MARIA'S MILITARY FAMILIES INITIATIVE
As First Lady of California, I’ve traveled throughout California and met with military families who have loved ones serving our country. I have spent time with husbands, wives, parents, children and family members who also serve while these brave soldiers fight daily for our safety.
The Governor and I are humbled and honored to recognize and support our service men and women and their families. We have attended joyous homecomings, distributed over 25,000 pre-paid phone calling cards, visited with soldiers at military bases and hospitals and launched programs which provide mentors and support for families. I’ve learned personally of the hardships of deployment and re-entry into civilian life – I’ve seen how a soldier’s family copes with an 18-month deployment, the unique challenges that they overcome in accessing resources to help compensate for loss of income and how their children also cope with the absence of a parent. I am constantly amazed and inspired by their courage, strength and determination.
This past March, I met two remarkable Women of the Year in Sacramento, Sergeant Hallie Boone – a counter-intelligence agent in the California Army National Guard – who’s served her country with distinction in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Sergeant Boone survived such hostile fire on the ground in Iraq, and she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for her “incomparable courage.”
And Woman of the Year Karen Meredith, who lost her son in the Iraq war. But instead of giving up, she had the strength and the courage to reach out to help other families – and use her voice to promote peace.
And I still cannot stop thinking about the Marines, the dynamic women and families that I met when I visited Camp Pendleton – their inspiration – their sacrifice - their positive attitudes – their patriotism.
It was an honor to spend time with these remarkable men and women – and I made a promise while I was sharing their stories and lives. I promised to search for ways that I, together with the citizens of this Great State, could help make a difference.
As First Lady, I established a Military Family Initiative to help support California families through volunteer efforts from their fellow Californians. I truly believe that every Californian can serve this State. I challenge organizations, businesses, community groups, schools and faith-based groups to step forward and volunteer their time on behalf of military families in their time of need. You can volunteer in many ways, by providing educational support for families, assisting with home projects, mowing a lawn, raking leaves, babysitting, washing a car or preparing a meal.
In May 2005, I attended the funeral service for Pat Tillman, the Army Ranger who gave his life in service to his country. I met Pat’s mother and father who grieved deeply for their son but were so proud and honored that he had served his country.
Pat’s mother was concerned that Pat and his fellow military brothers and sisters would be forgotten. I assured her that we would do our best to keep their memories alive. That we would always be supportive – that we would always care. I told Pat’s family that they didn’t have to worry about him anymore. He was home, he was safe and he will not be forgotten. He will live on forever as an example and an inspiration to all of us.
Ten years ago, my father, Sargent Shriver, spoke to Yale College and offered these words of encouragement to the Class of 1994: “It’s not what you get out of life that counts. It’s what you give and what is given to you from the heart. Break your mirrors! Yes indeed – shatter the glass. In our society that is so self-absorbed, begin to look less at yourself and more at each other. Learn more about the face of your neighbor and less about your own.”
My gratitude to the many military men and women for breaking your mirrors to serve not yourselves but others.
I encourage you today to learn about ways to volunteer and help our California military families. You will truly make a difference.
