# @hellomeridian on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ2BYA5jxsi
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/36759219-hellomeridian-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8b0133786c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-09T17:28:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Natalie ▫️ Boise & Idaho Social Media Creator/ Podcaster (@hellomeridian) — https://gondola.cc/hellomeridian

## Caption

It’s almost Veterans Day. 🇺🇸 I have been thinking about our country’s current situation. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about the idahonationalguard this past year as an Honorary Commander for the Idaho Air National Guard 124fighterwing. What I share here reflects my own thoughts and not the official views of the Guard.

We are now well into the longest government shutdown in history, and behind every policy decision are real people who are directly affected. For the Idaho National Guard, these are our friends, neighbors, and fellow Idahoans. Many live and work right here in our communities, and this shutdown has brought real hardship to their families.

The Guard includes people who serve in different ways. Many are part-time members who train one weekend a month and a few weeks each summer. They’ve already missed their drill pay. Others are full-time federal technicians who wear the uniform daily but are paid through federal funds and have now missed two paychecks. The Active Guard Reserve members are still being paid for now, though that could change.

No matter their role, every guardsman has felt the strain. Some are missing income, others face uncertainty, yet all continue to serve and train to stay ready to protect our state and nation.

When I talk with military families, I often sense quiet isolation, a feeling that their struggles are unseen. This is a time for our community to come together. Check in on your military neighbors. Offer a meal, drop off a coffee card, or simply say thank you. This is a very easy way to serve those who serve us every day. Maybe this Veterans Day, we could do something more than just put up a flag. 

Small gestures remind us that even in difficult times, community matters and kindness always makes a difference. 💙❤️🤍 

If you’d like to donate directly to our guardsmen, comment IDAHO for the direct link to be DMd to you or call 208-272-8235. Swipe for more information. I’ll be making a drop to Gowen in the next week, if you know me personally, I’m happy to take any supplies you would like to donate. 🇺🇸 

#IdahoNationalGuard #HonoraryCommander 

http://IDNGMWR.COM

Photo by i.am.optimus.prime

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## Tags

honorarycommander, idahonationalguard

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