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K-State helps Fort Riley soldiers

K-State human ecology partners with Fort Riley

Brandon Steinert

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Published: Friday, February 8, 2008

Updated: Monday, July 7, 2008

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Matt Castro

Dr. Fred Cholick (left signing), dean of agriculture, and Col. Richard Piscal, garrison commander at Fort Riley, sign an agreement to work together for the benefit of military families. This program is in conjunction with the Department of Human Ecology at K-State.

Fort Riley and K-State moved closer together yesterday, as officials from each institution signed an agreement to work together for the benefit of military families.

The Memorandum of Understanding is a document authorizing the extension of the College of Human Ecology to help military families deal with pre-, during and post deployment issues through research, outreach, and educational programs, said Virginia Moxley, dean of the College of Human Ecology.

One of these programs will help couples strengthen their relationships, another will teach children to cook. The list goes on to include anger management, how to deal with diabetes and a few others.

"Caring for our families is our number one priority," said Col. Richard Piscal, garrison commander at Fort Riley.

The program not only benefits Fort Riley, but also provides experience and opportunities for students in the College of Human Ecology.

"Kansas State University expressed deep interest in strengthening our relationship through the establishment of a cooperative extension for K-State's College of Human Ecology," Piscal said.

Along with their families, soldiers will receive aid in various ways. Injured soldiers can seek help from the Soldier and Family Assistance Center. SFAC tends to wounded warriors and provides a comfortable environment until they recover to either return to service or start a productive life outside the military, said Bill Powers, director of the family support center at Fort Riley.

Powers said the program will reach out to the greater Fort Riley area, including soldiers residing in Topeka, Salina and a few other towns within a 60-mile radius.