www.Guard.bismarck.nd.us/Family

(701) 333-2058

June 20 Annual Military Appreciation Day, 

Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake

Don’t see your state here? Let us know what events or programs 

are benefi ting your Soldiers. Email Editor@GuardFoundations.com. 

in the know

MA09_InTheknowIO.indd 13 5/5/09 
14 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Ohio

www.Ong.Ohio.gov/Family

(614) 336-7352

June 27–28 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Toledo

July 11–12 Troop and Teen Camp, Columbus

July 18 Cincinnati Zoo Family Day, 

Cincinnati Zoo

July 18–19 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Cleveland

July 31–Aug. 2 Air Guard Youth Camp, Yellow 

Springs

Pennsylvania

www.MilVet.state.pa.us/dmva/2881.htm

(717) 861-9676

June 6 Family Readiness Group Regional 

Training, Williamsport

June 14–19 Operation Military Kids Teen 

Leadership Camp, Kenbrook Camp, Lebanon 

June 20 Family Readiness Group Regional 

Training, Wilkes-Barre

July 24–26 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Pittsburgh

South Carolina

SCguard.com/Family/default.aspx

(803) 806-1750

July 18 Yellow Ribbon 30-Day Reintegration 

Seminar

South Dakota

www.SDguard.ngb.army.mil/sites/famsup/

default.aspx

(605) 737-6728

June 6 Yellow Ribbon 60-Day Reintegration 

Seminar 

June 28 Yellow Ribbon Pre-Mobilization (Family 

Day Event), Sioux Falls

July 11 Yellow Ribbon 90-Day Reintegration 

Seminar 

Tennessee

(877) 311-3264

June 6–13 Youth Development Camp, Lavinia

June 20–27 Youth Development Camp, Smyrna

July 18–25 Youth Development Camp, Catoosa

Utah

www.Ut.ngb.army.mil//Family

(801) 523-4533

June 3 Inter-service Family Assistance 

Committee, Salt Lake City

June 6–7 Yellow Ribbon 90-Day Reintegration 

(Post Deployment Health Assessment), 

Draper

July 1–15 State Partnership Youth Visit, 

Statewide

July 6–11 Great Utah Road Tour, Statewide

Vermont

www.VtGuard.com/famread

(802) 338-3391

June 7 Parents’ Support Network, Family 

Readiness Center, Camp Johnson, Colchester

June 10 Family Readiness Group Support 

Training, Green Mountain Armory, Medical 

Detachment Classroom, Camp Johnson, 

Colchester

June 25 Post Deployment Support Group, 

Family Readiness Center, Camp Johnson, 

Colchester

July 8 Green Mountain Armory, Medical 

Detachment Classroom, Camp Johnson, 

Colchester

July 12 Parents’ Support Network, Family 

Readiness Center, Camp Johnson, Colchester

July 23 Post Deployment Support Group, Family 

Readiness Center, Camp Johnson, Colchester

Virginia

www.Vko.va.ngb.army.mil/virginiaguard

(434) 298-5551

June 12–14 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, Williamsburg

July 17 Yellow Ribbon 90-Day Event, Emporia

July 17–19 Strong Bonds for Couples Workshop, 

Williamsburg

Virgin Islands

www.Vi.ngb.army.mil/html/Family_programs_

main.htm

(340) 712-7787

June 12–14 Crisis Response Training, St. Croix

June 22–27 Operation Purple Camp, St. Croix

July 7 Yellow Ribbon Post-Deployment Reunion 

Workshop, St. Croix

July 10–12 Strong Bonds for Couples 

Workshop, St. Croix

Washington

www.FamilyPrograms.washingtonguard.org

(253) 512-7600

June 27–28 Family Readiness Group Leadership 

Workshop, Leavenworth

West Virginia

(800) 794-8273

June 20–26 Kids’ Kamp, Kingwood, Camp 

Dawson

Wisconsin

www.WiNgFam.org

(800) 292-9464

June 10 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

(Finances), Madison 

June 13 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

(Family Maintenance), Appleton

July 15 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

(Connections), Milwaukee 

July 18 Yellow Ribbon During Deployment 

(Connections), Eau Claire 

July 31–Aug. 2 Yellow Ribbon Youth Camp 

2009, Volk Field

Wyoming

www.Wy.ngb.army.mil/Family-support

(307) 772-5208

June 6 Yellow Ribbon 30-Day Brigade 

Sustainment, Cheyenne

July 11–12 Yellow Ribbon 60-Day Post 

Mobilization, Laramie

Don’t see your state here? Let us know what events or programs are benefi ting your 

Soldiers. Email Editor@GuardFoundations.com. 

in the know

MA09_InTheknowIO.indd 14 5/5/09 
Your Everyday Tool Kit

reallife

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 15

As an Army National Guard 

Soldier, you are quick to respond to 

your nation’s call with a resounding 

“Yes, I’m ready.” Whether it’s “Yes 

I’m ready” to fi ght the Overseas 

Contingency Operations, or “Yes, I’m 

ready” to go help hundreds of homeless 

after a hurricane—you are always ready. 

But, are you ready to retire? 

Have you taken the time to plan for 

your future? And, more importantly, 

do you know that the Army has a 

Retirement Services program that will 

help you and your Family prepare for 

retirement and continue to support 

you after retirement? 

Retirement is a process, not an event, 

and it is a complex and life-changing 

one. Knowing where to go for assistance will help you and your Family 

deal with the important decisions.

Where Do You Start?

For Guard Soldiers and Families, 

support comes from ARNG State 

G-1 Retirement Points Accounting 

Management (RPAM) Offi ces, State 

Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) and 

State Military Personnel Management 

Offi cers (MPMOs). (See sidebar for 

Retirement Services Offi cer’s 

contact information.) 

There are a few things that will help 

you understand your benefi ts, or at 

least, help you ask the right questions.

Retirement Points Accounting

To be ready for retirement, you 

need to know about the two types of 

retirement points and how you earn 

them. The types of retirement points 

a Soldier can earn toward his or her 

non-regular retirement are: Inactive 

Duty (IDT) points and Active Duty 

(AD) points. 

IDT Points may be earned by 

performing the following:

> Inactive Duty Training/Unit Drill

> Equivalent Training (ET)

> Additional Flight Training Period 

(AFTP)

> Additional Unit Training Assembly 

(AUTA)

> Jump Profi ciency Additional Unit 

Training Assembly

> Funeral Honors Duty (FHD)

> Junior Leader/Civil Disturbance 

Leadership Training

> Nuclear Weapons Surety Readiness 

Profi ciency

> Training Preparation Assembly

> Annual Training Assembly (ATA) 

Individual Use Other

> Mobile Conduct of Fire Trainer 

(MCOFT)

> Management/Support Assembly

Each full anniversary year earns a 

Soldier 15 membership points (partial 

years earn partial points).

The Army Correspondence Course 

Program (ACCP) awards one point for 

every three credit hours completed, 

provided the Soldier is not in an 

Active Duty status at time of completion. No points will be entered into 

the Retirement Points Accounting 

Management (RPAM) system for 

ACCP points earned while the Soldier 

is in an Active Duty status.

Maximum IDT Points Rule

Originally established by law in 

1949, the maximum number of IDT 

points a Soldier could earn in any 

anniversary year was 60 points. This 

rule has been modifi ed over the years; 

following are the points allowed, 

depending on the dates of the service:

Retirement Services are Ready to Help

By MAJ ZOILO J. LOPEZ, SR., RETIREMENT SERVICES OFFICER, 

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

© VEER

are you ready 

for retirement?

FNDS_MayJun09_reallife.indd 15 5/5/09 
reallife

16 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

> Before Sept. 23, 1996 = 60 points

> From Sept. 23, 1996 until Oct. 30, 2000 = 75 points

> From Oct. 30, 2000 until Oct. 30, 2007 = 90 points

> From Oct. 30, 2007, and subsequent years of service 

 = 130 points 

(For more information, see sidebar.)

The Retirement Points Accounting 

Management (RPAM)

Once you know about retirement points, you need to fi nd 

out how many points you have earned. RPAM (formerly 

known as Retirement Points Accounting System or RPAS) 

provides an automated method to ensure timely recording 

and verifi cation of all retirement points earned during your 

career. 

Soldiers must receive an NGB Form 23A and A1 (Annual 

and Detailed Point Statement) every year. If you don’t, you 

should contact your unit readiness NCO or state JFHQ 

RPAM (see sidebar). If you fi nd a problem with your points 

statement, you should contact one of these offi ces to make 

necessary corrections in a timely manner. 

Your Next Step: Pre-Retirement Briefi ng

A State Military Personnel Management Offi cer 

(MPMO)/G-1 or other designated staff member will 

conduct a pre-retirement briefi ng during your 18th or 

19th qualifying year of service. At your pre-retirement 

briefi ngs, you’ll learn about Reserve Components Survivor 

Benefi t Plan (RC-SBP), retirement benefi ts, medical care, 

discharge procedures and the retired pay application 

process. If at all possible, your spouse should attend 

these briefi ngs. 

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for 

your Family is your Reserve Component Survivor Benefi t 

Plan (RC-SBP) election. The Survivor Benefi t Plan (SBP) is 

the only way for retired pay to continue after the death of 

the retiree. 

The Survivor Benefi t Plan (SBP)

Congress established the SBP in 1972. Its primary 

purpose is to provide survivors with a portion of a retired 

Soldier’s retired pay, in the event the Soldier dies. Retired 

pay stops when a retiree dies; survivors do not receive any 

monthly payment unless the retiree elected some level 

of SBP coverage before he or she retired. Retirees cannot 

elect SBP coverage after retirement. A Soldier can check 

his or her selected RC-SBP option by contacting their state 

Retirement Services Offi ce (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/

rso/rso.asp). See the following paragraphs for more details 

on your election options.

