As most of us enjoy Christmas with family — immediate family in many cases, in this day of COVID-19 — many residents across Kansas are spending this holiday without loved ones because they are currently deployed.
Lt. Col. Dallas McMullen, the Kansas National Guard’s Director of Domestic Operations, says being away from family — and family traditions — can be difficult for soldiers away on deployment and for family members at home. However, he says technology is helping to keep families connected and the National Guard is helping through the presence of Soldier and Family Readiness programs.
The programs offer information about training and access to community partners and community resources. These programs also encourage family partnerships in a given unit, develop a sense of well-being and set the stage for increased self-reliance.
Right now, over 600 soldiers and air personnel are deployed.
The Kansas National Guard has been involved in the nation’s conflict since the state was organized as a territory in 1854. In addition to supporting the state’s coronavirus efforts since March, it is also involved in domestic emergency response, combat missions, counterdrug work and reconstruction projects.
More information is available online at www.kansastag.gov.
