Army wife discusses husband's deployment

Myra Wright, wife of Major Robert Wright III, was guest speaker for the GFWC/TFWC Pierian Club at its Nov. 13 meeting at St. Mary's Episcopal Church parish hall.

Mrs. Wright discussed her experiences as an Army wife of a deployed soldier during a war. Her husband was deployed in October 2006, leaving behind Kyle, 8, and Maddie, 4.

Mrs. Wright spoke of the number of days her husband has been gone instead of the number of months.

She listed some of the things she has learned to do as a "single" parent, including camping with her Cub Scout son. She said her husband did come home for a couple of weeks in July for rest and recreation.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of the entry ports for soldiers coming home for R&R, and it hosts around 100,000 service members each year. Mrs. Wright described the welcome troops receive at the airport. Members of the USO, volunteers, Vietnam veterans and even teachers and their students congregate at the airport to welcome the troops, each waving a small U.S. flag.

The USO, in alliance with the Family Literacy Foundation, offers the United Through Reading program at the DFW airport, which allows any deployed service member to select a new book to read while being taped. The book, inscribed by the service member, along with the recording, is sent to the service member's family.

This helps military personnel to stay connected with their families while fostering the joy of reading, Mrs. Wright said. The program is being introduced at other USOs, including the Fort Hood location. Donation of books is accepted.

In the business portion of the meeting, Susan Browder, president elect, presided with 21 members present. Hostesses were June Davis, Pat Terry and Sue Faulkner, assisted by Jane McMillin, Carole Marwitz and Joan Milam.

The December meeting was discussed, and the club voted to donate to the USO project at Fort Hood and to Child Protective Services. A check from the club will be presented to both organizations, and members may also add their own funds. Treasurer Crystal Hammett will accept funds and send them to the recipients.

The public is invited to a Christmas Concert by pianist Betty Ann Whitis and organist Jo Ater Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Refreshments will be served.