RC-SBP

RC-SBP allows RC Soldiers who have received his or her 

letter of “Notifi cation of Eligibility for Retired Pay at Age 

60” to continue a portion of his or her future retired pay 

entitlement to their enrolled benefi ciary (or benefi ciaries) 

if they die before they begin to receive retired pay at age 

60. There are three RC-SBP Options:

>> To fi nd ARNG State G-1 Retirement Points 

Accounting Management (RPAM) Offi ces, State Joint 

Force Headquarters (JFHQ) and State Military Personnel 

Management Offi cers (MPOs) information for your state, 

go to: Ngb.army.mil/resources/states.aspx. 

Click on the National Guard site for your state and call 

the phone number listed for contact information for these 

offi ces. 

>> For all components, Retirement Services Offi cers 

(RSOs) at Army installations worldwide support retiring 

and retired Soldiers and Families. To fi nd information, go 

to: Armyg1.army.mil/rso/rso.asp. 

>> You can fi nd more information and specifi c guidance 

for Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1215.7 at: 

Dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/121507p.pdf.

>> Contact your unit readiness NCO or state JFHQ 

RPAM by going to Ngb.army.mil/resources/states.aspx. 

Click on your state National Guard offi ce and call the 

number listed to get in touch with these offi ces. If you fi nd 

a problem with your points statement, you should contact 

one of these offi ces to make necessary corrections in a 

timely manner. 

>> A list of Servicing Transition Centers can be found at: 

Militaryconnection.com/army_trans.asp. 

>> To receive Army Echoes by email, go to: Armyg1.army.

mil/rso/echoes.asp. 

You can also fi nd back issues of Echoes at this site. 

For more information on Retirement Services visit:

FNDS_MayJun09_reallife.indd 16 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 17

reallife

HEATHER ALLEN

Option A (Decline to Make an Election Until Age 60) 

(No RC-SBP participation): If you choose this option and 

die before age 60, your benefi ciaries will not receive any 

portion of your future retired pay entitlement. You will be 

able to elect Survivor Benefi t Plan (SBP) when you make 

your application to receive retired pay at age 60. If you are 

married at time of election, your spouse must concur with 

the election not to enroll in the RC-SBP.

If you have no eligible dependents when you make your 

RC-SBP election and you later marry or acquire a dependent child, you have one year from the date of the marriage 

or acquiring the child to make an RC-SBP election. That 

election becomes effective upon the fi rst anniversary of the 

marriage or acquiring the dependent child.

Option B (Deferred Annuity): Under this option, if you 

die before your 60th birthday, your RC-SBP benefi ciary 

is entitled to an RC-SBP annuity on the day you would 

have reached age 60. If you die after age 60, the annuity is 

payable immediately. Option B RC-SBP election becomes 

your SBP election at age 60. You do not make a second 

election at age 60. If you are married when you make this 

election, your spouse must concur.

Option C (Immediate Annuity): Under this option, 

annuity payments to designated benefi ciaries begin 

immediately upon your death, whether you die before or 

after age 60. Option C election categories become the 

Soldier’s SBP election at age 60. You may not make a 

new SBP election at age 60 retirement. The spouse must 

concur with this election if the retiring Soldier elects to 

cover less than full retired pay. 

What happens if your spouse doesn’t concur with your 

SBP election? You are automatically enrolled in Option C, 

covering full retired pay.

You must complete the DD Form 2656-5, Reserve 

Component Survivor Benefi t Plan (RC-SBP) Election 

Certifi cate within 90 days from receipt of the eligibility 

notifi cation letter to make an election for RC-SBP. 

Making the “Gray Area” Clear

For National Guard Soldiers and Families, military retirement is a two-part process. Before reaching age 60 and the 

start of retired pay and medical care, you are in the “gray 

area”. As a “gray area” reserve retired Soldier, you will have 

some benefi ts: You’ll be able to use commissary, exchange 

and installation facilities, and space-available travel (but 

your spouse is not eligible for these benefi ts until you reach 

age 60). 

In the “gray area,” you have the option of purchasing 

coverage in both the non-subsidized retiree dental plan 

and the federal long-term insurance program. You will also 

start receiving the Army Retirement Services bulletin for 

retired Soldiers and Families, Army Echoes. You’ll be able to 

choose to receive Echoes by email or by hard copy (for more 

information, see sidebar). 

If you choose to retire from the Guard before age 60, 

you are not eligible for dental and long-term insurance 

programs or benefi ts. You must keep the Human Resources 

Command-St. Louis informed of your address and status 

both for mobilization purposes and to ensure that they 

have your address when it’s time to mail your retirement 

packet. The phone number is (800) 318–5298, ext. 4.

To learn more about the retirement process, contact your 

Unit Readiness NCO or the State Joint Force Headquarters 

Retirement Points Accounting Management offi ce. 

“Retirement is a complex, 

life-changing process. It is 

important to understand the 

benefi ts and point system in place for Guard Soldiers.

I’m 33 years old and I have 

fi ve years until I can retire 

based on the current system, 

although I can’t collect any 

money until I turn 50.” 

-CPT Darrin Haas, member of the 

130th military police unit out of Memphis, TN

FNDS_MayJun09_reallife.indd 17 5/5/09 
Caring for the Homefront familyroom

18 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Positive 

Vibrations:

Military kids 

bond with 

Guard Soldiers 

while attending 

Operation 

Purple Camp.

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 18 5/5/09 
War affects everyone—not just service 

members, but their spouses and children as well. As an 

organization dedicated to serving military Families, the 

National Military Family Association 

(NMFA) has recognized the need for 

more resources to support military 

children. In 2004, the Operation 

Purple summer camp program was 

created as a way to help military 

children struggling with a parent’s 

deployment.

During the 2004 pilot season, 

NMFA implemented 12 different Operation Purple camps 

across the country. Due to the success of these camps, 

NMFA expanded the program and has since hosted more 

than 10,000 military children who have experienced or will 

experience deployment.

NMFA realizes that these children and their Families 

need resources and outlets to deal with the effects of their 

current situation. NMFA’s free Operation Purple summer 

camp program gives children a unique experience where they 

can learn coping skills, build a support network of peers and 

share in the kind of carefree fun that they need and deserve.

In 2008, there were 100 weeks of camp held in 62 

locations across 37 states and territories.

More than 155,000 kids have at least one parent 

deployed in Overseas Contingency 

Operations; this staggering fi gure 

doesn’t even include those dealing 

with routine, but often lengthy, 

deployments and separations from 

loved ones. Many children are 

experiencing multiple deployments 

or have more than one parent or 

Family member deployed.

Children who have a deployed parent or Family member 

face challenges. In the course of their parent’s service to 

our nation, these young people also make sacrifi ces so we 

can retain the freedom that is the cornerstone of American 

life. Fear, worry, heavy responsibilities, isolation, loneliness, 

missed birthdays, holidays and special events—these are 

just some of the things that these brave military kids face. 

Giving them an opportunity to take a break and have fun is 

a small way to give back. 

For more information on locations or to sign up for a 

camp, visit OperationPurple.org.

familyroom

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 19

COURTESY OF OPERATION PURPLE CAMP, NMFA

With Operation Purple®

 

Camps

taking a break

Courtesy of NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION

According to NMFA, more than

155,000 kids

have at least one parent who is deployed in Overseas 

Contingency Operations.

***

 NMFA’s Operation Purple summer camp is free to all military kids.

The Army National Guard (ARNG) and the National Science Center (NSC) have forged a new partnership to 

publicize how NSC programs can help ARNG educators and provide programs for children of deployed Soldiers. The NSC is a 

joint venture between the Army and the not-for-profi t National Science Center, Inc., with a national mission to increase math 

and science profi ciency in students. 

The NSC is seeking teachers to host week-long Fast Track Science camps in local communities for students in grades 4-5 and 

6-8. NSC provides the curriculum, kits, teacher training and compensation, and you provide the students and host facility. If 

interested, contact the NSC POC Rhonda Carroll directly at 706.821.0213 or 800.325.5445 ext. 0213; carrollr@nscdiscovery.org. You 

can also contact your State Family Program Director or State Child and Youth Coordinator for more information.

ARNG Enters a New Partnership

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 19 5/5/09 
Savor that 

you share a love 

for your 

country 

and each 

other.” 

—WO1 Charlene Ricketts 

and SSG Cary Ricketts

***

20 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

familyroom

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 20 5/5/09 
May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 21

ALLEN CLARK

familyroom

so long as we both 

shall serve

L

ess than a year after LTC William Wynns’ return 

from Afghanistan, his wife, CPT Dianna Wynns, 

is readying for deployment to Iraq. While CPT 

Wynns is away, LTC Wynns will have double 

duty back home in Lebanon, TN—taking care 

of their three children as well as performing his job as a 

Deputy Human Resource Offi cer.

Welcome to life as a dual-military couple. It’s a demanding lifestyle, but one with unique rewards and benefi ts. 

What gets the Wynns, and couples like them, through 

the challenges and sacrifi ces that come with being a twoSoldier household?

“We both know each other’s military situation,” said CPT 

Wynns.

Her husband agrees. “The best thing is: We both understand the requirements.”

Each partner has an intimate knowledge of what the other 

is experiencing during deployment and a shared understanding of the Guard. 

It’s a bond found among other double-duty couples.

Meeting of the Minds

“This has been the best relationship I have ever been in 

because we’re both in the Guard and know 

what is expected of one another at work,” 

said WO1 Tina Price, who, along with her 

fi ancé OC Gary Francisco, lives in 

Springfi eld, IL. Francisco likes that there 

is little need to explain anything militaryrelated. 

“We have a shared mental state,” he said. 

