New resources help military spouses

STORY, PHOTOS
By MONICA WOOD

Hundreds of military spouses
received information on resources
and referrals at the Field Exercises:
Priceless Packages, April 23 and 24 at
the Gunners Inn.
The event was led by two Army
spouses, Tara Crooks and Starlett
“Star” Henderson, who are cofounders
of the newly debuted Army
Wife Network Interactive Web site.
They co-author a syndicated question
and answer column Field Problems.
Crooks and Henderson also host the
online broadcast Army Wife Talk
Radio called Field Problems, based
on the column.

Crooks said the seminar is part of
their ongoing efforts to provide support
and service to military spouses
nationwide through a deployment
survival and resources seminar. The
intent is to empower military spouses
by combining a night of appreciation
and pampering with real life solutions
for most any situation the military
family might encounter.
“We share tips and personal experiences
to allow spouses to learn and
teach about deployment survival
resources and “priceless” care package
ideas for deployed loved ones,”
she said. “These opportunities for
sharing information, trading ideas
and strategies, networking, and building
lasting relationships are just some
of the benefits spouses deserve and
receive at this free ‘time-out for them,
Crook said.’”
Cori Barden, whose husband
recently redeployed, said the event
was a great chance to get out with
other military spouses and have some
fun. “This event is a great way for
mom to get away and enjoy herself
and socialize with other spouses.”
According to Crooks, whose husband
is stationed here, the turnout for
the event was everything she had
hoped for. “Seeing so many fellow
Army spouses at Fort Sill attend the
event gives me the warm and fuzzies.
We believe that seeing people in person
and having them share the experiences
such as finding a battle
buddy, together is what empowers
them,”she said.

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