In this episode of Family Guidons, the conversation continues from Stars, Stripes, and Service part 1 as the hosts explore how patriotism comes to life through volunteering and giving back to the military community. Charlotte and Kathy share personal experiences and discuss the important role volunteers play in supporting military families, strengthening connections, and building resilient communities. They are joined by special guests representing both the Army and Air National Guard Family Programs, who share valuable insight into the many volunteer opportunities available and how getting involved can make a lasting impact. Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a new way to serve, this episode highlights how volunteering can create meaningful connections, support fellow military families, and continue a proud tradition of service.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:22 - Importance of Volunteers in Military History
00:03:28 - Introduction to Family Programs Directors
00:04:45 - Overview of Army Family Programs
00:09:58 - Challenges in Connecting with Family Members
00:10:45 - Need for Volunteers in Family Programs
00:12:29 - How Community Members Can Get Involved
00:13:25 - Contact Information for Volunteering
00:16:04 - Ongoing Need for Volunteers
00:18:04 - Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
00:20:07 - Final Thoughts from Dan Contreras
00:21:17 - Introduction to Airmen and Family Readiness
00:21:59 - Role of Military and Family Readiness
00:24:58 - Need for Volunteers in Air National Guard
00:26:00 - Challenges of Volunteering in Modern Times
00:27:21 - Opportunities for Individual and Group Volunteers
00:29:03 - Training for Volunteers
00:30:23 - Contact Information for Air National Guard Volunteering
00:32:07 - College and High School Volunteer Opportunities
00:35:06 - Message to Military Families and Volunteers
00:37:04 - Importance of In-Person Connectedness
00:38:18 - Final Thoughts from Dr. Nick Thomas
00:39:45 - Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
Links:
Email: familyguidons@gmail.com
Service Member & Family Care: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/
Child & Youth Program: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/Military-and-Family-Programs/Child-and-Youth-Programs/
SC National Guard Soldier & Family Readiness Program: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/Military-and-Family-Programs/Family-Readiness-Specialists-SFRS-AFR-/
Homefront Archives Blog: https://www.militaryspousehistory.com/
Contact Information:
Family Program Manager
Daniel D. Contreras
Office: (803) 299-4205
Email: daniel.d.contreras2.mil@army.mil
Lead, Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist
Audra Harmon
Phone: 803-299-1641
Email: audra.d.harmon.nfg@army.mil
Director of Airman and Family Readiness
Dr. Nick Thomas
Phone: 803-647-8223
Email: nicholas.thomas.25@us.af.mil
South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/
Youtube / scnationalguard
Facebook / scguard
Instagram / official_scguard
Twitter / scnationalguard
Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/
DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2026 07:43 |
| Category: | Recording |
| Audio ID: | 92742 |
| Filename: | 2607/DOD_111835699.mp3 |
| Length: | 00:41:02 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 2 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Family Guidons - Ep. 13 Stars, Stripes & Service part 2: Serving Our Families, by SSG Chelsea Weaver, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.