National Guard/Reserves

We know you aren’t “just like everyone else.”

There may not be an installation nearby, and your unit might not have hosted a family “readiness” meeting since 1992. Lo and behold, your service member’s unit has been activated, and you need to get connected to empower yourself with the knowledge to succeed.

Welcome. We’re glad you’ve found us.

Here you will find a list of organizations, websites, and publications that address your unique situation.
Start here, but also, feel welcome to join the rest of our community by becoming an AWTR listener, visiting our Facebook page, and reading our blog posts.

Organizations:

Websites:

Guard and Reserves: The Essentials from Military OneSource
Army Reserve Family Programs from the US Army Reserve
10 Lesser Known Facts about the National Guard from Military.com
National Guard Jobs from Army National Guard

Publications:

Expert National Guard/Reserves

What Military Families Should Know About Disaster Preparedness

June 12, 2022June 1, 2022 American Red Cross 1 Comment advice, community, Military Life

As the wife of a first responder and a military service member (National Guardsman), I’m accustomed to periods of time where I’m juggling the responsibilities of our household on my own. From preparing for 24-hour shifts to monthly drills and a month-long annual training over the summer, it can be a lot to handle.

Care Packages Expert Military Life National Guard/Reserves

Ways to Celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022 Ohana Homefront Foundation 1 Comment community, encouragement, military marriage, military spouse

May is Military Appreciation Month but did you know that Friday, May 6th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day? The first Friday in May before Mother’s Day, was first known as Military Spouse Appreciation Day after being recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Recognitions and celebrations are typically held throughout military communities in the United States and Abroad.

Experience Military Life National Guard/Reserves

An Open Letter to the National Guard Spouse

February 26, 2022February 22, 2022 Brooklyn Morgan 2 Comments National Guard

Dearest National Guard spouse, I see you.

Your partner is gone and you may have wonderful friends, but none understand what you’re going through. Your kids have a slew of friends and they don’t have to PCS, but they also don’t have friends that understand why their parent is gone. Your family loves you, but they too do not comprehend the feeling of a spouse being away.

Don’t worry, I see you.

Experience National Guard/Reserves

7 Misconceptions of the National Guard

July 16, 2021July 17, 2021 Brooklyn Morgan 2 Comments military family, National Guard, perspective

There was a time in my life when I knew nothing about the National Guard. All I knew was what I learned in history class about their role with the Little Rock Nine. I also knew that I saw them after tornado outbreaks in my state.

Experience Military Life National Guard/Reserves

Seeing the Hurt

July 1, 2021June 28, 2021 Brooklyn Morgan 1 Comment encouragement, Military Life, military spouse, perspective

I see you now. I didn’t really see you or your pain before—I just saw a friend who was sad and hurt, but I didn’t fully understand. Now, my vision is no longer blurred, and I see all of it: the pain, the loneliness, and the anxiety.

Trudging through medical complications with a spouse in the military brings a whole new twist to this crazy ride.

Experience National Guard/Reserves PCS

Reminiscing about Alaska

April 17, 2021February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 1 Comment National Guard, OCONUS, PCS, Reserves

Living in Alaska has been an amazing experience for me, but soon it will be time to say goodbye. If I’m being honest, I am heartbroken. I never imagined that I’d love living here, but I do, because Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful, even at -20 degrees in the dead of winter.

Experience Military Life National Guard/Reserves

Lessons Learned in the Army Reserve

March 18, 2021February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 1 Comment Military Life, Reserves

I joined the Army Reserve nearly four years ago, and I’m grateful for all the lessons learned and experiences that being a Reservist has brought me. I definitely would not be the person that I am today had I not made the decision to join right out of high school.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Experience Military Life National Guard/Reserves

Balancing Civilian and Reserve Life

January 21, 2021February 16, 2022 Retired Blogger 2 Comments Military Life, Reserves

This year, I’m making it my goal to find more balance between my civilian and military life. You see, I’m a civilian, but I’m also in the Army Reserves. It’s something I have to explain to people a lot when they ask me why I’m not available at certain times of the year.

Experience Military Life National Guard/Reserves

Taking the Leap

October 21, 2020February 16, 2022 Retired Expert 2 Comments Military Life, National Guard

My life changed the moment I agreed to go on a date with a man I “met” online; our first date was 10 hours long, and it was effortless to be around him—we talked about everything and nothing all at once. After he left that first night, I knew he would change me regardless if we stayed together; I am thankful he has been an integral part of my life every day since.

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