Live from AUSA: Family Forum I - “Army Families-The Strength Behind the Soldier”

In peace and in war, the Army honors the sacrifices that Soldiers and Families make daily, at home and abroad.

America’s Army faces unprecedented challenges as it enters the eighth year of war. Soldiers and Families have shown tremendous courage and resilience during repeated deployments.

The Army is consistently finding ways to better serve the Soldiers and Families that have given so much for this nation.

“We are using feedback from Families to prioritize the services we provide,” said Ms. Kathleen Marin, director of installation services in the Office of the Chief of Staff for Installation. “We are maintaining the services and programs that Families have told us are working for them – these are the programs that are personally delivered and confidential. Our priorities are improving Child and Youth Services registration, family readiness training, command support for Family Readiness Groups, funding FRGs and communicating the availability of FRG resources to FRG leaders. ”

The Army is focused on developing and instituting a holistic program to build the resilience of Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians. This initiative is based on five key principles:

· We recognize the commitment and increasing sacrifices that our Families are making every day.
· We recognize the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families.
· We are committed to providing Soldiers and Families a Quality of Life that is commensurate with their service.
· We are committed to providing our Families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.
· We are committed to building a partnership with Army Families that enhances their strength and resilience.

Army Families have shown the same determination and resiliency as Army personnel. The Army thanks and honors the Families of Soldiers for supporting their loved ones who have answered the call to serve the nation. Army Families are the strength behind the Soldier.