What is a Guard/Reserve Family Partner and a Citizen Soldier?

What is a Guardsmen/Reservist?

A Guardsmen/Reservists training never stops and may take them away from their family for multiple months at a time (often affording minimal notice). During the critical time of training and military readiness qualifying, multiple high-level “stressors” are inevitably encountered. These “stressors” are felt across the service member and family unit platforms. Unlike active-duty military; the Guardsmen/Reservists (and their family members) may not be aware of, or capable, of using the resources available to them on an active-duty military base institution as they live in the communities where we all live, work, and play. Many have never stepped onto a military base as their service member is employed in the civilian sector.

This reality exposes a vulnerability upon deployment; how do I maneuver all of the responsibilities with my service member being “out of pocket”?

Some of the unknown areas may include (but are not limited to):

  • Payroll

  • Insurance

  • Financial situational emergencies

  • Family health/medical emergencies

  • Grants

  • Support groups and/or individuals that can meet/dine/chat as they navigate unchartered territory

Operation Appreciation’s assistance contributes with informational resources, emergency aid, and training available to service members and their families upon being called to “active duty” status, training, and/or deployment(s).

State Organized Army/Airforce National Guardsmen are also known as “Citizen Soldiers.”

The concept of the “Citizen Soldier” is based on the notion that citizens hold the obligation to arm themselves to defend their communities or nation from foreign invaders and domestic tyrants. Throughout history, the consistent challenge for the citizen soldier is that they represented an ideal abstraction rather than an operationally efficient strategy in anything except the more direct, or local, kind of community defense assistance.

In the United States; the concept of “citizen soldiers” evolved through the militia and community volunteers that live in the form of the National Guard, and by contrast, the citizen soldiers embody the will of the people – because they are the people. Citizen soldiers live, work, and play in their community/state and therefore have a direct and specific stake in preserving liberties and rights in that society. Their actions afford a blanket of protection against tyranny across communities, natural disasters, and corruption of government. The citizen soldier maintains their civilian life through employment and everyday living; therefore, providing a traditional living for their family unit all while “cross-training, transforming, and preparing” to the equivalent scale and ability of active duty military service members. Citizen soldiers are your local guardian in times of natural disasters, unrest amongst community sectors, US border protection, political disputes, or other heightened/elevated turmoil. Believe in your Guardian Citizen Soldiers, as they believe in you, as they vow protection for fellow citizens across Georgia and the United States of America.

National Guard (Army and Airforce)

Homeland protection from those who may invade our country, and emergency support of civilian authorities during a disaster through medical, law enforcement, financial, and domestic requirements.  

Reservist

Military supplemental support of each branch of these active-duty military forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine.

The Golden Rose Award

As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, we have gone back through our archives to find some of our favorite events to share.

The Golden Rose Award is a once-in-a-lifetime award that was given to our founder, Beth Waters, in 2011.

The Golden Rose Award was established in June 2004 by the Military Intelligence Corps Association. It is intended to recognize those select individuals whose exemplary volunteer service has contributed significantly to the betterment of the Military Intelligence Corps, the military intelligence community, and the Army family. It singles out for recognition of those few individuals who have made a difference through service.

The Golden Rose is the embodiment of loyalty, dedication, commitment, and service above self. So too, these individuals embody these same qualities and therefore represent the very best of the Military Intelligence Corps. Therefore, the Military Intelligence Corps Association acknowledges that these individuals are among those select individuals who are recognized for outstanding volunteer service to the Military Intelligence Corps.

Learn more about the Award

Cobb EMC Community Foundation is a Multi-Year Sponsor

Operation Appreciation is proud to continue our partnership with the Cobb EMC Community Foundation. Their generous donation will provide support for military service members in the Georgia Guard and Reserves, veterans, and their family members for another year!

Many generous Cobb EMC members round their bills up each month, through Operation Round Up, to donate to charitable organizations in our community. The Cobb EMC Community Foundation is a third-party foundation, separate from Cobb EMC employees and directors, set up to administer and distribute the funds collected through Operation Round Up. Decisions made by the volunteer board are based on funds available and the community impact of requests.

Cobb EMC Community Foundation Mission

To carefully assess the financial requests of charitable organizations, and to apply our collective wisdom to the allocation of available funds for the broadest benefit of the community and the members we serve.

History of Operation Round Up

Palmetto Electric Cooperative (South Carolina) created Operation Round Up in 1989. The program has since been adopted by more than 200 EMCs nationwide. Its concept is an extension of the principle on which electric co-ops were built – neighbors helping neighbors to benefit the community in which they work and live.

We’re looking forward to working with you and supporting this worthy cause!

Op.A. Welcomes New American Hero Partner: Central Georgia EMC Foundation

Operation Appreciation is proud to welcome Central Georgia EMC Foundation as our newest American Hero partner in providing emergency relief for veterans and their families related to COVID-19. 

The primary purpose of Operation Round Up is to address charitable needs and provide financial assistance anywhere in the 14 counties served by Central Georgia EMC.

How it does Operation Round Up work?

The average contribution is $6 a year – a small amount to help worthy causes in our communities. For less than the cost of one soft drink, candy bar, or a cup of coffee this small, monthly contribution can make a huge impact! The contributions are tax deductible.

We are grateful to all of the Central Georgia EMC members who participate by Rounding Up their power bills to the nearest dollar each month to help support our troops!