Increased Support Of Families Of Soldiers During Stressful Times
EL PASO, TX. – The army says their soldiers and families deserve a quality of life equal to their quality of service.
That’s why they have renewed their commitment to provide a supportive environment. The old army adage goes, “A soldier joins the army, but the family decides whether to stay.”
As military families here in the borderland and across the country suffer under the stress of multiple deployments, the army is taking steps to make sure they are well cared for and recognized for the important service they provide.
Army officials say this war is taxing their soldiers and families at unprecedented levels. That’s why it recently honored families like the Chavez family based in Fort Bliss at a ceremony in Washington,DC for all they give and sacrifice.
The steps they plan to take to help support their military families include
increasing accessibility and quality of health care; improving soldier and family housing; ensuring excellence in schools, youth services and child care; expanding education and employment opportunities for family members.
The Chavez family says while the army works to support them, they must try to give back as well.
“First and foremost, we are an all-volunteer army. As we are deployed and we’re at different installations, we kind of all have to pitch in and there [are] a lot of opportunities in the Army to pitch in. Whether it’s to be a coach of a soccer team,or a swim team, or a boy scout leader or teacher, justeducati[-ing] on the various programs,” said Lt. Col. John Chavez.
The ‘Army family’ is made up of more than 2 million soldiers, spouses and children.
