The Army’s recently adopted view that strong military families translate into strong soldiers was evident Monday during a visit to Fort Stewart by Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey, his, wife Sheila Casey, and Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden.

As Gen. Casey met with installation leaders and participated in a Purple Heart and Flying Cross awards ceremony, Shelia Casey and Biden toured Joseph Martin Elementary School in the morning and met with Army spouses and fallen soldiers’ family members that afternoon. The three also visited Warriors Walk.

The Casey’s and Biden ended their whirlwind tour with a brief press conference on the grounds of the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters before departing on a helicopter to Hunter Army Airfield, where they caught a flight back to Washington, D.C.

The trio focused on such issues as the stress military families experience from multiple deployments, medical and survivor benefits, education and other programs that help make military service members and their dependents more resilient.

Gen. Casey said as of Oct. 1, active duty soldiers who complete a one-year deployment would receive two years of dwell time and reservists would receive up to four years dwell time after a one-year deployment.

For more, pick up a copy of the Feb. 16 edition of the News.