Army Reserve designates parking for ‘Families of the Fallen’

99th Readiness Division
Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris

Date: 05.15.2013
Posted: 05.15.2013 08:07
News ID: 106934
Army Reserve designates parking for ‘Families of the Fallen’

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – The Army Reserve’s 99th Regional Support Command is taking another step toward honoring the nation’s fallen warriors by installing a designated parking space for Families of the Fallen at the Maj. John P. Pryor Army Reserve Center here.

“Having a reserved parking spot here at the 99th RSC has a two-fold purpose,” explained Julie Kennedy, an H&W Enterprises contractor serving as the Army Reserve Survivor Outreach Services support coordinator for the 99th RSC. “Not only does the space provide a solidified spot to any survivor coming to the 99th RSC for assistance, but it also acts as a memorial of sorts for those who see it, honoring their service and sacrifice.”

Kennedy and the SOS staff provide survivors throughout the 99th RSC’s 13-state region access to financial counseling and support services and resources.

The new parking space sits outside a facility named for an Army Reserve soldier, Maj. John P. Pryor, who paid the ultimate price in defense of his nation during service in Iraq in 2008.

“Our fallen warriors have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we have a commitment to Families of the Fallen to recognize that sacrifice,” said an Army Reserve spokesperson. “U.S. Army Reserve Command is dedicated to delivering on the promise of the Army Family Covenant by providing support to surviving Families for as long as they desire.”

Similar designated parking spaces are scheduled to be installed at the Army Strong Community Centers in Rochester, N.Y., and Coraopolis, Pa., as well as the other three RSCs and several Mission Support Commands throughout the nation.