While the soldiers of the 151st Field Artillery are overseas, their families are doing double duty here at home. Most of us do not realize what the families of deployed soldiers go through while their loved ones are deployed.
Children miss their parent(s). Husbands and wives miss their spouses. Families have to continue with day to day routines knowing their loved one is halfway across the world and in a dangerous situation. Those with children must perform the role of both parents.
Staff members of the Family Support Team for the 1-151FA Battalion Tami Klucas, Carmen Brunsvold and Jeff Gay, have organized a special event to honor these families and offer them a bit of relaxation and support.
“Mind, Body & Soul Day” will be held Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Training and Community Center (TACC) in Montevideo, for families of deployed soldiers from the entire 151st Battalion (including units from Appleton, Morris, Madison, Montevideo, Marshall, Olivia, and Ortonville).
“We decided to hold this event to offer a day of pampering and relaxation to our military families, combined with informational sessions that will help re-energize and sustain them through the end of the deployment,” said Klucas.
“Many family members find it difficult to take time for themselves, which can lead to compassion fatigue. This event will give them a chance to interact and unwind with others going through similar experiences.”
Many community members and businesses have generously volunteered their time and services, and given donations. The list includes Blossoms and Bridal, petal park, Heather Nursery, Three Prairie Scrappers, Tiffany Kobbermann, Lori Whitman, Donna Lanning, Mary Kay consultant Laura Larson, photographer Larry Helsene, Chippewa Champs 4H Club, and massage student Reva Weber.
Speakers so far include Chaplain Bill Klavetter from the Minnesota Army National Guard; Darlene Wetterstrom, social worker and military family life consultant will present an interactive class about children and deployment/reintegration; and Tiffany Kobbermann, the mother of four young children, will offer tips on saving money at the grocery store.
There will be free childcare and children’s events. Adults will have opportunities for massage, facials and other pampering sessions.
The organizers are still seeking assistance from volunteers who can provide services to the families such as hair styling or manicures, help with snacks or the evening meal, or any other product donation or service.
“Any help would be greatly appreciated,” says Klucas.
“We want this day to be truly special for our military families. We know there is a lot of support from the communities in our battalion.
“Families are under great stress while their soldier is deployed. We hope this will be a solid example of the caring support our communities are willing to give the families of our deployed soldiers.”
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 at the TACC in Montevideo.
Anyone willing to help may contact Tami Klucas at (651) 268-8406.