MAJ Brian Bobo and his wife, CPT 

Teresa Bobo, of Woodbury, MN, met in the 

military. Both believe mutual understanding is key to their relationship. “We can 

help each other and share the additional 

bond of being Soldiers as well as spouses,” 

said MAJ Bobo.

This understanding became stronger 

during MAJ Bobo’s deployment to Iraq. 

“We talked every day on my lunch break—his bedtime—

and every night, he would call to tuck me in—morning for 

him,” shared CPT Bobo. “Some people say that’s too much, 

but that’s what made us happy, and that’s what we both 

needed,” she added. 

Inspiration to Serve

For many of these couples, the strength to handle being 

a dual-military couple lies in what inspired them to serve 

their country. 

The Wynns both had Family members who served. “My 

father was in the Guard, and I wanted to continue that 

tradition,” said CPT Wynns.

SGT Amy Parker, of Ashland, KY, always wanted to be in 

the military. Meanwhile, her other half, SFC Joseph Parker 

found that “in the Guard, there is so much more that the 

Soldiers bring to the table.”

Others volunteered for the job opportunities and benefi ts, or to complete their service obligation. CPT Bobbie 

Mayes, of Lawrenceburg, KY, signed up because, “My 

brother told me it was like band camp!” In addition to that, 

she discovered that the Guard would pay for law school. 

Mayes’ husband, CPT Jacob Mayes, had a similar reason 

for joining—tuition for college. However, 

he encountered two great mentors who 

pushed him toward military success. “The 

Guard came to be a big part of me ... and I 

decided to become an offi cer.” 

Separation Anxiety

A common hardship among dualmilitary couples is time away from each 

other and their Families due to separations. 

The reasons vary—deployments, drills, 

temporary duties, training, schooling—but 

the outcome is the same: one leaves, the 

other stays behind. 

“It is tough ... not only are you a spouse 

without your partner ... but you are also 

a Soldier with all the responsibilities 

Double Time for Dual-Military Couples

By LYNNE YORK

“I love 

that we can 

understand 

each other 

so well with 

the military 

jargon.” 

—CPT TERESA BOBO

***

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 21 5/5/09 
familyroom

22 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

you already had,” said CPT Tijuana Cookston, whose 

husband, Chief Warrant Offi cer Chad Cookston served 

in Afghanistan from April 2005 to July 2006. The 

Cookstons live in Harrison, TN.

When LTC Wynns deployed for a year, his wife 

also faced some stressful events. She learned she was 

pregnant, moved twice, her mother was hospitalized 

and her father-in-law passed away. 

And yet, CPT Wynns found a silver lining. “I have the 

world’s greatest motherin-law ... and I’m also 

blessed with great friends.”

She also got through the 

separation by having a set 

routine and sticking with 

it as much as possible. “It 

made things at home seem 

more normal,” she shared.

Soldiers often become 

temporary single parents. 

“I had to pick and choose 

parenting battles like bed 

times and chores,” shared 

WO1 Charlene Ricketts, wife 

of SSG Cary Ricketts, both of Cedar Hill, TN.

“I tell everyone, ‘I take a lot of vitamins just to keep 

up with the demands of work, kids, social activities and 

housework!’” said SGT Amy Parker, whose husband is 

serving in Afghanistan.

Sacrifi ce

In conjunction with separation comes the fact that these 

couples, and their Families, have to sacrifi ce certain aspects 

of their lives in order to complete their missions.

“We have often missed birthdays, anniversaries and 

special events due to deployment or temporary duty,” said 

CW4 Tracy Webb and 1SG Diane Webb of Murfreesboro, TN.

SPC Felicia Lovings and her husband, SPC Gary Harris, 

of Frankfort, KY, disagreed on his transitioning to active 

duty due to her current career. “I have a full-time federal 

job with the Guard that would not allow me to transfer to 

another state.” Harris kept his part-time Guard status to 

allow Lovings to maintain her position. 

Rewards

But even with separation and sacrifi ce, there are 

upsides to being doubly “married” to the military. 

Many of the couples shared that although they are 

“Soldier fi rst, spouse second,” there are benefi ts.

“I love that we can understand each other so well 

with the military jargon,” said CPT Bobo. 

“It is an amazing feeling to have someone in my 

corner who understands my sacrifi ces, doesn’t hold 

them against me and believes I deserve to be at the 

top,” replied 1SG Diane Webb.

“The Guard has been great to both of us,” said LTC 

Wynns. “We are paid well and enjoy a good life due to our 

service.”

SGT Parker loves “watching my children learn pride in 

their country, pride in their mom and dad.”

Advice

When asked if these Soldiers have any advice for fellow 

dual-Guard couples, their collective voice answered: Spend 

as much time together as possible; know each other’s goals; 

keep work and home separate; support each other; and 

celebrate the small victories. 

Or, as the Ricketts responded, “Savor that you share a 

love for your country and each other.” 

For better or for worse, when all is said and done, these 

dual-military couples hold a deep love of their country 

and their partners—so much that they’re willing to work 

through whatever may come their way. 

nd a silver lining. I have the

e

R

u

M

“

w

Side by Side: MAJ Brian Bobo 

and CPT Teresa Bobo credit 

communication and understanding 

as the key to their successful 

marriage.

Thanks to the Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP), a mutually benefi cial partnership between the Army and corporate 

America, military spouses are better equipped to achieve their personal job goals. 

Currently, 31 corporations, along with military and federal government agencies, pledge their best efforts to increase employment and 

career opportunities for Army spouses. Since its October 2003 inception, ASEP partners have hired more than 23,000 military spouses. 

ASEP will be offi cially introduced to the Army National Guard shortly, according to Martina Salazar, Family Programs Analyst, National 

Guard Bureau. 

For more information on ASEP, contact Martina Salazar, (703) 601-7846, or visit MiltarySpouseJobSearch.org.

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR GUARD SPOUSES

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 22 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 23

familyroom

Deployments are never easy on any CitizenSoldier, but for those who are unmarried, 

they can present a unique set of challenges. 

For example, without a spouse, they must 

fi nd outside parties to take care of their 

home, pets, personal fi nances and legal obligations.

So how do single people in the Army National Guard 

handle a deployment? To fi nd out, Foundations spoke with 

one such Soldier.

SSG Matt Sciranka

In 2001, at the age of 17, SSG Matt Sciranka joined the 

Guard because he wanted to serve his country. He has 

been deployed twice since then—to Tikrit, Iraq, and to 

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait—and the transition from part-time 

to full-time duty required some reorganizing of his life.

“The biggest thing I faced [before deploying] was making 

sure my bills got paid while I was gone,” he said. 

Matt’s father, George Sciranka, volunteered to manage 

his son’s fi nances during both deployments. “I had everything paid off for Matt by the time he got back,” he said.

One thing that couldn’t be delegated to friends or 

Family was Matt’s car lease, which was due to expire while 

he was in Iraq. “I had to break the lease and return the 

vehicle,” he explained. 

Survivor Instincts

Service overseas created other challenges in Matt’s 

world. During his fi rst deployment, the only time he could 

call home to check in with his dad was around 2 a.m. This 

interrupted George’s sleep, and sometimes, it alarmed him.

“My heart would go up in my throat because it’s usually 

only bad news [when the phone rings] at that time of day,” 

said George. “After my heart would settle down, I could go 

back to sleep.”

Fortunately, Matt’s second deployment was less nervewracking. Father and son not only had a better idea of 

what to expect, they discovered that Matt would be at the 

same base camp as his twin brother, Marc. 

“I felt a little bit better the second time around because 

[Matt’s] brother was over there with him,” George said. 

Duty Bound

Home since February 2009, and now working as a 

Human Resource Assistant with the Ohio National Guard 

Family Program, Matt knows there’s a chance he may be 

called overseas again. Today, it’s a reality he’s prepared to 

face—single-handedly or otherwise. 

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program offers various programs and online resources for single Soldiers, 

including single Guard-member workshops and Strong Bonds Single Soldier Retreats. To learn more, please call or 

visit your state’s Joint Forces Headquarters.

A Single Soldier’s Deployment

By LYNNE YORK

bridging the gap

COURTESY OF SSG MATT SCIRANKA

“The biggest thing 

I faced [before 

deploying] was making 

sure my bills got paid 

while I was gone.” 

—SSG Matt Sciranka, Ohio National Guard

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 23 5/5/09 
When Army National Guard and Reserve 

members deploy—which is now taking 

place in record numbers—questions and 

complications can arise between Soldiers 

and their civilian employers. 

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 

can help. This organization exists to promote cooperation 

and understanding between employers and Soldier employees by addressing the challenges that arise. A division of 

the Department of Defense, ESGR provides free education, 

consultation and mediation, including information on labor 

laws and regulations, to all parties.

For example, if a Soldier lost his or her job due to 

deployment, ESGR would refer them to the Uniformed 

Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act 

(USERRA). This measure provides job protection and 

rights of reinstatement.

 ESGR assists employers and employees equally. 

“We don’t choose a Soldier’s side or an employer’s 

side,” said Cara Divelbliss, program support specialist 

for the Mississippi ESGR. “We just state the law.”

Bigger Stage, Expanded Role

With the average deployment lasting 10 months—and 

some being extended to well over a year—ESGR’s role 

in maintaining employer support for Guard and Reserve 

members has grown. 

The organization is also busier due to the current 

back to work!

Employer support group helps bring 

Soldiers and employers together

By FRED MCGHEE II

Soldiers, Airmen and employers of the Ohio 

National Guard’s Joint Employer Readiness 

Program smile, March 7, for a group photo 

near static military displays at the Blue Ash Air 

National Guard Station in Cincinnati, OH.

