Guard Senior Spouse Recognizes DCNG Family Readiness Program for U.S. Capitol Response Support

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The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) hosted Mrs. Kelly Hokanson, senior spouse, National Guard Bureau, and several state adutant general's spouses to support Hokanson’s recognition ceremony for the DCNG Family Readiness Program’s (FRP) efforts from 6 Jan. to Apr. 2021.

230210-Z-XI167-0021.JPG Photo By: Craig Clapper

WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) hosted Mrs. Kelly Hokanson, senior spouse, National Guard Bureau, and several state adutant general's spouses to support Hokanson’s recognition ceremony for the DCNG Family Readiness Program’s (FRP) efforts from 6 Jan. to Apr. 2021. The FRP supported over 26,000 Soldiers and Airmen during the U.S. Capitol response, with food, hygiene products, care packages, recreational outlets and all around love and care. Specifically, three staff members, Renee Bangura, Nicolette Stout, and Sylvia Lynch (affectionately known as Mama Lynch), were recognized for their extaordinary volunteer actions which were significant to taking care of the force during domestic operations in 2021. Hokanson spent much of her time volunteering with the FRP and saw first hand the impact they made on every guardsmen who walked in the DCNG Armory doors. "We send our sons and daughters here...they take care of our families and they become our family," said Hokanson. Maj. Gen. Sherrie L. McCandless, commanding general, DCNG, took the time not only to commend the efforts of the FRP but also to provide key information on the uniqueness and work of the DCNG and its National Guard brethren. "The Capitol response mission was the highest single movement since the civil war and the largest domestic operations in DC History...and our family team was here to support throughout that... I want to thank all those family teams behind the seens that make these things possible for us." When Mama Lynch, child and youth family coordinator, was asked how she felt about being recognized, she stated, "I don't do this for the recognition although I am glad that Gen. and Mrs. Hokanson took the time to do so. This is just what I love, care about and am dedicated to - military youth and families. That is the reason I do it. That is why we all do it." (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Craig Clapper, 113th Wing DC Air National Guard)

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