PHOENIX - More than 100 representatives from military, state and local governments and various sectors of the community met at the Arizona National Guard State Headquarters for the first meeting of the newly formed Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF) on Aug. 19.
"Today was the inaugural event for the ACMF," said Thomas Winkel, the military family life consultant and co-emcee of the public/private partnership focused on coordinating support for military families on a statewide basis. "This event is the result of seven months in the making.
"During those months, we visited every military installation in Arizona. We spoke with community groups, such as health or faith-based organizations. We then spoke with several thousand service members, asking what they wanted. They wanted coordination," said Winkel.
Organization is exactly what the ACMF is bringing to Arizona veterans, said Winkel. "There are so many wonderful services out there for veterans, but there is no organization. We're here to make sure that every service is connected with each other, and no one falls through the cracks."
Kathy Pearce, the Arizona DoD advocate for the Wounded Warriors resource center and Heroes to Hometown program, was present at the meeting.
"As a presenter, I was able to give the coalition a little motivation," she said. "I was so impressed with the meeting. It was definitely a good introduction into what they (the coalition) want to accomplish. It is such a great idea to get the right people to the right resources."
As the spouse of a Marine veteran, Nicola Winkel said she can relate to the sacrifices military families make. "This coalition will ensure that military members and families will get nothing but the best support and care," she said.
"This is not work to me. This is just me trying to help create something that will impact our Arizona veterans and their families in a positive way," said Winkel, who is a community liaison and co-emcee of the event.
Nicola was pleased with the turnout for the event. "We were optimistic in thinking that there would be 30 to 40 people here, but we ended up with 120 representatives of different organizations that obviously care for our military. It was really exciting to see from beginning to end, the connections people were making."
"The Arizona National Guard's top priority is to take care of our military members. The ACMF will provide a great way as a resource to all of Arizona's military communities," said Maj. Gen. Hugo E. Salazar, the Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Arizona National Guard. -The intent of the ACMF is to be in charge of nothing, but facilitate everything."
Thomas Winkel noted that the Arizona National Guard Headquarters at Papago Park couldn't have been a better place to have the inaugural meeting. "The funding for this program is given to the National Guard, as they have armories all over the state and so veterans and their families won't have to go far to get help."
He added that meetings will also be held in other locations around the state.
This couldn't have come at a better time," said Chaplain (Capt.) Chris Melvin, director of the Joint Family Program Office. "The timing seems to be right. Its what I like to call 'strategic serendipity.'"