Well..........

Well so much has happened in the last month on so many very emotional levels.
Hopefully in the next day or so I can write about each of these events and the trials and tribulations that have come along with them. I have been travelling all over the state to see our Troops and Families. I've flown to 7 different villages and towns in 3 weeks, needless to say I am exhausted.
We experienced a heartbreaking suicide in our Unit of very young and dedicated young man to the military.
We have gotten a new TAG for the state of Alaska.
We have some homecomings ! Something I know their Families have waited a long time for .
And then of course we have all sat glued to our televisions to see the horrible and devastating news unfold at Fort Hood, Tx.
I want to talk about all of these but tonight I want to talk about something else.
Tonight I was getting gas , and a young girl walked up to me. And I say girl not to be offensive but as I am almost 40 , she looked to be in her 20s , I still often say "girl". This young girl asked me for a couple of dollars, she had left her wallet at home. Now I usually am very on guard on this type of situation and had to make a quick assessment. One , she had children in her car and she was visibly upset that she had to ask for money. She kept apologizing and saying she was sorry.
Now , there are two schools of thoughts here. I was raised to give and it will come back ten fold. And so I do , often , but usually to places I know where my funds and or time is going. I rarely give money to anyone off the street because well I do not know where it is going.
So while my children sat in the car waiting to hear my response I had to make a quick , but well thought out decision. I chose to give her the money I had in my purse. My husband would be glaring at me ( the police officer in him) but I think I made the best choice.
My kids and I talked about it on the way home. And my reality was , if I lost a few dollars and it was a scam well then so be it. because really I had to go on a gut instinct and I felt like she was telling the truth.
An interesting lesson for us all tonight.

Well again I have been going at top speed. But now that I am down with a double ear infection and strep this is a great time to catch up on my blog...
I was blessed to be able to spend the first week of September in Chicago again with people in all areas of the military working together to build a stronger more resilient force and families.
We spent hours in work shop groups with all the senior leaderships discussing and building plans to grow our programs. We know that the military will not go backwards in terms of our families being taken care of. They have made promises in writing in way of the Family Covenants all across America.
The key leadership has made mental health for our Service members and Families a top priority and we are not going to ever let them do anything but go forward on these promises.
So far this year alone Alaska has lost over 24 Soldiers , that means children without a parent to be there this Christmas or for birthdays, weddings, graduations. Spouses who have lost the one person they thought they would spend their life with.
Granted in America this is an all volunteer force, but we owe them and we will take care of those left behind.
The conference made sure that we all stood firmly on the same ground as to what we felt was a priority for our Troops and Families.
Since I have been home it has also been non stop, I am trying to get out to all the rural areas at least every 6 weeks . We went to Ft Greely twice in the last week and met with the Families there. What an amazing strong group . They are so positive in light of being so far away and so cold there! They nonetheless have an incredible strength between them and I look forward to watching it flourish and grow.
This upcoming month I will be in several towns across Alaska visiting with the National Military Families Org. Doing town halls in Anchorage, Kodiak and Fairbanks , listening to and working with the Families of our military.
So yes I have been busy , however I have found some time to get in some fun stuff. While in Chicago I got to go to a Cubs game ! Which they won! I must have been their good luck! We went to the Navy Pier and had deep dish pizza !
I got to go to Santa's House in the North Pole!!!
And I am running right into the Holidays ( my favorite time of year) and working to plan a Halloween Carnival for our militarys youth and a Christmas feast for our Families.
So while I seem to be burning at both ends honestly at the end of every day I couldn't be more blessed. Its amazing what you can do each day no matter how large or small to change the lives of another. I'm committed to making that difference for the rest of my life. A little each day.

Mongolian visit

We had two amazing Lt. Cols visiting this week from Mongolia.
What an amazing experience.
At 18 every male is required to join their military for free.... After the initial year they can volunteer to stay in or not, but at that point once they become NCO they will receive a nominal pay which is what they use to support their families in this country where the primary income is farming.

You may be asking why we have a connection to Mongolia ? The answer is they are our sister country. Each National Guard has a country they train with and help grow. Mongolia is ours.
They do have a system of support for their families during their deployments but are lacking the financial backing and info structure we have over the years grown here in America.
So while we discussed how to strengthen those areas , I was enthralled with the many incredible ideas that had as well for us. And I look forward to getting many chances to go over and help establish some programs for their Soldiers and Families.

Gen. and Mrs. Renuart

This week I had the distinct pleasure and honor of sitting down with our Northern Commanders wife Mrs.Renuart.
Gen. Renuart and Mrs. Renuart were visiting Alaska from NORAD/NORTHCOM's headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. He will meet with Brig. Gen. Tom Katkus, acting DMVA commissioner and adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, and John Madden, director of the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, among other key department leaders. Renuart will discuss the Alaska National Guards capabilities in emergency contingencies as well as the state's response capabilities.

It was amazing to sit down and listen to this incredible woman on the plight of our Soldiers and families. And as we spoke I can honestly say from my heart she will work to make sure we are taken care of . She believes in our programs and the mission we push forward every day.

Happy Fall!!!!

Well it has been a whirlwind last month . I took the twelve hour flight to Chicago July 18th for the Mrs. International Pageant. It was so amazing to be around so many accomplished and dedicated women.

I was so in awe listening to the things that they have done in the communities and states.

After the pageant I flew home only to rush off the plane to my baby sisters rehearsal dinner , literally rush.

The following weeks have been somewhat of a blur as I went straight back to go,go go mode.

The first week I had a fabulous time at the Govs picnic. It turned out to be a beautiful day and what seemed like the entire city showed up not only to see her but to also meet the new Lt. Gov. My favorite General Campbell. Although we will miss him dearly as The Adjutant General, I know he will be an incredible leader for our State as Lt. Gov . and he will take us to great new places.

The following Monday we had Gen. Campbell's retirement. It was bittersweet but in the end I know in my heart he will never be far from helping our Military.

Then the next week I met with two representatives from The National Military Families Association in from DC. This group is amazing because they are truly the only group that gets to testify and is called on to testify on behalf of our military Troops and Families before Congress. I am very excited and look forward to a long , full filling working relationship with this incredible group of people.

The following days were spent in the State Legislative Veterans Summit.This was the first of its kind here, and brought out most of our State Legislature and Lawmakers. We all broke into work groups to address the issues we thought to be the most prominent for our Vets. I had a great work group with several lawmakers, lawyers and Judges. We spent hours putting together and educating each other on the things we found to be most needed for our State for these honorable men and women. At the end of the day we made amazing progress and brought forth some great ideas for our Legislature to look over this session.

At the end of the month I am back on my way down to Chicago for a DOD conference on helping Military families get through deployments , we will have an entire week of workshops and I know every time I attend something like this is one more chance for us to show our Troops and Families how thankful we are for their sacrifices. And how we will always stand beside them in gratitude and love for the United States of America.

God Bless our Nation, God Bless our Troops and Families and May God bless you!

SMA Kenneth Preston

We must ensure each Soldier is equipped and trained to fight and win. We must
also provide for our families. We will not be successful if we fail to care for our
loved ones waiting for their Soldiers to return. We must fight for their healthcare,
children, housing, and Well-being with the same vigor we fight with on the
battlefield. They deserve nothing less.34
- SMA Kenneth O. Preston
Sergeant Major of the Army

Today I had the honor of meeting with the Sergeant Major or the Army . We are thankful everyday that he stands up and fights for our Troops and their families with a passion that is unwavering and true.

Happy Independence Day!

Today is the United States of America's 233 birthday! Many men and women have sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears to make this great ongoing experiment live on! America is not an accident that happened on a whim but rather a miracle! Today take a moment to show gratitude to a veteran or active duty service member of the U.S. Armed Forces! Today we celebrated with what seemed like the entire state to recognise and honor our veterans from the past and present that have helped us to see Americas 233 Birthday! And to make the day even more wonderful it was our 12th wedding anniversary!

