Mari Culver
The Iowa National Guard is preparing to send some 3,5oo soldiers to Afghanistan in the largest deployment since World War Two. Iowa First Lady Mari Culver met with some guardmembers and their families Friday to talk about the resources available to help the families once the soldiers are deployed.
Culver says the families also wanted to share their thanks to friends and neighbors and fellow Iowans who have supported them. She says they want people to know the family readiness groups are a great way for Iowans to help them. Culver says the need will be increased even more once this new group of troops goes overseas.
“One of the things that the spouses routinely said is that they do need help, and they don’t like to ask for it,” Culver says, “so if you are a neighbor or a friend or co-worker, don’t wait for the spouse of the service man or woman to ask for help.” Culver says you can help the families of soldiers in a number of different ways.
She says you can make a meal or bring a meal over, or offer to chauffeur children to events as the spouses end up being single parents for long periods of time. Culver says there are many creative ways to help. You can find out more about how to help the families of deployed soldiers by calling the Family Services Directorate at 800-294-6607, extension 4758.