Group helps military families cope with absent loved ones

Topping 10-year-old Meagan's Christmas list is something she won't be able to receive this year.

Her father, at home and holding her in his arms, is what Meagan really wants for Christmas. But he won't be home until sometime next year, around Thanksgiving.

The Jackson West Lane Elementary School student's father is stationed overseas with the National Guard 110th Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I miss him," she said. "I don't get to talk to him much, but I e-mail him."

Joining Meagan on Sunday at the National Guard Armory in Cape Girardeau were approximately 50 families, who have loved ones stationed overseas. The Family Readiness Group sponsored a Christmas party for the family members.

The Family Readiness Group helps family members cope while their loved ones are deployed.

"We want to show our troops that we're here supporting them and their families," said Steve Engelmann, with the family assistance center at the National Guard Armory in Cape Girardeau.

Engelmann said this is the second year for the Christmas party. Last year a party was held for family members of the National Guard's 1140th Battalion.

"We don't have as many troops deployed right now," he said. "But we definitely are proud of them."

Currently there are 52 National Guardsmen from Southeast Missouri who will spend Christmas overseas, said Shanna Jacobson, a leader for the Family Readiness Group.

Family Readiness Group member, Susan Jenkins, of Cape Girardeau, isn't looking forward to her first Christmas without her husband, Sgt. Maj. Matt Jenkins, who has been a full-time National Guardsman for 28 years.

Along with other members of the National Guard's 110th Battalion, Matt Jenkins was deployed to Kuwait in November and will be gone for a year.

"We're proud of him," Susan Jenkins said. "He's doing what he loves to do. You don't always have to be happy about it, but we do support him."

Susan and the couple's two children, Cole, 17 and Katie, 19, are able to communicate with their husband and father through a Webcam.

Won't be home for holiday

"That helps, but it's still hard knowing he won't be here for Christmas," she said. "I do well most of the time, but I'm a little apprehensive of the holiday approaching."

About every five days, Susan Jenkins is able to communicate with her husband.

"He seems sad to be away from us, a little down at times, but we just keep counting down the days till he gets back," she said.

The Family Readiness Group shipped care packages overseas several weeks ago, which should arrive to the National Guardsmen before Christmas.

"Our group really helps each other out," Susan Jenkins said. "When someone's having a bad day, we're there to talk and give support."

The Knights of Columbus prepared a meal for members of the Family Readiness Group and Santa Claus delivered presents to the children at the Christmas party.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

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