FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. --  Over 100 military wives who have husbands deployed overseas spent the night sharing experiences, getting advice, and finding ways to make their husband’s stay overseas a bit more joyful.

 

 

Many of the military spouses left behind don’t know there are resources available to them, or how to access those resources should they need financial assistance, medical help or other solutions.

 

The wives who came to Wednesday night’s “field exercise” found several organizations there who can help them deal with problems that crop up during deployment.

 

A private group called "Operation Homefront" was among the organizations on hand to offer help to the military spouses.

 

“We want to be easier than all the red tape the than the government requires,” said Jane Weaver-Sobel of Operation Homefront. The group uses donations to fill in the cracks for military families who suddenly find themselves in an unexpected crisis and don’t know what to do.

 

“We like to turn it around for the families in 24 hours because when you have an emergency situation, you need help right now,” Weaver-Sobel said.

 

In addition to learning about problem solving, the spouses were treated to a light-hearted seminar that showed how to create a fun and useful care package for their deployed husbands.

 

“Sending wonderful care packages means a lot to us because we can show that love to our soldiers,” said military wife Tara Crooks who is also host of Army Times columnist.

 

Because they're all in the same position, the wives found a night out conducting the “field exercise” helps them relieve the stress of deployment by sharing their frustrations with each other.

 

“I can meet wives in the same situation," said Jenifer Burns, whose husband has been deployed for over a year.  “I can offer help and guidance from what I've learned in the last 14 months; be it military parental or just be someone to talk to.”

 

 

 

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