Year of the NCO proclomation Signing

FORT RICHARDSON, Alaska, June 18 - History was made at Fort Richardson Thursday when Gov. Sarah Palin signed Senate Joint Resolution 17, proclaiming 2009 as the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps of the United States Army in Alaska."Today Alaska joins only a handful of states that officially proclaim 2009 as the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer," said U.S. Army Alaska Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull. "This is truly a great state to serve in."The resolution was passed in large part through the efforts of the Joint Legislative Veterans Caucus in support of Secretary of the Army Pete Geren's Oct. 6, 2008, announcement that 2009 would be the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer Armywide. Representing the caucus at the ceremony were state Reps. Wes Keller and Nancy Dahlstom."This resolution is a result of Alaska's legislators coming together in support of Alaska's military and declaring 2009 as the Year of the NCO in Alaska; and it is with great pleasure and humble appreciation for our excellent NCOs and all of our military personnel that I'll add my signature to theirs," Palin said.In addition to signing SJR 17, Palin also used the occasion to carry out a ceremonial signing of an executive proclamation designating June 14 as the Day of the Noncommissioned Officer in Alaska. "It's a couple days past that, but I wanted to take this good opportunity to present it to you today," Palin said of the proclamation, which was originally signed June 9.The governor said she has been told that Army leadership needs to look no further than to an NCO to solve a problem."America's NCOs, particularly those in Alaska, are top-notch. Your experience and your integrity get the job done better than any other NCO in any other country's military," Palin said. "You make our military better, our country stronger and Alaska the best state in the nation. Thank you for your selfless service and your courage. It is because of you that we are able to enjoy our freedoms."Senior NCOs from throughout U.S. Army Alaska and the Alaska Army National Guard were present at the ceremony, standing alongside their colors."If you ask any of the NCOS present today or the NCOs leading, caring for or mentoring in Iraq, Afghanistan or Kosovo their thoughts on the Year of the NCO, they'll probably all tell you about the same thing," Turnbull said. "They're truly honored and grateful for this recognition, but they're more honored to lead America's sons and daughters in the defense of this great nation. "Sgt. Demetrius Terrell, HHC, Warrior Transition Battalion, said there is no greater privilege than leadership."Anytime you have Soldiers underneath you looking up to you, expecting you to make that decision for them to lead them in the right direction, it's very honorable," he said. Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie Lane, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, noted the significance of the event for all NCOs."It is one year out of all the years of the military that we recognize, are actually given this opportunity to the noncommissioned officers, to show how we are (in the) forefront - how we can take something simple and turn it into something great," Lane said. He credits NCOs for making the plans of senior leaders a reality."We're where the rubber meets the road," Lane said. "The officers, they get the planning portion of it; and once the planning is done, they hand it over to a senior noncommissioned officer, and we will execute that plan."Turnbull expressed his appreciation to all those who made the resolution and proclamation possible."The gratitude extended to us on a daily basis by our state and local leaders, local businesses and the communities surrounding the posts is unmatched anywhere," he said. "Your support, hospitality and friendship will never go unnoticed. We are truly grateful for what you have done for us and our families."Palin made a point of extending her appreciation to the Army in Alaska prior to officially signing the resolution and proclamation."It's Alaska's Arctic warriors, being that very special kind of service member, (that) make me so proud to get to serve in the capacity that I'm in today serving with you," she said. "No words can really express, we can't articulate our gratitude to you, the sacrifices that you and your family make. We do thank you, though."The governor closed her remarks by extending her best wishes to the state's Soldiers."Let me say to all of our NCOs, may God bless your honorable service and defense of freedom," Palin said. "May he pour out his blessing on all of you for all that you do. Keep up the great work, and let's all celebrate the Year of the NCO together."

