When an individual joins the military (any branch of service) they are stationed “on base”. They have medical coverage, housing, payroll and many other benefits as a full-time service member. All resources for support are readily available: to the service member and their families. When an individual joins the Guard or Reserves their service is considered part-time: they do not have insurance or on post housing available as they only drill one weekend a month and two weeks annually for training.
These Citizen Soldiers live, work and play in our communities. They have civilian jobs (if they are employed) with civilian benefits. Their family members are, many times, unfamiliar with military resources and may not even live near a military base/institution. There is an occasional training, family day or military ball where family members have the opportunity to meet other unit service members and their families, however; those truly are “here and there” and do not always provide an environment for creating strong bonds. When a Guard or Reserve service member becomes activated (for extended training or deployment) everything changes. Their civilian job/insurance/pay is effectively put on hold during the length of their orders. Simultaneously they become eligible for big military benefits….which can be an unknown arena for the family members. The service member may not be available to help their loved one navigate these new benefits (as they are away), families may not have access to a military base, and they may not be aware of benefits that become available to them during this time. Another reality can be a feeling of isolation. Friends, co-workers and extended family members continue with their normal lives while everything around this family is changing.
This is when Operation Appreciation extends a hand. We reach out to those service members and their families. We bridge the gap between civilian and military lives and offer a comforting safety net for resources, emergencies, and navigation. Because every team member affiliated with Operation Appreciation is a volunteer our efforts will only continue to be successful with your help. Make your tax-deductible donation today to ensure a strong financial foundation/resource is there for our troops in their time of need.