DVIDS – News – Marriage Partner of the National Guard emphasizes the strength of the family support during the visit of Maine

Augusta, Maine – Karen Raines, spouse of the senior consultant John Raines, Sea to the boss, the office of the National Guard, went out to engage in a visit from April 30 to May 5 with units from Maine Army and Air National Guard.

Her trip focused on the connection with family standby teams and community support staff and emphasized the crucial role of connection, resilience and care in strengthening the guard family.

“This was my first official visit to this role, and it was refreshing to see how closely the army and the air guard work together in Maine,” said Karen. “Your cooperation and commitment to families, survivors and veterans are inspiring.”

Karen was a military spouse, including his earlier role as Sergeant Major in the army, throughout her husband's 36-year career. In every phase of his nominative management trip, she was a important spouse and delivered military families critically on the way.

During the visit, Karen dealt with employees and volunteers who support a number of programs – from youth camps for military children to Survivor Outreach Services. She noticed the extensive efforts of the state to support families in retirement and beyond hiring.

“You don't just focus on the time of the service member in uniform,” said Raines. “They follow and make sure that veterans have access to education, employment aid and support, even after they have hung up the uniform.”

Karen also emphasized Solo parenting as an area in which Maine's programs develop. “It is encouraging to see that childcare solutions for single parents are examined. This type of support is deeply for family readiness,” she said.

Maine focuses on the willingness in the family closely with the work of local leaders such as Madison Thompson, the coordinator of the risk reduction of the Maine Army National Guard, with whom Karen was hit during her visit.

Thompson, in addition to her colleague Meaddoe Brown, the coordinator of drug abuse prevention, helps with the management of suicide prevention and substance consumption prevention throughout the state by providing training and administrative support for endangered service members.

“It was nice to meet [Karen]”, Said Thompson.” She was really interested in our work and asked how she could help. It is encouraging to know that someone in her position understands the programs on site and would like to support what we need. “

At every stop, Karen continued to encourage spouses and families to get involved, especially those who may hesitate to take this first step.
“Present is powerful,” she said. “Even if you don't know everything about military life, it helps you to learn, combine and grow. The military family is a strong support network – you just have to take this first step.”

While she continues to attend states to support the mission of the guard, said Karen, Main's Model for Cooperation and Nursing, was another states.

“We are all there for each other,” said Karen. “This one-ness-die obligation to pay attention to the guard after every plane, soldiers and family members.”