FORT STEWART, Ga. – The 3rd Infantry Division's approach to addressing the challenges faced by our Soldiers and Families is based on three hypotheses: prevention will reduce harmful behaviors; better data will yield better decisions; and we are stronger when our communities work together as a team. Patty George, spouse of U.S. Army Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, is no stranger to those challenges. George visited Fort Stewart this week to learn about best practices and discuss various opportunities available to Fort Stewart Soldiers and Families.
George, a military spouse and former Soldier, has experienced military life at all levels and is committed to improving the quality of life for military families. The purpose of her attendance was to better highlight the resources available to Soldiers and their Families.
“I’m a Family member, and I want to advocate for a life I wanted to have,” George said of her experience as a young Army spouse. “It's amazing [that] people have made it through the hurdles you may be facing at that time [and] can really give you some great advice.”
During her visit, George attended an education forum that also highlighted the Army’s Exceptional Family Member Program, an initiative designed to support Family members with special needs. The EFMP program was just one of many programs highlighted throughout the day that showcased the resources available on the installation for Soldiers and their Families. George also had the opportunity to learn about housing, childcare, healthy outlets, and spouse employment.
"There are so many resources, not only in the Army but also within your community," she said. "Even if you're not sure where to begin, start with going and being open to finding information. Or reaching out to a neighbor or your Soldier and Family Readiness Group."
When asked what she wished she'd known more about as a young spouse, George mentioned financial literacy.
“When I was younger, I could have saved a lot of money, especially when Randy was deployed," she said. "I think that I didn't know what I didn't know. When we were younger, we didn't have certified financial planners. Now we have Financial Frontline and you can access a certified financial planner. I wish I had taken the time to do that, and I wish I had done it every time we PCS’d.”
The visit also included a working lunch with Hinesville city Mayor Karl Riles and the president of the regional workforce team, Anna Chafin. The lunch served as a touchpoint with community stakeholders and senior spouses to discuss the quality-of-life services available beyond the gates.
"Mrs. George's visit to Fort Stewart was a great opportunity to highlight our commitment to our Soldiers and their Families," said Col. Marc Austin, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Commander. "It's essential for us to take care of our people. The interactions we experienced today reinforce why Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield is an Army Community of Excellence."
George's visit to the installation is one of many stops as she works to identify best practices and challenges throughout the Army. To learn more about her visit, tune into the Marne Minute at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS-Z4XRWzII.
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