COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- I have now been a single parent in the military for two years. All I have to say is “Holy Cow, this is hard!”
I give mad props to those who have been doing this much longer than I.
With that said, in my time as a single parent I have noticed some very challenging situations only a single parent in the military would understand. For example, who do I give power of attorney over my children to on my Family Care Plan? How can I overcome the challenge to go grocery shopping with two young kids?
As a result, I am inviting all single parents, military or civilian, to come together and support one another. I believe, as a responsible Airman, when I see something broken in the system, or in this case lacking, I should do my best make it better.
Here is the 411: this is a support group for single parents and gives the parents an avenue to address concerns. We will meet on the third Tuesday of the month at the club in the Happy Irby Room. Each meeting I will invite a guest from around the base or local community to inform the single parents what event or services are available. A quarterly event is for members to come together and get to know one another and their kids is also in the works.
A meeting is scheduled for noon April 19 to finalize the upcoming potluck and to discuss other items.
Currently the group is in need of a senior leader, officer or enlisted, who has been or is currently a single parent in the military who can provide mentorship to the junior Airmen.
For more information contact Tech. Sgt. Danielle Lachney at 434-2546.