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September 2021
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Army Family re ects on Military Family Appreciation Month

Casey Slusser
Fort Irwin Public A airs
November is o cially designated as Military Family Ap-
preciation Month, providing an opportunity for the Army and
the nation to recognize the commitment and resilience of Army
Families and their critical contributions to Army readiness.
Army families are made up of the American communities,
they are compassionate, fun-loving and devoted husbands,
wives, children and pets that are not that di erent from civilian
families. ese families just work around demanding careers that
creates a di erent lifestyle. We honor the unique sacri ces and
challenges families make to support their loved ones who serve.
Command Sgt. Maj. Oracio Pena and Master Sgt. Mistie
Pena are an example of a dual military family. e Pena’s have
been married for 8 years and have a blended family, with four
kids. ey have worked through multiple permanent change
of station and deployments with the support of family, friends,
and the Army.
“Being married is hard, being in the military is hard, and
being dual military can de nitely be more challenging, but it’s
doable — it’s worth the e ort if you work together and are a
team,” Mistie said, “You have to work together to be successful.”
e Pena’s have had multiple deployments during their mar-
riage that has impacted their family. Master Sgt. Pena found
these separations extremely taxing as a Unit Supply Specialist
in the U.S. Army, she still needed to work and take care of her
small children while having greater insight as the dangers down Curt Taylor and the Post Command Sgt. Maj. William Justice, and families.”
range having been deployed herself. have been extremely supportive on families and we could not Both the Pena’s agreed that young soldiers and families
“Because I am [Mistie] in the Army, I knew what was going have asked for a better opportunity than to be stationed here should nd a mentor to help them through challenging times.
on down range and understood things other military spouses at Fort Irwin,” Command Sgt. Maj. Pena Said. And taking responsibilities for your failures and celebrating your
may not have. I knew what and how to look for the dangers. “I whole handedly believe the NTC is the premiere installa- successes was key to being successful in the Army as a Soldier
“ eir [ Oracios Unit] perimeter was overrun, and I didn’t tion when it comes to taking care of families, and we’ve been to and a Military Family.
hear from him for over 40 days, it was extremely di cult, but some great installations in our career that supported our needs,” “What’s made me a better leader is —I say it time and time
I couldn’t stop working or taking care of my babies” Mistie said. Command Sgt. Maj. Pena Said. again—I’m not the same person I was when I became a Ser-

Command Sgt. Maj. Pena missed several milestones of his Command Sgt. Maj. Pena acknowledged that e Army is geant Major,” Command Sgt. Maj. Pena Said, “my babies and
young children’s lives while serving abroad. di erent from when they enlisted. Saying that he was a coun- my family, they make me a better person, in every aspect, as a
People are the Army’s top priority, and the Army recognizes terproductive leader. Pena said he grew and today he listens to father, a husband and a leader.”
that service members’ families are the backbone of our military what soldiers need. e Pena’s know being a military family is not for everyone,
and face unique challenges. at holds especially true in a re- “Long before the people rst strategy came out Army wide, but they love it.
mote and isolated installation. knowing the challenges soldiers face daily, we were already liv- e Department of Defense is committed to improving the
“Being dual military has been challenging— e National ing that,” Master Sgt. Pena said. “You face the same challenges quality of life for our military families. e National Training
Training Center has been the best duty station for our family, as that your soldiers face, and you have the ability to give back Center and Fort Irwin’s priorities remains, housing spousal
far as support, from Maj. Gen. David Lesprance to Brig. Gen. and be an example for those younger soldiers for their careers employment, and childcare.
From WELCOME, Page 1

a father and a husband.” Clarke continued.
During his speech Sgt. Maj. Fedorisin thanked the multitude
of people who entrusted him with his position. “Because of their
collective e ort, the Army and our partners have committed
roughly half a billion dollars to Fort Irwin over the next 7-8
years,” Fedorisin said. “Our mission would not be successful if
not for your support and teamwork.”
Speaking at his Assumption of Responsibility, Command
Sgt. Maj. Larson stated that he was honored to serve as the
newest Garrison Sgt. Maj. and thanked Fedorisin for a smooth
transition.
Larson comes to Fort Irwin from Fort Leonard Wood, Mis-
souri, where he served as the Command Sergeant Major of the
2-10 Infantry Regiment. A native of Othello, Washington,
Larson enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in September
2000. His previous assignments include 2nd BN, 89th Infantry
Regiment, Fort Drum, New York, 1st BN 50th Infantry Regi-
ment, Fort Benning, Georgia, 1st BN, 67th Armor Regiment,
Fort Carson, Colorado, 2nd BN, 11th Infantry Regiment, Fort
Benning, and the Asymmetric Warfare Group.

For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin