Spouses Recognized for Creating Support Network
By Fonda Bock, USAREC, Public Affairs Office
Jan. 22, 2015
Almost two years ago three recruiters’ wives founded the “Spouses of USAREC Support Page” on Facebook – a grassroots network providing spouses accurate information, advice, an outlet for venting, offering congratulations, or just a shoulder on which to lean in a closed forum.
Through a virtual awards ceremony Jan. 21, Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet, USAREC commanding general, presented Amber Heald, Milwaukee Battalion; Alysha Baggett, Oklahoma City Battalion, and Raquel Centeno, Harrisburg Battalion with USAREC’s volunteer award.
They volunteered in excess of 750 hours managing the site, which has grown to more than 1,000 USAREC spouses.
“This is the wave of the future,” Batschelet told the spouses. “You all are on the cutting edge of how we communicate and interact. And I think this forum has probably had some effects, of which, you aren’t aware – people who’ve learned something or been supported in some way that has made their life better. Thank you for helping make USAREC a better place to serve.”
Baggett said, “What we strive for on the page is to make sure no big rumors get started and that we have the correct answers for everybody.”
Spouse comments about the page include:
By Fonda Bock, USAREC, Public Affairs Office
Jan. 22, 2015
Almost two years ago three recruiters’ wives founded the “Spouses of USAREC Support Page” on Facebook – a grassroots network providing spouses accurate information, advice, an outlet for venting, offering congratulations, or just a shoulder on which to lean in a closed forum.
Through a virtual awards ceremony Jan. 21, Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet, USAREC commanding general, presented Amber Heald, Milwaukee Battalion; Alysha Baggett, Oklahoma City Battalion, and Raquel Centeno, Harrisburg Battalion with USAREC’s volunteer award.
They volunteered in excess of 750 hours managing the site, which has grown to more than 1,000 USAREC spouses.
“This is the wave of the future,” Batschelet told the spouses. “You all are on the cutting edge of how we communicate and interact. And I think this forum has probably had some effects, of which, you aren’t aware – people who’ve learned something or been supported in some way that has made their life better. Thank you for helping make USAREC a better place to serve.”
Baggett said, “What we strive for on the page is to make sure no big rumors get started and that we have the correct answers for everybody.”
Spouse comments about the page include:
- “I have been a spouse to a Soldier in USAREC for 10 years. In that time, the best source of support and guidance I have found has been through the Spouses of USAREC page”
- “We are always able to get accurate information because they have recruited knowledgeable and experienced recruiters to give us the correct answers”
- “Due to the three administrators, I am a much more positive person, and they have helped me see the positives in recruiting.”
- “These ladies put a lot of time into answering questions, boosting morale and giving support to all spouses.”
- “I knew nothing about being a spouse in the USAREC world, and they welcomed me with open arms”