Father’s Day isn’t just a celebration for biological fathers. The day is also a huge shout out to all the men who step up and take on the responsibility of raising children. As one who has a stepfather and is currently a stepfather, Father’s Day is special to me.

Saturday marked the first day of the annual Atlantic hurricane season. Unless you live near the coast, most people aren’t aware that potential tropical weather may strike even a few days before landfall.

The Secretary of Defense has determined that most Department of Defense civilian employees will be furloughed for up to 11 days. However, the Secretary approved for our teachers and some school-level support staff to be furloughed for up to five days. For Fort Bragg Schools, these five furlough days will be Aug. 30, Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 20, and Sept. 27. Schools will be closed for students on these five days if the furlough is enacted. There will be no Wednesday early release time for students during the furlough period.

Imagine waking up every morning, feeling worthless. Knowing your peers, your so called “friends,” and possibly even complete strangers will judge you. Many people experience this feeling but what if that were you. Put yourself into their shoes. Now imagine this depression turns into the worst case scenario. This individual decides to take his or her life. 

Over the last twelve years of war, our Army has demonstrated exceptional competence, courage, and resiliency in adapting to the demands of war and accomplishing the mission. Today, however, the Army is failing in its efforts to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment. It is time we take on the fight against sexual assault and sexual harassment as our primary mission. It is up to every one of us, civilian and Soldier, general officer to private, to solve this problem within our ranks.

I chose to entitle this commentary “words from a proud military parent” because, well, that’s who and what I am now.

When I was pondering what I should write about in this commentary, I found that Wednesday is National Chocolate Chip Day and Saturday is Armed Forces Day. While chocolate chips hold a place close to my heart and waist, as a former Navy man I have to take these moments and write about the men and women who serve.

How does one thank the woman who brought them into this world? I mean, it’s a pretty big deal … giving birth to a screaming, adorable, baby girl. Plus, I’m a pretty big deal and I have my mother to thank for that.

This week, I participated in the Diva Run at North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Talk about loads of fun. There was one particular expression on a T-shirt that seemed to sum up how I felt about running the 5K — we don’t chase our dreams, we run them down.

This month, we complete our comprehensive review of the 12 pillars of the Army’s Ready, Resilient and Army Strong campaign. We’ve highlighted each pillar of the campaign in detail, sharing the resources available to help improve and sustain our readiness – ensuring leaders, Soldiers, Families and civilians know where to turn for expertise and support. Knowledge is vital to success in any organization, as it empowers us as teammates to help ourselves and each other while making Team Bragg more ready and resilient in the process.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I used to hate hearing that phrase from my parents when I would tearfully tell them of the latest verbal attack from schoolmates.

As is often the case, many of our tremendous Soldiers and Families at Fort Bragg are either approaching, or at a point of transition in their lives. Whether you’re ending your initial enlistment or retiring with 20 or more years of service, this transition to civilian life can be challenging. The important thing to remember is this transition is a process, not an event. Like all processes, the more you know, the earlier you begin, and the more you put into it, the more successful you’ll be in the end.

America and our coalition allies are winning the war in Afghanistan. This garners little attention in the media as many are focused on the impacts of sequestration and events in other parts of the world.

We are now nearing the end of our weekly focus on the 12 pillars of the Army’s Ready, Resilient, and Army Strong campaign. The focus this week — suicide prevention — is perhaps one of the most consequential topics we will discuss, considering that Fort Bragg had 18 suicides in 2012. If not for engaged and caring leaders, friends, and Family, this could have been tragically higher.

Punxs utawney Phil, the most famous Pennsylvania groundhog may have been a little off in his prediction, but spring is finally here and it’s time to take advantage.

We are well into our Ready, Resilient and Army Strong Campaign, which is designed to help Soldiers and Families through increased education and access to appropriate resources. Each week since the beginning of the year we have highlighted a specific area of the campaign in hopes of outfitting and assisting our Soldiers and Families as they tackle the many challenges they face both at work and at home.