24 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

familyroom

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 24 5/5/09 
fi nancial crisis. “Because of the economy, there have been 

several layoffs,” explained Divelbliss. “Soldiers want to 

know whether it was because they’re being deployed, or 

due to the economy.”

Evolving Mission

Established in 1972, ESGR was originally a 9-1-1/emergency program for Soldiers. That changed after 9/11, when 

the National Guard evolved into a fully operational force. 

The surge in deployments forced ESGR to change the way 

it carries out its mission.

“The change has placed more requirements upon our 

Guard and Reserve Service Members, and more sacrifi ce is 

placed upon their employers,” said L. Gordon Sumner Jr., 

executive director for ESGR.

“Our focus now,” he continued, “is to transform ESGR 

into a 4-1-1 program—educating employers and employees 

about what is expected of them.”

Volunteer Spirit

ESGR volunteers, according to Sumner, are the backbone 

of the organization, and bring a vast reserve of diverse 

experience to the program. Among them are attorneys, 

small businessmen, politicians, and former Guard and 

Reserve Service Members. 

“Most of them found out about our mission through 

word-of-mouth and fell in love with it,” said Divelbliss 

of the volunteers. She estimated that 80 percent of 

Mississippi’s 58 volunteers are retired military members, 

and said they have successfully mediated 81 of 83 cases. 

“Successful” mediation is defi ned as keeping the cases from 

reaching the department of labor.

How Employers Become Heroes

When facing deployment, Soldiers 

worry about their Family. Civilian 

employers can play a signifi cant role 

in their emotional and psychological 

well-being by complying with the laws 

that protect the Soldiers’ rights.

“For a Soldier to be away and know 

that the company they worked for is 

taking care of their family is comforting,” said Steven Ryan Garrett, retired 

National Guard Soldier. 

He knows from experience. A former sergeant in the 

204th Air Defense Artillery based in Forrest, MS, Garrett 

learned of ESGR while deployed for Hurricane Katrina. 

His employer, NUCOR Steel in Jackson, MS, is the largest 

recycler in North America. 

Garrett appreciated NUCOR’s support so much that he 

nominated its leader, Jim Sheble, for the ESGR Patriot Award, 

which recognizes outstanding employer leadership and personnel practices in support of Guard and Reserve employees. 

Sheble won the Patriot Award and later, the Freedom 

Award—the latter being the ESGR’s most prestigious 

national recognition.

Sheble contended that Guard Soldier employees are an 

invaluable asset to him because they provide his company 

with several advantages.

“With a National Guard member,” he said, “you get 

someone who is sharp, disciplined and loyal, and who 

understands safety. And above all, you get someone who 

knows how to work as [part of] a team.” 

Jim Sheble, vice president of NUCOR Steel (center), 

received the prestigious Freedom Award from the ESGR for 

his service and loyalty to deployed National Guard Soldiers. 

The award earned him a 52-minute face-to-face meeting 

with former President George W. Bush at the White House. 

 “For me to be away and know that the company I worked for is taking care 

of my Family in my absence

 is comforting.” —Steven Ryan Garret

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 25

familyroom

COURTESY OF MISSISSIPPI ESGR

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 25 5/5/09 
familyroom

26 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Haven’t we all entertained daydreams of the 

“good old days” and revisited memories of 

what most of us would consider a carefree 

childhood?

Dealing with worry and stress might 

seem like a task for adults only, but they sometimes forget 

that stress is not an adult phenomenon. Children, teens 

and young adults today may experience more stress than 

we realize. 

Perhaps no segment of the U.S. population has been 

placed under more stress than the children of Service 

Members. They have made many contributions and 

sacrifi ces as their parents serve. According to the National 

Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofi t organization that represents Families of all ranks and services, there 

are 3 million people serving in the Armed Forces, and there 

are nearly 1.8 million children of Active Duty, National 

Guard and Reserve parents. 

Deployments affecting military Families bring a 

unique set of challenges, not just for the Service Member 

or spouse, but also, undeniably, for their children. 

Deployment, while not a new experience for most Active 

Duty military Families, may be uncharted territory for 

many Army National Guard Families. 

Multiple and lengthy deployments are diffi cult for 

everyone, but are particularly unsettling for children who 

have never experienced cycle of deployment changes. As 

hard as one may try to protect young Family members from 

these changes, some stressors will trickle down. Remember 

... kids serve, too.

When we hear the word “stress,” we often label it a bad 

thing. However, some stress might be considered healthy 

and normal. Not all stress is created equal, according to 

an article by Arlene Fulton, Ph.D., a child development 

specialist and author of Helping Children Cope: Children 

and Stress. Ordinary stresses are those that, as a general 

rule, kids can handle as part of their daily routine, such as 

waking up, dressing and making it to the bus on time. 

Developmental stresses, or those related to growing and 

changing, require mastery of certain skills and adaptation 

to new habits and routines—for instance, learning new 

skills. The third type of stress is characterized as being 

unique to the individual, and deployment would fi t into 

this category. Coping with unique stress requires trust and 

good communication between parent and child.

Most children can learn, and accept, that everyday living 

will present certain challenges, and they either possess or 

can develop stress management and coping skills to make 

them stronger and more resilient. Here are a few building 

blocks to enhance stress management for children:

• Acknowledge that children, teens and young adults 

experience stress. Brushing off stress as normal or routine 

could bury more serious problems.

• Be open to discussing concerns or behavior change.

Encourage a half hour of individual time with each child a 

week to communicate, connect and learn.

• Care. Set reasonable expectations and enable success. 

Children thrive when everyday routines are manageable 

and successes are rewarded.

Regarding military children, Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy 

Under Secretary for Military Community and Family Policy, 

said, “Growing up in a military Family offers some challenges, but it also provides some special rewards and pride 

for their parents' service.

“It’s essential to recognize that military children make 

signifi cant contributions for the country while their 

parents are away on long deployments,” she continued. 

“Despite multiple moves throughout their school years, 

military children are resilient and self-confi dent. They have 

strengths admired by many—especially their parents.”

kids serve, too

Military Kids Cope With the Stress of Deployment

By ANN M. STARK

familyroom_May-Jun09_3.indd 26 5/5/09 
FNDS_MA09_DOH.indd 27 5/5/09 
38 | FOUNDATIONS March/April 2009

A Guide to Healthy Living

takecare

Most people begin walking when they’re 

around 14 months old. I started in my mid-40s. 

Yes, you read that right: mid-40s. That’s how long it took 

me to motivate myself to get up off my rear end and start 

fi tness-walking. But boy, am I glad I fi nally made the move! 

Walking is the shortcut to several health benefi ts—so 

many that I’m sorry I didn’t start sooner. It can improve 

your mood, lower stress, increase metabolism and manage 

weight—and it’s great for the heart! 

But what really inspired me is the fact that there’s no 

gym membership required—just the right shoes and comfortable clothing! (See opposite page.)

Whether you’re relatively new to walking, like I am, or advanced enough to tackle 

a marathon, there are guidelines you should 

follow to keep yourself injury-free and safe:

> Never stretch cold muscles. Wait until the end 

or middle of your walk.

> Find a comfortable stride and keep your body 

in line—chin up, shoulders back, arms bent at the 

elbow and swinging, heel of your foot touching the 

ground fi rst. 

> Start out slowly, then gradually increase speed.

> Drink plenty of fl uids to keep the body 

hydrated. 

> Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds when 

outside. They may be great for listening to music, 

but they also block out the sounds of oncoming 

cars, bicyclists, runners and dogs. 

> Speaking of dogs, a repellent spray works 

wonders in stopping any aggressive canines. 

> Carry a cell phone and identifi cation for 

emergencies.

To be honest, even though I know this 

low-impact workout is highly benefi cial, 

there are days I don’t want to train. My 

excuse list is long: I’m tired; I’m sick; I don’t 

have the time; it’s boring; it’s too cold/hot/

rainy/snowy/windy outside. 

According to Stephanie Brooks, a Certifi ed 

Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 

10 years of coaching experience, there are 

numerous ways to stay motivated: 

> Keep a journal of your mileage and time. 

You can also use a pedometer to measure your 

steps. Doing so helps you see the progress you’re making. Try 

Runstoppable.com, a great online tool to track your every move.

> Set realistic daily, weekly and monthly goals. Write them into 

your schedule.

> Vary your route. Speaking from personal experience, this tip is 

what most keeps my boredom at bay and my motivation high. Some 

days, I tackle the hills in my neighborhood, while others are spent in 

the park. On occasion, I’ll walk on the treadmill indoors. Variety is 

the spice of life! Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

Who knew that putting two feet in front of each other 

was so easy? Well, actually, toddlers do. Which means 

there’s no excuse for those of us old enough to be reading 

this article not to walk out the door and get physical!

walk this way Stepping Your Way to Fitness

By LYNNE YORK

28 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

takecare_May-June09.indd 28 5/5/09 
 March/April 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 25

takecare

 Set realistic

daily, weekly and

 monthly goals. 

Shoes are the only 

equipment a walker needs, 

but they’re also the most 

important. To be sure you’re 

wearing the correct footwear, 

get fi tted at a running shop.

Proper walking shoes should 

have:

> Ample heel cushioning

> Roomy toe area

> Arch support

> Slip-resistant soles

Dress for success

When it comes to exercise 

and attire, comfort should 

be your priority, not fashion. 

However, loose-fi tting and 

layering is always in season! 

Layering allows you to peel 

away items as you warm up. 

And new fabrics designed for 

exercise keep moisture away 

from the skin, insulate the 

body and protect you from the 

elements. Be sure to accessorize 

with plenty of sunscreen. 

Buddy up

Boost your workout using a 

buddy system! Exercising with 

others can help you stick to your 

walking program by alleviating 

boredom and providing 

motivation, inspiration and 

accountability. Walk with a 

friend or join a local walking 

group.

