RED CLOUD GARRISON - Dianne Campbell, spouse of Gen. Charles C. Campbell, the U.S. Army Forces Command commander, came to Red Cloud Garrison Pear Blossom Cottage March 11 to talk to other military spouses and Family Readiness Support Assistance leaders about issues and improvements for military Families.
"It's always nice to have interaction with a senior spouse," said Maggie Shermer, military spouse and FRSA leader. "When we have people that are high up in our corner, it is a very powerful factor in having our voices heard." Campbell lived in Korea before and states there are many positive changes involving military Families.
"Things have changed drastically since the last time I was here," Campbell said. "Today, there are more than 3,000 command sponsored Families and the military is adapting more each day. The needs of Families are being granted, and their voices are being heard. We are focused on supporting Families across the Army."
Campbell related she understands the need to keep Soldiers in the Army and the best way to do it is to take care of their Families. The needs of the Family have the greatest effect on a Soldiers decision to stay in the Army.
"I think things are going great regarding the military supporting its Family Members," she said, "and I love seeing what I'm seeing here." The Family members who came to the meeting agreed her presence was appreciated.
"It's good to have Campbell come here and notice all the significant and positive changes we have made on Red Cloud Garrison," said Karen Graves, military spouse. "She sees how far we have come and that's a good thing for the new spouses and Family members to know; things are changing and improving for them." Having someone of importance listen to your concerns is assuring, Graves said.
"Even if some issues can't be fixed immediately," she said, "it's great to know an important person cares, and is interested in changing things in the community."
"It's good for her to be here," said Claudia Figueroa, FRSA leader and military spouse. "We know we are not alone, and we have good people in our corner to ensure our voices are heard."
"To talk to spouses who have already been through what you're going through, and have them guide you about how to get through it is a wonderful experience," said Sandi Baldwin, military spouse. Family Members discussed how positive things were happening in the community and things were changing.
"The FRSA is growing and becoming stronger, and it's truly making a difference in our community," Figueroa said.
"Spousal groups are definitely growing and expanding," said Maggie Shermer, FRSA leader and military spouse. "We are keeping our groups very close knit, and when we see new Families and spouses, we welcome them with open arms." There is a lot of support and information this group provides, and that, in itself, is a positive change for new Families, Figueroa said.
"Korea is a place where you can really stabilize your Family," Campbell said. "After deployments, Families want to be with their Soldiers, and that's a big plus especially if you have children. I feel we all shouldn't tire in doing good things. It doesn't matter if you are in Fort Gordon, Ga., Fort Hood, Texas., or wherever, the Army is not about machines and tanks, it's about people, and in the end I think Families and friends are the strength of the Army," she said. "Whether it is more than 3,000 command sponsorships in Korea or the major growth in Family groups, Korea is changing in a positive way and Families are noticing the change."
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