(continued from page 5) I have been a Family Readiness Group Leader/Advisor from Battery to HQ Army level. During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, we were stationed in Germany when my husband deployed. He was the DivArty Executive Officer at the time. I was a Senior Family Readiness group leader within the BDE. When my husband deployed to Iraq the first time for 12 months, he was a Division Commander. I led the Division Family Readiness Group and was so proud of the Commander and CSM Spouses. We formed a very special bond during that time. We started the Care Teams concept, which soon became an Army Program. When my husband deployed to Iraq the second time for 15 months, he was the Multi National Corps Iraq Commander. At that time I was the III Corps Family Readiness Group leader and also the Senior Spouse on Ft. Hood. When my husband deployed for the third time to Iraq for two years, he was the Multi National Force Iraq Commander. During that time I lived on Ft. Myer, VA and found my passion for pet therapy.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade
Used in accordance with CC Attribution 2.0 Generic
Our family dog is certified in pet therapy, and we visited the wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Family Members,and Staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Ft. Belvoir Hospital and the Malogne House. It was very rewarding to put a smile on their faces and help them forget their pain and worry for a little while. It was an honor to visit the patients in the hospital and the patients didn’t realize visiting them inspired me with their courage and determination, which helped me through the deployment.
Mrs. Odierno's volunteer commitments center on visits to military hospitals. Right - U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, his wife Linda visit Brooke Army Medical Center in Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Tootsie and I have formed a special bond through our memorable visits at the hospitals.