Calculating calories

Walking and weight loss go 

hand-in-hand. The reason: We 

expend energy with every step 

we take, which burns calories, 

which leads to losing weight! 

Approximately 100-200 

calories are burned per mile, 

depending on your weight, pace 

and distance. If you are using 

a pedometer, approximately 

2,000 steps equals one mile.

Start Off on the Right Foot

Stretching is a great way to avoid injuries. We’ve included 

a few stretches below, to help you stay loose and limber. But 

remember—stretching is exercise too, so you’ll want to follow 

these important tips from Stephanie Brooks, Certifi ed Strength 

and Conditioning Specialist:

Stretch slowly. It’s better to take time stretching than to waste 

time healing from an injury. 

Never bounce or overdo your stretches. If at any point you 

don’t feel fl exible enough to follow the suggestions below, stop!

Simplify your stretch. After a long, challenging walk, you may 

want to take a warm bath and stretch your legs in the tub. 

Calf stretches

1. Stand facing a tree (or pole), and gently lean forward against 

it. Keep your right heel on the ground, but point the toes 

upward and support them against the tree. Slowly lean your body 

forward to stretch the calf muscle. Hold for 20-30 seconds and 

release. Repeat with left leg.

2. Use a curb (or a step) for this one. Face the curb and place 

your right leg in front of your left leg. Rest the sole of the 

right foot on the curb, with your heel touching the ground. Gently 

lean your body forward to stretch the calf muscle and hold 20-30 

seconds. Repeat on left leg. 

3. The following stretch works best if you’re inclined slightly, 

either facing uphill, or hands on curb or step.

Drop into push-up position: facing down, hands shoulderwidth apart. Keeping your weight on the balls of the feet, 

gently push back toward your heels, slowly stretching the calf 

muscle. Hold for 20-30 seconds and ease forward toward your 

toes. Repeat. You can also bring one foot forward, even with the 

other knee, and then alternate legs. 

Lower back stretch

You’ll want to sit down for this one. Cross your left leg over the 

right leg, so that the ankle is resting on your right knee (your left 

calf and shin should now be parallel to the ground). Keeping the 

left calf and shin horizontal, use both arms to slowly pull the leg 

up toward your chest. You’ll feel the stretch in your lower back 

and the top of your glutes. Don’t overdo it, and stop if you feel 

any strain in your back or knee. Gently lower the leg back to the 

original position and repeat with the other leg. 

The Last Stretch

© VEER

takecare_May-June09.indd 29 5/5/09 
30 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

takecare

The National Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention and 

Response (SAPR) Program is focusing this year’s prevention 

efforts on bystander intervention. The program’s training 

teaches Soldiers how to intervene in and prevent sexual 

assaults. 

The SAPR is enlisting the help of fellow Soldiers who are 

able to recognize how offenders plan and target trusting 

fellow Soldiers. We are hoping that this will send a strong message to potential 

perpetrators that their fellow Soldiers will not tolerate this type of behavior in 

the National Guard. 

The program is led by 54 Joint Force Headquarters Sexual Assault Response 

Coordinators, or SARCs, who have the responsibilities of managing the individual programs within the states. If an assault occurs in their state, they have a 

victim’s advocate to lead the effort in providing vital resources that care for the 

victim after an assault. 

The program features two primary areas of focus: prevention and response. 

A small number of our Soldiers are being sexually assaulted by fellow Soldiers. 

The Secretary of the Army, who recently spoke at the Army Sexual Assault 

Prevention and Response Summit, made it clear that it will not be tolerated. 

 “We see every Soldier as part of a brotherhood,” said SSG Michael T. Noyce 

Merino, who was recently named Noncommissioned Offi cer of the Year. “Sexual 

assault is a violation of that trust. There is no leeway for that. We don't accept 

that. Every Soldier knows what the standards are and what is expected of them. 

Sexual assault is not tolerated in any way." 

zero tolerance

The National Guard’s Sexual Assault 

Prevention and Response Program

By JANE LUX, NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU’S SAPR COORDINATOR

Sexual harassment:

A form of gender discrimination that 

involves one or more of the following:

• Unwelcome sexual advances 

• Requests for sexual favors

• Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual 

 nature

When it occurs:

Submission to or rejection of such 

conduct by a person is used as a basis 

for career or employment decisions.

The behavior, situation or circumstance 

creates an intimidating, hostile or 

offensive work environment.

Sexual assault:

Intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or 

abuse of authority or when the victim 

does not or cannot consent. 

Sexual harassment complaints are 

handled differently from sexual assault 

reports. If you’re unsure whether your 

incident is assault or harassment, 

consider speaking with your System 

Acquisition Review Council, Veterans 

Administration, chaplain, or health care 

provider before making your statement. 

They may be able to help you make the 

distinction.

Do you know the 

difference between 

sexual assault and 

sexual harassment? 

If you have any questions or wish to report a sexual assault, please call 

(703) 607-2211 or (866) 601-0577.

takecare_May-June09.indd 30 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 31

 Every Soldier knows 

what the standards are and 

 what is expected of them. 

Sexual assault is not 

 tolerated in any way.

 –SSG MICHAEL T. NOYCE MERINO

GETTY IMAGES

takecare

takecare_May-June09.indd 31 5/5/09 
MODELSFORSUCCESS

Military 

Families

Share 

Their 

Secrets

★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★

All for One: SGM Adelita 

Gallardo, sergeant major 

for the Texas National 

Guard State Family 

Program, credits her 

Family’s success with 

their active participation 

in Guard life.

feature_MayJune09.indd 32 5/5/09 
By LYNNE YORK 

Introduction by MARCIA BEENE DICKERSON

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

SGM Adelita Gallardo has been with 

the Army National Guard for 27 of her 

46 years. During that time she 

married, divorced, deployed twice, 

raised two daughters and battled liver 

cancer (and won). 

Today, Adelita cares for her 5-yearold grandson, Anthony, and her 

76-year-old mother, while holding 

down a full-time job as sergeant major 

for the Texas National Guard State 

Family Program. 

This single parent and her Family 

have faced a lot of challenges. 

However, with each one, they banded 

together and made their way through 

successfully. 

According to Adelita, much of the 

Family’s success is because she began 

including her daughters and grandson 

in all aspects of her Guard life when 

they were very young.

“Throughout my [time] in the military, I have involved my daughters, and 

now [Anthony], in everything I do,” 

Adelita said. 

She believes her children’s involvement is important because “they too 

are serving ‘proudly’ and ‘honorably.’ ”

“My younger daughter, Valerie, was 

16 at the time of my fi rst deployment. 

Bringing her in ... on the deployment 

process was important,” said Adelita. 

Valerie became even more involved 

during her mom’s second deployment by agreeing to take charge of the 

Family’s fi nances. 

Adelita’s older daughter, Vickie, 

had power of attorney while she was 

away. Vickie now works as a Family 

Assistance Center specialist in the 

same Family program that employs 

Adelita. 

Anthony has become the Guard 

mascot, according to Adelita. He visits 

Wounded Warriors and, after each 

trip, asks his grandmother if they 

can go back, so he can “play with the 

Soldiers with boo-boos.”

COMMITMENT

Ask MSG Miner Roth what makes 

his Family of four successful, and he’ll 

In our rushed world, we barely take time to breath. And if you’re a Soldier 

or you have one in your Family, even breathing can be a daunting task. Having 

a successful Family means getting involved in each other’s lives, honoring your 

respective commitments, establishing solid communication skills and 

understanding that your spouse needs Family support to be successful. 

Recently, three successful military Families spoke with Foundations about how 

they balance their lives. 

“Throughout my [time] in 

the military, I have involved my 

daughters, and now [Anthony], 

in everything I do.” —SGM Adelita Gallardo

Soldier in Training: Texas Army National Guard Soldier SGM Adelita Gallardo spends quality time with her 

5-year-old grandson Anthony.

SUMMER HUGGINS

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 33

feature_MayJune09.indd 33 5/5/09 
S

pouses of Soldiers know how much courage, patience and understanding it takes to make the marriage 

work. Here are some suggestions from one Army National Guard Special Forces wife, whose name is 

withheld to protect her identity:

At a Family dinner once, I asked my husband this question: If he had to choose between the military 

or me, which would he choose? My father, the wise man that he is, leaned toward me and said, “Honey, 

some things you don’t ask, if you don’t really want to know the answers.” 

I have thought about those words of wisdom several times throughout our military marriage. It has taken me time 

to understand that I am not less important. It’s that my husband has the spirit of a Warrior. To ask him to give up this 

part of himself would be like asking him not to be who he really is. 

Understanding this has allowed me to change my perspective. I now see my support for him and his service as a 

way I, too, can serve my community and my nation. Oft en, it has simply been this shift in focus that has enabled me 

to move from victim to victor. 

Yes, there are challenges in being a military wife. And the solution to overcoming those challenges, just as with any 

other challenge in life, comes down to a simple choice. You either cope or you crumble. And YOU are the only one 

who has the power to decide which it will be. 

Knowing, understanding and supporting what makes your Soldier exceptional minimizes 

those challenges. It is also what empowers you to be an exceptional spouse.

Everlasting Love: MSG Miner Roth of the Michigan Army National Guard sits 

lovingly with Cheryl, his wife of 38 years.

COPE OR CRUMBLE

Proud to Serve: Michigan 

Army National Guard Soldier 

MSG Miner Roth has proudly 

served his country for 39 

years. Miner’s current 

service includes working as 

a contractor for the National 

Guard Bureau Yellow Ribbon 

program.

“It has taken me time 

to understand that I 

am not less important. 

It’s that my husband 

has the spirit of a 

Warrior. To ask him 

to give up this part of 

himself would be like 

asking him not to be 

who he really is.”

