Every aspect of a family is affected when loved ones are serving their country and away from their own homes. But where do the families get support from, especially the spouse who, in addition to juggling their usual family roles and additional responsibilities, also have to work?
Janelle Schulte was one of the lucky wives and employees.
Schulte's husband, Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte of the Missouri National Guard, has been deployed twice and had three mission trips to Afghanistan. Schulte's stepson has also been deployed to Iraq.
Because of the support she has received from her employer, the Missouri Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, presented Ed Farnsworth, president of Capital Region Medical Center, with the Patriot Award.
The award honors employers who support Guard members and their families. Farnsworth said it is the caring nature of the staff at Capital Region that allows for the support of all of their employees in times of need.