Some years ago, I lost a considerable amount of weight. I did so by eating healthy — fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. I limited sweets, and primarily only drank water and I exercised at least three times a week.

This is our third month of providing an in-depth look into the pillars of the Army’s Ready, Resilient and Army Strong campaign. I appreciate the comprehensive efforts to increase understanding for our service members and their Families.

Providers, as I close out this chapter of our history, let me just say, job well done. The past 41 months as your brigade command sergeant major has been extremely rewarding and beneficial in making me a better leader. I want to thank the entire Provider, battalion command teams. Thank you for the long hours and belief that we could exceed standards and produce one voice, one strength and one vision.

The Ready, Resilient and Army Strong Campaign is the Army’s approach to holistic care for Soldiers and Families. It is designed to help Soldiers and Families deal with the numerous stressors placed upon them through increased education and access to appropriate resources.

“Not on my watch.” That’s often the feeling I get when I see young Soldiers doing things that they are not supposed to do, such as speeding through busy streets or parking while going the wrong way, blatantly ignoring other drivers or pedestrians who have the right of way. Or, talking loudly and skyping on their cell phones in the emergency room at Womack Army Medical Center.

This week, as part of our ongoing Ready, Resilient and Army Strong Campaign, I would like to focus on sponsorship. Military moves can be challenging for Soldiers, Families and civilians. Through the Total Army Sponsorship Program, the Army reinforces its commitment of taking care of its own, but it still takes an effective sponsor who is committed to welcoming and integrating newcomers into our community.

Ceremonies play a big part in our Army lifestyle, and they are a part of our history and traditions. Historically, for us as Soldiers, the day starts and ends with a flag ceremony called reveille and retreat.

As many of you are aware, we face historic fiscal uncertainty. In response, we must continue to prioritize how we spend our money here at Fort Bragg. The budget sequestration plan calls for a 10-year reduction of $1.2 trillion in government spending, half of which will come from the defense budget and the other half from the non-defense budget.

Soldiers and Families are our most treasured commodities. When threatened, the effectiveness of our fighting force is at risk. A sad truth in today’s environment is that one of those threats comes from within — sexual assault and sexual harassment. Each of us must take an active role in eliminating this threat as it is detrimental to readiness and violates our Army values and obligation to treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve.

As we complete our second month’s focus on the Army’s Ready, Resilient and Army Strong campaign, I appreciate the information, expertise and resources exchanged across the installation with our service members and their Families. The first step towards remaining Ready, Resilient, and Army Strong is increasing our knowledge of the extensive programs and expertise available here at Fort Bragg and enabling responsive access to these programs and resources.

My journey back to education didn’t start on a whim, nor did it happen overnight. I knew my road back to the classroom would begin and end with Family.

The Army is built upon teamwork, and successful teamwork is predicated upon robust relationships. Teamwork extends beyond our units, most importantly to our Families, where solid relationships are absolutely critical for us to maintain our operational edge. You have heard it from leaders across the Army before, “A Soldier is the strength of our nation; the Family is the strength of our Solider.” The Army’s Strong Bonds program is designed to increase individual servicemember and Family member readiness through relationship education and skills training.

Years ago, I traveled to my hometown’s public library to check out some books by Maya Angelou. Imagine my surprise when I discovered there weren’t any books by Angelou, or Alice Walker, or the prolific writer, Langston Hughes.

As we continue to get deeper into the Army’s Ready, Resilient and Army Strong campaign, I am reminded how this campaign extends beyond a Soldier’s active-duty service. This campaign also supports our Soldiers and their Families as they transition from Army life to life as productive and trusted veteran members of our society.

My time with the 82nd Sustainment Brigade comes to an end on March 28. Every day with this brigade was a gift. I applaud the achievements and dedication of our Soldiers. I am proud of the dynamic leadership provided by the best of our noncomissioned officers and officers. They built the credibility and reputation of the mighty 82nd Sustainment Brigade through their daily example.