—Army National Guard Special Forces Wife

34 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

feature_MayJune09.indd 34 5/5/09 
immediately answer: “Commitment to 

each other and the Family.”

And when it comes to commitment, Miner knows what he’s talking 

about: What began as “just another 

piece of his life” soon turned into a 

job, and then a 39-year career with 

the Michigan Army National Guard. 

Currently, Miner is employed as a 

contractor for the National Guard 

Bureau Yellow Ribbon program, 

helping deploying Soldiers and their 

Families.

And then there’s his marriage 

and Family. Miner met his wife, 

Cheryl, when they were both freshmen at Grand Ledge High School in 

Michigan. Two years after graduation, when they married, Miner was 

already in the Guard.

Cheryl noted that, from the beginning, she “had to think of the Guard as 

part of our life.” 

The couple’s fi rst child, Stacey, was 

born in 1975. A son, Eric, followed four 

years later. When they were younger, 

both children attended Guard functions with their parents. And Cheryl, 

in her spare time, supported various 

military events.

“I loved the years I was in a Family 

Readiness Group. It was great fun ... and 

I got to know Miner’s Guard Family. It 

was really rewarding,” said Cheryl. 

Cheryl’s continued commitment to 

the Guard helps Miner as well, who 

admits he’s not very outgoing. “When 

we’re at an event or a conference, 

Cheryl talks a lot, [which is] my weak 

area.”

This couple is so dedicated to each 

other and to the Guard that they will 

celebrate their wedding anniversary 

this year by attending a Strong Bonds 

for Couples Workshop in Maine. 

MUTUAL SUPPORT 

1LT Adam Spina and his wife 

Angela are a young couple actively 

involved with each other, and with 

the Guard. 

Adam is the Company Commander 

of the 144th Military Police Company 

(QRF) in the Michigan Army National 

Guard, and a full-time teacher. Angela 

is employed as the Michigan State 

Child and Youth Coordinator. 

They both agree that the key to their 

Family’s success is communication. 

“I’m always gone when he’s home, 

and he’s always gone when I’m home,” 

shared Angela. “We keep each other 

posted on what we have going on. I 

think we’re successful with our 

communication.”

The Spinas are also very involved in 

the Guard. “Angela and I have done a 

lot of [Guard-related] things together 

... including working summer camps 

for the children,” said Adam.

“If you have a spouse who becomes 

involved [in the Guard], whether it’s 

through Family Readiness Groups or 

working full-time in the Guard ... you 

come into a better understanding of 

what it all entails,” he emphasized.

 Soldier First, Teacher Second:

 1LT Adam Spina of the Michigan

Army National Guard not only is 

Company Commander of the 144th

Military Police Company (QRF) but 

also a 7th-grade social

studies teacher.

Home Sweet Home: Michigan Army National Guard Soldier 

1LT Adam Spina and his wife Angela relax on their front 

steps aft er a day of yard duty.

MODELS FOR SUCCESS

TOM GENNARATOM GENNARA

feature_MayJune09.indd 35 5/5/09 
36 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

support

Resources for Guard Families

One moment you’re having a pleasant Family 

dinner; the next, you and your teenager are caught in a 

screaming match about whose turn it is to clear the table. 

Sound familiar? 

Communicating with teens and pre-teens has its ups and 

downs, and it can be especially diffi cult in Guard households when one parent is deployed. 

“The main thing to remember is that teens are 

trying to create a sense of identity and independence,” says 

Dr. Mike Riera, a doctor of counseling psychology and the 

author of Staying Connected to Your Teenager. 

“Whenever parents encroach on that, they get their 

hands slapped, so the manner in which you communicate 

with teens and pre-teens is absolutely critical,” he says.

Riera also stresses the importance of keeping 

communication lines open with kids ages 8 to 12, often 

called “tweens,” who tend to be more vulnerable than 

teenagers—and even less likely to open up sometimes. 

Try Dr. Riera’s tips to improve communication with 

your teens and tweens:

• Make conversation less structured and more relaxed. 

• Create a comfortable atmosphere that will allow you and 

your teen to talk comfortably. “Kids will talk only when their 

defenses are down and there are no competing interests.” 

• Find a neutral place to talk to your teen, like a lengthy 

 car ride, or while they’re in their bedroom.

“Parents should perfect the art of hanging out in their 

kid’s room before they go to sleep,” Riera says. “Make it a 

point to ask them how their day was and how things with 

their friends are going. A teen’s bedroom is usually where 

he or she feels safest, so your chances of having a positive 

interaction are high.”

Schedule family time. According to Riera’s research, 

most healthy Families fi nd a way to schedule 20 minutes 

of Family time fi ve times a week. Gathering on weeknights 

for dinner is an easy way to facilitate quality time—even if 

your Family’s hectic schedule has every member running in 

a different direction. 

Don’t be surprised if teens and tweens don’t always open 

up, Riera warns. “Your kids won’t always talk to you, and 

that’s okay,” he says. “The most important thing is that 

they know they can partake at any point—that gives them a 

sense of belonging.”

Avoid giving lectures. No matter how well your check-in 

times go, it’s inevitable that you’ll argue with your teen 

from time to time.

“When you get to the place in an argument where you’re 

fi nding different words to say the same thing or you feel 

your voice escalating, that’s when you stop,” Riera 

explains. 

all lines open

How to Communicate Eff ectively With Your Teens and Tweens

By MEGAN PACELLA

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When you’re deployed, your Family oft en 

has no idea what to do or where to turn. But 

have no fear because in Sandy Doell’s book, 

Mom’s Field Guide: What You Need to Know 

to Make it Through Deployment, a mom, dad, 

brother, sister or anyone else interested in 

supporting a Soldier will fi nd plenty of help.

Sandy’s son, David, deployed in 2004 

with his military police unit to Iraq, and like most parents, she 

was full of anxiety. But to conquer her worries, she kept herself 

busy by turning her energy toward supporting her son.

As a writer and editor, Sandy used her research skills investigating ways to support her son. Through lessons learned from 

other Families, as well as her own experiences, she shares her 

knowledge with others in the same situation.

Interspersed with her sage advice are emails from David that 

add a “story” to the information. Each chapter centers on what 

her son asks for or suggests in his emails. 

For example, in chapter two, David asks for cookies and snack 

cakes. Sandy then speaks about what to send and how to send 

it—as well as off ering recipes that travel well to a hot climate. 

The path Sandy follows takes her from worried mom to 

proactive mom as she learns: how to “pack the box”; things 

to do before deployment; how to stay busy during a Soldier’s 

absence; fi nding support from organizations as well as individuals; and most important, fi nding emotional support for 

everyone involved. 

Mom’s Field Guide is well-written, engaging and chock-full 

of great information for any mom or Family facing a loved one’s 

deployment. 

The result of taking a few minutes to calm down? 

Usually both parties involved will apologize after taking 

some time apart, and reaching an agreement will be much 

easier. 

Let go. One root cause for many arguments between 

parents and teens is that teenagers are searching for a way 

to become independent young adults, and some parents 

have a hard time letting go.

“It’s a parent’s job to let go of their role as a manager in 

a teen’s life and become more of a consultant,” Riera says. 

“You have a lot of infl uence over your teen, but not much 

control.”

Instead of trying to manage every aspect of your teen’s 

behavior, engage in productive, respectful conversation—

it will go a long way toward improving communication 

and strengthening the infl uence you have in your 

children’s lives. 

Communicating well with teens and tweens is especially important 

if a parent is deployed. Dr. Riera suggests the following:

Be honest

 >> When a parent is deployed, it’s natural for a child to feel 

anxious. If your teens and tweens are worried that your 

spouse might not come home safely, be honest with them, 

but highlight the good points.

 >> “Point out that operating zones are safer than they used 

to be, and assure them that your Family is strong enough to 

make it through anything,” he suggests. 

Be patient

 >> Sometimes your children will take their anxieties and anger 

about missing a parent out on you. “Your child might curl 

up with you and tell stories about dad one night, and then 

the next morning act extremely angry with you,” Riera says. 

“The only answer is that they’re scared, and they miss their 

parent—they take it out on you because you’re present, so 

don’t be off ended.”

Be connected

 >> Realize it is more important to communicate with your 

children during a deployment than at any other time. 

 >> “Write letters together or update a Facebook profi le with 

Family photos, so your child feels connected to you,” Riera 

advises.

 >> Don’t forget that email and instant messaging can be great 

ways to keep communication fl owing no matter how far away 

a parent is stationed.

Dealing With 

Deployment

Mom’s Field Guide

What You Need to Know to Make it 

Through Your Loved One’s Military Deployment 

by Sandy Doell

Reviewed by Marcia Beene Dickerson

BOOK

REVIEW

most parents she

 “Freedom isn’t free ... it’s being 

paid for in fl esh and blood and 

 tears and plain old sweat at 

 temperatures over 120 degrees.”

 —SANDY DOELL

support

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38 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

support

Thinking about going back to school? There are dozens of reasons why it could be a great move to return to 

the classroom: to fi nally earn that elusive college degree, to advance your career, or to make more money 

at your job. But before you buy those fi rst textbooks, make sure you’re aware of the challenges and 

strategies for overcoming the stresses you’ll face as an adult student.

“Besides the academic challenges—dealing with instructors that you don’t like and disciplining 

yourself to study when you have other responsibilities—there are a lot of non-academic challenges as 

well,” says Al Siebert, Ph.D., co-author of The Adult Student’s Guide to Survival and Success (Practical Psychology Press, 

2003). “You feel like you don’t fi t in. You’ll need Family support. You might have childcare to manage. You may be 

working your way through school.”

Obviously it can be tough to balance those work responsibilities with classroom and homework responsibilities. But even 

if you’re taking a break from your career to go back to school, you still have to fi nd fi nancial assistance and student loans. 

