Network aims to lessen hardships families face

But for Jennifer Kotz and others who work to help those families, the day was just a starting point.

The Oregon National Guard’s Third Battalion, 116th Armored Cavalry, headquartered in La Grande, is expecting an overseas deployment in 2010, its second since 2003.

“What I’ve heard mostly is that people want to be more prepared for the time their spouses or loved ones are gone,” Kotz said. “We need a more secure support network and better dissemination of information.”

Gov. Ted Kulongoski declared May 8 Military Family Appreciation Day. Events like the one at Riverside were held all around the state.

Between 150 and 200 people came to the La Grande outing, which included a barbecue, fun and games for kids, remarks by people in the local military community and a memorial tree planting. Lowell and Carol Knopp reported success with their “Cell Phone for Soldiers” program.

Event organizers had plenty of help from the community, with individuals, public entities and civic organizations all pitching in.

Jody Marsh, a volunteer in the 3/116th’s family support program, said many people helped make the event a success, and had special words of praise for local churches.

“The faith community’s response was amazing,” said Marsh. “I don’t know if it would have come off without that huge army of people working behind the scenes.”

Kotz envisioned a celebration that would bring current service members and their families together with those who had served and sacrificed in other times.

She wasn’t disappointed, though she wishes more young people would have come.

“There was a diverse group, but I wish we would have had more of the younger, current soldiers,” she said.

Still, work was done on the support network Kotz considers all-important. And that work continues.

For one thing, Marsh is constructing a phone tree to enhance communication among military families. She said it is one of the most important tools she has at her disposal, and hopes more Guard families will become involved.

“We activate the phone tree when we have news we need to communicate to families about the unit. Ten people call 10 others, and so on until word reaches everybody,” Marsh said.

Kotz in the meantime is working to heighten awareness of the sacrifices military families make, and hardships they face now and in the future.

She is also asking for help from the community in the form of donations, whether of cash, food or donated or discounted service. Services could include auto repair, appliance repair, plumbing and electrical work, yard services, day care and tutoring.

“A big concern is the financial hardship,” Kotz said. “Whatever anybody can do to help with that would be great.”

There are several ways to contribute.

Monetary donations can be made to the American Legion Northeast Oregon Military Family Fund by contacting District 6 Commander Jon Marsh, 541-910-0123, or Jody Marsh, 541-910-3210; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kotz said money contributions to that fund will be used specifically to help local families.

Monetary donations also can be made to the Oregon National Guard Emergency Relief Fund.

Those who would like to donate or discount services should contact Kotz, 541-910-7777, or Jody Marsh 541-910-3210.

Food for military families can be donated to the VFW High Valley Post 4060 food pantry. Call Bob Levesque, 541-562-6035.