Valentine’s Day is upon us … love, companionship and candy. One thing is missing though, your special someone in your life. He or she is across the world fighting a war while you’re alone at home fighting loneliness. Having your loved one deployed during the holiday is much worse than being single. At least when you’re single, you already know the holiday is going to stink … or you’ve already planned your Un-Valentine’s Day party.

The Army’s new Ready, Resilient and Army Strong Campaign is the Army’s approach to holistic care for Soldiers and Families. It is designed to help Soldiers and Families deal with the numerous stressors placed upon them through increased education and access to appropriate resources.

Monday was the 100th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birth. On Dec. 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Ala., Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, sparking a boycott of the Montgomery bus system and striking one of many blows to segregation between black and white citizens in the American South.

Three weeks ago, I introduced the concept of the Army’s Ready, Resilient, and Army Strong campaign in this forum. This is the Army’s strategic effort to provide holistic care to our military members, Families and Army civilians. The last two issues of the Paraglide have provided detailed information about domestic violence and behavioral health — two pillars of the Ready, Resilient and Army Strong campaign. Today I want to emphasize how to fully leverage these programs.

Black history month is celebrated each year during the month of February. During this time, many U.S. citizens and especially the military community, join to celebrate the achievements of African American pioneers, who have contributed in some way or other to our country’s growth.

By virtue of your incredible professionalism, innovative spirit and world class capabilities, you, the United States Army, set the benchmark against which all other armies measure themselves. In addressing emerging military challenges, all look to the U.S. first to determine their way ahead. As a foreign exchange officer privileged to be serving here at Fort Bragg, I can say with some credibility that you provide significant leadership around the world and I thank you for that.

I have immense faith in our phenomenal Soldiers and leaders who continue to tackle the significant challenges associated with serving our nation during a time of high operational tempo and persistent conflict.

I have found myself running around like a crazy person the last few weeks. I have had a lot on my plate as of late and really haven’t taken the time to just relax. I have always been a busy bee, I really can’t sit still for too long without fidgeting or moving onto another activity. Even though I have accomplished a lot, I have yet to take breather because I just move on to another project.

Debbie and I hope that everyone enjoyed a blessed holiday season and are ready to usher in the New Year with renewed strength.  We count our blessings to Serve at Fort Bragg alongside the most dedicated military, Family and community members in the Nation.

For more than 11 plus years, our commitments to the Global War on Terror placed enormous demands upon our Soldiers, Airmen, Army Civilians and our Families. Current world events reflect sustained demands for the near future. As leaders, we’re responsible to recognize and account for the impacts of persistent conflict. The diverse array of personal stressors brought on by deployments, combined with risk of life-altering physical or emotional wounds, affects the health, morale and welfare of our Soldiers, Airmen, Army Civilians and our Families, and ultimately our personal, unit and our Army’s readiness.

New Year’s is supposed to be about looking back to the past, but more importantly, looking to the future. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

Debbie and I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season.  I’m sure you are looking forward to spending some quality time with Family and friends.  We encourage you to make special memories with your loved ones during this holiday season.

It’s been immortalized in carols as “the most wonderful time of the year,” and it is for the Army’s home.  It’s a wonderful time to be part of U.S. Army Installation Management Command.

Here at Fort Bragg, for the first time in many years, we are blessed to have most of our servicemembers home for the holidays. For some of them, this will be the first time in years that they will be able to be with their Families and friends during this special time of the year.

Welcome to the Christmas season. In a few short days, I will be sharing leisure time with my husband and enjoying the delight of my children as they await Christmas Day.

Last Wednesday, I was watching television to pass the time in a waiting room at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. My partner, Chris, who served in the Army in the 80s, was having an MRI test performed.

It saddens me to have to explain this, but I feel that my words could probably help someone who may be feeling the way I felt last year during the holidays. So, with that hope, here’s my story.

During this beautiful season we call autumn — in every town and city across our great Nation — Families and friends gather together, pausing to give thanks for the blessings received throughout the year and for the freedoms that we enjoy in America.

Team, historically Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. The fourth Thursday in November is a day when Families come together, parades pass through our streets, football games are watched and enough turkey is consumed to satisfy the hungriest of appetites.