Be there for the ones who were there for you

As another Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded to stop and pay tribute to our fallen heroes from past and current wars — to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and security of this great nation.

The National Guard has been there for every war, even before we were a nation. For 377 years, America’s National Guard has never missed the call, but it has come with a price — more than 700 National Guard soldiers and airmen have died in support of the global war on terrorism alone.

{mosads}Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes — from all services — that we can never fully repay. Perhaps the best way to honor their sacrifice is to focus on how we can best support those currently serving.

I was deeply moved and inspired recently by the actions of 8-year-old Myles Eckert, a Gold Star son from Toledo, Ohio. Myles found a $20 bill in a parking lot. While thinking about how he’d like to use his newfound money, he noticed a man in uniform who reminded him of his father. His father was killed in Iraq when Myles was only 5 weeks old. Myles decided to give the $20 to this man, Ohio Air National Guard Lt. Col. Frank Dailey, accompanied by a handwritten note thanking Dailey for his service.

Myles honored the memory of his father through his heartfelt gesture to help another service member.

Dailey, in turn, was inspired with “a lifetime of direction,” and dedicated himself to a cause that supports Gold Star children. This is a powerful reminder of the impact anyone can have, whether a legislator, employer or concerned citizen.
What can you do to help?

The support Congress has provided has been tremendous, but there is more yet to be done. The well-being of our soldiers, airmen, their families and their employers remains a top priority. Over the past decade, exposure to combat, multiple deployments and personal stress have contributed to a disturbing rise in post-traumatic stress, unemployment, homelessness and suicide. These problems are not self-correcting. They require the collective support of leaders across Congress, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private sector — and you.

National Guard soldiers, airmen and their families face unique challenges because National Guard armories and wings are community-based and seldom close to military treatment facilities.

The National Guard’s Psychological Health Program was developed to meet these challenges and to provide ready access to high-quality mental health services. Although our directors have been very effective at addressing help-seeking behaviors and reducing stigma, more support is needed, so we also seek to collaborate with other organizations outside the National Guard. Partnering with community resources is critical to combating the psychological stressors affecting today’s soldiers, airmen and their families.

Complicating the matter, funding is expected to decrease for family programs tied to the challenges our Guard members are facing. Maintaining access to current services and resources, particularly those that build strong family and spouse relationships and that strengthen financial wellness and employment, will pay dividends because they contribute to the readiness of our force.

America’s employers have had to make great sacrifices as well. Our missions cannot succeed without their tremendous support. I’m often moved by stories about employers who go above and beyond to ensure all service members and their families are taken care of. Many employers have created special hiring programs, and they continue full benefits, salary and additional paid leave options for deployed soldiers and airmen. While this level of support is not practical for all, any action an employer can take to honor military service goes a long way toward decreasing employment-related stress.

As you reflect on this Memorial Day, I ask each of you to remember all who have given their lives serving our great nation and to honor their memory by reaching out to veterans and those currently serving.

Grass is the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau.