"Readiness" is one of those buzzwords that quickly loses its meaning in conversation. That's at least in part due to the complex nature of preparing for multiple, sometimes conflicting, possible futures while addressing the present reality. For all our efforts to define, qualify, quantify, achieve, maintain, and improve readiness, there seems to be no end of discoveries that will shift our paradigms and upend our current understanding of what it means to be always at our best.
Last night I was able to attend the below event, a Five & Thrive #crucialconvo panel addressing challenges and finding solutions for the myriad issues facing military families around the world, like housing and healthcare and childcare, to name a few. These issues are, in my never-quite-humble opinion, the primary *unseen* detractors of military readiness in any unit. That is, our readiness is being negatively and tangibly impacted by a whole host of factors for which we do not account - at least, not in our reporting systems - and which military leaders are rarely equipped to address.
Now, admittedly, I showed up mostly to hear more about CareStarter, a small start-up making big changes for mil folks enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, and where Jessica Hulter is perpetually taking names and...providing them with phenomenal care services. To say that Lamarque Polvado did not disappoint would be an understatement, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the incredible work represented by each of the panelists. These people and their organizations are getting after some of the military's most entrenched and pernicious problems. They're advancing radical ideas about the impact of how we treat all our military folks, not just the ones in uniform. My opinions may not always be humble, but in the company of these folks, I certainly am.
So I want to personally thank each of you who shared your stories and your work last night: Heba Abdelaal, Kellie Artis, Anthony Hassan, Michelle Norman, Lamarque Polvado, and Maria Quinn. Thank you also to Mr. William Rowe, who hosted (and even helped field a question from me). Finally, many thanks to Mrs. Sharene Brown, who moderated the panel and who continues to champion a better life for our military families and, therefore, all of us.
The work to improve the lives of military families will improve our military readiness in ways we're not prepared to comprehend, but I think there are ways to try. We discussed some of them last night. I'm looking forward to many more conversations and to the great work ahead.
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Join us for a dynamic panel discussion at the next Crucial Convo event on 26 February - Five & Thrive: Advocates for Change.
This event will feature leading Military Family Advocates and Subject Matter Experts in crucial domains:
Childcare, Education, Healthcare, Housing, and Spouse Employment
This diverse group of thought leaders will delve into innovative approaches and the importance of advocacy in shaping a better future for military-connected families. From Childcare and Education to Spouse Employment opportunities, from Healthcare access to Housing stability, we'll explore the challenges, opportunities, and the pivotal role of advocacy in driving meaningful change for all military-connected families. This discussion will also highlight the unique challenges EFMP families face.
You don't want to miss this opportunity to gain insights and learn more about how you can be part of the change!
Zoom link:
https://lnkd.in/grDhakZm
Meeting ID: 827 2975 7537
Passcode: 116519
#fiveandthrive #crucialconvo #advocatesforchange
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