Join hosts Angelee Aedo and Cammy Whitchurch as they welcome Jenny Taylor, Utah PTA's Military Family Specialist, for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden challenges military families face in our schools. Whether you're a PTA leader, teacher, or engaged parent, this episode reveals why every school has military-connected children—and how your community can better support them.

Jenny shares powerful insights from her personal experience as a National Guard spouse and mother of seven, explaining the unique struggles of both active-duty families who relocate every 2-3 years and National Guard families whose loved ones deploy repeatedly. You'll discover practical strategies for identifying military families, creating welcoming environments, and building inclusive volunteer opportunities that work for all families—not just military ones.

This conversation goes beyond military families to address universal challenges: single parents, working parents, families facing illness or loss, and anyone feeling disconnected from their school community. Learn how small gestures of inclusion can transform a child's educational experience and strengthen your entire PTA.

Key Points

• Military families are everywhere: Utah has 7,000 airmen at Hill Air Force Base plus 7,000 National Guard/Reserve soldiers scattered throughout the state
• Two distinct challenges: Active-duty families move every 2-3 years; National Guard families stay put but face repeated deployments
• Identification matters: Create opportunities for families to self-identify through Veterans Day photo walls, back-to-school tables, or registration forms
• Fast-track involvement: Military families on 2-3 year timelines can't "climb the PTA ladder"—invite them to lead from day one
• Flexible volunteering: Offer at-home options like cutting materials, sharpening pencils, or contributing to potlucks for overwhelmed parents
• Universal application: Strategies for military families benefit ALL families facing stress, absence, or transition

Takeaways

For PTA Leaders:

• Ask new families: "How long have you been here? Where did you come from? What worked well at your previous school?"
• Create a "volunteer menu" with options ranging from leadership roles to simple at-home tasks
• Don't assume families know they're welcome—extend personal invitations to participate
• Recognize that families unable to attend meetings may still want to contribute meaningfully

For School Communities:

• Military families bring diverse experiences from schools worldwide—tap into their knowledge
• A stable school routine provides crucial support for children experiencing family upheaval
• The same parent who can't volunteer this year (due to deployment) may become your biggest asset next year
• Inclusion isn't just about military families—it's about creating space for every family's unique circumstances

Remember: The strategies that support military families create stronger, more inclusive PTAs for everyone. When we make room for the overwhelmed parent, the new family, and the non-traditional schedule, every child benefits.