Michael Henderson

The document outlines a ceremony for Colonel Cathy Eaken's promotion to Brigadier General. Key discussion points included acknowledgments from the Master of Ceremonies, Colonel Matthew Handy, and remarks from the host, Major General Daniel Dealo, highlighting Colonel Eaken's 31 years of faithful service in the Indiana Army National Guard, her expertise in sustainment operations, and her new role as Deputy Commanding General for Support. The event featured the presentation of the official promotion order, the pinning of the one-star rank insignia by her husband Shawn and daughter Ashley, and the presentation of military symbols of rank, including the general officer flag and belt, and the general officer pistol. Colonel Eaken delivered remarks expressing humility and gratitude, acknowledging leaders who provided challenging assignments, valuing the input of warrant officers and NCOs, and expressing appreciation for her family's support through multiple deployments. The event also touched upon the importance of military families and Colonel Eaken's perspective on work-life balance.

The document content primarily consists of a discussion focusing on alarming rates of self-inflicted gunshot wounds and suicides among soldiers. Key discussion points included the need for community outreach to convince soldiers there are alternatives to taking their own lives, the observation that many affected are first-term, white males experiencing significant emotional events such as divorce or job loss, and the suggestion that current generations possess weaker coping skills. Furthermore, an anecdote was shared regarding a soldier who died without providing for his child, highlighting the importance of soldiers thinking about their loved ones before deployment. Other topics involved the expansion and value of Family Programs, focusing on the impact of multiple deployments on service members' children, and the need to resolve long-standing issues related to Tricare. The importance of volunteers supporting these family readiness programs was also emphasized.

This document provides an overview of the National Guard's critical and cost-effective role in national security, encompassing overseas defense, global engagement, and domestic mission support. It highlights the indispensable contributions of the Army and Air National Guard components, along with robust soldier, airman, and family support programs. The overview emphasizes the National Guard's adaptability and continued strategic importance amidst new fiscal realities and evolving global security challenges.

This Posture Statement for 2012 outlines the National Guard's strategic direction, emphasizing its role as a ready, reliable, and accessible operational force for both overseas and domestic security objectives. It focuses on four core competencies: overseas defense missions, global engagements, domestic response missions, and robust support programs for soldiers, airmen, and their families. The document articulates plans to enhance the National Guard's capabilities, ensure cost-effectiveness, and maintain its strength as an indispensable military option.

The 2016 National Guard Bureau Posture Statement outlines the organization's commitment to meeting national and global security challenges while navigating fiscal constraints. It focuses on three core missions: fighting America's wars, responding in the homeland, and building partnerships. The statement also prioritizes ensuring a competent, capable, diverse, and healthy workforce, supported by outreach programs to state, county, and local communities, to maintain an accessible, responsive, capable, ready, and affordable force for the nation.