Courtesy photos (Above) Capt. David Dougherty swims with his three children. (Below) The Aramboles Family children enjoy Fort Gordon'a Army Respite Care Program. (The following article is written by an Army Spouse who has benefited from the support and involvement of other Families and the Exceptional Family Member Program. Her story, like that of many other Families, is one that shows the value of "Army Strong" when it comes to Army Respite Care Program services)

Capt. David Dougherty and his wife, Edith, have three children, Cole, Aidan and Brendan. In her own words, Edith Dougherty shares her experience at Fort Gordon, Ga.

When we first arrived at Fort Gordon, we were new to the area as well as to the military. It was both exciting and scary. On my daughter's first day of school, I met Stacy Mead, the Exceptional Family Member Program support group leader, and she invited me to a meeting. I did not really think I needed a "support group" because I am a strong woman and could handle anything, but I decided to attend anyway.

It was the best decision I could have made. It was a wonderful group of parents with special needs children. It was great to be able to get advice from parents who had faced the same adversities I was facing in trying to get established in a new area. They were able to help me navigate through TRICARE referrals and the Richmond County school system. Since then, I have been able to offer advice and direction to newcomers.

Under the direction of Pamela Rachal, the Exceptional Family Member Program Manager, the support groups and programs have grown. We now have regular speakers on a wide variety of important topics. We have also had an increase in recreational opportunities offered to our children. There is bowling, horseback riding, and swimming, al of which are a lot of fun for the entire Family.

These activities have been therapeutic for my daughter, who has severe cerebral palsy. You can contact Rachal at (706) 787-4872 or by e-mail at

Pamela.rachal@us.army.mil.

I have to admit the biggest godsend has been the Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care Program. With my husband deployed to Iraq, it has been the most valuable asset to me. I am able to get competent care for my child so that I can run errands and attend doctors' appointments without having to bring three children, one of whom is in a wheelchair. The Respite Care Program has given me a much needed occasional break. I thank God that I decided to attend that first meet- ing.