Alaska National Guard Family Support Team

I was honored to be able to award these amazing volunteers and National Guard staff certificates this prior week for their on going dedication and support to our Service members and their Families. Without all of their tireless work Families would not have the resources for numerous programs throughout our State that help them not only get through deployment but everyday life . They help Families build overall readiness and empower them with the tools necessary in case of deployments. What a wonderful and rewarding job

Casuality Notification and Assistance

Executive Mansion,Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.
Dear Madam,--
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully, A. Lincoln
Who can forget the letter Mrs. Bixby received that was read in the movie "Saving Private Ryan " about the loss of her sons. Or the depiction in " We were all Soldiers" when the Army used taxi cabs to deliver the news about a Soldiers death to the wife waiting at home. Both of these movies had a significant impact on my life and the desire and need I had to make sure I could help the families that are affected by the military.
This week I had the honor to attend a casualty notification and casualty assistance class for the Army. While I can not make do either of these two processes , I am working to form a family care team and grief counseling for the National Guard and it was imperative that I understand the process. I can say unequivocally this was the most difficult class I have ever attended. I actually had to have a couple down days after just to let everything sink in. This year the National Guard has had more deaths In Alaska then ever before and several suicides. It seemed like for a while every time I would walk in to see the Chaplin he would know before I ever spoke there was another death. The hard part for me is how do you not feel the pain through the families? My personality is to walk in and take the pain away. I am a fixer. I want everyone happy. For years that has been what I do. That all came to a screeching halt this year when not only did a Soldiers husband die, but he was also a Soldier. When I got to the house after the Chaplin and notification team had left, thankfully the assistance Soldier was there but he was just as scared as I was. Through the upcoming weeks and months, I learned some things I can not fix. That's a giant lesson for me. Some things the only thing I can do is be there. Whether that means 1 in the afternoon or 1 in the morning, if she needed me I was there. I didn't have any great words of wisdom to share. I couldn't tell her why her husband was dead. I couldn't say I promise it will all be ok. But I could cook for her, be there to listen to her. i could cry with her. I could play with her son. I could be a huge resource for her . Her assistance Officer and I had a great relationship that worked well , so we got her family here for the funeral. We stayed with her for everything. Every time she held my hand I could feel her cry even though if I looked over there were no tears coming from her face. I saw her be so strong for their young son. He would place his tiny hands on either side of her face and ask her why she was crying and she would just inhale and tell him everything was ok and that she loved him. I am in such awe of the strength this incredible woman had. Her ability to be everything her child needed during such a difficult time made me all the more convinced we needed to do more to help our Families for their mental well being. I couldn't fix it but I could help her . Its amazing the things you need to do after such a traumatic event. I guess for me this blog is one a way to let go of the week. But also to say while the military like every other large business is not perfect. I am so proud at how far they have come from the letters, the notification from the cabs . And I am so proud of the resources we have made and continue to make to help the families of our Troops. God Bless our Troops and their Families!!

