Mission: Family: ‘Joining Forces’ a first step toward civilian help on the home front - Military Community, Spouse and Family Resources - Military Times

Mission: Family: ‘Joining Forces’ a first step toward civilian help on the home front

Measuring the success of the new “Joining Forces” initiative, spearheaded by first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Biden, won’t be easy.

Its goal is to strengthen the links between the military community and the vast majority of Americans who don’t serve.

In unveiling the initiative last month, Obama noted that only 1 percent of Americans serve and said it’s time for the other 99 percent to help ease some of the burden.

In listening to military spouses over the past few years, Obama said she has learned that they don’t ask for a lot — and are often reluctant to ask for help at all.

“They just want to feel recognized. They want to know that the rest of the country just even knows they’re out there, and then lend a little bit of a hand,” she said.

That could be anything from a simple message of thanks, to mowing the yard for someone whose service member is deployed, to helping out with the kids for a few hours. You know what she’s talking about; you’ve been stepping in like this for years to help your military and civilian friends.

But how will Obama know whether the effort is successful — that she and Biden have inspired communities, individuals and organizations to help you?

“This isn’t going to be scientific,” Obama admitted. Military families “are going to let us know” whether the campaign is reaching them, she said.

Some spouses have told her about their hesitancy to let other people know they are a military family because they’re not sure what the reaction will be.

“I would hope that we create a space where more military families feel comfortable and proud to identify themselves,” Obama said. “I would ask them to gradually step out of the shadows and be a part of helping make that connection.”

That may be easier said than done. Families have other concerns. Some families don’t like to broadcast the fact that a service member is deployed and a spouse is alone, for example.

Listen to your gut, but keep an eye out for efforts in your community that can make your life easier.

And people often simply don’t know how to help. This campaign may provide ideas by showcasing what some communities and organizations are doing.

At least the conversation has begun. Now the initiative needs a little time to germinate.

Staff writer Karen Jowers is the wife of a military retiree.