Faced with so many competing priorities, you have your work cut out for you! Try these fi ve tips to make your backto-college experience a little less stressful:

1.Build support from your friends 

and Family. You will need others 

to help you through the tough 

academic calendar, so tell Family 

members when you have an important presentation so that they can 

encourage you, or when you ace a test 

so they can celebrate with you. 

“It’s important to have a talk with 

your Family and ask for their support 

before starting classes,” Siebert says. 

“You’ll need them in a variety of ways: 

for transportation, home computer 

use, a quiet time and place to study, 

and encouragement.”

2.Manage time wisely. Set aside 

time to study just as you 

would any other appointment. 

Getting back into study mode 

“requires creating an active study 

plan that emphasizes asking and 

answering questions in writing, 

studying to pass test questions and 

then learning to stop,” Siebert says. 

“Endless hours spent reading the 

textbook and other materials is not 

the right thing to do.” It’s also a good 

idea to go online to look at different 

note-taking strategies—try certain 

styles until you fi nd the one that helps 

you retain the most information.

3.Create a support and study 

group with other adult learners. 

Joining other students who are 

at your station in life can help you fi nd 

a sense of community. It can also help 

you stay focused: You can collaborate 

on assignments and share strategies 

for dealing with diffi cult professors or 

classes.

4.Ask a lot of questions. Don’t 

worry about being overly 

assertive when you don’t 

understand an assignment. The other 

students in the classroom will probably be glad you took the initiative 

and asked for clarifi cation. Work 

on forming relationships with your 

professors—they always appreciate 

eager, engaged students who don’t 

just sit there like bumps on a log!

5.Research fi nancial assistance. 

Money can be tight when you 

are trying to pay tuition on 

top of your regular bills, so carve out 

some time to research your options. 

The DANTES Web site (Dantes.

doded.mil) includes information 

on tuition assistance programs for 

Guard members.

Find more tips for ensuring your academic success as an adult student at AdultStudent.com.

headed back to class?

Five Tips for Adult Students

By JAMIE ROBERTS

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© RICK OLIVIER

When someone joins the Army National Guard, 

it can be a stressful time for both the Soldier and his or her 

Family. In particular, loved ones may not know how to be 

supportive of the new Soldier during the nine-week basic 

combat training (BCT) period.

Foundations has several excellent suggestions for you. The 

most important thing you can do is to be a steady source of 

positive reinforcement for your Soldier during the initial 

weeks of BCT. You may notice a psychological change 

in his or her demeanor, such as depression, anxiety or 

hypersensitivity. These are normal reactions to the stress and 

loneliness of being away from home and living in a challenging environment. Helping your Soldier remain emotionally 

stable is vital to his or her mental well-being. 

Use discretion before delivering any bad news from home 

to them, as this can distract your Soldier, and cause him or 

her to lose focus on his or her daily tasks. 

Letters of encouragement to your Soldier can 

help his or her peace of mind, and yours as well. 

Keeping in touch this way can reduce loneliness 

and minimize the impact of the distance between 

you. Soldiers don’t have much free time at BCT, so 

they may not be able to reply to every letter, but 

keep writing. These notes mean the world to them. 

Care packages can also boost Soldier’s morale 

tremendously. Photographs of special Family 

moments and children’s drawings help your 

Soldier stay emotionally connected. 

According to CPT Shannon Cummings, RSP 

action offi cer, National Guard Bureau-Army 

Strength Maintenance Division, Family members 

can also be supportive by ensuring their Soldier’s bills are 

paid on time while they’re away. 

“Reassuring your Soldier that his or her belongings and 

affairs are organized will greatly reduce his or her stress 

levels,” Cummings said.

There are innovative alternative ways to be supportive, too. 

In one recent example, the Recruit Sustainment Program, 

RSP, held a workshop in Bossier City, LA, for family members 

of new Soldiers. They witnessed their Soldiers go through 

BCT for a day, which helped create understanding—a key 

component in being supportive.

Encourage your Soldier to participate in the RSP. The 

Army created RSP in 2005 to help prepare Soldiers mentally 

for the rigors of BCT. RSP lowers the Soldier drop-out rate 

by providing them with the skills they need to successfully 

complete training. The program also educates Families on the 

support programs available to them.

“BCT is the fi rst step toward a very challenging and 

rewarding experience in service to the nation,” said 

Cummings. “The Army National Guard believes a betterinformed Family will foster a better-informed, and ultimately 

a better-prepared, Soldier.”

For more information, call 1-800-Go-Guard, 

contact your State Family Program Director or visit 

MilitaryOneSource.com. Also, get involved with 

your unit’s Family Readiness Group.

By FRED MCGHEE II

basic rules

Supporting Your Soldier 

During Basic Combat Training

Jessica heads to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, on August 6th.

PFC Jessica Duplantis, LAARNG, 415th 

Military Intelligence Battalion, is looking 

forward to her upcoming basic combat 

training. According to her mom, Ann Ricks, 

ever since Jessica was little, she has had 

“such a compassion at heart for service.”

support

support_MayJune09B.indd 39 5/5/09 
support

Solemn Salute:

Fellow Ohio 

Army National 

Guard Soldiers 

SFC Jason 

Edwards, 

MSG Robert 

Woodard and 

SFC Charles 

McGrevy 

preside over 

services for 

CPT R.L. 

Wallace.

support_MayJune09B.indd 40 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 41

support

On any given day, thousands of military ceremonies 

take place across this country. They’re fi lled with the pomp 

and circumstance typically associated with graduations and 

other rites-of-passage, but instead of festivity, the atmosphere is one of respect and refl ection.

Soldiers stand at attention. In the distance, a bugler sounds 

the bittersweet notes of “Taps.” With precision, a U.S. fl ag is 

folded into a symbolic tri-cornered shape and then presented 

to the Family on behalf of a grateful nation. 

It’s only right that Veterans should receive such a reverent 

and fi tting send-off for their fi nal journey. 

Honoring those who served

The rendering of military funeral honors is our country’s 

way of showing respect and gratitude to those who, in times 

of war and peace, faithfully defended this nation.

However, until 10 years ago, some Veterans weren’t receiving proper ceremonies. The reason: Since 1997, the number of 

funeral honors requests has steadily increased—in part due 

to the aging of the Soldiers who served during WWII and the 

Korean War. 

Yet, as requests had risen, the available manpower to assist 

with services had decreased, creating one of the military’s 

most challenging domestic missions.

To correct this dilemma, in 1999, Congress approved Public 

Law 106-65, which stated that, upon a Family’s request, every 

eligible Veteran would receive a respectful and dignifi ed 

tribute. 

Congress also authorized both the National Guard and 

Veterans Service Organizations to perform the ceremonies 

under the Department of Defense program “Honoring Those 

Who Served.”

final salute

Military Funeral Honors

By LYNNE YORK

“It’s a privilege and honor to pay tribute to Soldiers who have 

given so much to our nation.” 

ISTOCKPHOTO

—SSG MICHELLE WHITE

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42 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

The Army National Guard (ARNG) Military 

Funeral Honors program renders professional military funeral honors, in accordance with service 

tradition, to all eligible Veterans when requested 

by an authorized Family member. Currently, the 

program conducts 79 percent of Army funeral 

honors and 51 percent of all services combined. 

Stately honors

Established as a National Program by the Army 

National Guard in 2006, this program is active 

in 52 of the 54 States and Territories. Funding, 

policy and standardization are provided by the 

ARNG at the national level. Each state is responsible to oversee that the funding is utilized 

appropriately and compliant with national policies and standardization.

In Georgia, three full-time and nine part-time teams handle 

funeral honors requests. “Our Soldiers stretch the borders of 

the state and can react in a timely manner to the needs of our 

Veterans and their Families,” said 1SG Bryan Hise, Georgia 

National Guard Military Funeral Honors Coordinator. 

He estimates that Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers 

will support approximately 1,600 services this year. 

“We will not shortchange the standard in order to meet the 

increased need,” he emphasized. “We will work harder and 

train more.” 

 The Ohio National Guard program is composed of seven 

full- and part-time teams, divided into fi ve regional areas. 

“Each year that the program has grown, we have increased 

the number of Soldiers involved,” said Robert L. King, Ohio’s 

State Military Funeral Honors Coordinator. 

King is proud of his teams and rightly so. In 2008, they 

fulfi lled 4,140 requests. 

Instead of teams, Kentucky utilizes Soldiers at the unit level. 

“In addition to our own resources, we work closely with 

Veterans Service Organizations to ensure that all requests 

are honored and supported,” MAJ Lance Grebe, Kentucky 

National Guard Plans Offi cer, Military Support, told 

Foundations. 

Proud to serve

In order to provide a professional tribute to fallen Service 

members, the Soldiers who participate in honors ceremonies 

must meet a demanding set of standards and be prepared to 

perform perfectly at every event. 

Applicants fi rst have to pass the Army Physical Fitness 

Test and then successfully complete the 40-hour Military 

Funeral Honors training course conducted within the state. 

These courses cover required performance measures such as 

the two-, three-, and six-man fl ag fold; proper presentation, 

remarks and movements; fi ring party detail; pall-bearing; and 

uniform preparation. 

In addition, Soldiers must possess the self-discipline and 

fortitude to properly conduct ceremonies, which at times 

includes standing perfectly still in any weather conditions.

“I am proud of the Soldiers who everyday ... go to work in 

the rain, sleet, ice, snow and extreme heat, and stand vigilant 

to properly and professionally honor their fallen comrades,” 

King stated. 

However, the high standards aren’t a deterrent to recruiting new Service members into the program. “We ask for unit 

participation, and there has never been a shortage of volunteers,” said Grebe. 

