HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. -- Whether an 111th Attack Wing member is on active-duty status or a drill-status Guardsmen, military members and their families have constant support here.
The 111th ATKW Airmen and Family Readiness Program Manager Anna Richar is responsible for military families; so, service members focus on operations knowing the Wing provides a robust family readiness program.
For Richar, it’s a job she loves doing because it hits close to home.
“As a military spouse myself, I know the issues family members face,” she said. “I know what it means to have resources available, and it’s important to educate the families about where to go for those resources.”
Richar ensures assets are available to members, and the families, serving on and near here.
“I support everyone,” said Richar. “As a state and federal organization, during any time of need, we provide the assistance that helps our military members succeed in their mission.”
Caring for local military and families, is a massive task. But, Richar isn’t alone in her family support mission.
She has enlisted some key volunteers to ensure military families get the best help possible. One of them is Jenny Pappas, president of Friends of the Family Readiness Group – a 501(c)(3) organization that benefits veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
A retired chief master sergeant, Pappas is a assists in raising funds for the family readiness program.
“The FRG goes hand in hand with family programs,” said Pappas. “Anna and I work very closely together. She has her agenda and budget for those programs. So the FRG makes a lot of it work through our community partners and our donations.”
From food to funds, the FRG handles the donations to augment the physical needs of military families. However, for spiritual support, Anna ensures families know about the Maj. Tony Repic, the 111th ATKW chaplain.
“The chaplain helps keep the service member and the family heathy when difficulties arise,” said Repic. “But even in the absence of issues, we support being proactive in ensuring marriages and relationships are strong throughout a military career.”
Repic is the primary marriage counselor for the base. He spearheads the Strong Bonds program, which provides military families a fully-funded retreat to work on family dynamics.
Repic added that two important services we provide are freedom of religion and confidentiality.
During his recent promotion ceremony, Repic acknowledged the contributions Pappas and Richar make to Airmen and their families. Repic stated he felt the family readiness program her is the best he’s witnessed in his career.
So what advice does the finest family programs coordinator in the business offer?
“Always find out and educate yourself where family services are located because that’s the number one source to resources,” Richar said. “Military members and their families should know that there is someone here to help.
Anna Richar, left, the111th Attack Wing Airman & Family Readiness Center program manager, with office assistant Senior Airman Charlissa Adams take break in stacking a truckload of Thanksgiving bounty to present a certificate of gratitude to American Legion Post 10’s Veteran Services Officer, Chris Dooly, on Nov. 21, 2015 in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The 24 full Thanksgiving meals donated by the post are destined for needy area military members and their families. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Botzum/Released)