Family Guidons

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts share heartfelt insights as they honor the upcoming National Day of the Deployed on October 26. They discuss the importance of recognizing those who serve away from home and the families supporting them. They reflect on a recent spouse appreciation event where they read touching letters from service members, emphasizing the strength and connection withi...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts dive into the importance of peer-to-peer support programs within the military community. They share their personal experiences as military spouses, discussing the challenges they face and the strength it takes to support their families during deployments. Together, they explore how these programs can make a difference in the lives of military families,...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts dive into the importance of peer-to-peer support programs within the military community. They share their personal experiences as military spouses, discussing the challenges they face and the strength it takes to support their families during deployments. Together, they explore how these programs can make a difference in the lives of military families,...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts engage in a heartfelt discussion about honoring Gold Star families and surviving family members. They share personal stories and insights, shedding light on the profound sacrifices made by those who have lost loved ones in military service. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and remembering these families, whose experiences are an inte...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts engage in an important conversation about the significance of mental health within the military community. They discuss the progress made in normalizing discussions around mental health, while acknowledging the unique stressors faced by military families, such as deployments, frequent relocations, and separations. The trio emphasizes the need for contin...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts delve into the importance of family readiness and the role of Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) in the military community. With their combined decades of experience as military spouses, they discuss how family days and SFRG events can help combat the isolation often felt in military life. The conversation highlights the benefits of these gathe...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts dive into the unique challenges military families face as summer transitions to the new school year. They discuss the fun of summer while addressing the complexities of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season, where families may be waiting for orders or adjusting to new communities. The episode highlights the emotional stress and excitement that comes...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts discuss the complexities of reintegration following a deployment. They explore the multifaceted process that service members undergo as they transition back into civilian life, including the importance of decompressing, medical and psychological screening and the challenges of reestablishing employment, particularly for National Guard members. The episo...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the conversation continues from Stars, Stripes, and Service part 1 as the hosts explore how patriotism comes to life through volunteering and giving back to the military community. Charlotte and Kathy share personal experiences and discuss the important role volunteers play in supporting military families, strengthening connections, and building resilient communi...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts celebrate patriotism in honor of America’s 250th birthday by exploring what it truly means to serve and support our nation beyond holidays and celebrations. Joined by Lindsay Robertson, South Carolina’s Youth of the Year, the conversation highlights the importance of volunteering, community involvement, and giving back to others. Through Linday’s experi...

In this episode of Family Guidons, we sit down with Brigadier General Linda Riedel to discuss her experiences serving as a woman in the military and the challenges and triumphs that shaped her career. Brig. Gen. Riedel shares insights from her journey through leadership, breaking barriers and balancing the demands of military service while paving the way for future generations of women in uniform....

Storm-Proof Spouses In this episode of Family Guidons, we discuss essential preparations for storm season, particularly from the perspective of military spouses. As storms can occur regardless of duty schedules, the conversation focuses on the unique challenges faced when partners are deployed or away during these critical times. We share our personal experiences, insights, and practical tips to h...

Behind the Uniform: A Tribute to Military Spouses In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts come together to honor the incredible contributions and sacrifices of military spouses. With May being a month filled with significant military observances, including Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, the hosts discuss the unique challenges and strengths of military families. They emphasize th...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts dive into the intricacies of life as a National Guard family. With a combined experience of military life spanning decades, they share personal stories and insights that shed light on the unique challenges and rewards faced by National Guard members and their families. The discussion aims to foster understanding and connection, emphasizing the importanc...

In this episode of Family Guidons, we continue our conversation on coping with the stress and anxiety of a loved one's deployment. Joined by guest Lisa Mustard, we delve into the unique challenges military families face, particularly focusing on how to support children during these tough times. We discuss the different needs and emotional responses of kids, emphasizing that parents don’t need to b...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts sit down with Lisa Mustard, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the psychological health program manager for the South Carolina Military Department, to talk about the challenges and emotional impact of deployment on military families. From managing stress and anxiety to navigating parenting and maintaining emotional well-being, this episode is...

In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts sit down with Matalyn Bulwinkle from the South Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program to talk about all things summer. From overnight camps and teen leadership retreats to scholarships, grants, and free tutoring resources, this episode is packed with practical tools to help military families plan ahead and make summer both meaningful and manage...

In this episode of Family Guidons, Michelle, Kathy, and Charlotte talk about one of the hardest parts of military life: the long, stretching days of deployment. Through heartfelt listener emails and personal stories, they share practical and emotional ways to get through the endless weeks and months — from building your village and creating new traditions to breaking time into smaller milestones a...

In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stilwell and Kathy Bridgers tackle one of the biggest challenges military families face today: staying connected online while also staying safe. In a world of fast news, viral posts, and constant access, they share practical tips for OPSEC, protecting your family’s privacy, setting healthy boundaries, and keeping your peace onlin...

In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stillwell, and Kathy Bridgers dive into the theme of navigating the new year as a military spouse. With personal experiences and insights, they offer encouragement and support for those starting the year solo due to deployments or state activations. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and strengths of military life,...

Welcome to Family Guidons, the podcast created by military spouses for military families. In this inaugural episode, we invite you to get to know your hosts and discover what this podcast is all about. As military spouses, we understand the unique challenges of holding down the home front during deployments, state activations, and everything in between. Here, we aim to have honest conversations ab...