“I worry about our wounded also,” Brown says she has found the instant camaraderie that transcends
says Castellaw. “So many have PTSD Chapel Family Life; the family rank, service, and generation.”
and other issues that are long-term readiness groups; the spouse clubs;
in nature that we as a society have to the Morale, Welfare, and Recre- Parting thoughts
grapple with for years to come. How ation; and the Army’s Exceptional “There are lots of services provided
can we support those who have given Family Member programs to be that [military spouses] are just not
the most? They can’t be cured or extremely helpful. aware of,” offers Supplisson. “If
healed completely. We have a long-
term commitment to our soldiers,
sailors, airmen, [and] Marines and
Military spouses and families de-
their families. I am concerned that
we as a nation need to be putting our
serve our continued commitment
dollars toward these areas.”
to provide them with the highest
Dollars and sense level of tangible and intangible sup-
With family members usually well
out of arm’s reach, military families
port every day of the year.
turn to existing DoD resources and to
each other to beat today’s challenges.
“We do a better job at supporting Program-based resources are not you don’t have someone you can
our family and military members the only source of assistance avail- turn to for guidance, you are at a
today,” says Castellaw. “The re- able to military spouses and families. disadvantage. Look for those people
sources available are extraordinary. Spouses turn to each other for sup- who can connect you.”
All you have to do is reach out and port, with extended families being “Be fl exible,” adds Castellaw.
actually utilize what is there. None created all the time. “Enjoy every step of the way. Don’t
of it does any good unless you take “I most appreciate the friendships be afraid. Reach out and enjoy all
advantage of it. No one will knock I’ve made,” says Castellaw. “You can the things available to you and reach
on your door and tell you about walk away from each other and meet out to help others as well.”
them. You have to seek the resources up again fi ve years later, and it’s as “Be proud of what your spouse ac-
out yourself.” though you never left. Friendships complishes every day, recognize the
There is a virtual laundry list of are a wonderful gift. I also appreciate big picture and the roles your spouse
resources available today, to include the opportunities to travel and meet and you play in it, and treasure each
fi tness centers, chaplain services, different people.” day with your family,” says Smith.
child care services, youth programs, “I most appreciate the incredible “Get involved and make a differ-
fi nancial counseling, family advocacy network of people that work together ence,” says Brown. “Each of you has a
programs, employment services, fam- and keep in touch with one another unique perspective and passion. Let
ily and personal counseling, commis- through the years,” says Supplisson. that be your guide.”
saries, exchanges, legal assistance, “Being a part of the military commu- Whether past, present, or future,
recreation programs, and nutrition nity allows you to anchor your family. military spouses and families not
and weight-loss programs. Those liv- You don’t have to start from scratch only deserve America’s undying
ing on or near a military installation all the time, and that is important for appreciation but its continued com-
might have a plethora of options. the balance of family life.” mitment to provide them with the
“The rate and quality of day care “I appreciate the opportunities highest level of tangible and intan-
services provided is awesome,” says [my spouse’s] jobs have provided,” gible support possible — not only on
Supplisson. “[It is] the same in New says Brown. “[It’s a] new place to the nationally recognized day, but
Mexico as it was in D.C. Our kids have meet people and explore, chances to every day of the year. MO
thrived in the child care centers.” He touch lives we would have otherwise
adds, “We also use the base exchange not come into contact with.”
RESOURCES
and shoppette on a daily basis, and “I most appreciate the people
a73
MOAA doesn’t just help military of-
regardless of your faith, there are reli- [in the military community] and the
ficers. Learn more about what MOAA offers
military spouses in this issue’s cover wrap.
gious services available for you.” mission,” says Smith. “There is an
M AY 2 0 0 8 M I L I T A R Y O F F I C E R 5 7
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