Military and the impact on communities

Military and families impact Alaskan economy<http://www.ktva.com/ci_12579750> By Corey Allen-Young, CBS 11 News ReporterKTVA With close to a billion dollars of revenue pouring into the state eachyear, the importance of our military to the economy is big. But with recentdeployments to Iraq and Afghanistan sending the majority of our troops awaythat could mean less money for Alaskan businesses. 10,000 men and women inAlaska's armed forces are overseas. 10,000 people whose dollars aren't beingspent here right now. You would be hard pressed to find a business that doesn't depend on themilitary's money in some shape or form. "Between contracts and employmenthere, the military is the largest employer in the state, and what that givesback to Anchorage is absolutely huge," said Sami Glascott, the president ofthe Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. When you add up the total amount it equalswell over one billion dollars a year across the state. Dollars that with ourmen and women deployed are clearly missed. "Right now we are an army at war,the operations that we do have overseas does cause a lot of our soldiers tobe gone for extended periods of time," said Col. Steve Apland, the army'sdeputy chief of staff for Alaska. Officials say with the constant movement and growth of Alaska's operations,the worries over dollars spent here minimum. "A lot of people says it hurts,but either way people are spending money," said Spec. Mitchell Spurlock, whois stationed at Fort Richardson. "I think they worry for a brief time periodbut then again once one company deploys, one unit deploys, there is anotherone on its way back, there usually just a little gap in between," said Pvt.Timothy Moon, who is stationed at Fort Richardson. Officials tout thatstimulus money will also make an impact on our state's economy as projectsfor infrastructure and repair on base will have dollars flowing. But even with troops coming back from overseas deployment about 80 percent ofAlaska's service men and women remain deployed right now. A figure that couldimpact our economy if the military families left behind also exit our state.Being a part of a military family can be difficult, especially when yourhusband, wife, dad, or mom has to be deployed for a long period of time. Atime that could push you to want to leave Alaska altogether. But in effortsto keep that from happening both city and military officials are teaming upto help. With close to 10,000 of Alaska's military personnel currently inIraq and Afghanistan their families remain here as part of the Anchoragecommunity. "They have jobs out in the community, the spouses, their childrenare in the schools, they live in houses in Anchorage, they have become partof the community," said Apland. But with deployments averaging well over a year's time, that's time thatfamilies may decide to go somewhere else. "If they are not a part of theAnchorage community then they won't stay and if they won't stay here, likelytheir husband or wife who is serving in uniform probably won't stay in thearmy very long," said Apland. City and military officials are workingtogether to make things comfortable here for military families. Somethingthat is being appreciated. "There is a lot places off post that give militarydiscounts which really do help us out a lot," said Moon. "I go downtownmultiple times, people stop shake your hands and say thank you for all youdo," said Spurlock. "Alaska supports the military so well and you don'talways get that at a lot of places," said Laura Atkins, whose husband is Lt.General Dana Atkins is in charge of the Alaskan command. "We recognize herein Anchorage that we have about 28,000 military and their families here inanchorage and that is a huge economy for us," said Glascott. A billion dollar economy that both the military and Anchorage's businessesdon't want to lose. "That's a cost to any community, the important thing isthat those families that feel a part of the community they'll stay hereduring that time, they won't go to the lower 48," said Apland. With supportsystems like spouse and family programs offered on both bases and militarydiscounts available across the city there are many options out there. Buteven military officials say the Anchorage community making the families feelwanted here is the main reason they stay.

$5000.00 Donation from Best Buy!!!!

Today, Best Buy had their grand opening on the East side of town. The people were lined

all around the outside of the building waiting to get in.

As we listened to the Store Manager Asher explain everytime they open a new store they give $10,000 to non profits in town that stay local.

This opening they chose two non profits, Friends of the Guard and Reserve , which is an amazing group specifically designed to give grants to Families of the Guard and Resrve in times of need. Most recently we had a full time Guard member whose home had burned down while he was at work and his wife was away on a trip.

The second group was Kids Kitchen, which is an equally wonderful group that feeds children who otherwise would not get a meal at home.

We are so blessed and thankful to have Best Buy supporting our local community. P.S Asher said anything we ever needed, they know they have to do just more for our families then just this check. We think it was wonderful but we will absolutly look forward to working with them on future endevours!

Womens Run

Team Pretty in Pink !!!

Homecoming for the Marine Reserves!!!

Happy Birthday to the Army!!!

