Volunteers Honored, Provided Tools for Deployments

Courtesy Photo | Rob Keller, director of Service Member and Family Support for the North Dakota National Guard, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Jessica Clark, of the North Dakota Air National Guard, at the 2009 state Family Program Workshop, March 15, at the Doublewood Inn, Fargo. Clark is being recognized for her efforts in support of family members of North Dakota National Guard personnel.  

FARGO, UNITED STATES

03.16.2009

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. - Volunteers with the North Dakota National Guard came away from this weekend with a little more recognition for their dedication and accomplishments and a box of tools to use as they continue to support their families and other military families around the state. It was all part of "Volunteers Are Our Shining Stars," the 2009 State Family Program Workshop in Fargo.

"Taking care of Soldiers, Airmen and their families is my No. 1 priority," Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, told the workshop attendees. "We want every deployed Guard member to be confident that their loved ones will be cared for and assisted as part of the North Dakota National Guard family. Providing our military families with the skills for surviving a deployment is incredibly important."

The tips for deployments ranged from heartfelt advice - "laugh every day" - to the practical and quirky - "buy more underwear." Those were just two of the tips offered by keynote speaker and author Karen Pavlicin. Pavlicin, of Woodbury, Minn., turned her challenging yet positive experiences with her Marine husband's deployments into two books - "Surviving Deployment: A Guide for Military Families" and "Life After Deployment: Military Families Share Reunion Stories and Advice." The lessons shared during the weekend stemmed from her experience and writings.

"Think of what's taking up your time that's really not that important," Pavlicin told the crowd of about 75 Family Readiness Group leaders and other volunteers. "Laundry is not that important. Buy more underwear."

Ann Dolence, of Moorhead, Minn., a certified recreation therapist working in psychiatric treatment, also addressed workshop attendees, talking about "Attitudes are Contagious." Several breakout sessions provided more tools and tips, and volunteers were recognized for their efforts during a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday.

"Our volunteers are absolutely key to ensuring the best care and support network possible for all of our military families," said Rob Keller, director of Service Member and Family Support for the North Dakota National Guard. "We can't thank them enough for their dedication in partnering with us to guarantee the best care and resources are provided to all of our military families who serve alongside their Soldiers and Airmen."

• Date Taken: 03.16.2009
• Date Posted: 03.16.2009 11:53
• Story ID: 31170
• Location: FARGO, US