Are you wondering why you should vote in this year’s election? Secure Families Initiative reminds you that every time you vote, you make a permanent impact (even if your person doesn’t win their election). You shape the voter data in the district where you vote. This says to anyone thinking of running or people thinking of changing policies, that they should care about you because you are the type of person who shows up and votes.

After an anxiety-ridden experience, Sarah Streyder decided she wanted to build an informative and supportive community of military family members, who might go through the same things she did, who could work together to learn more about current events, and who could take action together as voters. Voting is the one time you have control over your life in this military life. And when we better understand the mission (what our sacrifices are contributing to) it helps with morale. So let Secure Families Initiative help you dust off the cobwebs of misunderstanding and take a blowtorch to self-doubt.

Sarah Streyder is the Executive Director of Secure Families Initiative, an organization whose mission is to elevate military spouses and family members as voters and advocates for their communities, especially on issues of national security.

Sarah is an advocate, organizer, and proud military spouse who is committed to helping other military partners and family members raise their voices on foreign policy issues that affect their lives. Sarah began her career working for the White House’s correspondence office under President Obama’s administration. Sarah now lives in Virginia and was recognized as the Space Force Spouse of the Year for 2022.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Secure Families Initiative, check out their website here, their new website for teen voters here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of June 13, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Food Insecurity Rises Among Active-Duty Families

One in five military families experienced food insecurity in 2021 – up from one in eight in 2019, reported Military.com. A survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Military Family Advisory Network found that “high rates of spouse unemployment, moving and child care shortages are driving the growing rate of food insecurity among active duty military families.”

If you are struggling to stretch your food budget – it’s okay to get help. The first place CSIS recommends is applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP. To apply, check to see if you are eligible in the state that you live in by visiting the Food and Nutrition Service website. You also may be eligible for a Summer Food Service Program to help bridge the summer gap between school sessions. Check with your local church for food banks and programs.

New Bill Proposed for Free Access to Tricare for National Guard & Reserves

“Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said she plans to introduce new legislation to expand health care coverage for military reservists, including some 60,