Newberry hosts Christmas reception for spouses of deployed military members

Sen. Dan Newberry recently hosted a Christmas reception for spouses of deployed military members at the state Capitol. The reception followed an October luncheon where military spouses were able to meet, share their personal stories and strengthen their bond with members of the local military community.

Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, spoke to the group about the importance of a support network for military families and provided an update on the progress of construction at the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber.

Newberry said the reception was a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families.

“It’s important that we do everything we can to support our military families,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “We appreciate our men and women who are deployed overseas and we understand how difficult it can be for the families who await their return. These events give military spouses an opportunity to come together in a spirit of encouragement, support and friendship.”

Heather Jarvis of Yukon, whose husband Joe is currently deployed with the Oklahoma National Guard in Afghanistan, said strong family support resources for veterans and active military in Oklahoma have eased the hardship of temporary separation.

“If we didn’t have all this community support, it would just be unbearable,” she said.

Angela Wyatt of Mustang said new technology has made it easier to communicate with her husband overseas, but that the stress of the experience remains a challenge. Her husband Dean Wyatt is also currently deployed with the Oklahoma National Guard in Afghanistan.