Alaska Soldiers celebrated the Army's 234th birthday instyle June 5, while recognizing its past and present noncommissionedofficers, who are considered to be the backbone of the nation's largest andoldest force.Nearly 350 people attended the 2009 Army Birthday All-Ranks Ball at theSheraton Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage. The ball, co-hosted by U.S. ArmyAlaska and the Association of the United States Army Last Frontier Chapter,put the spotlight firmly on the Army's Year of the Noncommissioned Officerand the young leader representing the command at the U.S. Army, PacificNoncommissioned Officer of the Year competition.AUSA Last Frontier Chapter president Rundy Galles said this is the chapter'sfirst ball to celebrate the Army's founding. Being that it coincides with theYear of the NCO, it was fitting to have a primary role for USARAK's NCO ofthe Year."In the end, being selected as the USARAK NCO of the Year has been thebiggest achievement yet in my Army career," said Staff Sgt. Neftali Bonilla,who was the event's main speaker. "I have gained the knowledge and hardenedmy skills that will help me overcome any obstacles that may lie ahead."Bonilla, of C Company, 123rd Aviation Intermediate Maintenance, earned thetitle of USARAK NCO of the Year in a multi-event contest May 3 through May 7at Fort Richardson. He left for Hawaii following the ball to compete in theUSARPAC Warrior Challenge '09 Competition, which started June 8 and ends June14.Reminders of the impacts of NCOs were presented throughout the event, toinclude mentions of outstanding leadership on the battlefield and a SergeantAudie Murphy Club presentation of "I am The Sergeant," which extolled theirvital role and responsibilities throughout history.The ball is one of the capstone Year of the NCO events being offered inUSARAK and across the Army

Miss America Coe-ed weekend

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. We honor American veterans and soldiers by visiting monuments, attending parades, and observing a nationwide moment of silence at 3 p.m. Often times we have forgotten the true meaning of this day and simply take the well deserved long weekend and have BBQs, go to the beach, spend time with our loved ones and friends. I ask that you each take a few moments this weekend to simply remember. Remember those who risk their lives so we can have ours, those who have fallen, those who served in the past and those who currently serve and those who love a Servicemember. Those children who have lost a parent , the parents who have lost a child. Throughout your weekend talk about it to your families. Make sure they know and that they never forget.

"Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.Know the line has held, your job is done.Rest easy, sleep well.Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.Peace, peace, and farewell.."

God Bless our Troops , past, present and future .

Seward Combat Fishing for the Troops

May 21, 2009 Speciality Truck and Auto along with the Armed Services YMCA , with the help of over 30 Fishing boats who honorably donated seats on their fishing boats hosted over 200 recently deployed Troops. The day started at 12:30 pm as they were bused down with a police escort for the 4 hour ride . Upon arrival to Seward were greeted by people lining the road to clap and welcome our Service members.

They spent the day out catching halibut, rock fish and numerous other surpise fish! The winner , whose halibut was 184 lbs was awarded $10,000.

When they all arrived back safe and sound on land the city hosted a large dinner mc'd by Bob and Mark from KWHL radio station with a special surprize visit from Gov. Sarah Palin whose loyalty to our Troops is never in question. She graciously stood and took photos and talked with all of our Service members and their Families.

The day was completely full and by 8 pm I couldnt last one more minute and we started the long road back home.

Thank you to the beautiful city of Seward for hosting such a wonderful event. And thank you to all the sponsors and boat captians who so kindly took our Troops out for a great day.

TAPS

Military support group founded by Alaskan featured in People <http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10392922> by Ted LandANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A grief support service for military families dealing with the loss of a loved one is featured in this week's People magazine.Alaskan Bonnie Carroll started the group TAPS -- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.Her husband, Brig. Gen. Tom Carroll, was killed in 1992 when his Army plane crashed near Juneau.Since then she's organized a team to help more than 25,000 people who've lost a loved one in the military.Part of the article is a large photo of Bonnie Carroll and some other survivors."One of the other survivors in the photograph in People magazine is a survivor of an Alaskan out of Fort Richardson who was killed a few years ago," Carroll said in a phone interview from Washington, D.C., where she is hosting a seminar and "good grief" camp this Memorial Day weekend.

Year of the military Family

I am so pleased to be working with the National Military Association to help celebrate this year as the year of the military family. The trials and tribulations these families have endured has given them a strength unlike no other. I am proud to support and advocate for these amazing families. Please join me in thanking them not only throughout this year but always.

Year of the Military Family 2009‘

Year of Military Family’ declared

By Rick Maze - Staff writerPosted

: Wednesday Mar 11, 2009 17:08:00 EDTA bipartisan resolution declaring 2009 the “Year of the Military Family” was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday on a unanimous vote after a flurry of speeches about how families are just as important to national security as uniformed service members.HConRes 64, approved by a 422-0 roll call vote, provides no new benefits, no boost in pay, no improvements in living or working conditions and does not create or expand upon any family support program.What is does is “urge” President Barack Obama to issue a proclamation designating 2009 as a year to hold ceremonies and events that point out the sacrifices made by the 1.8 million family members of active-duty troops and the 1.1 million family members of National Guard and Reserve troops.Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., the House Armed Services Committee chairman and chief sponsor of the resolution, said families are sometimes overlooked when talking about sacrifices made during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.“Over the last several years, military families have faced months of separation, some as long as 18 to 20 months,” he said. “With over a million children between the ages of birth and 23 years of age who have parents in uniform, there have been many missed birthdays, graduations, holidays, and a child’s first words and other major life accomplishments that are all too common as troops continue to experience back to back deployments.”Skelton said he expects such a proclamation to be issued, because Obama and first lady Michelle Obama already have made clear that military families will be a priority in this administration.Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., said support from families — including spouses, parents, children and siblings — is a big factor in recruiting and retaining service members. “Military families have an uncanny resilience,” he said. “They are some of the strongest citizens in this country.”

Anderson's Brides

Military Appreciation Day!

May 16th was Military Appreciation Day . It was an amazing day all over town with tons of local businesses showing their support for our Past and present veterans and families.

My day started very early visiting several VFWs and American Legions. Sharing with them my goals and accomplishments over the last 12 years.

Then I was off to the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics.

Anderson's Bridal was hosting a free wedding dress give away for all military brides. It was so wonderful to get to help these women find their dream dress, and so amazing of Jennifer and the crew at Anderson's for making it all possible.

Then we were off again tot he Northway Mall where there was face painting, clowns, pony rides, Sen. Begich speaking and live music for everyone.

My last stop of the day was American Legion Post 29 , where I joined the Ladies Aux. And signed up every one in our house!

Torch Run for Special Olympics

This morning over 226 racers ran for the annual Torch Run with the Police Dept. They raised over $220,000 for special Olympics! Michael was my favorite kind of runner.. His mom pushed him the whole way!

Happy Mothers Day

As you can tell I have been a little out of the loop for a couple weeks, and I profusely apologize. I was gone for 12 days for a conference for military families in Orlando and managed to sneak in a surprise visit for my grandfathers 93 birthday.I believe strongly that no matter how hectic we choose to make our lives the most important thing is to have balance. It may be tempting to be the do all right this second person, and I am certainly one of those people. And in my life it seems very normal to go go go. I am not sure I even know how to function without doing that. But I also realise that in order to be that person I strive to be. Wonder Woman! I need balance. So I encourage you all to take some time, smell the roses , do nothing. Enjoy all of the things that life has given us without rushing through them to get to your next project , I promise you those same projects will still be there when you get up the very next morning. Today , Mothers day I challenge each one of you to go for a walk, read a book, make a lazy breakfast , do something for yourself where you are not hurrying to get to the next thing on your list. And have an amazing day! And may God bless all of the Mothers on this wonderful day!!

Army Community Service Confrence

Last week I was able to attend a conference in Orlando for Military Family Programs . These programs are committed to offering education, training, awareness, outreach, information, referral, and follow-up. Through these components, missions are accomplished both at home and during periods of separation. Volunteers provide service in schools, in hospitals, on sports fields, and in many other organizations and offices. We will work to prepare families to move successfully into the future.Stronger relationships mean a stronger military. We will empowers Troops and their loved ones with relationship-building skills.It is imperative that we teach our Troops and families the skills they need to cope with the long separations they will undoubtedly face. We must show them the same love and compassion we would want for our own families.