Concord couple supports deployed troops’ loved ones

  • Published
  • By Karen Guendel
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  When a servicemember deploys, his or her family and friends back home can face a unique set of challenges ranging from fear and uncertainty to loneliness and isolation.

To help stateside family and friends through these challenges, Kathleen and Jake Zagata of Concord, Mass., host the Military Family Support Group, which provides support, education and networking for the family and friends of deployed troops.

The group meets monthly to share their experiences dealing with deployment. A veteran representative is routinely on hand to act a "cultural translator" answering questions about military service and deciphering military jargon.

The MFSG welcomes dependent spouses and children. But unlike most base-sponsored programs, it also welcomes non-dependent family and friends including the siblings and significant others of deployed personnel. According to Mrs. Zagata, "Anyone supporting a Soldier can be a part of the group."

The MFSG defines "family" in the broadest sense of the term. It refers not only to the family relationships between the group members and their deployed loved ones but also to the support group itself. Mrs. Zagata said, "We really felt that the group became a family."

In addition to helping stateside family, the MFSG also helps the troops themselves by raising funds for care packages and overseas postage. They also march in local parades to show their support for the troops and to raise awareness of the sacrifices they make for their country.

The Zagatas formed the MFSG after their son, Brian, then an Army ranger, deployed to Iraq in 2004.

Living in a civilian community thousands of miles away from their son's base in Seattle, Wash., and having phone contact with him only once every two weeks, the Zagatas felt cut off, not only from Brian, but from other families facing the same situation.

"Having a deployed loved one is an isolating experience," said Mrs. Zagata. Although the support group cannot take away the fear and uncertainty, she said, "we can at least take away the isolation."

The MFSG meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the West Concord Union Church on Main Street in Concord, Mass. The MFSG is not affiliated with the church. For more information e-mail milfamilysg@aol.com.