SGT Joshua Meadors of the Kentucky National Guard is one 

such exemplary volunteer. Asked to participate last March, 

Meadors sees his role as “an opportunity to support our fallen 

troops and the nation’s Veterans and give something back to 

the Families.”

In addition to the 40-hour course, Meadors’ training 

included attendance at an 80-hour Train-the-Trainer course 

conducted at the ARNG’s Professional Education Center 

located at Camp J.T. Robinson, North Little Rock, AR.

This national training program certifi es over 200 Soldiers 

annually as trainers. These trainers are responsible for 

in-state certifi cation of Soldiers before they are authorized 

to perform funeral honors. This training ensures that each 

funeral honor rendered by the ARNG is completed in a professional and dignifi ed manner. 

Honored to Serve: Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard Honor Guard 

Program prepare the American Flag for presentation.

support_MayJune09B.indd 42 5/5/09 
support

 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 43

“[The training] was an intense, tightly regimented experience ... and just as demanding as the Army’s Air Assault 

School,” said Meadors.

SSG Michelle White, Ohio National Guard Coordinator, 

Southwest Ohio Military Funeral Honors team, believes she 

has one of the greatest jobs in the Guard: “It’s a privilege and 

honor to pay tribute to Soldiers who have given so much to 

our nation.”

Helping others

Although military funeral honors are rendered as a tribute 

to Service members who have died, they also serve the 

Families left behind. 

In 2003, Lynn Romans’ son, SGT Darrin K. Potter, was 

Kentucky’s fi rst Army National Guard combat casualty since 

the Vietnam War. Before and after Darrin’s service, Lynn and 

her Family received guidance and support from the Kentucky 

National Guard personnel.

“The Guard was right there for my Family, walking us 

through the procedures. Any time I had a question, someone 

was at my side with an answer,” she said. 

Due to the outpouring of support Lynn received six years 

ago, she has since made it her personal mission to attend 

other Kentucky Soldiers’ memorials. “I make it a point to talk 

to the mothers and tell them that this is a very honorable 

loss,” Lynn noted.

In January, on a bitterly cold day, Almut Halscheidt 

attended the burial service of her father-in-law, Army 

Veteran John Milakovich. She was impressed with the professionalism of the funeral honors team.

After the fl ag folding, the team members went out of their 

way to escort the fl ag to her husband, who was wheelchairbound and waiting in their car a considerable distance away.

“The honors were very touching, and we appreciated the 

three Soldiers being there,” Halscheidt said.

Day’s end 

The honoring of our fallen Soldiers is important to so 

many people on so many levels.

For the Veteran, funeral honors are an affi rmation of their 

service to the country.

For the Family, there is closure, combined with acknowledgment of the service rendered by their loved one.

For the attending Soldiers, there is the chance to show 

their respect for fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms.

For the nation, it is one fi nal salute to those who have sacrifi ced to ensure our individual rights and collective freedom. 

May we always remember our fellow Veterans.

Last year, more than 1,700 military funeral 

honors took place daily. Of those, approximately 1,100 

were for WWII Veterans.

During FY2008, the ARNG has supported over 96,900 

Veteran Funeral Honors and 220 honorable transfers and 

funerals for Soldiers killed in action. 

Who’s Eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

• Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.

• Former military members who served on active duty and 

departed under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Former military members who completed at least one 

term of enlistment, or period of initial obligated service 

in the Selected Reserve, and departed under conditions 

other than dishonorable. 

• Former military members discharged from the Selected 

Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the 

line of duty.

Military Funeral Honors Minimum 

Requirements: 

• The ceremony requires a minimum of two uniformed military 

members, in addition to a bugler, if available. One of the 

uniformed military members shall be a representative of the 

parent service of the eligible benefi ciary, who shall present 

the fl ag to the next of kin or other appropriate individual. 

• The sounding of “Taps,” the military’s bugle call to signal 

day’s end.

For more information on the Military Funeral 

Honors program within your state, contact the 

ARNG Honor Guard offi ces normally located at the 

National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters or visit 

MilitaryFuneralHonors.osd.mil.

Honoring His Service: The Family of SFC Richard McAvoy receives a 

symbolic tri-cornered U.S. fl ag from MSG William Ansley, a member 

of the Central Ohio National Guard Military Funeral Honors Team.

COURTESY OF ROBERT L. KING, OHIO STATE MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS COORDINATOR

support_MayJune09B.indd 43 5/5/09 
44 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

As the First Lady of 

Minnesota, Mary Pawlenty is 

expected to attend public events in 

support of her husband, Gov. Tim 

Pawlenty, but she is not expected to 

grab headlines herself. That’s the plan 

most fi rst ladies follow: be seen but 

never heard, and never make the news. 

Mary Pawlenty has bucked that trend 

by stepping out front and creating 

initiatives that benefi t the Families of 

her home state. 

Mary Pawlenty was born Mary 

Anderson in 1961, in Edina, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. The youngest of 

fi ve daughters, she grew up fi shing for 

trout and hiking the many trails in one 

of the many beautiful parks and recreational areas in Edina. She graduated 

summa cum laude from Bethel College 

with a bachelor’s in political science. 

She later earned a law degree from the 

University of Minnesota, where she 

met her husband, Tim Pawlenty. 

After practicing law in Houston 

for a year, she returned to Minnesota 

and married Gov. Pawlenty. In 1994, 

she was appointed district court 

judge, serving in that post until 2007. 

Currently, she works as a mediator 

of civil disputes, helping Minnesota 

citizens resolve confl icts through 

mutual agreement rather than through 

litigation. 

Pawlenty is active in the community, 

visiting elementary schools to teach 

students about the three branches of 

government, focusing on the judiciary. 

But it was at the annual governor’s 

meeting in 2003 that Pawlenty got the 

idea for what has become her cornerstone initiative.

“I have to credit Laura Bush with 

planting the seed in my mind,” 

Pawlenty said. “She spoke to the governors’ wives about the importance of 

supporting military Families.”

Inspired by that meeting, she created 

the Military Family Care Initiative. The 

initiative is a database of community 

organizations that have volunteered 

their services to help the Families of 

deployed Soldiers. The Families can 

access the database to view volunteer 

services available in their county. The 

services include yard care, automotive 

care and day care. “The services offered 

are the types of things one neighbor 

would naturally do for another 

neighbor,” Pawlenty said.

Families learn about the services 

through deployment ceremonies, which 

are a good venue for communicating 

the availability of the services because 

large numbers of Families attend these 

programs. A second way Families learn 

of the services is through National 

Guard Family readiness groups.

In addition to the services volunteers are providing the Families, 

Pawlenty said that volunteers are 

establishing a real human connection 

with the Families. She often receives 

reports of how the community 

organizations went above and beyond 

what was expected of them. “I can’t 

say I’m surprised by the generosity of 

Minnesotans. They are warm-hearted 

and willing to help anyone in a time of 

challenge,” Pawlenty said.

For her work with military Families, 

Pawlenty has earned the “Patrick 

Henry Award” from the National 

Mary Pawlenty’s Military Family Care Initiative

above & beyond

By FRED McGHEE II

support

“I am deeply appreciative and committed to military 

Families. They have been in my heart for the last six years.”

—MARY PAWLENTY, FIRST LADY OF MINNESOTA

support_MayJune09B.indd 44 5/5/09 
 May/June 2009 FOUNDATIONS | 45

Guard Association of the United States. 

This award recognizes the contributions 

local offi cials or civic leaders make to 

the National Guard or Armed Forces. 

Pawlenty also received the Order of St. 

Maurice Civis Award from the National 

Guard Association of the United States 

for her initiative in 2005. This award is 

given to civilians who have made signifi -

cant contributions to the U.S. Infantry. 

While Pawlenty is pleased with the 

success of the initiative, she admits 

that it’s a challenge providing volunteer services for so many Families. 

Minnesota has experienced record 

deployments, something that was 

not anticipated in the plan’s inception back in 2003. Despite the strain 

of record deployments, a majority of 

the organizations have stayed strong 

in their commitment, continuing to 

provide services, she said. 

Other states are taking notice of 

the program’s success. Fellow fi rst 

ladies from Ohio, Kansas and 

Michigan have contacted Pawlenty 

about her Military Family Care 

Initiative, looking to recreate the 

program in their states. 

“By my being able to express how 

well this is working in Minnesota, I 

think it has given other governors’ 

spouses the idea to create their own 

type of program,” Pawlenty said.

Going forward, Pawlenty says 

that she would like to see one of the 

community organizations take control 

of the program as she transitions out 

of offi ce. Conversations between her 

and some of the organizations have 

already begun. She also would like to 

expand the program to include businesses that might want to provide 

free services to Families of deployed 

Soldiers. 

Pawlenty will leave offi ce in 2010, 

but hopes to continue working with 

the initiative in some fashion. “I am 

deeply appreciative and committed 

to military Families,” said Pawlenty. 

“They have been in my heart for the 

last six years.” 

For more information on Minnesota’s Military Family Care 

Initiative, visit: FirstLady.state.mn.us/initiatives_MilitaryFamily.html 

Also visit: Arng.army.mil/Familyresources.aspx.

High Expo

A Minneap

news stati

videos 

Minnesota

First Lady 

Mary Paw

as she gre

the Family 

a deployin

Minnesota 

National G

Soldier on 

steps of th

State Capi

support_MayJune09B.indd 45 5/5/09 
kid’s corner

46 | FOUNDATIONS May/June 2009

Illustration by CHRIS WHETZ

 0. White

 1. Gray

 2. Black

 3. Dark Blue

 4. Light blue

 5. Yellow

 6. Dark green

 7. Light green

 8. Brown

 9. Tan

 10. Red

 11. Orange

 12. Pink

 13. Violet

 14. Dark Orange

Picnicking With Patriots

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