Cadet Family Support Group

[TahoeTex]

I want to throw this out for officers, cadets, and future cadets alike...

My wife is currently working with some of the academy staff to start a support group/network for spouses/significant others/family members of cadets in the academy. She is always looking for people who can help as well as people who know they would benefit from the support. Please vote using the poll and anyone who has any constructive comments, please post as well. Thanks

[carcop]

Not trying to be a jerk but ........ Doesn't this fourm make a pretty good link/network for Cadets, future Cadets and family??

[rayni]

Not trying to be a jerk but ........ Doesn't this fourm make a pretty good link/network for Cadets, future Cadets and family??
i believe it will be more then just those that know about this particular forum that will be able to network because of the effort describe by tahoe tex. just think i will know a handful of women from the forum & get to connect to some 100 or so of spouses to cadets in my hubby's class:biggrin: i think it is a great idea that some of my gal pal's describe to me from the CTC IV-06 graduating class. i hope it works out.

[ber]

I think it also helps to have more than one sorce of support.
You can never have too many people to go to with questions and what not.

[dlg2k6]

I wish there would have been something like this going on when my fiance was in the academy (CTC III-06). I think it would have been very helpful. There were not nearly as many wives/spouses/significant others posting on these forums as there are now. Good luck to all of you. Hang in there because it is soooo very worth it in the end!

[carcop]

Good point, and I hope your able to get it together. Since I was the one who left home, I guess I didn't get the same experience of the academy that my wife and kids did.
Good luck to you and the "Gal Pals".

[lilgordo78]

I think a support group would be great. I know it would have been so helpful for me (CTC-IV-06 wife). It is such a different life for us wives and family members to go through just to have someone who is going through it or who has gone through it to talk to would be so helpful. I found that one person for me but to have a network would be great!
A+++ for a wonderful Idea!

[lovin'life]

Not trying to be a jerk but ........ Doesn't this fourm make a pretty good link/network for Cadets, future Cadets and family??


Honestly, thru the web you don't always get the true personality. Yes this site is good for getting opinions whatever that may be. Some people are looking for someone 'like them' if that be Wonderwoman and can handle anything life throws at them, or someone who needs more comfort at the end of the day, or someone with young children.
I think a personal support group is good, you build the same long lasting relationships as your counterpart does.
I met several spouses on a trip several of us made to Tahoe, and then again at the grad party. When my husband was hit I also recieved much appreciated support from other wives. When he had his second 1199 I knew just who to turn to.
I have made connections with many including wives, dispatchers, Srgts in other areas etc.
I myself was thankful for the spouses orientation at the academy the day prior to graduation... one question stood out to me on that day "if something bad happens how are we notified?" Its a morbid thought, but we live with it...On the day of my husbands first 1199, I thought to myself "he is ok, cuz they didn't come to my office to find me and tell me". on his second 1199, just prior to my husband calling me himself, Snowdog's buddy HwyDog called me and asked "hey was that your husband on the bridge this morning?" - thats what I call, support!

[dlg2k6]

one question stood out to me on that day "if something bad happens how are we notified?" Its a morbid thought, but we live with it...

I am really glad you brought that up, as it is something that I have been thinking a lot about also. How ARE we notified? And, I am glad your husband was ok both times, 2 times...wow! That's a scary thought.

[lovin'life]

I was told that if it is serious a unit will come to your home and notify you.

[ber]

I would assume that it is a lot like the military. They would have someone come to the home to inform the wife. Every day my husband was gone in Iraq and the door bell rang I would start crying before I opened it.
The C.H.P has a lot of the simular aspects of the military. Which is why my husband wanted to join vs. city P.D (not that there is anything wrong with city cops but it just isnt for him)

[lawmanslady]

When my husband was involved in a shooting the Captin called my house and told me what had happened but only because my husband was still coherent and talking and asked them to please call me because i wouldnt freak out as bad as if they just came to my door. He also told his captin to call me a nickname only my husband calls.Then they came to get me.

[cal911gal]

I'm not a CHP wife, mother, or sibling. However, I have been around this Dept. for almost two decades, worked in 5 different offices, personally have dealt with variety of incidents and situations during my duties....

I can only imagine the wide range of questions that would go thru a spouses mind, not to mention the uncertainty of moving to a new city, contending with a long distance relationship, etc.

I am active on the Peer Support team, and I personally don't feel that my time or compassion are limited to employees during a crisis. I would be more than willing to lend an ear, be a contact point, a question-answerer, or whatever for anyone wishing to have a friendly person to turn to.

So sign me up if ya all would like another gal to help out. I'm here if anyone needs a hand.

[Cadet Wife + 3]

My husband has received his invitation to the Oct 07 academy. We are excited for him and nervous for the upcoming adventure. It has already been quite the experience just getting to this point and I know it's going to get much more intense very soon. I am a stay at home Mom of 3 and he his leaving his very comfortable and secure job with great pay and benefits to start this rewarding and desirable career. I WOULD LOVE a support group!

[201Recruiter]

As a recruiter, I can honestly say that it is imperative that loved ones, family members and friends are involved in every aspect of the testing cycle and cadet training.

Keep in mind that you, the cadet, are not the only one who needs to adjust to the new lifestyle for the next 27 weeks. Spouses and family members will be making sacrifices and coping with the reality of you being away from home by taking care of ALL household related issues (bills, chores, children, etc).

This "cooperative agreement" will allow you, the cadet, to concentrate on making it through the Academy without having to worry about household issues.

For family members of cadets who reside within Valley Division, feel free to contact me at this forum for any questions or concerns that are unresolved.:think:

Good luck to ALL Cadets!:biggrin: