Military Family Community News - Idaho

09/11/2026

Calling All Idaho National Guard Retirees and Families!

Join the IDNG J9 Service Member & Family Support team for the 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day—an opportunity to reconnect with the Guard community, receive important updates, learn about available benefits and services, and meet helpful resource providers.

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 9:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Base Theater, Building 301

Topics and resources will include:

• Leadership and mission updates
• Veteran services
• TRICARE and M2VA
• Taxes, financial planning, and the Thrift Savings Plan
• Questions, resources, and opportunities to connect

Please help us spread the word by sharing this invitation with Idaho National Guard retirees and families who may be interested in attending.

For questions, contact Robert Earley, Retiree Services Officer, at [email protected] or 928-998-2832.

We look forward to seeing you there!

09/11/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Festivities Around the State

IDNG J9 – Service Member & Family Support invites our military-connected families to join us for an evening of costumes, candy, games and community. Choose the event nearest you—or join us for more than one!

BOISE – Candyland Trunk or Treat hosted by Idaho National Guard- Child and Youth Program
📅 Friday, October 23 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 Gowen Field Pavilion
Open to everyone with base access. Enjoy trunk-or-treating, activities, a costume contest, hot dogs, chips and prizes! Advance registration is required for those decorating a trunk.

POCATELLO – Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook-Off
📅 Friday, October 23 | 6 p.m.
📍 Pocatello National Guard Armory

IDAHO FALLS – Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook-Off
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 6 p.m.
📍 Idaho Falls National Guard Armory
Prizes will be awarded for the best trunk and best chili! Volunteers are needed to decorate trunks, distribute candy and participate in the chili cook-off.

POST FALLS – Military Family Fall Festival
📅 Friday, October 30 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 Post Falls Armory, 5453 E. Seltice Way
Open to local military, retiree and veteran families. Enjoy snacks, carnival games, candy and community resources!

LEWISTON – Halloween Trunk-or-Treat
📅 Friday, October 30 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 2707 16th Avenue, Lewiston – gravel parking lot
Free for military members, veterans, retirees and their families.

Costumes are encouraged! Please remember to bring a bag or bucket for collecting candy. Additional details and points of contact are included on each flyer.

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with our Idaho military community! 🍂🎃

07/15/2026

Back to School Supply Giveaway 2026

THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP OUR IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD FAMILIES GET READY!

Throughout the month of August (while supplies last), Idaho National Guard Service Members and their direct dependents are invited to receive FREE school supplys through their regional Military & Family Readiness office.

School supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait to connect with your regional Military & Family Readiness Specialist for pickup details and availability.

Locate your nearest MFRS here: https://www.imd.idaho.gov/idaho-national-guard/family-programs/service-and-family-readiness-program/

We look forward to helping our military families start the school year prepared and ready for success.

07/13/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN!

The IDNG J9 - Service Member & Family Support team is excited to host a Military Youth Day Camp on August 11, 2026, in Post Falls!

This one-day adventure is designed exclusively for eligible youth dependents of Idaho National Guard Service Members, ages 8 and older.

Campers will enjoy a day filled with adventure, teamwork, and fun, including:
• High ropes course
• Climbing wall
• Waterfront activities
• Team-building challenges
• And more!

Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/idahosmfs/2026NIKidsCamp

Questions? Contact:
Brandi Stordahl
📞 208-608-3895
📧 [email protected]

Space is limited, so don’t wait to register!

Transportation will be provided from Lewiston armory.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember.
We remember the men and women who gave everything in service to our country.
The ones who never made it home.
The families forever changed by their sacrifice.
The children who grew up with memories instead of moments.

For many, Memorial Day weekend means gathering with family, firing up the grill, heading to the lake, and enjoying the freedoms we often take for granted. But before the celebrations begin, may we all take a moment to pause and reflect on why this holiday exists in the first place.

Freedom has never been free.

Today, we honor the fallen. We remember their sacrifice. And we hold close the families ⭐️ who carry that loss every single day.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten...
We remember

05/10/2026

Today, we honor the incredible mothers across our Idaho military community.

To the moms serving in uniform, the military spouses holding things together at home, the mothers supporting from the sidelines, and the women who continue showing up day after day with strength, resilience, and love — we see you, and we appreciate you.

Thank you for the countless sacrifices, quiet moments of encouragement, late nights, early mornings, and unwavering support you give to your families and our force every single day.

From all of us at Idaho National Guard Service Member & Family Support, we wish you a peaceful and well-deserved Mother’s Day. 🌲🇺🇸

05/07/2026

Military Spouse Appreciation Day - Friday, May 8th

On this day we honor the incredible military spouses who serve beside our Service Members every single day.

To the spouses who hold down the home front during deployments, navigate uncertainty, support careers that demand flexibility, and continue showing up for their families and communities — thank you.

You are the quiet strength behind the force, and your support plays an important role in the readiness and well-being of our military community.

In recognition of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the Idaho National Guard J9 Service Member & Family Support invites military spouses to connect with their nearest Military & Family Readiness Specialist office.

Military spouses are encouraged to register for a special J9 Military Spouse Appreciation bundle featuring military family resources, support information, J9 swag items, and a few thoughtfully selected items assembled in appreciation of our military spouses and all they do in support of the force.
Register Here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/IdahoSMFS/_2026MilitarySpouseAppreciation

You can find your nearest MFRS location at the link below or by visiting our website or scanning the link below: https://www.imd.idaho.gov/idaho-national-guard/family-programs/

We hope you’ll stop in, say hello, and allow us the opportunity to thank you in person for the important role you play in supporting Idaho’s Service Members, families, and mission readiness.

05/06/2026

The May Military & Family Readiness Update is live!

This month’s newsletter includes:
• Military Spouse Appreciation Month
• Mental Health Awareness Month resources
• Statewide events & activities
• Food box support information
• Resource spotlights
• and more!

We’re proud to continue supporting Idaho’s Service Members, families, retirees, veterans, and volunteers through resources that strengthen readiness, resiliency, and connection across our communities.

View the full update here:

Email from Service Member & Family Support Important Updates, Statewide Events, Child Care, and More! The IDNG J9 - Service Member & Family Support's mission is to link resources with needs and streng

05/06/2026

The 2026 National Guard Bureau Needs Assessment survey is now live, and we’re asking for your support in helping us gather valuable feedback from across the Idaho National Guard community. This survey will be distributed to all Service Members and their Family Members and plays a critical role in shaping the future of programs, resources, and support services.

Your input matters—by taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you directly contribute to strengthening the support systems that serve our military population. We look forward to surpassing last year’s participation and ensuring every voice is heard.

Complete the survey here: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/cYJZ4AzUF7

05/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder that taking care of yourself is part of staying mission ready.

The Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program offers confidential, non-medical support for service members and families navigating life’s challenges.

Join the upcoming virtual sessions and take advantage of this valuable resource—you are not alone.