The military partner of the National Guard raises the strength of the family support during the Maine visit | Article

Augusta, Maine – Karen Raines, spouse of the senior consultant John Raines, Sea to the boss of the National Guard Bureau, engaged during 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 throughout her husband's 36-year career, including his earlier role as a command serious major of the army's national guard. 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 support 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 close to the willingness in the family with the work of local leaders such as Madison Thompson, the coordinator of the risk reduction of the National Guard of the Maine Army, who met Karen 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, connect and grow. The military family is a strong support network – you just have to take this first step.”

When she continued to attend states to support the mission of the guard, Karen said that Maine was a model of cooperation and maintaining other countries.

“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.”