| Community turns out to support Ohio’s Military Families |
The meeting is the first in the organization’s Operation: O.H.I.O. (Ohio Helps Its Own), six statewide events intended to help individuals and organizations marshal their efforts in support of families of deployed or deploying military members. “We are very fortunate that since the beginning, Ohioans have been enthusiastic supporters of our servicemembers and their families,” said Capt. Katie Enochs, assistant director of the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Program. “Our efforts in these town hall meetings are focused on helping to channel that enthusiasm.” Nearly 16,000 of Ohio’s 29,000 reserve component troops serve in the National Guard. In the years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Ohio National Guard has deployed more than 13,000 men and women in support of the Global War on Terrorism. “Every time one of our troops deploys, they leave behind loved ones—a child, a spouse or a parent—who are making their own sacrifices, and who may need assistance,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general. “Providing support for the families left behind alleviates one very important potential source of distraction. The troops can then focus on performing their missions safely and effectively.” The National Guard will be hosting five additional town hall events throughout the state over the next several weeks in Nelsonville, Dublin, Perrysburg, Hamilton and Kettering. The dates and locations of those events can be found at the “Operation: O.H.I.O.” link on the Ohio National Guard’s website at www.ohionationalguard.com. |
